South Florida Tech HubSouth Florida Tech Hub
09
May, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

South Florida-based BrandStar acquires Lens End Media with production presence in Washington D.C. market

Read Time 3 Minutes

South Florida-based BrandStar, a production and strategic marketing company, has acquired Lens End Media, a full-service video production agency. 

BrandStar is a solutions-driven, fully horizontally and vertically integrated production, marketing, public relations and digital agency. They offer everything you would find at a full-service marketing firm, but with a twist –  focusing on positively impacting people’s lives. Fueled by the collective passion of entrepreneurs, creatives, technologists, and thinkers, BrandStar prides itself in being “Marketing Matchmakers” – connecting people with brands to do life better. Utilizing a combination of creative storytelling, marketing strategy, results-driven media, technology innovation, and unrivaled television production capabilities, BrandStar has succeeded in giving startups a national footprint, and national companies a global one.

Founded in 2020 by Ibrahim Zafar, Lens End Media excels in holistic high-impact video production services, creating and producing high quality content. Through use of the latest technology, inclusive of AI, Lens End Media is optimizes processes across digital channels as well as integrates the ads across impact campaigns that drive results. Serving clients across the music, sports, nonprofit, live events and auto industry sectors, Lens End has earned a reputation for their ability to create high-impact content in a cost-effective manner.

“I am so proud to partner with BrandStar and its diverse ecosystem,” said Ibrahim Zafar. “Collaborating with the existing BrandStar Studios production team, along with tapping into the organization’s ecosystem of top marketing agencies makes this a win/win for us.”

BrandStar, which has helped pioneer virtual and mixed-reality production, has three studios across the tri-county area of South Florida. With Lens End Media, BrandStar now has a production presence in the coveted Washington, DC/Maryland/Virginia market and surrounding communities. Lens End Media is based in Washington, DC, with clients across the U.S. and globe, covering music, sports, nonprofit, live events and auto industries.

Some notable clients include Walgreens, Deloite, Stellantis, LEGO Group, Georgetown University Hospital, Red Nose Day, NBA and former NFL athletes. Lens End Media will continue to operate out of its current location, with Ibrahim Zafar as CEO of the organization, along with its current staff of video professionals.

“We are very excited to be working with Ibrahim and his team,” said Mark Alfieri, Founder & CEO of BrandStar. “In a very short period of time, he has established a reputation for delivering excellence and true innovation across many facets of the production spectrum. He is a wonderful addition to our full slate of production offerings.”

BrandStar is also acclaimed for its award-winning TV programming winning awards such as the 44th Annual Telly Awards in 2023. The BrandStar programming airs on Lifetime Television, Bloomberg, FOX Business, and numerous syndicated outlets, and includes shows such as Military Makeover with Montel, Designing Spaces, The Balancing Act, Inside the Blueprint and Access Health.

The acquisition of Lens End Media complements recent additions to BrandStar’s ecosystem of companies, which includes Indiana-based Britton Marketing & Design Group, and Ft. Lauderdale-based Wizard Digital.

To learn more about BrandStar and their portfolio of companies, visit www.brandstar.com/companies

, , , , , , ,
08
May, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

Dan Chait Promoted to President & COO of JM Family

Read Time 3 Minutes

To best prepare for the future and continue positioning its core automotive companies to lead change and embrace the opportunities of the industry’s shifting landscape, JM Family Enterprises, a privately held company with more than $20 billion in revenue, announced Dan Chait, currently chief operating officer (COO), has also been named president.

JM Family Enterprises, Inc. was founded by automotive legend, Jim Moran in 1968. It is a privately held company with more than $20 billion in revenue and more than 5,000 associates. Rooted in automotive and united in its strong culture and core values, JM Family is in the business of helping other businesses succeed. As a long-term partner, it is invested in its companies, associates and its communities. Driven by exceptional performance, current subsidiaries are in the automotive, financial services, franchising and specialty distribution industries. Its family of companies includes: Southeast Toyota Distributors, JM&A Group, World Omni Financial Corp. (dba Southeast Toyota Finance), JM Lexus, Home Franchise Concepts®, Futura Title & Escrow and Rollease Acmeda.

As president and COO, Dan will be responsible for all company operations within JM Family, working closely with the senior leadership team to execute on company strategies and drive key initiatives. He is succeeding Brent Burns as president, while Burns remains chief executive officer (CEO).

“Dan’s promotion to president is well-earned, spotlighting his leadership, wealth of knowledge, and experience gained over 30 years in the automotive and financial services industries,” Burns said. “Most importantly, Dan is deeply committed to the well-being of the 5,000 associates across our companies. He has a proven track record of enhancing results through trust, driving greater associate engagement and development, inspiring action among his teams and fostering inclusivity across the organization.”

As CEO, Burns will continue focusing on the long-term success of the company and working closely with JM Family’s board of directors. Together, Burns and Chait remain committed to preserving and enhancing the company’s rich culture and its unwavering dedication to its customers and associates.

Chait, who was named COO in May 2023 and previously held the role of president of subsidiary companies JM&A Group and Southeast Toyota Finance, has collaborated closely with JM Family’s leadership to navigate the dynamic automotive industry and align strategic priorities. With deep roots at JM Family, Chait has established strong relationships in the automotive, financial and banking industries and has successfully led through fluctuating business cycles.

Chait joined Southeast Toyota Finance in 2002 as vice president, Asset Management. In 2007 he became group vice president responsible for Southeast Toyota Finance’s Portfolio Management, Dealer Services, Operations, Sales and Marketing functions. In 2011, Chait was named senior vice president, and in 2012 became president before assuming full responsibility for leading Southeast Toyota Finance and JM&A Group in 2021. Chait has held senior level positions with US Airways, AutoNation, and UniCapital Corporation.

“I am grateful for the number of responses and comments, particularly from friends and colleagues from the past,” Dan Chait wrote in a social media comment. “I am excited to assume this new position and credit the amazing group of associates I’ve been working with for the last 21 years.”

Chait earned his Master of Business Administration and bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Rochester. In 2019, he was named chairman of the American Financial Services Association board of directors, of which he has been a member since 2015. He resides in Wellington, Florida, with his wife and they have four children.

To learn more about JM Family Enterprises, visit www.jmfamily.com

.

, , , , , , ,
07
May, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

TEDxBocaRaton 2024 is welcoming 11 speakers; theme Divergence

Read Time 4 Minutes

Haven’t signed up for TEDxBocaRaton yet?

