Happy Thursday! This is Masterminds Tampa Bay. We’re like that friendly neighbor that’ll mow your lawn without even asking.

Here’s what we have for you today:

• This St. Pete startup is catching lies and deception with AI.

• This event is 87% sold out, get your tickets today.

• This spotlight startup is innovating vending machines.

• Tampa Bay businesses made it into the Inc. 5000.

• This St. Pete investor raises $12 Million for a blockchain tech startup.

St. Pete Startup Is Revolutionizing Truth Detection with AI-Powered Deception Analysis

St. Petersburg, known for its rich history and cultural heritage, has now become home to a groundbreaking technology startup that is poised to reshape the way we perceive truth and deception.

Deceptio, a veteran-owned company, has taken the technological bull by the horns, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to unravel deception in written and spoken communication.

The innovative platform has created quite a stir by introducing an autonomous AI agent that dissects statements, emails, and text messages, delivering lightning-fast truth probability scores and insightful rationales behind its determinations.

This venture has garnered significant attention since its inception, not only due to its innovative approach but also its potential impact on diverse sectors such as law enforcement, corporate investigations, intelligence operations, legal proceedings, and even sales negotiations.

The brainchild of a collaboration between software-as-a-service expert Mark Carson and seasoned statement analysis specialist Mark McClish, Deceptio has emerged as a result of the convergence of cutting-edge technology and an astute understanding of human communication patterns.

The core of Deceptio's prowess lies in its ability to process up to 5,000 words within a mere second, providing users with a truth probability score and a comprehensible breakdown of the reasoning behind the assessment. This feat, achieved through intricate AI algorithms, has the potential to drastically expedite the investigative process, aiding law enforcement agencies and corporate investigators in swiftly identifying and eliminating suspects.

Mark Carson, highlighted that the AI swiftly pinpoints incongruities in speech and word usage that often accompany deceptive statements. Carson's inspiration for Deceptio took root during the COVID-19 pandemic when a false claim caught his attention. This incident prompted him to delve into the realm of veracity assessment and culminated in the birth of the AI tool.

At its core, Deceptio automates a critical initial phase of investigations, sifting through statements to distinguish between deception and truthfulness.

Users are empowered to enter the context of a statement, upon which the AI calculates a percentage reflecting the likelihood of its veracity. This is coupled with a detailed elucidation of influential words and linguistic nuances that contribute to the AI's determination.

Beyond its utility in law enforcement, Deceptio casts its net wider, encompassing a spectrum of applications including intelligence operations, auditing endeavors, legal consultations, fire investigation procedures, and strategic sales initiatives.

The platform's potential to outshine conventional methods of deception detection, such as polygraph tests or body language analysis, is underlined by Carson, who asserts that Deceptio's efficiency and accuracy are unparalleled.

Intriguingly, Deceptio's journey hasn't been solely paved by external investments. The startup has been largely self-funded by its founders, who are actively seeking visionary investors attuned to the long-term potential of this AI game-changer.

The ambition to gather and analyze a wealth of human behavioral data has led Deceptio to contribute to a "pattern of life analysis" database, meticulously charting the intricacies of human deceptiveness.

With its ability to sift truth from deception at unprecedented speeds, this innovative venture from St. Petersburg might just be the vanguard of a new era in communication analysis, forever altering the way we perceive and verify information.

Look Who Is Attending 👀 - Only 7 Days Left To Get Your Ticket

In seven days, we’ll be hosting our V.C. and Tech Founders Social Night.

Here are the details you need to know:

• When: August 24th, 2023 from 6:00 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST

• Where: Thrive Downtown St. Pete

• Price: $47

Among those who are attending, we have:

• Twos

• Outbound.com

• Node40

• TakeOff

• Bup

• Florida Funders

• Flexsible

• And more!

Among the sponsors we have at this event include Tampa Bay Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm, CodeBoxx, a renowned coding academy, Spontivly, a cutting-edge community engagement analytics platform, and Thrive Downtown St. Pete, offering dynamic office spaces and flexible workspace solutions.

We’re going to kick the evening off with an inspiring presentation by Tampa Bay Ventures' leading venture capitalists, who are going to share some valuable insights on securing funding for start-ups.

Perfect for you if you are looking to start or raise funds for your business.

Your ticket includes access to the bar for liquor, beer and refreshments. Light snacks will be available.

Please click here to RSVP or click on the button below to claim your ticket.

