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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.
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.
Nu Launches U.S. Banking Platform as Miami Becomes Key Hub for Global Expansion
Nu is expanding into the United States after building one of Latin America’s largest digital financial platforms, serving more than 140 million customers. The company has launched U.S. banking products while pursuing its own national bank charter and introducing Nu Global for cross-border financial services. Miami is playing a central role in that expansion through Nu’s growing presence and partnership with Inter Miami CF. The move further strengthens South Florida’s position as a bridge between the U.S., Latin America, and the global fintech economy.
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.
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.
More Than a Campus: Vanderbilt’s Vision for South Florida’s Next Innovation Hub
Vanderbilt University’s planned West Palm Beach campus is emerging as a major addition to South Florida’s innovation ecosystem. Focused on graduate education, research, AI, engineering, finance, defense technology, and space innovation, the campus is expected to serve approximately 1,000 graduate students annually. The university also envisions partnerships connecting researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, employers, and the broader community. Its presence could help develop local talent, support startup formation, and strengthen the region’s position as a growing technology and financial hub.
Cybersecurity Executive Sonu Shankar Joins Department of War as Principal Deputy CIO
Cybersecurity executive Sonu Shankar has been appointed Principal Deputy CIO of the U.S. Department of War. His move brings more than 15 years of cybersecurity, product and technology leadership experience into federal defense operations. Shankar previously held leadership roles at Phosphorus Cybersecurity, Cisco, Box and Arctic Wolf. His appointment comes as the Department expands its engagement with commercial technology companies and emerging innovators. The move also highlights the growing overlap between cybersecurity, AI and defense 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.
Breeze Airways Expansion Further Positions Fort Lauderdale as a Growing Business Hub
Breeze Airways’ expanding Fort Lauderdale network is strengthening South Florida’s connectivity to emerging business markets across the country. With 14 routes connecting FLL to cities across the Southeast, Northeast, and Florida, the expansion creates new opportunities for business travel, investment, talent, and collaboration. The growth further positions Fort Lauderdale as an increasingly important transportation and business hub. As South Florida’s innovation ecosystem continues to grow, stronger direct connections could help accelerate regional economic development.
AutoNation Turns to Starlink to Strengthen Connectivity Across Its Nationwide Dealership Network
Fort Lauderdale-based AutoNation has deployed Starlink connectivity across more than 70 dealerships nationwide. The satellite technology provides an additional layer of network resiliency for locations where traditional backup broadband is limited or unavailable. The deployment builds on AutoNation’s broader network modernization strategy using SD-WAN and cloud connectivity. The company is also evaluating additional Starlink applications for disaster recovery and future locations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SynthBee Raises $100M to Scale Collaborative Intelligence and Strengthen South Florida’s Innovation Economy
SynthBee secures $100M to expand its Collaborative Intelligence™ platform, backed by Crosspoint Capital. The raise strengthens South Florida’s position as a rising hub for enterprise AI and deep tech innovation.