TEDxBocaRaton 2024 has a stellar lineup of speakers for the much-anticipated event on Saturday, May 11, 2024. This year’s stage will host an eclectic array of thought leaders, innovators, and visionaries who embody the theme of “Divergence,” exploring the myriad ways in which our world is evolving, intersecting, and diverging. South Florida Tech Hub community members can get $20 off by using 𝐒𝐅𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝟐𝟎.

The event will be held at the Boca Raton Innovation Campus, or “BRIC.” Originally home to IBM and the invention of the personal computer, BRiC is now an office park changing today’s workplace. BRIC was acquired by CP Group in 2018 and is a state-of-the-art, accessible 1.7 million square foot office park located in the heart of Boca Raton.

BRiC was initially developed by IBM as its North American Research and Development facility. Since world-renowned architect Marcel Breuer designed the IBM facility in the late 1960s, this unique office campus has been synonymous with the spirit of revolutionary design and creativity. Now, BRIC serves as the stomping grounds for a new generation of technology, life sciences, and service companies that are aiming for leadership and disruption in their respective fields.

“The Boca Raton Innovation Campus (BRiC) serves as the perfect backdrop for our event, symbolizing the convergence of innovation, technology, and creativity,” said Erik Mintz and Cindy Metzler, TEDxBocaRaton organizers.

“With our theme of Divergence, we aim to ignite discussions that challenge conventional thinking and inspire new perspectives on a wide range of topics.”

TEDxBocaRaton invites attendees to join this transformative journey of exploration and discovery. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to engage with ideas that challenge, inspire, and reshape our understanding of the world. TEDxBocaRaton continues its tradition of delivering a captivating lineup of speakers who are making waves in their respective fields.

This year’s speakers include:

 

1. Kanwal Bawa, MD – Distinguished medical doctor and sexual wellness expert, Dr. Kanwal Bawa, is known globally as the “Dr. Sex Fairy™.” Through her advocacy, research, and innovative products, she is reshaping conversations around sexual health and empowerment.

 

2. Carole Blueweiss – Redefining aging, Carole Blueweiss brings over 25 years of expertise in physical therapy and geriatric care. Her holistic approach emphasizes the mind-body connection and challenges traditional notions of aging.

3. Ved Chirayath – Aerospace engineering professor, physicist, inventor and National Geographic explorer, Ved Chirayath, pioneers next-generation sensing technologies to study and protect life on earth and beyond. His interdisciplinary work pushes the boundaries of scientific exploration.

4. Melissa Daimler – A culture thought leader, Melissa Daimler, focuses on aligning organizational values with behaviors to drive long-term success. Her innovative strategies have made a significant impact on employee engagement and performance at many organizations including WeWork and Udemy.

5. Sean Davis – Philanthropic private equity investor, Sean Davis, pioneers’ new models for combining wealth creation with social impact. His work at Merton Capital Partners is redefining how philanthropy intersects with private equity to transform the world through giving pledges.

6. Sixcia Devine – Social entrepreneur and author, Sixcia Devine, empowers communities through her non-profit organization Caritas Smile. Her innovative approach combines philanthropy with eco-tourism to create lasting change throughout the world.

7. Robert DePalma – Dinosaur hunter and researcher, Robert DePalma, unlocks the secrets of the past through cutting-edge fossil analysis. His work sheds light on Earth’s history and provides valuable insights into our planet’s future.

8. MeiMei Fox – NY Times Bestselling author, MeiMei Fox, empowers individuals to share their stories with the world. Her Forbes column focuses on purpose-driven entrepreneurship and her company Your Bestselling Book, takes a scientific and soulful approach to helping others find their voice and make an impact.

9. Angela Hunte – Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Angela Hunte, performs her nostalgic song Empire State of Mind. Angela is passionate about music, having spent her childhood in Trinidad and adulthood in Brooklyn, NY. Her musical journey and upcoming projects promise to captivate audiences worldwide.

10. Pedro Meneses – Aerospace engineer turned entrepreneur, Pedro Meneses, pioneers’ drone-based logistics solutions with his company Aerialoop. His innovative approach to technology and business is shaping the future of transportation.

11. Pete Vargas – Serial entrepreneur and father of five, Pete Vargas, teaches others how to stay on track even when life throws you a curve ball or two! He shares with others the power to help grow their brand and businesses through storytelling and stages. His system has transformed the lives of thousands of entrepreneurs worldwide.

, , , , , , , , , ,
06
May, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

C3 Complete expands offices to Treasure Coast and Orlando markets

Read Time 3 Minutes

C3 Complete, a leader in innovative technology and communications solutions, proudly announces its expansion into the Treasure Coast and Greater Orlando areas.

Headquartered in Delray Beach, Florida, C3 Complete, is an award winning provider of technology and communications services to small, medium and enterprise businesses globally. Its unique combination of cloud-based technologies and expert onsite and remote support substantially reduces both IT-related capital investments and ongoing management costs. C3’s approach increases stability, tightens security, enhances employee mobility, and ensures business continuity in the event of a disaster. CFOs benefit from C3’s fixed cost approach, while owners and CEOs benefit from the single point of contact for all of their telecommunications and technology needs.

Since the company’s start in 2009, C3 has had consistent growth opening mulitple offices and data centers around the state and across the U.S. The company’s most recent offices are located in Stuart and Orlando, Florida. C3 Complete now has offices in Delray Beach, Miami, Stuart and Orlando and data centers in Miami, Florida, Cleveland, Ohio and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Known as the “Sailfish Capital of The World,” Stuart is located in the quickly growing Treasure Coast region just north of South Florida. The Treasure Coasts consists of St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties.

The C3 office is located at Ocean One Stuart, 1 SE Ocean Blvd, Stuart, FL 34994 in the heart of the Treasure Coast, only steps away from the Martin County Courthouse and all the boutiques and restaurants in Historic Downtown Stuart. The recently proposed Brightline Stuart station, expected to open in 2026, will be located in downtown Stuart at 500 S.E. Flagler Avenue on 2.35 acres at 500 S.E. Flagler Avenue, which is situated opposite the Martin County Courthouse and just 2 minutes from the C3 Complete offices.

The most recent Orlando, Florida office is located at 242 Rangeline Rd, Longwood, FL 3275. This office will be staffed by several field service engineers, as well as sales and sales support personnel. In keeping with their “eat our own dogfood” philosophy, many of the technologies and solutions offered through C3 Complete will be available for demonstration to current and prospective clients and partners.

