With Miami and Tampa building thriving startup ecosystems, backed by strong investor networks and a $30 billion recreational boating industry, Florida is positioning itself as the ultimate launchpad for marine startups, writes Gabbi Richardson, founder of Yachting Ventures.
Florida has become one of the fastest-growing startup ecosystems in the United States. In 2023, Miami attracted nearly 70 per cent of Florida’s venture capital funding, while Tampa – though smaller in scale – has steadily built the networks and infrastructure needed to support founders.
Together, these two cities show how Florida is moving beyond its traditional industries to establish itself as a serious hub for innovation.
That foundation also makes the state one of the most promising places in the world to launch a marine startup, given its unparalleled boating culture. With more coastline than any other state in the US, the recreational boating industry in Florida contributes more than $30 billion annually and supports over 500 boatbuilders.
Starting a marine startup in Florida, therefore, provides not only access to potential customers but also direct connections with manufacturers, suppliers, marinas and service providers. This creates valuable opportunities for visibility, feedback and early adoption that are hard to find elsewhere. Combined with a strong investor network, dedicated blue economy initiatives, and established startup hubs, Florida stands out as a compelling location to launch a leisure marine startup.
Roxana Haghayegh, founder of E-Force Marine, a startup based in Miami and pioneering marine electrification by engineering propulsion systems to enhance the boating experience, says: “South Florida is, for all practical purposes, the boating capital of the world, and the best place to develop, test, and improve electric boats year-round with real owners. The use case here is straightforward: most outings are short cruises, so quiet running and meaningful savings on fuel and maintenance resonate with people who’ve avoided boating because of its reputation for constant expenses.
“The headwinds are real, this market is early, choices are limited in south Florida, and range anxiety persists but hybrid add-ons and better charging are closing the gap. With marinas, policymakers, and builders pulling in the same direction, South Florida can lead the world in clean, quiet boating.”
The Miami and Tampa maritime ecosystems
Miami’s economic and cultural foundations are intrinsically linked to the sea. The city has attracted both talent and international investment, creating a startup ecosystem that is diverse and ambitious. Blue economy support ecosystems, such as Seaworthy Collective, act as incubators and community builders for ocean-minded entrepreneurs. Other players shaping Miami’s blue economy include Ocean Exchange, headquartered nearby in Fort Lauderdale, which runs an annual global innovation competition during Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, awarding non-dilutive grants and connecting ocean-focused startups to ports, researchers and investors.
In Tampa, Tampa Bay Wave began as a small meetup in 2008 and has grown into Florida’s leading accelerator and startup support organisation. Operating as a nonprofit with a “for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs” ethos, it has supported more than 600 startups that collectively have raised over $1.1 billion, created more than 6,000 jobs and achieved 23 successful exits. While Tampa Bay Wave runs accelerators in multiple verticals, its BlueTech programme is designed specifically for startups innovating in the marine and blue economy space.
Alongside this, Embarc Collective in Tampa provides a 32,000-square-foot startup hub, offering workspace, curated programming and personalised coaching from experienced startup operators. Since opening, Embarc Collective has supported more than 125 startups that together have raised close to $180 million in venture capital.
The University of South Florida (USF) is also a cornerstone of Florida’s blue economy. It contributes research capacity through its College of Marine Science and the Florida Institute of Oceanography, offering access to research vessels and labs – which is incredibly valuable for an early stage startup in R&D mode. A newly launched MBA concentration at USF in the blue economy further equips future founders with both business and maritime expertise.
Investors and angels
For startups looking to raise capital in Florida, there is a growing pool of venture firms and angel networks in the state, such as:
- Florida Funders (Tampa): A hybrid VC fund and accredited investor network, highly active in early-stage tech with investments ranging from $500k to $5 million.
- Ocean Azul Partners (Miami): Early-stage fund investing $200k–$2 million in deep tech and B2B software.
- Fuel Venture Capital (Miami): Active from pre-seed to growth stage, with a portfolio spanning 30+ companies worldwide.
- TheVentureCity (Miami): A global accelerator and VC with a product-focused investment thesis.
- Trivest (Miami): A private equity firm managing more than $6 billion, focusing on founder-led, lower-middle-market companies.
- Miami Angels (Miami): One of the largest and most active angel networks in the state, backing primarily post-revenue technology startups.
- New World Angels (Boca Raton): One of Florida’s oldest angel networks, supporting early-stage companies since 2003.
Exhibit at the IBEX start-up pavilion in Tampa
For B2B marine startups, the IBEX Start-Up Pavilion in Tampa offers a direct route to industry engagement. As North America’s largest technical marine trade show, IBEX provides exposure to boatbuilders, OEMs, suppliers and decision-makers across the global boating industry.
Exhibiting at IBEX is an opportunity to connect with partners, validate technologies and position your company at the centre of Florida’s marine innovation ecosystem. For founders, there are few better places to launch than Florida, and no better stage to do it from than IBEX.
The 2025 edition takes place from 7–9 October.
Startups interested in participating can apply at IBEX Start-Up Pavilion.
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