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The South Florida Venture Tech Chronicle Blog goes beyond the headlines.
Here, founders, investors, and industry experts share their perspectives on emerging technologies, investment strategies, and the challenges shaping our innovation ecosystem.
Expect thought leadership, data-driven opinions, and long-form features that deepen understanding of where tech is headed next.
Palm Beach AI Company DeLorean Acquired by WellStack in Healthcare Intelligence Deal
Palm Beach-based DeLorean Artificial Intelligence has been acquired by healthcare technology company WellStack in a deal combining predictive AI with healthcare data infrastructure. Founded in 2019, DeLorean developed technology designed to identify patient risks, predict disease progression, and support proactive interventions. The company had raised approximately $7.55 million before the acquisition. The transaction adds another healthcare AI exit to South Florida’s growing technology ecosystem.
Tri-Rail Enters a New Era as Dave Kubicek Takes the Helm Amid Record Ridership and a New Funding Strategy
Tri-Rail enters a new era under Executive Director Dave Kubicek as growing ridership, new funding strategies, and regional development opportunities reshape the future of South Florida transit.
Andreessen Horowitz Expands to West Palm Beach Adding Venture Capital Amid Defense-Tech Momentum
Andreessen Horowitz is establishing its American Dynamism regional headquarters in West Palm Beach, adding institutional venture capital to South Florida’s growing concentration of defense, aerospace and advanced-technology companies. The move raises a bigger question: Is South Florida becoming a place where the next generation of defense-tech companies can be built and scaled?
AFCEA South Florida Connects Government, Industry and the Next Generation of Tech Talent
AFCEA South Florida’s Operation Collaboration brought together professionals from government, military, cybersecurity, technology and private industry. The event also raised funds for the chapter’s STEM scholarship initiatives, connecting industry collaboration with investment in future talent. AFCEA South Florida supports students pursuing fields such as engineering, computer science and cybersecurity. The chapter is also expanding partnerships with schools and STEM organizations across the region. Its efforts highlight the importance of collaboration in developing South Florida’s future technology workforce.
From IBM to Quantum: Related Ross Acquires Boca Raton’s Historic Innovation Campus
Related Ross has acquired the 124-acre Boca Raton Innovation Campus, expanding its nearly 30-year investment in Palm Beach County. From its IBM roots to D-Wave’s arrival, BRiC could be entering a new era of technology, talent and innovation.
Amazon Puts $1M Behind South Dade After Funding Study Reveals Critical Gaps
Amazon is investing $1 million in 13 nonprofits serving South Dade after a Miami Foundation study identified significant gaps in regional philanthropic funding. The study found that more than $94 million reached the area over two years, but only 4% was unrestricted funding. Each organization will receive $75,000, while Amazon will also provide a matching challenge through Give Miami Day. The potential $2 million investment could support education, economic mobility, workforce development, and community programs. The initiative highlights how data-driven research can help direct new capital toward underserved communities.
West Palm Beach-Based Ondas Rapidly Expands Global Autonomous and Defense Technology Platform
West Palm Beach-based Ondas is rapidly building a global defense technology platform through acquisitions, investments, and strategic leadership appointments. The company’s $33 million acquisition of Aran Defense adds manufacturing capabilities to its growing autonomous systems portfolio. Former Mossad Director David Barnea is also joining Ondas to lead its global defense strategy. Meanwhile, investments in companies such as FPF Defense and major military contracts are expanding Ondas’ footprint. The company’s growth is further positioning South Florida as an emerging hub for defense and autonomous technology.
FAU Lands VentureWell Grant to Build University-Wide Pipeline From Research to Startups
Florida Atlantic University is building a new pipeline to help turn research and intellectual property into startups and commercial opportunities. Supported by an $85,000 VentureWell grant, the initiative will initially focus on marine science, sustainability, clean energy, and engineering. The program aims to connect researchers, students, mentors, investors, and industry partners. FAU hopes the model will strengthen South Florida’s innovation ecosystem.
Why Palantir’s Latest Executive Hire Could Signal a Bigger Push Into AI-Powered Finance
Palantir Technologies has named former AIG CEO Peter Zaffino global head of financial services, strengthening its push into insurance, banking, asset management and private equity. The appointment also underscores South Florida’s growing role in AI and fintech, with Palantir now headquartered in Aventura.
From Miami, Hugging Face CEO Clément Delangue Lands Nearly $13 Billion NVIDIA Deal
NVIDIA has agreed to acquire Hugging Face for approximately $12.93 billion, marking a major bet on the future of open-source AI. The deal also has a South Florida connection: Hugging Face co-founder and CEO Clément Delangue is based in the Miami area, where the global AI company maintains an office.
From South Florida Startup to National Tech Player: NEXA’s $100M Bet on American Innovation
NEXA’s $100 million investment and Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling’s visit to its Hollywood headquarters spotlight the company’s rapid growth and South Florida’s emerging role in advanced technology, manufacturing and workforce development.
Stablecoin Development Corporation Relocates from California to West Palm Beach, Adding to City’s Growing Finance-Tech Ecosystem
Stablecoin Development Corporation has relocated its headquarters from Emeryville, California, to downtown West Palm Beach as the publicly traded company expands its focus on digital assets and the stablecoin economy. The move adds another finance-tech company to South Florida’s growing “Wall Street South” ecosystem.