“As C3 Complete’s roster of clients has continued to grow, expanding into the Greater Orlando Market was an obvious progression for us,” commented Rick Mancinelli, CEO of C3 Complete.

“By strategically positioning both technical and sales personnel in-region, our goal is to demonstrate our commitment to providing the highest level of service to our clients in and around the area.”

One of C3’s core value propositions has always been their ability to provide rapid on-site service for managed clients at no additional charge. To learn more about C3, see their office and data center current and future locations, please visit https://c3-complete.com/about-c3-complete/offices/.

, , , , , , , , ,
06
May, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

Securitize announces $47 Million Strategic Funding Round led by BlackRock

Read Time 5 Minutes

Securitize, the leader in tokenizing real-world assets, announced the successful completion of a $47 million funding round led by BlackRock.

Miami-based Securitize is driving the compliant digitization of financial assets through next generation blockchain technology. Securitize, or through its subsidiaries, is a registered broker dealer (member SIPC) and operates a primary marketplace, an alternative trading system as well as a top 10 transfer agent and has an exempt reporting adviser.

This investment which also includes funding from Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE), ParaFi Capital, and Tradeweb Markets (Nasdaq: TW), underscores Securitize’s industry pioneering efforts in digitizing capital markets with blockchain technology. The contributed capital will fuel Securitize’s continued innovation and expansion as it further solidifies its position as a leader in the digital asset securities ecosystem.

“At BlackRock, we believe that tokenization has the potential to drive a significant transformation in capital markets infrastructure. Our investment in Securitize is another step in the evolution of our digital assets strategy,” said Joseph Chalom. “We are pleased to lead this investment round alongside other participants and help foster innovation that will help meet the future needs of our clients.”

BlackRock (Nasdaq: BLK) is a global asset manager and technology provider with a purpose of helping more and more people experience financial well-being. They help millions of people invest to build savings that serve them throughout their lives making investing easier and more affordable. BlackRock advances sustainable investing because they have a conviction to deliver better outcomes for investors contributing to a more resilient economy that benefits more people.

As part of the investment, BlackRock’s Global Head of Strategic Ecosystem Partnerships, has been appointed to Securitize’s Board of Directors.

“We are thrilled to have the support of such distinguished investors as we continue to drive the digitization of capital markets through tokenization,” said Securitize Co-Founder and CEO Carlos Domingo. “In our view, the transformative potential of blockchain technology to reshape the future of finance in general – and tokenization in particular – is promising.”

Juan Delgado, Hamilton Lane Co-CEO, commented: “Hamilton Lane has a deep history with Securitize, having partnered initially in 2022 and since then enabling access to our Senior Credit Opportunities Fund (SCOPE) as well as our Equity Opportunities Fund V. We are committed to making the private markets accessible to a broader set of investors, including through digital first, token-based technology. Securitize continues to be a leader in this space and we are thrilled with this investment and excited to continue our collaboration.”

Hamilton Lane (Nasdaq: HLNE) is one of the largest private markets investment firms globally, providing innovative solutions to institutional and private wealth investors around the world. Dedicated exclusively to private markets investing for more than 30 years, the firm currently employs nearly 700 professionals operating in offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and the Middle East. Hamilton Lane has approximately $903 billion in assets under management and supervision, composed of $120 billion in discretionary assets and nearly $783 billion in non-discretionary assets, as of December 31, 2023. Hamilton Lane specializes in building flexible investment programs that provide clients access to the full spectrum of private markets strategies, sectors and geographies.

“Securitize has built cutting edge infrastructure that enables traditional assets to move onto the high speed, modern rails of blockchains — enabling greater transparency, immediate settlement, reduced counterparty risk, and heightened programmability,” said Ben Forman, Founder and Managing Partner of ParaFi.  “At ParaFi, we’ve invested broadly across digital asset and tokenization infrastructure and are thrilled to partner with Carlos and the Securitize team to enable this vision of the future.”

ParaFi Capital is a leading alternative asset management firm that operates hedge fund and venture capital strategies focused on the digital asset ecosystem. Founded in 2018, ParaFi was among the earliest investors in the blockchain industry and has evolved into a trusted partner by leading institutions globally. ParaFi’s investment and technology team pursues idiosyncratic opportunities across venture, liquid, and quantitative strategies with a focus on bridging traditional capital markets and blockchain technology. As a firm, ParaFi is committed to a culture of rigorous research, technical development, and institutional underwriting to enable exceptional results for our partners and portfolio companies.

“Tokenization has the potential to drive greater efficiency and accessibility across financial markets,” said Tradeweb Chief Product Officer Chris Bruner. “Securitize’s expertise in digital asset securities aligns nicely with Tradeweb’s focus on delivering cutting-edge technology that strengthens market infrastructure for our clients.”

Tradeweb Markets Inc. (Nasdaq: TW) is a leading, global operator of electronic marketplaces for rates, credit, equities and money markets. Founded in 1996, Tradeweb provides access to markets, data and analytics, electronic trading, straight-through-processing and reporting for more than 50 products to clients in the institutional, wholesale and retail markets. Advanced technologies developed by Tradeweb enhance price discovery, order execution and trade workflows while allowing for greater scale and helping to reduce risks in client trading operations. Tradeweb serves more than 2,500 clients in more than 70 countries. On average, Tradeweb facilitated more than $1.5 trillion in notional value traded per day over the past four quarters.

Other strategic investors in the round include Aptos Labs, Circle and Paxos. Securitize will leverage the proceeds of the funding round to accelerate product development, expand its global footprint, and further strengthen its partnerships across the financial services ecosystem.

The funding round coincides with the launch of BlackRock’s first tokenized fund issued on Ethereum, the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL), available to investors by subscribing to the fund with Securitize.

BUIDL seeks to offer a stable value of $1 per token and pays daily accrued dividends directly to investors’ wallets as new tokens each month. The Fund invests 100% of its total assets in cash, U.S. Treasury bills, and repurchase agreements, allowing investors to earn yield while holding the token on the blockchain. Investors can transfer their tokens 24/7/365 to other pre-approved investors. Through Circle, BUIDL holders can transfer their shares to Circle for USDC through its smart contract functionality.  Fund participants will also have flexible custody options allowing them to choose how to hold their tokens.

To learn more, visit www.securitize.io

, , , , , , , ,
26
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

DSS Director of Strategic Innovation Meggie Soliman Wins IGNITE 2024 Award

Read Time 3 Minutes

Document Storage Systems, Inc. (DSS), a leading provider of health information technology (HIT) solutions for federal, private and public health care organizations, announced that Meggie Soliman, director of strategic innovation at DSS, has been selected as a winner of GOVTECH CONNECTS’ IGNITE 2024 Award.

