Fuel VC expands its footprint following banner year in 2020 and the explosive growth of Miami’s tech scene with the opening of Fuel Station in Coconut Grove.
Amid an inflection point of Miami’s startup and venture capital landscape, Fuel Venture Capital, founded in Miami’s Wynwood Arts District in 2017, is proud to officially announce its expansion and the relocation of its headquarters to Coconut Grove. On September 9, 2021 the Fuel Venture Capital team alongside Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez celebrated the opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The move follows a year of unprecedented growth for Fuel VC. Following an agreement to enter into a co-invest alliance with leading European fund IDC Ventures and its portfolio of high-impact technology investments, Fuel VC’s overseas footprint has expanded significantly. Today, the fund has positions in 31 startups, including three unicorns and five soonicorns projected to surpass billion-dollar valuations by year-end.
Fuel Venture Capital has deployed over $50 million to South Florida based companies alone, including Taxfyle, Bolt, Terran Orbital, Ubiquia, So Stereo, Unitea and more.
“Fuel Venture Capital set roots in Miami during a time when it was unorthodox to be championing the creative economy. But my faith in our city’s potential to be fertile ground for startup innovation was always strong, and our fund’s growth serves as additional evidence of my commitment to growing alongside the community around it,” states Jeff Ransdell, Founding Partner and Managing Director of Fuel VC.
Adds Maggie Vo, Managing General Partner and Chief Information Officer: “It is a privilege to have a front-row seat to the evolution of Miami, and to be playing an active role in that transformation, as my partners, peers and I work to expand its horizons further into the future and across new industries.”
Deemed “Fuel Station”, the headquarters comprises three levels designed with collaboration and style in mind. Ransdell built the office of his dreams during the pandemic and filled it with unique pieces from LA-based photographer Tony Kelly and artist Florian Eymann. The office is shared with Fuel VC portfolio companies Taxfyle and BOLT, as well as partner firms such as IDC Ventures, legal partner Leslie Ziegel of SMGQ Law, Maquia Capital Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: MAQC) and communications agency of record, The Tag Experience. Throughout the 20,000 sq. ft space, you will find lounge areas, conference rooms, coffee stations, a bar, billiards table, ping pong table and custom OhmniLabs robots (a Fuel VC portfolio company) that encourage idea sharing amongst companies. More than 45 employees and six companies currently occupy the Fuel Station.
Additionally, the famed “Fuel Wall of Fame,” where investors, founders, and VIP’s sign the neon backlit wall adorns signatures from investors and visitors such as Grammy winning superstar Pitbull, 4-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, Miami tech spokerson and Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez, and many more.
“I commend Jeff Ransdell and the team for seeing the potential in Miami and making it their hub. With the official opening of the new office, Fuel Venture Capital has set the foundation for others looking to establish themselves among our growing tech community,” says Mayor of Miami Francis Suarez.