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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.
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.
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.
Miami Biotech Longeveron Advances in $101M Global Race to Extend Healthy Human Life
Miami-based Longeveron has advanced to the finals of the $101 million XPRIZE Healthspan competition, earning a $1 million award to help advance its stem cell therapy, laromestrocel, and its potential to extend healthy human life.
From Boca Raton to Dolby: FAU Video Technology Lands in Global Media Giant’s Portfolio
Dolby Laboratories has acquired a 683-asset video-compression patent portfolio developed by Florida Atlantic University researchers through a partnership with OP Solutions, marking a major commercialization milestone for South Florida innovation.
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.
South Florida-Based Sage Dental Expands Footprint and National Reach Through Growth and Innovation
Boca Raton-based Sage Dental is expanding its South Florida footprint and national reach by combining AI-powered technology, same-day digital dentistry, comprehensive care, and affordability across more than 150 practices in five states.
Miami-Based Healthtech Startup Eyecheq Strategically Partners with iCare for Advanced Eye Screening
Miami-based healthtech startup Eyecheq has partnered with iCare to expand access to automated eye screening and advanced diagnostic technology. The partnership combines Eyecheq’s self-service screening kiosks with iCare’s retinal imaging solutions to support earlier detection of eye conditions. The collaboration strengthens Eyecheq’s reach across healthcare and retail settings. It also highlights South Florida’s growing role as a healthtech and innovation hub.
Florida Funders Launches ‘Florida First Check’ To Target Critical Gap in the State’s Startup Funding Ecosystem
Florida has built one of the nation’s fastest-growing startup ecosystems, but one critical funding gap remains: who writes the first check? Florida Funders and the Florida Institute are tackling that challenge with Florida First Check, a new pre-seed investment strategy designed to provide promising Florida technology startups with the early capital and validation they need to reach their next stage of growth.
Miami Cybersecurity Firm GigaNetworks Acquired by National IT Provider BlueAlly, Expanding National Security and Network Capabilities
Miami-based cybersecurity and enterprise IT firm GigaNetworks has been acquired by national IT provider BlueAlly. The deal brings nearly two decades of South Florida cybersecurity and networking expertise into BlueAlly’s growing national platform.
Kaufman Rossin Expands Private Equity Focus With Launch of KR PE
Kaufman Rossin has launched KR PE, a dedicated private equity practice combining transaction advisory, tax, accounting, fund services and operational support. The Miami-based firm is positioning the new practice to serve lower-middle-market and middle-market investors and portfolio companies.
Boca Raton-based HairClub and Bosley Unite to Create New Hair Restoration Powerhouse
Boca Raton-based HairClub and Bosley are joining forces to create Bosley HairClub, a new hair restoration organization combining surgical restoration, non-surgical solutions, therapeutic treatments and long-term care across more than 130 locations.
HealthSnap Secures $25M to Scale AI-Powered Virtual Care as Major Health System Customers Become Investors
Miami-based HealthSnap has secured $25 million in senior secured growth financing as it expands its AI-powered virtual care platform. The funding will support artificial intelligence innovation, commercial growth and broader deployment across major health systems, several of which have also invested in the company.
The American Baby Company Raises $4 Million Seed Round to Expand Access to AI-Driven Fertility Care
The American Baby Company is taking on one of healthcare's most expensive challenges with a new approach to fertility care. Backed by a $4 million seed round led by Wormhole Capital and Tower Research Ventures, the West Palm Beach startup is combining artificial intelligence, operational innovation, and a scalable clinical model to dramatically reduce the cost of IVF while expanding access for families across the country. As South Florida's innovation ecosystem continues to grow, the company represents another example of the region producing startups with the potential to transform entire industries.
Align Ventures' $125 Million Fund Signals South Florida's Growing Influence in Consumer Innovation
Align Ventures' $125 million oversubscribed fund is more than a venture capital milestone—it's another sign that South Florida is becoming a destination for both the investors and consumer brands shaping the future. As companies like The Farmer's Dog establish headquarters in Boca Raton and venture firms continue to invest in category-defining businesses, the region is evolving into a thriving hub for consumer innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth.
Beyond Red vs. Blue: How South Florida's Wealthiest Business Leaders Are Reshaping Florida Politics
South Florida's most influential executives are shaping Florida's political future through campaign contributions, philanthropy, and civic leadership. Explore where the region's top business leaders stand and why.
Carrier's Acquisition of 75F Signals the Next Era of Autonomous Buildings
Carrier's acquisition of AI-powered building automation company 75F marks a pivotal shift in the evolution of intelligent buildings. By combining cloud-native software, wireless controls, predictive analytics, and agentic AI, Carrier is positioning itself to lead the next generation of autonomous building technology. With the company's global headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, the acquisition also underscores the state's growing influence in commercial real estate innovation, climate technology, and AI-driven infrastructure.
Kind Designs Isn't Raising Capital to Prove Its Technology. Mark Cuban Invests Again as It Scales To Meet Demand.
Kind Designs has reached a pivotal milestone. After attracting nearly $20 million in investor interest, the Miami-based climate tech company doubled its fundraising target, closing a $10 million Pre-Series A round. With Mark Cuban investing again, a TIME Best Invention award, growing government adoption, and a $175 million pipeline, Kind Designs is shifting from proving its technology to scaling the future of coastal infrastructure.
The Components Behind the Mission: Zulu Pods Raises $660K to Help Scale the Future of Defense
As military operations increasingly rely on drones, missiles, and autonomous systems, Coral Springs-based Zulu Pods is solving a critical challenge few people see: the supply chain for mission-critical components. Backed by a new $660,000 investment from Tamiami Angel Funds, the South Florida startup is expanding production of specialized fluid-delivery systems that help keep next-generation defense platforms mission-ready.
Knollgate Is Betting the Future of Consumer Growth Doesn't Require Giving Away More Equity
Knollgate has launched in West Palm Beach with a mission to help founder-led consumer brands scale without sacrificing additional equity. Led by private markets veteran Greg Greifeld, the firm combines flexible, non-dilutive financing with strategic operational guidance, reflecting a growing shift in how founders are funding expansion.