Document Storage Systems, Inc. (DSS) is a catalyst for health care innovation and digital transformation, helping the Department of Veterans Affairs as a solutions provider, systems integrator, and services contractor. DSS is committed to assisting VA in its High Reliability Organization journey and delivering care quality for Veterans by meeting top initiatives, changing regulatory requirements, and implementing enhanced business transformation across VA enterprise.

The IGNITE 2024 Award, presented by GOVTECH CONNECTS, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in their field. Forward-thinking leaders and today’s trailblazers converge to celebrate the future of digital transformation during this dynamic event that invites women and gender-diverse professionals in all career seasons to delve into cutting-edge solutions, learn from visionary leaders, and embrace the innovations shaping digital transformation.

This immersive experience brought together exceptional women in government and industry highlighting the ideas and actions of inspirational leaders who shared their stories of their leadership journey to the top, and the change-making technological advances and digital transformation they are cultivating in government and driving to market in industry.

As the recipient of the esteemed IGNITE award, Meggie Soliman exemplified unparalleled dedication and visionary leadership, setting a standard of excellence for their peers. Specifically, Meggie was recognized for taking a disruptive and forward-thinking approach to innovation development for the federal health care arena.

GOVTECH CONNECTS is the modern liaison between government and industry, forging mission-driven connections between leaders, decision-makers, and influencers across the dynamic tech landscape. Through immersive events, insightful roundtables, and captivating government podcasts, GOVTECH CONNECTS offers a platform to discuss the transformative potential of technology within government. With boundless energy and a passion for innovation, GOVTECH CONNECTS aims to collaboratively identify pathways to achieving common goals, spotlighting emerging technologies and leading the charge in digital transformation and IT modernization.

The awards celebration was held April 18th in North Bestheda, Maryland during the annual Ignite 2024 conference. This year’s theme was “Powerful Women Igniting Digital Transformation.” Attendees and special guests included inspirational leaders such as keynote speaker, Suzi Connor, Chief Information Officer of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services and Jessica Berrellez, Executive Officer of the Office of Digital Transformation for the Food and Drug Administration. The guest list was pretty impressive.

“I am truly honored to be named an IGNITE 2024 Award recipient,” said Meggie Soliman. “The health IT arena is continually evolving in dynamic ways, and DSS continues to be at the forefront as a catalyst for transforming federal health care delivery.”

In addition to being deeply committed to elevating the federal IT arena, Meggie is an educator focused on enlightening current and future leaders about the ongoing digital transformation that impacts every facet of our lives. Meggie is a renowned TEDx speaker on the topic of “Thinking Outside the Block: Unconventional Paths to Innovation” about the power of unconventional thinking for fostering creative approaches for innovation development, especially for women in IT.

“I am so humbled and grateful for the opportunity to sit among amazing women as an IGNITE 2024 Awardee,” Meggie wrote in a social media post. “It was so energizing to see women supporting other women in the tech space. These women are trailblazers truly leading the way for our future and showing young girls what’s possible!!! Thankful for everyone who has led me to where I am today! Thank you, GOVTECH CONNECTS for creating this space!!”

Meggie is also the Chair of South Florida Tech Hub’s HealthTech & Life Sciences Peer Group. She is an ambassador for the organization and the overall mission and vision of building the tech sector, access to education, advocate for blockchain technology, and equal opportunities for women in tech.

For more insight into Meggie’s work with DSS, the local community and her background, check out Meggie’s Q&A writeup here.

, , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
25
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

Social Mobile celebrated their new office grand opening and ribbon cutting

Read Time 4 Minutes

On April 9th, Social Mobile celebrated their grand opening and ribbon cutting of their new headquarters office in Hollywood, Florida. 

Founded in 2011, Social Mobile is a Google Mobile Services (GMS) partner, leveraging the Android operating system to design, engineer, and manufacture turnkey, mobility-as-a-service deployments that enable enterprise organizations to utilize smart solutions to support an array of business-critical operations. An OEM, managed service provider, and consultancy, Social Mobile is uniquely positioned to serve as a domestic design partner to US clients, controlling all aspects of the development supply-chain, and ensuring the utmost in security and availability.

The company has been growing tremendously over the past decade and has hired multiple executives, tech professionals and sales managers just in the past year creating a need for a larger space. The new office space is designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and productivity among the growing Social Mobile team. The new office is located at 2057 Coolidge Street in Hollywood, Florida.

The night held opening remarks by Social Mobile CEO, Robert Morcos, and included Hors d’oeuvres and cocktails for all guests. In attendance were city officials, tech industry professionals (including Tech Hub!), many Social Mobile staff, and community members, friends and family.

Some of South Florida’s most prominent leaders were in attendance such as CITY Furniture CEO, Andrew Koenig. In a social media post, he wrote “Proud of my buddy Robert Morcos & his Social Mobile team for the grand opening of their new offices and innovation space in Hollywood. Amazing journey that Robert & his team have been on for over 10+ years working with and selling to some of the most amazing organizations in the world like Google, T-Mobile, AT&T, DoorDash, Qualcomm, Air Force, etc. Absolutely unbelievable!!!”

He continued, “He’s the definition of living the American Dream starting from humble beginnings to now one of the most Innovative Tech Companies in his space. Even the Mayor of Hollywood Josh Levy came to visit and congratulate this team on this new building and growth. Very cool to see some of the best companies in the world attending too.”

Social Mobile® is a mobility solutions provider focused on providing services critical to organizations looking to deploy and/or bring to market innovative mobile products. The company designs, engineers, and manufactures turnkey solutions that enable clients to bring smart devices to market quickly and efficiently, while also taking the burden of deploying and supporting these devices off their plate.

We are a key Google Mobile Services (GMS) partner, offering new and innovative ways to leverage the Android operating system that have enabled us to pioneer new products and solutions that many have never seen or considered possible. We recognize the power and flexibility of the Android OS, supercharge it by creating solutions dedicated to the unique and challenging environments in which our clients operate, and offer the option to use our proprietary mobile device management system. Through our work as an OEM, managed service provider, and consultancy, we have become the industry’s best aggregator of resources, helping clients control their own destiny for over a decade.