Because Running A Business Isn’t Complicated Enough….

Five startups, AxiomX, BioGen, Craftr, DigiWave, and EcoLife, participated in a startup exhibition. They each had a unique product: a smart mirror, a biodegradable packaging, a customizable 3D printer, a wearable fitness tracker, and a solar-powered phone charger.

Using the following clues, can you determine each startup's product and its corresponding founder's name (Alex, Blake, Casey, Dylan, and Erin)?

1. The startup with the biodegradable packaging wasn't founded by Alex or Casey.

2. Erin founded the startup that created the wearable fitness tracker.

3. The solar-powered phone charger was developed by the founder of EcoLife.

4. The smart mirror wasn't created by Alex or Blake.

5. Dylan isn't the founder of AxiomX or Craftr.

Can you match each startup with its product and its founder's name?

Revolutionizing Vending Management: A Glimpse into the World of Vendgogh.io

In an enlightening conversation, Matt Staehle, co-founder of Vendgogh.io, sat down with Masterminds Tampa Bay to discuss his journey into the world of entrepreneurship and technology.

With a rich background in corporate roles, Staehle ventured into vending machines and software development, setting a remarkable course for himself in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Vendgogh.io, a name that creatively intertwines artistry with commerce, is not just your run-of-the-mill vending machine management system. It's a dynamic, data-driven platform designed to streamline vending operations, boost efficiency, and empower both vending machine operators and consumers. The journey to creating this innovative solution began with Staehle's desire for more flexibility and autonomy in his career.

Staehle had an extensive career in various corporate roles, including a VP position at Citibank and managing call center operations. Seeking the freedom to work for himself, he founded Big Guava Enterprises, a vending business, in 2017. Although the vending business itself was not his long-term passion, it provided the stepping stone that led him to the birth of Vendgogh.io.

Staehle's journey into vending management highlighted a significant gap in the market. While vending operators relied on outdated management software, Staehle envisioned a system that offered real-time insights, efficiency, and user-friendliness. This vision led to the creation of a platform that optimizes every step of the vending operation process.

At its core, Van Gogh Vending leverages technology to empower vending operators with tools that enhance efficiency and maximize profitability. Through the platform, operators can track inventory, manage supplies, optimize routes, and even predict purchasing trends. The system uses smart inventory management to reduce costs and prevent wastage, ensuring that perishable items are sold before they expire.

One standout feature of the platform is the consumer-facing app that allows users to locate vending machines, access discounts, and even interact with the vending operator. This innovation not only drives consumer engagement but also fosters direct communication between consumers and operators, enhancing customer satisfaction and problem resolution.

During the conversation, Staehle highlighted the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and humility in the entrepreneurial journey. He emphasized the need for diverse opinions and experiences, which can offer valuable insights and prevent potential blind spots. By surrounding himself with a development team that understood the intricacies of both the technology and the vending business, Staehle was able to build a solution that truly catered to the needs of vending operators.

Staehle's entrepreneurial journey demonstrates the power of identifying industry gaps and using technology to provide comprehensive solutions. His story also underscores the growth of the entrepreneurship community in Tampa Bay, where technology and innovation continue to flourish.

As Vendgogh.io continues to develop and refine its platform, it represents a shining example of how entrepreneurs can revolutionize traditional industries through innovative ideas and strategic collaborations.

Matt Staehle's journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, highlighting the importance of adapting to changing times and leveraging technology to transform industries for the better.

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Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

Tampa Bay Triumphs: 97 Local Businesses Secure Spots on Inc. 5000

The business landscape of Tampa Bay is beaming with pride as 97 of its homegrown enterprises ascend to the ranks of the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Private Companies in America for 2023.

This recognition is a testament to the region's vibrant economic vitality and the remarkable growth achieved by companies spanning a diverse array of industries.

The Inc. 5000 list, a hallmark of entrepreneurial success, evaluates companies based on their percentage revenue growth over a three-year period from 2019 to 2022. To qualify for this esteemed recognition, companies must have been in operation and generating revenue by March 31, 2019. They must also meet the criteria of being privately held, for-profit entities, independent as of December 31, 2022, and have achieved minimum revenue benchmarks - $100,000 in 2019 and $2 million in 2022.

