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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.
FAU Secures $200,000 Federal Grant to Build South Florida's Quantum Cybersecurity Workforce
Florida Atlantic University has secured a $200,000 federal NIST grant to strengthen South Florida's quantum cybersecurity workforce through hands-on training, industry partnerships and career pathways, supporting the region's growing investments in quantum computing and emerging technol
New World Angels Deepens Investment in Miami Medtech Startup Swift Sync Following FDA Clearance
Miami-based medtech startup Swift Sync has secured additional investment from New World Angels following FDA clearance of its innovative cardiac pacing catheter. With approximately $5 million raised, the University of Miami-born company is advancing toward commercialization, highlighting the strength of South Florida's growing healthcare innovation and investment ecosystem.
Palm Beach County Roots, Miami Momentum: The Founder Behind Terminal's Acquisition of Stationed AI
From studying entrepreneurship in Boca Raton to founding Miami-based Stationed AI, Ja’dan Johnson's journey has reached a major milestone with the company's acquisition by Terminal. The deal launches a new AI division and brings plans for expanded engineering operations in South Florida.
ZEO ScientifiX Targets Georgia and Tennessee Expansion Amid New Regenerative Medicine Laws
Davie-based ZEO ScientifiX is preparing to expand into Georgia and Tennessee following new regenerative medicine legislation. Operating from Nova Southeastern University, the biotechnology company's growth strategy highlights South Florida's expanding life sciences ecosystem and its growing national influence.
South Florida's Defense Tech Ecosystem Gains Momentum as Ondas and Palantir Launch Regna AI
West Palm Beach-based Ondas and Aventura-based Palantir Technologies are collaborating to launch Regna AI, a new company focused on sovereign artificial intelligence for defense and national security. Led by interim CEO Ryan Hartman, the venture will combine Palantir's AI infrastructure with Ondas' autonomous defense expertise to develop specialized AI models that organizations can control and deploy securely. The initiative emphasizes faster decision-making, data ownership, and AI capabilities for mission-critical environments. The partnership further strengthens South Florida's growing position in defense technology, artificial intelligence, and national security innovation.
Comp AI Raises $34 Million to Expand AI-Powered Cybersecurity and Compliance
Aventura-based cybersecurity startup Comp AI has secured $34 million in Series A funding to accelerate product development, expand cybersecurity capabilities, and grow its team. Founded by Lewis Carhart, Claudio Fuentes, and Mariano Fuentes, the company uses agentic AI to automate compliance audits, monitor security requirements, and identify business risks. With more than 1,000 customers and approximately $37.5 million raised to date, Comp AI is developing continuous security monitoring and AI-powered vulnerability detection capabilities. The investment highlights South Florida's growing cybersecurity ecosystem and increasing venture capital interest in AI-driven enterprise technology.
IShowSpeed Invests Nearly $11 Million in Miami Content Creation Studio
YouTube sensation IShowSpeed, also known as Darren Watkins Jr., has reportedly invested $10.75 million in a Miami-Dade warehouse to establish a dedicated content creation and production studio. The 26,600-square-foot property represents a major step in the creator's expansion from livestreaming into a larger media enterprise. Miami real estate broker Jordan Karp represented IShowSpeed in the transaction. The investment highlights South Florida's growing role in the creator economy, connecting digital entertainment, technology, commercial real estate, and entrepreneurship.
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.