Our strength lies in our ability to leverage our partnerships throughout the mobility ecosystem to offer a true end-to-end solution, from concept all the way through to deployment. We have a global presence, with operations in the U.S., the U.K., Hong Kong, and Shenzhen, and have successfully deployed over 11 million smart devices across Europe, USA, Canada, Africa, and Latin America. Founded in 2011, Social Mobile has quickly become the industry leader in custom products, servicing a wide range of industries from healthcare and retail, to government and non-profits.

“After years of hard work by the Social Mobile team it felt great to finally be able to welcome our clients, partners, and friends. A big thank you to Mayor Josh Levy for attending and welcoming us to the city,” Robert posted on social media.

“We are immensely proud to call this place our new home. Our headquarters represents not just a physical space but a hub of creativity, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas. A big shoutout to our amazing team, whose hard work and commitment have brought us to this milestone. To all our clients, partners, and friends who joined us in marking this occasion, we are deeply grateful for your support and enthusiasm.”

To learn more about other Social Mobile products and solutions, visit: www.socialmobile.com.

, , , , ,
25
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

FAU Engineering selected by NASA for University Nanosatellite Program

Read Time 3 Minutes

Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is one of eight U.S. university teams chosen to collaborate with NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the U.S. military in advancing small satellite technology.

Established in 1999, University Nanosatellite Program (UNP) was the first federally-funded program dedicated exclusively to university participation in spacecraft development and nearly 5,000 students from 38 U.S. universities have participated since its beginning. Remaining true to its founding principle of education, the program has developed into the premier U.S. small satellite education program. Over the years, the program has had 11 cycles of student programs.

This training program takes place from May to August and is designed to provide students with specialized systems engineering training for spacecraft development. Led by faculty experts, the program aims to refine satellite project proposals, increasing the likelihood of student-designed technology reaching space. Teams that are selected for the program, including FAU College of Engineering & Computer Science, will gather for a kickoff meeting at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center before spending seven weeks interning at the Air Force’s facilities in Albuquerque. There, students will work with the Space Dynamics Laboratory and receive expert guidance to refine their proposals.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to have been selected to work with NASA and the U.S. military to help revolutionize the space domain with tiny yet powerful small satellite technology,” said Stella Batalama, Ph.D., dean, FAU College of Engineering and Computer Science.

“Importantly, this initiative will offer participating students invaluable systems engineering training specific to spacecraft development and is part of NASA’s broader strategy to engage and retain students in STEM fields to build a robust pipeline of talent in the aerospace sector.

The FAU College of Engineering & Computer Science UNP is led by Dr. Oscar Curet, an associate professor in the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering and a member of FAU’s Center of Connected Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (CA-AI), along with Dr. George Sklivanitis, a Schmidt Research Associate Professor, and a fellow of FAU’s Institute for Sensing and Embedded Network Systems Engineering (I-SENSE), and a senior member of CA-AI.

Curet’s research interests and expertise include fluid dynamics, biomimetics and biological locomotion, hydrodynamics of underwater vehicles and energy harvesting. Sklivanitis’ research interest and expertise include autonomous radios, ocean Internet of Things, networked AI and connected robotics. The team also includes three students: Vitas Diktanas, a Ph.D. student in mechanical engineering with a concentration in aerospace, Sky Rueff (undergraduate in mechanical engineering), and Jonathan Mazurkiewicz. (undergraduate in computer engineering).

The 2024 Mission Concept Program provides funding for all travel, including kickoff, final event, and in-person reviews, allowing faculty and students to formulate teams without straining university resources. NASA uses CSLI as one if its ways to attract and retain students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines. This strengthens NASA’s and the nation’s future workforce. The initiative promotes and develops innovative technology partnerships among NASA, U.S. industry, and other sectors for the benefit of all.

Guided by years of spacecraft development history, the UNP structure is divided into four distinct phases. Successful completion of each phase is accomplished through specific entrance and exit criteria. Phases include various reviews and program down-selects intended to help as many teams as possible achieve successful spacecraft mission operations. The UNP Program Office assists university teams throughout the development process in a variety of ways, including facilitating educational opportunities, meetings, reviews, and supplied resources. UNP spacecraft that meet Phase C exit criteria are launched through the Space Experiments Review Board and the Space Test Program (STP).

, , , , , , , ,
24
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

RTX’s Pratt & Whitney announces GTF MRO capacity expansion at West Palm Beach facility

Read Time 3 Minutes

Pratt & Whitney announced a $20 million investment to increase the GTF maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capacity of its West Palm Beach Engine Center.

An RTX (NYSE: RTX) business, Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses – Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon – they are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

The expansion will accommodate a 40% increase in capacity and is expected to be complete by the second half of 2025. To accommodate the planned growth, the facility will increase its workforce by 25% over the next year and will add critical equipment in areas such as machining, test, clean and warehousing. It will also incorporate transformative technologies developed at the recently announced North American Technology Accelerator.

“The expansion at West Palm Beach is the latest example of our global investment to support the GTF fleet,” said Kevin Kirkpatrick, vice president of Global Aftermarket Operations at Pratt & Whitney.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to support customers and maintain their trust as we carry out the GTF fleet management plan.”

West Palm Beach was transformed into a fully capable GTF MRO engine center in mid-2021. It was the first Pratt & Whitney facility to adopt an automated system that assembles the high-pressure compressor (HPC) rotor and a refined overhead engine handling system. Since implementation, Pratt & Whitney has seen a more than 25% improvement in HPC rotor yield and a 50% reduction in process turnaround time.

In 2023, Pratt & Whitney announced three GTF MRO facility expansions and five shop activations to support the growing GTF fleet. There are currently 16 active GTF MRO engine centers around the world, with another three expected to come online by 2025.

The GTF MRO network is part of Pratt & Whitney EngineWise® solutions, which provide operators with a full range of aftermarket services resulting in long-term, sustainable value.

Visit prattwhitney.com/enginewise for more information.

, , , , ,
24
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

TBC Corporation Promotes Don Byrd to President and Chief Executive Officer

Read Time 3 Minutes

TBC Corporation (“TBC”), a leader in the mobility industry and one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through wholesale and franchise operations, announced today the company’s new president and chief executive officer, Don Byrd.

TBC Corporation (TBC) is one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires through wholesale and franchise operations. TBC serves wholesale customers in the United States, Canada and Mexico through TBC Brands, NTW, TBC International, and TBC de Mexico. Additionally, TBC responds to the needs of consumers in search of total car care at more than 2,400 franchised and licensed tire and automotive service centers under the Big O Tires® and Midas® brands.

