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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.
More Than Citadel: How Ken Griffin's Billions Are Reshaping Miami's Innovation Economy
Ken Griffin's growing investments in Miami extend far beyond Citadel. With billions committed to higher education, healthcare, research, and development, his influence could help shape South Florida's next generation of innovation and economic growth.
Levita Magnetics Expands in Miami as Magnetic-Assisted Robotic Surgery Debuts in Florida
Levita Magnetics is expanding in Miami as its MARS robotic surgery platform makes its Florida debut at HCA Florida Mercy Hospital. The technology combines magnetics and robotics to reduce incisions during minimally invasive procedures. Miami will also serve as a hub for surgeon training and expansion across the East Coast and Latin America. The move strengthens South Florida’s growing medtech and healthcare innovation ecosystem.
SoftBank Didn’t Just Buy Boca Raton-Based DigitalBridge. It Bought an Engine for Financing the AI Buildout.
SoftBank’s $4 billion acquisition of Boca Raton-based DigitalBridge is about more than data centers. The deal gives SoftBank an investment-management platform capable of mobilizing institutional capital to help finance the next generation of AI infrastructure.
Global Logistics Leader GXO Selects Fort Lauderdale for New Regional Office
GXO Logistics, the world’s largest pure-play contract logistics provider, is opening a 35,000-square-foot regional office at T3 FAT Village in Fort Lauderdale, strengthening Broward County’s growing position as a hub for logistics, technology and corporate investment.
Miami-Based TrustedRouter Raises $1.25M as AI Model Routing Gains Momentum
Miami-based TrustedRouter has raised $1.25 million in seed funding as demand grows for infrastructure connecting businesses with multiple AI models. The startup provides access to more than 600 models across over 81 providers while helping users select models based on performance, cost, privacy, and reliability. TrustedRouter is also emphasizing confidential computing and open-source technology to protect sensitive customer data. The funding adds another AI infrastructure startup to South Florida’s growing technology ecosystem.
From Corporate Campus to Innovation Corridor: The Reinvention of Office Depot’s Boca Raton HQ
Office Depot’s longtime Boca Raton headquarters is undergoing a major transformation into The Eclipse, a mixed-use corporate and residential destination. BH Group and PEBB Enterprises acquired the nearly 29-acre property for $104 million and are adding housing, restaurants, retail, wellness, and new corporate tenants. Office Depot’s parent company will maintain its global headquarters at the property through at least 2033. The redevelopment reflects a broader shift in Boca Raton from traditional corporate campuses toward interconnected business and innovation districts.
Related Ross Expands Palm Beach County Footprint With Village Landing Acquisition
Related Ross is expanding its Palm Beach County presence with Village Landing, a 71-acre mixed-use development planned for Wellington. The project will bring approximately 220,000 square feet of retail, more than 100,000 square feet of restaurants, 90,000 square feet of offices, and a 180-room hotel. Designed as a walkable town center, Village Landing will also feature plazas, green spaces, a village square, and a lakefront boardwalk. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 as Related Ross expands beyond its West Palm Beach base.
FIU Lands IonQ Quantum Computer, Bringing Advanced Quantum Computing to Miami
Florida International University is bringing advanced quantum computing directly to Miami through a new partnership with IonQ. The university plans to install a Superion 256 trapped-ion quantum computer on campus in late 2027, becoming the first Florida university to acquire a full-stack trapped-ion system. Researchers and students will use the technology to explore applications across energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, and other fields. The investment adds another major piece of infrastructure to South Florida’s rapidly developing quantum technology ecosystem.
From Wrenches to Software: Palm Beach State College Invests $5.2M in the Future of Automotive Technology
Palm Beach State College is investing $5.2 million in its automotive technology program at the Lake Worth campus. The investment combines $1.1 million in state funding with $4.1 million in federal funding to expand training in electric, hybrid, alternative-fuel, and diesel vehicle systems. A new 850-hour program is scheduled to launch in February 2027 with hands-on training in high-voltage systems, batteries, diagnostics, and advanced vehicle technology. The initiative reflects the growing intersection of skilled trades, software, electronics, and transportation technology.
Driftwood Capital Names David Resnick and David Steiner Co-CIOs Amid Investment Growth
Driftwood Capital has named David Resnick and David Steiner co-chief investment officers as the Coral Gables-based investment firm expands across equity, credit, hospitality, and mixed-use development. Resnick brings experience leading major real estate investments, while Steiner helped build Driftwood’s credit platform. The leadership changes come as Driftwood expands its Coral Gables headquarters and launches new investment vehicles. The appointments position the two executives to jointly oversee strategy, capital allocation, origination, underwriting, and portfolio management.
Fintech Split Pay Raises $125M to Rethink How Consumers Pay Their Biggest Bills
Miami-based fintech Split Pay has raised $125 million across back-to-back Series A and Series B funding rounds led by Khosla Ventures. The company uses AI-powered cash-flow underwriting to help consumers manage major recurring expenses by changing when payments leave their accounts. Split Pay says it has reached approximately one million users and reported 70X growth over the past 12 months. The funding will support the company’s expansion beyond rent into a broader consumer financial platform.
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.
DermaSensor Adds $5M as AI Skin Cancer Technology Moves Into National Scale-Up
Miami-based DermaSensor has secured approximately $5 million in new financing as it advances the national commercialization of its AI-powered skin cancer assessment device. The company’s latest funding includes a $4 million Series B extension and more than $1 million from a Wefunder community investment campaign. With more than 45,000 suspicious lesions scanned and new partnerships with Henry Schein, healthcare systems, and the VA market, DermaSensor is shifting from clinical validation toward broad adoption. The milestone highlights South Florida’s growing role in medical technology and healthcare innovation.
Pratt & Whitney’s Latest Investments Put South Florida’s Aerospace Economy in the Spotlight
Pratt & Whitney’s latest investments are highlighting West Palm Beach’s role in South Florida’s growing aerospace economy. The company is investing $20 million to expand its local engine maintenance facility while securing a nearly $1.3 billion F135 sustainment contract. Together, the developments connect the region to commercial aviation, military propulsion and advanced manufacturing. The activity also creates opportunities for skilled talent, suppliers and emerging defense technology companies. South Florida’s aerospace sector is becoming an increasingly important part of its broader innovation economy.
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?
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.
Miami Beach’s Flamingo Raises $4.5M to Rethink How Businesses Run IT
Miami Beach-based Flamingo has raised $4.5 million in seed funding to transform how businesses manage IT and cybersecurity. Led by Vertex Ventures, the round brings the company’s total funding to $6.7 million. Flamingo’s OpenFrame platform combines open infrastructure with AI agents designed to automate IT tasks and resolve issues. The startup is initially targeting managed service providers and already has hundreds of MSPs participating in its beta. Its approach could reshape the economics and business model of managed IT services.
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.