Newsletter July 10th, 2025

Happy Thursday! This is Mind Your Business, your front-row seat to Tampa’s boldest plays this week. A local cybersecurity firm just joined the billion-dollar club, another landed fresh funding, and a new defense deal boosts our tactical edge. We’ve got startups putting guardrails in orbit, AI tackling childhood trauma, and drone tech ready to take off. Big bets, bigger ambition and a signal that Tampa’s staying hot. Let’s dive in.

Here’s what we’ve got for you this week:

🛡️ Cyber Dreams? Tampa’s Billion-Dollar Security Moment
🛰️ Eyes on Orbit: The Local Startup Making Space Safer
🚀 New Defense Deal Strengthens Tampa’s Tactical Edge
🧠 AI’s Next Frontier? Helping Kids Heal from Trauma
💸 Fintech’s Fresh Fuel: Big Backers, Bigger Ambitions
🔒 Cyber Risk Reboot: New Funding, Fresh Protection
🚁 Drone Defense Takes Off: Tampa’s Latest Win
🛡️ Cyber Scene Watch: Another Local Firm Makes a Big Play

Scroll down to learn more…

🛡️CYBERSECURITY

A-LIGN Joins the Unicorn Club, Cementing Tampa Bay’s ‘Cyber Bay’ Status

Tampa-based A-LIGN just vaulted into the billion-dollar club thanks to a major private equity boost, pushing the region’s cybersecurity brand, lovingly dubbed ‘Cyber Bay’, to the world stage. With deep roots in compliance and AI-driven protection, A-LIGN now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with local powerhouses like ReliaQuest, ConnectWise, and KnowBe4. Behind the headline: a flywheel of talent, defense connections, and local universities building a pipeline that’s feeding Tampa’s next wave of cyber giants.

⚡Why It Matters:
Each new unicorn in this space sends a signal that Tampa Bay isn’t just trying to be a cybersecurity hub, it already is. With MacDill Air Force Base, major cyber employers, and new academic investments like Bellini College, the ecosystem is poised to create more billion-dollar wins right here at home.

🛰️SPACE TECH

GuardianSAT Maps Out 'Guardrails' for Orbit from USF Incubator

Inside USF’s innovation hub, GuardianSAT is tackling one of space’s fastest-growing headaches: keeping billion-dollar satellites safe from rogue debris. Their Pathfinder system acts like a real-time “Ring doorbell” for orbit, giving satellite operators instant awareness instead of days-old updates. Backed by a National Science Foundation grant, GuardianSAT chose Tampa for its defense talent, proximity to Cape Canaveral, and strong research network. The team plans to grow its R&D footprint and launch Pathfinder by 2028.

⚡Why It Matters:
GuardianSAT is a clear sign that Tampa Bay’s mix of research assets, defense ties and coastal launch access can support serious players in the emerging space economy. More local space-tech means new high-skill jobs and national visibility for the region’s innovation scene.

🧠TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

Riddle of the Week:
I guard your future but live in your head,
I get stronger with allies and the bets you’ve fed.
Too thin, I break; too slow, I fall—
Yet shape me right, and I’ll outlast all.

What am I? 🤔
(Answer at the bottom of the newsletter)

Pause for some deep thinking…

🚀DEFENSE TECH

Tampa’s Rise8 Secures Major Space Force Contract for Missile-Tracking Program

Tampa-based Rise8 just landed its biggest mission yet: a multiyear contract with the U.S. Space Force to help modernize missile warning systems. Building on its earlier SpaceWERX funding, the govtech firm will develop a cloud-native pipeline for the Space Force’s FORGE initiative, which integrates data from satellites old and new to detect threats faster. CEO Bryon Kroger says it’s all about delivering secure, continuous software that keeps pace with rising national security demands.

⚡Why It Matters:
This win reinforces Tampa’s growing reputation as a hub for cutting-edge defense and govtech work, bringing high-value federal projects and innovation-focused jobs to the region.

🚁DEFENSE TECH

St. Pete’s MyDefence Lands $26M U.S. Army Contract

MyDefence, the Danish drone tech company that planted its U.S. headquarters in St. Pete last year, just secured its biggest deal yet: a $26 million contract with the U.S. Army. The firm will supply advanced counter-drone systems that help detect and neutralize aerial threats, boosting force protection across Army operations. The company’s local footprint is set to grow as it plans to expand hiring and deepen ties with U.S. defense partners from its spot near Special Operations Command in Tampa.

⚡Why It Matters:
The deal cements Tampa Bay’s standing as a magnet for international defense companies, reinforcing the region’s reputation as a strategic hub for drone tech, cybersecurity and military innovation.

🧠AI + HEALTH TECH

USF Team Develops Facial Analysis AI to Detect PTSD in Children

A research team at the University of South Florida is tackling one of pediatric mental health’s toughest challenges: diagnosing PTSD in kids who can’t easily share what they’ve been through. Led by USF’s Alison Salloum and Shaun Canavan, the team developed an AI system that reads subtle facial cues to identify trauma responses and track recovery. The approach doesn’t store raw facial data, keeping kids’ identities safe while giving clinicians a powerful tool to guide treatment.