Don Byrd, who currently serves as TBC’s chief strategy and marketing officer, will replace Sam Kato, effective May 1. Kato, who was appointed to position TBC for growth and evolution, will return to Sumitomo, one of TBC’s shareholders. Byrd’s appointment by the TBC Board of Directors to president and chief executive officer is a natural transition for TBC and follows a strategic plan developed in collaboration with Kato.   

“Don Byrd has worked hand-in-hand with Sam and the other members of TBC’s executive leadership team to build out the company’s current winning strategy,” said Kei Kubota, TBC Corporation board member. “TBC is well-positioned for continued growth, and we look forward to collaborating with Don to help propel the company to even greater heights. We are grateful for Sam’s exceptional leadership and dedication to TBC’s transformation, particularly over the past year, while serving as the company’s president and CEO.”

Byrd joined TBC in April 2018 as executive vice president, TBC and president & COO, National Tire Wholesale (NTW). He was soon named president, TBC purchasing and assumed additional responsibilities as chief marketing and strategy officer. Prior to joining TBC, Byrd served as the COO and president of Tire Centers Incorporated (TCi), LLC, one of the country’s leading tire service networks and a wholly owned subsidiary of Michelin North America, Inc. Before TBC and Michelin, he spent 19 years at Procter & Gamble in marketing and operations roles. 

Byrd said, “We appreciate Sam’s contributions to TBC and wish him continued success. Under Sam’s leadership, we built a strong foundation for the company, poised for growth. As CEO, I will continue to execute on this strategic vision. We are laser-focused on providing best-in-class solutions in the mobility and automotive industry and strengthening our wholesale and distribution, and franchise businesses, and keeping our stakeholders moving on the road ahead.” 

Kato said, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed these past three years, where I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a dynamic team here at TBC. I’m proud of the work we’ve accomplished together, and I’m confident Don will continue to drive TBC forward and build upon our success.”  

Kato is a 30-year veteran of global automotive businesses. Prior to his appointment as president and CEO of TBC, he served as a director of the board for TBC Corporation from 2015 until 2018 when he was leading transportation businesses for Sumitomo Corporation of Americas. As TBC’s first chief administrative officer, Kato maintained responsibility for legal and compliance, human resources, IT, digital, corporate strategy and communications. Kato was an instrumental part of the Sumitomo leadership team that formed a strategic 50/50 joint venture with Michelin North America, Inc., in 2018 to create the current TBC Corporation.  

For more information, visit tbccorp.com. 

, , , , , , , ,
24
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

Open AI CEO Sam Altman invests in South Florida AI data center energy startup Exowatt

Read Time 4 Minutes

Exowatt, a next-generation renewable energy company, unveiled a first-of-its-kind modular energy platform designed to power energy-intensive data centers along with a $20 million seed round from a16z, Atomic, and Sam Altman.

As the boom in AI technology escalates both the demand and the energy costs for data centers, Exowatt’s solution arrives at a critical time.

Exowatt, headquartered in Miami, is a next generation renewable energy company providing commercial and industrial customers with modular energy solutions tailored for energy-intensive applications like data centers. Founded in 2023 by Hannan Parvizian and Atomic CEO Jack Abraham, Exowatt’s mission is to make sustainable renewable energy always available and almost free. Exowatt is backed by a16z, Atomic, and Sam Altman.

Exowatt’s flagship product, the Exowatt P3, represents a significant innovation in energy technology. It consists of a modular, 3-in-1 system, a heat collector, a heat battery, and a heat engine capable of providing dispatchable power and heat throughout the day. Unlike traditional solar panels that convert sunlight into electricity directly, Exowatt uses a unique approach by storing solar energy in a thermal battery, which can retain this energy for up to 24 hours per day. The Exowatt P3 modules are designed to fit the space of a standard 40-foot shipping container. They can be deployed on small and large commercial and industrial projects, linearly scaling with workload size and infrastructure requirements.

“Unlike traditional solutions that require significant upfront costs and extended setup times, Exowatt’s modular system can be deployed rapidly and cost-effectively – and it’s available this year,” said Exowatt CEO and Co-Founder Hannan Parvizian.

“Exowatt is built to respond quickly to the escalating energy demands of the modern world, especially those spurred by the rapid growth of AI.”

Exowatt’s approach involves storing heat instead of electricity, allowing it to store energy at a fraction of the cost of electrochemical batteries and without any supply chain dependency on scarce rare earth materials. Its heat engine design will enable it to dispatch electricity 24 hours a day, ensuring that Exowatt’s energy solutions are reliable around the clock, regardless of weather conditions.

As its technology scales, Exowatt expects to be able to offer electricity for as low as $0.01 per kilowatt-hour, or even less in some cases, which will make it lower cost than fossil fuels and other renewable energy alternatives.

“AI models have been doubling in size every three months—a pace that requires significantly more data center power,” said Jack Abraham, CEO of Atomic and Co-Founder of Exowatt.

“In order to keep up with AI advancements, we need more sustainable energy solutions, which is why we started Exowatt. Our mission is to provide extremely low-cost energy that advances the capabilities of global AI infrastructure while protecting our planet.”

Founded in 2012, Atomic is the venture studio headquartered in Miami that pioneered the model of starting companies by pairing founders with the best ideas, teams, and resources and funding those with the most potential. When entrepreneurs co-found with Atomic, they team up with an experienced group of operators who have started dozens of companies and created billions of dollars in enterprise value. Companies like Butter, Found, $HIMS, Homebound, OpenStore, and Replicant were started at Atomic along with dozens more.

Jack Abraham and Hannan Parvizian founded Exowatt at Atomic to tackle the significant energy needs of AI and data centers. Hannan brings extensive experience from the energy sector and a background in building complex hardware products at scale, having worked at Tesla, General Electric, and Siemens and founded and sold a company that developed and sold advanced delivery drones. Jack has started dozens of companies and built Atomic into the leading venture studio, with a vision to identify some of the world’s biggest problems and build companies to solve them.

“Exowatt is an innovative company helping to meet our country’s growing energy needs,” said Katherine Boyle, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz. “By committing to full U.S. manufacturing with domestically sourced components, Exowatt will significantly strengthen our national infrastructure and resilience.”

Andreessen Horowitz (aka a16z) is a venture capital firm that backs bold entrepreneurs building the future through technology. They are stage agnostic investing in seed to venture to growth-stage technology companies, across AI, bio and healthcare, consumer, crypto, enterprise, fintech, games, and companies building toward American dynamism. a16z has $42B in assets under management across multiple funds.

