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Key people at Florida Venture Forum.
The Florida Venture Forum is a statewide nonprofit networking organization based in Florida that connects high-growth entrepreneurs with venture capital, private equity, and professional services. Operating as a central hub for the regional startup ecosystem, the organization hosts annual conferences and pitch events that have featured presentations from over 2,000 companies. These presenting startups have collectively secured more than $30 billion in capital across 988 tracked deals, according to data from PitchBook. The forum facilitates investments across various industries, with a strong emphasis on the medical technology and financial technology sectors, frequently hosting major events at venues like Loews Coral Gables. Supported by a network of over 500 active members, the organization is currently guided by leadership including CEO Kevin Burgoyne and board chair Jennifer Dunham of Spitha Capital. The Florida Venture Forum was founded in 1984.
Key people at Florida Venture Forum.
The Florida Venture Forum is Florida's largest nonprofit support and networking organization for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and service providers, facilitating connections between startups, high-growth companies, and capital sources to foster innovation.[1][2][3] Its mission is to connect Florida entrepreneurs with capital and services, hosting events like the Florida Venture Capital Conference, Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition, and Early Stage Capital Conference, while building a statewide ecosystem that includes seed, angel, venture, private equity funds, corporates, and professional firms.[1][3][4] With a 40-year track record, it emphasizes nonprofit-driven growth, membership benefits like exclusive networking and mentorship, and has supported funded startups through deal sourcing and relationships.[2][4][5]
Founded by Jonathan Cole, the Florida Venture Forum emerged as a key player in Florida's venture ecosystem, with roots tracing back over 40 years as the state's pioneering networking hub for investors and entrepreneurs.[2][7] It evolved from a focused connector of emerging companies to national capital sources into a comprehensive nonprofit platform, expanding statewide programs and high-profile events to address gaps in Florida's innovation funding landscape.[1][3] Key evolution includes curating membership for major dealmakers and building a board of influential leaders from firms like Ballast Point Ventures, Florida Funders, and Gunderson Dettmer, solidifying its role under leaders like current President and CEO Kevin Burgoyne.[5][7]
The Florida Venture Forum rides the wave of Florida's booming innovation economy, capitalizing on the state's rise as a VC hotspot amid population influx, tax advantages, and corporate relocations that amplify startup activity.[1][6] Its timing aligns with surging demand for local capital access, countering historical funding gaps for emerging companies by bridging them to national sources through events and networks.[3] Market forces like growing angel/seed activity and professional services integration favor it, as membership-driven events source deals and mentor growth, directly influencing Florida's ecosystem by fostering funded startups and investor relationships.[2][4][6]
Looking ahead, the Forum will likely expand its event portfolio and membership to capture rising VC inflows into Florida's tech/healthcare/fintech sectors, leveraging its board's heavyweights for deeper national ties. Trends like AI-driven innovation and remote talent shifts will shape its trajectory, potentially amplifying metrics on capital raised and funded startups. Its influence may evolve into a more data-rich hub with enhanced newsletters like FLVentures, solidifying its catalyst role—echoing its founding promise as Florida's go-to VC connector.[4][7]