⚡Why It Matters:
USF’s breakthrough shows how local AI and health experts are working together to address real-world problems and strengthen Tampa Bay’s reputation as a hub for ethical, cutting-edge AI. For families here and beyond, it could mean earlier, more accurate care for children who need it most.

💸FINTECH

St. Pete’s Webull Lands $1B Backing to Expand Retail Investing Platform

St. Petersburg-based Webull just scored a $1 billion equity agreement with Yorkville Advisors, giving the retail investing platform fresh fuel for expansion into new markets and asset classes. The deal comes just months after Webull’s Nasdaq debut and follows its recent crypto rollout in Brazil through a partnership with Coinbase. President Anthony Denier says the cash gives Webull the runway to chase next-gen trends like stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets.

⚡Why it matters:
This move cements St. Pete as a rising hub for fintech innovation while showing that local players can compete with giants like Robinhood on the national stage. For Tampa Bay’s startup scene, it’s another signal that major capital and big ideas can grow right here.

😂MEME STREET

Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

🔒CYBERSECURITY

Clearwater’s Guardare Raises $5.1M to Launch AI-Driven Cybersecurity Platform

Clearwater-based Guardare just closed a $5.1 million seed round to roll out its AI-powered risk and compliance platform for IT leaders. The startup, fresh out of Tampa Bay Wave’s cyber accelerator, says it wants to make security less fragmented and reactive by giving teams real-time, context-rich tools to guard assets and stay compliant, all in one place. Backers include Album and Ten Eleven Ventures, signaling strong faith in the team’s mission to tackle rising cyber threats without piling on extra tools or headaches.

⚡Why it matters:
Guardare’s raise and rollout keep Tampa Bay’s reputation as “Cyber Bay” alive and well, showing that the region can keep producing high-growth security startups ready to take on a global $10 trillion problem. For local founders and funders, it’s more proof that homegrown innovation can scale.

🚁DEFENSE TECH

XTEND Picks Tampa for New U.S. HQ and Drone Manufacturing Hub

Israeli drone company XTEND Reality Inc. has picked Tampa for its new U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facility, giving the region another boost in advanced tech and defense. The firm will build its human-guided drones, already used by the U.S. military and Israeli Defense Forces, at its new 5,700-square-foot facility in the Crossroads Industrial Center. XTEND plans to create up to 100 jobs over the next three years and says Tampa's strong defense sector, supportive business climate and deep talent pool made it the perfect fit.

⚡Why it matters:
XTEND's expansion shows how Tampa Bay continues to attract global defense and drone tech investment. With assets like MacDill Air Force Base and a growing robotics and AI workforce, the region is quickly becoming a top spot for cutting-edge innovation.

🛡️CYBERSECURITY

Tampa Cyber Firm Abacode Joins Forces with Thrive in New Acquisition

Abacode, a Tampa-based cybersecurity and compliance firm, has been acquired by Thrive, a global tech outsourcing provider focused on security, cloud and IT. The deal will expand Thrive’s reach in the Southeast and strengthen its ability to help small and mid-sized businesses manage fast-changing cyber regulations. For Abacode, founded in 2014, the move brings bigger infrastructure and global support to its integrated cyber and compliance platform.

⚡Why it matters:
This acquisition keeps Tampa Bay’s momentum as a growing cybersecurity hub on track. With Thrive betting on Abacode’s local talent and expertise, it signals continued investor confidence in the region’s cyber sector.

📢ANNOUNCEMENT

Pitch Your Health-Tech Startup🩺 in Front of Cathie Wood (Ark Invest) – Apply Now

Got What It Takes to Pitch in Front of a $40B Titan?

This November 13th, we're hosting a landmark event featuring Cathie Wood, legendary founder of Ark Invest and visionary leader managing over $40 billion in assets.

We're selecting 5 standout health-tech startups to pitch live on stage, in front of Cathie and a room full of investors, operators, and key decision-makers in tech and venture.

🎤 What’s at stake?
The prize is still under wraps, but the real win is who you’ll be pitching in front of.

To apply:
Reply to this email with 1 short paragraph about your startup and what you’re aiming to achieve. Think of it as your elevator pitch – concise, bold, and clear.

📅 Event Date: Wednesday, November 13
📍 Location: Ark Innovation Center

Space is limited! Don’t miss the chance to put your startup in front of one of the most influential investors in the world.

WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, EVENTS, RESOURCES, ETC…

• ⚖️ Fear & Greed Index: 76 (EXTREME GREED) per CNN

• 📈 Bitcoin breaks all time high yesterday at $112,000

• ✨ Want a front-row seat to our biggest events and a chance to connect with Tampa Bay’s top founders, investors and innovators? Apply to join our team!

• 🚀 We’re growing our private Masterminds Slack community — and we want you in it! Connect with top entrepreneurs, founders, and techies building big things in Tampa Bay and beyond. Join now

• 📅 Want to sponsor an upcoming Masterminds event? Apply here!

RIDDLE ANSWER

Defensible Strategy (or simply “Moat”).
A strong strategy “guards your future” but is only as good as the talent, partnerships, and capital you put into it.

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