Exowatt has a backlog of demand for over 500 megawatts for data centers across the U.S. and plans to begin deployments later this year. With this $20 million seed funding, Exowatt intends to expand its team and deploy the Exowatt P3 with its first set of data center customers.

To learn more about Exowatt, visit www.exowatt.com

, , , , , , ,
19
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

DRINKWATR® Revolutionizes Electrolyte Water With New Innovative BevTechnology

Read Time 3 Minutes

BevTech company, DRINKWATR®, is celebrating selling more than 500,000 alkaline premium electrolyte bottled water products across the southeast U.S. with the product available in a variety of high-end retail venues including Equinox, local restaurants, and Miami International Airport.

DRINKWATR® is an elite, sustainable electrolyte water company based in Miami with a top-selling premium electrolyte bottled water product available online and in select retail stores throughout Miami and the Southeast U.S. As the vanguard of the bevtech industry, the company is focused on increasing the quality standard of daily drinking water on a global scale. From sustainably sourced water to innovative bottle design, DRINKWATR® is firmly dedicated to offering the best water products on the market.

The company is developing new products utilizing hardware and technology with additional product launches expected in 2024. Founder and CEO of DRINKWATR®, Anthony Bold, is dedicated to advance the industry as a whole, and solve the world’s clean water supply issues with innovative solutions. Bold has a big long-term vision for the company to combine technology, design, and innovation to ultimately solve the world’s public clean water issue.

The DRINKWATR brand offers consumers an Alkaline PH balance of  8.8+. Combined with a proprietary formula of key electrolytes including potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium and pink himalayan minerals, DRINKWATR® efficiently supports the repair of body tissues on a cellular level while aiding the human’s body digestion process and supporting overall mental clarity and increased energy levels.

“This first electrolyte bottled water product is our initial introduction of the DRINKWATR® brand to Miami, providing an initial opportunity to connect with consumers. So far, we’ve received a great response from thousands of customers– everyone from fitness instructors to models, content creators, and worldly superstars that live in our magic city, we’ve seen great support and growth,” Bold stated.

“Beyond our premium bottled water products, I’m working on a global solution for the world’s access to clean drinking water. We are working on a major launch here in Miami and expect to have an official public announcement made by the end of this year.”

Travelers flying through Miami International Airport (MIA) can now stay strong with the pioneer in bevtech, DRINKWATR™. Commencing this past Labor Day Weekend, the trailblazing water brand is making waves at select MIA locations, marking a significant milestone in its journey to redefine daily drinking water standards, globally.

The expansion into Miami International Airport follows DRINKWATR’s impressive 2023 performance, during which the company saw exponential growth, especially within the class A market segments-spaces traditionally occupied and dominated by major legacy brands. This booming success in sectors like luxury, premium hospitality, and premium athletic clubs has positioned DRINKWATR™ as a formidable new player.

“As a leader in the beverage industry with an emphasis on quality, design and utility, we have a product and brand that provides optimal daily hydration in a lightweight and biodegradable bottle made of 100% recycled materials, providing the absolute best electrolyte-infused drinking water on the market. I designed the bottle with a full-sleeve UV label to protect mineral contents from environmental elements, leaving customers with a refined and fresh taste in every sip,” Bold stated.

Celebrating its first year on the beverage market, the company aims to triple sales in 2024 and raise the quality standard for drinking water on a global scale with the belief that people deserve more from their daily drinking water. Bold plans to expand this summer into markets including Aspen, New York City,  the Hamptons, Charlotte, Raleigh, Charleston, Amelia Island, Nashville and others.

For more information on DRINKWATR, visit www.drinkwatr.com

, , , , , ,
18
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

ModMed & Medtronic Collaborate to Drive Efficiencies in Documenting Colonoscopies Using Artificial Intelligence

Read Time 3 Minutes

Practice technology leader and EHR pioneer ModMed® announced that it will collaborate with Medtronic, the world’s largest medtech company, to enhance the documentation of polyp detection by utilizing the AI capabilities of the GI Genius system sold by Medtronic.

Boca Raton -based ModMed empowers medical practices to grow and scale by delivering better patient experiences with cloud, data, and AI technologies. Leveraging extensive clinical outcomes data, the company designs intelligent software solutions that simplify, automate and streamline clinical workflows and drive practice efficiency. With specialty-specific EHRs, practice management, revenue cycle management and analytics solutions as well as products for patient engagement, payment processing and marketing, ModMed is trusted by over 35,000 providers to drive clinical and operational success.

“ModMed’s mission is to place doctors and patients at the center of care through an intelligent, specialty-specific cloud platform,” said Sam Cicogna, General Manager of Gastroenterology, ENT & Allergy at ModMed.

“Our goal is to ensure that physicians have more time to focus on patients by building efficiency into the documentation process. Providing integration with GI Genius is an essential step towards achieving that goal.”

Medtronic has publicly stated a goal of supporting gastroenterologists in detecting lesions in the colon that could lead to one of the deadliest and most preventable forms of cancer. ModMed supports this goal and believes that additional efficiency can be built into the colonoscopy process.

The GI Genius system enables AI-assisted colonoscopies, which have been shown to achieve a 50% reduction in missed colorectal polyps over a standard colonoscopy. The companies intend to interface data from GI Genius into ModMed’s gGastro platform with the expectation of reducing manual effort in documenting procedural metrics captured during the colonoscopy process.

“Through our collaboration with ModMed, we can continue to help gastroenterologists achieve greater efficiency by streamlining workflows and leveraging augmented decision-making, freeing up valuable time for patient care,” said Raj Thomas, Endoscopy President at Medtronic. “We are committed to working with industry leaders and focusing on where we can best offer innovation, addressing unmet clinical needs and elevating the standard of care.”

“We’ve been a customer of both Medtronic and ModMed for years, which has been beneficial to help address the sharp rise in demand of patients seeking colonoscopies since guidelines for screening for colon cancer changed,” said Dr. Michael Weinstein, Chief Executive Officer at Capital Digestive Care. “By having these two technologies work together, we will see significantly faster reporting and processing times, enabling us to see more patients.”

Dr. Jason Sugar, Gastroenterology Team Lead at ModMed, added: “This is a true game changer for physicians… it represents precisely how physicians want AI technologies implemented and it will allow us to focus our energy on thinking about the patient and providing the best care possible.”

For more information, visit ModMed Gastroenterology.

