In Tampa Bay last week there was a summoning. The Synapse 2019 Summit—orchestrated by a regional nonprofit to accelerate innovation and business opportunities in Florida—called forth startup companies, universities, local government economic development officers, accelerators, VC investors and cross-industry business leaders to make a few very important points:
1.) The Summit put a bright spotlight on and showcased the depth and breadth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the region—the business building infrastructure and support that, on aggregate, is available to create growth and prosperity in Tampa Bay.
2.) The Summit acted as a catalyst to incite more dialogue, collaboration and working partnerships by starting to connect and promote a greater adoption of the growing entrepreneurial resources readily available in the region and throughout the state.
With over 5,500 attendees, 350 exhibiters, 300 speakers and 80 breakout sessions, the immediate net effect of this gathering was palpable. There seemed to be a unique energy pervading the Amalie Arena (that didn’t emanate from the loud speakers). It was a tangible vibration which actually was the pulse of the excitement of the participants, of the sound of possibility in the act of transitioning into actual probability. Entrepreneurs with ideas and startup companies across all industries, experience levels, throughout Tampa Bay (and the rest of Florida) were embraced, encouraged and invited to launch, accelerate, and partner with the State of Florida, local government, universities, accelerators, venture capitalists and businesses of all sizes.
The message was clear. There is a growing strategic alignment of resources now committed to transforming Florida from the Sunshine State to the Start-up State. This recently united collaboration of formidable entrepreneurial resources are determined to position Tampa Bay on the map to challenge other entrepreneurial and innovation centers like Silicon Valley, Austin, Boulder and New York City. The Synapse Summit even created their own hashtag #HereLivesInnovation as part of their strategy of creating a new mindset of connectivity and purpose.
Tampa Bay’s Synapse 2019 Summit is an important case study that perfectly illustrates why the new business- operating environment for all industries today is one of an accelerating rate of change. Hopefully it also builds awareness for financial services leaders and advisors that everywhere in this country, no matter how large or small an area or region, there exists the beginnings of local/regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. They need to be supported; not just with money, but with investments of time, mentoring and sharing/building of community networks.
To that end, I will be starting an article series and deeper dive on “Mapping Your Local Entrepreneurial Ecosystem.” I will be profiling the vital components of Tampa Bay and other entrepreneurial ecosystems, the strategic roles different constituent groups play, and the types of support needed and that you can provide to assist your local entrepreneurs and help build the economic development of your community. Looking forward to sharing this journey with you…
Here are a few highlights to give you a better sense of the community event and some of the ecosystem support leaders:
Marc Blumenthal, Synapse co-founder and partner of Florida Funders, opening remarks:
“Two years ago a group of leaders from around the region sat in a meeting room and asked how we can change the narrative. How can we stop being an exporter of talent and companies? At that time it was not uncommon to hear that there just wasn’t the talent, the capital, or the early adopter customers here in Florida and if you really wanted to scale your company, you needed to move to Austin, Boulder, Silicon Valley or New York City. Synapse Florida was conceived that day to facilitate that change—to turn the Sunshine State into the Startup State. Let the world know that this one of the best places on earth to build a company, a career and a quality of life. We want our best and our brightest to stay here and for others to come here.