Collectively, the 5,000 companies that grace this year's list contributed a staggering $358 billion in revenue during the year 2022 and played a pivotal role in generating over 1.18 million jobs. Within this impressive tapestry of growth, Tampa Bay emerges as a dynamic and burgeoning economic hub, with the featured companies serving as flag bearers of the region's entrepreneurial spirit.

97 companies, proudly hailing from Tampa Bay have navigated the intricate pathways of business growth with innovation and resilience. Among these success stories, several noteworthy businesses have etched their names in the annals of the Inc. 5000 list, including:

• AFC Logistics, a key player in the Logistics and Transportation industry, has soared to the 55th spot on the list with an astounding growth rate of 7,609%. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the company's strategic vision and operational excellence.

• Ideal Agent, a beacon in the Real Estate industry, has secured the 91st rank with a remarkable growth rate of 5,123%. This achievement showcases the robust demand and dynamism within the real estate sector in the Tampa Bay region.

• Valor Capital Real Estate Development, another force in the Real Estate industry, has marked its territory at the 133rd position, having achieved an impressive growth rate of 3,738%. This accomplishment is a resounding affirmation of the thriving real estate ecosystem in Tampa Bay.

• Ridge IT Cyber, a stalwart in the Security industry, has established its presence at the 281st position, having registered a commendable growth rate of 2,007%. In a digital age fraught with cybersecurity challenges, this achievement reflects Ridge IT Cyber's commitment to safeguarding digital landscapes.

• CoVar Transportation, a trailblazer in the Logistics and IT industry, clinched the 282nd spot with a noteworthy growth rate of 2,005%. This accomplishment underscores the critical role of logistics and technology in driving Tampa Bay's economic momentum.

• StatPearls, an education industry frontrunner, solidified its stature at the 304th position, boasting a remarkable growth rate of 1,877%. This achievement underscores the importance of education and knowledge dissemination in propelling economic progress.

As these Tampa Bay-based businesses ascend the ranks of the Inc. 5000 list, they not only underline the region's economic vibrancy but also illuminate the mosaic of industries that contribute to its growth.

To see the full list, click here »

St. Petersburg Financier Gary Cardone Leads $12 Million Investment Drive to Propel Blockchain Startup Node40

Gary Cardone, a prominent fintech investor based in St. Petersburg, is spearheading a bold initiative that could potentially reshape the landscape of blockchain technology.

The $12 million funding round, led by Cardone, marks a significant milestone in Node40's journey. The startup has already secured Cardone's support earlier this year with a $4 million investment in April. This fresh wave of financial backing arrives on the tailwinds of regulatory clarity that has been cast upon the realm of digital assets.

Cardone's increased investment reflects the evolving regulatory landscape. A notable catalyst for this investment decision has been the elucidating statements made by Gary Gensler, the Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Gensler's pronouncement that most cryptocurrencies fall under the category of securities has provided a compass for regulatory guidance. This newfound clarity has triggered a ripple effect, poised to attract major players from the financial sector.

Node40's strategic positioning couldn't be more timely. The startup offers an enterprise-level platform tailored for auditing cryptocurrency transactions, particularly targeting investment advisers.

In a world where digital assets are gaining prominence, the need for robust compliance tools and transparent reporting mechanisms has never been more pressing.

Gensler's clarifications are set to invigorate this demand, and Node40's offerings are tailor-made to address these emerging necessities.

Central to Node40's mission is bridging the gap between the traditional analog systems that underpin financial operations and the swiftly evolving landscape of digital assets. This endeavor aligns with the broader industry trend, where seamless integration of new technologies into existing infrastructures is the key to unlocking their transformative potential.

A substantial portion of Cardone's investment is slated to support the development of a cutting-edge tool, the specifics of which are currently undisclosed. The remainder of the investment will fuel Node40's ambitions for team expansion and further development of their regulatory compliance division.

Residing in St. Petersburg, Gary Cardone envisions the Tampa Bay area as a burgeoning hub for blockchain innovation.

Cardone's conviction in the growth of Tampa Bay's blockchain ecosystem is rooted in the region's already vibrant activity in this sphere.

With each strategic move, like leading the Node40 funding round, Cardone is helping to propel the region toward its blockchain-powered future.

Brain Teaser Answer:

• AxiomX: Customizable 3D printer, founded by Dylan

• BioGen: Biodegradable packaging, founded by Casey

• Craftr: Smart mirror, founded by Alex

• DigiWave: Solar-powered phone charger, founded by Erin

• EcoLife: Wearable fitness tracker, founded by Blake

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