, , , , , , , ,
18
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

GRUBBRR Announces the Appointment of Jonathan Elster as President

Read Time 2 Minutes

GRUBBRR announced that Jonathan Elster has been named to the newly created position as President. In this role, he will lead the daily business functions across all aspects of the company.

Headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, GRUBBRR is a global self-ordering software solutions provider. GRUBBRR’s award-winning platform, including kiosks, mobile ordering, online ordering, kitchen display systems and more, are proven to help businesses maximize revenue, decrease labor costs, and increase operational efficiency while improving the consumer experience. GRUBBRR’s solutions are adaptable and beneficial to a multitude of businesses, and power both enterprise-level and small and medium businesses across verticals such as quick-service restaurants, fast casual restaurants, stadiums, movie theaters, casinos, micro-markets, retail, and more.

“Our continued growth across several business sectors has necessitated the addition of a company President,” said GRUBBRR CEO Sam Zietz.

“Jonathan’s extensive executive experience driving revenue growth and delivering operational excellence makes him a great addition to our team. During his initial time at GRUBBRR Jonathan has positively impacted our business and earned the trust and respect of our staff, partners, and customers. I am excited about his continued contributions.”

In recent months, Elster served as a GRUBBRR consultant. During that time, he was the acting Chief Operating Officer, with a particular focus on creating operational efficiencies. Elster brings a wealth of executive leadership to GRUBBRR. He was most recently the chief executive officer of Next Level Distribution, a multi-national distributor with more than 100 leading brands of consumer electronics and more than 3,000 customers. Elster raised revenue by over 300% during his tenure at Next Level Distribution. Prior to that, he was the chief executive officer at SED International, Inc., a multi-national wholesale distributor of consumer electronic and small appliances, where he drove substantial revenue growth and was instrumental in their NYSE listing.

“In recent months I have had the opportunity to work with many of GRUBBRR’s internal and external stakeholders,” said GRUBBRR President Jonathan Elster.

“I’m very impressed with the caliber of the GRUBBRR staff, and their robust network of strategic partners. I’ve also witnessed the transformative impact that GRUBBRR’s solutions have on increasing revenue and reducing operating costs for their customers, which further cemented my commitment to be part of this truly innovative company. I look forward to working with the team to grow our business by continuing to create groundbreaking solutions that deliver measurable results for our customers.”

To learn more about GRUBBRR and its products, visit www.grubbrr.com

, , , , , , , ,
18
Apr, 2024

By Nikki Cabus

The 6% Commission Era Ends – Homebourse is changing the game for real estate sales

Read Time 4 Minutes
Following the recent announcement of the demise of the 6% commission standard in home purchase transactions, Homebourse, a game-changing platform has emerged right here in South Florida.
In light of the National Association of Realtors’ groundbreaking settlement, eliminating rules on commissions, the real estate sales landscape is rapidly evolving. With the abolishment of this long standing practice, a window of opportunity has opened for alternative models in selling real estate, prompting a seismic shift in the market. This news comes amongst the midst of one of Florida’s rapid population growth and a robust supply of new housing units. The new era of real estate is here – enter Miami-based Homebourse.

Homebourse is a cutting-edge click-and-buy marketplace set to revolutionize how developers market and sell their new developments. The company is bringing the convenience of online shopping to the world of property acquisition by empowering developers and agents to market and sell pre-construction properties and new developments online globally. Without the need to travel across the globe, Homebourse enables buyers to experience the entire buying process, from browsing listings to closing deals. With the power of Homebourse, buyers can now purchase new construction properties with the ease and convenience akin to shopping online on platforms like Amazon.

As the Florida real estate market continues to propel the state’s economy, investors turned their attention to the best real estate investment cities within the Sunshine State. With the median property price pegged at $625,492 in 2023 and an average cash on cash return for long-term rentals at 4.04%, the appeal for investing in real estate here is clear. Driven by rapid population growth and a robust supply of new housing units, Florida’s housing markets are experiencing a demand surge, making it an attractive hotspot for real estate investors seeking sustained growth.

In this competitive landscape, certain cities in Florida stand out as the best places to invest in real estate, offering unique advantages from cultural vibrancy to waterfront luxury. According to Homebourse, the top 10 prime locations that promise high returns for real estate investors are Sarasota, Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, Ft. Lauderdale, Gainesville, Ft. Myers, St. Petersburg, Vero Beach, and Tallahassee.

In such a hot marker for real estate, Homebourse is changing the game for developers. Homebourse offers a suite of features including a customizable AI Agent, electronic offer and counteroffer management, e-signing, payment management, marketing solutions, and streamlining the sales process entirely online. This platform empowers developers to reach global markets and enhance buyer satisfaction with a seamless purchasing experience.

“It’s about time the real estate industry underwent a digital transformation,” said Istvan Fehervari, CEO and Founder of Homebourse. “We want to streamline buyers’ home buying process while helping developers embrace the tech revolution and access global audiences.” 

Homebourse allows developers’ sales teams to showcase and sell their pre-construction and new developments online in a simple, streamlined process. It empowers developers and agents to market and sell pre-construction properties and new developments online globally. Without the need to travel across the globe, Homebourse enables buyers to experience the entire buying process, from browsing listings to closing deals. Homebourse introduces the future of real estate.

By integrating Homebourse into their sales toolkit, developers and their agents gain a unique blend of a listing platform and tech-powered marketing services for their projects. At the same time, buyers can experience the entire buying process online, from browsing listings to signing legal documents and managing payments. Homebourse makes remote and overseas transactions more user-friendly, helping developers tap into international purchasing power. 

With Homebourse, developers get a branded Project Page under a unique subdomain (projectname.homebourse.com) showcasing available inventory, project information, and much more. It brings the in-person experience online, offering 3D tours and live video tours, with buyers receiving project-specific information and general information about the location and market delivered by Homebourse’s AI Agent and customer support team. The AI Agent is trained to provide detailed information about the project and converse with potential buyers. This AI Agent aims to facilitate searches, drive sales, and seamlessly connect users with realtors. 

For large-scale projects, Homebourse offers to create fully customized websites, leveraging the ecosystem’s capabilities. This allows brands to showcase their distinctiveness and exclusivity with all of Homebourse’s innovative features. 

For buyers, Homebourse provides a convenient way to browse and shop for properties. In its one-stop-shop platform, buyers can seamlessly discover, research, and purchase properties online. Homebourse ensures streamlined transactions with a full mortgage origination stack.

Homebourse elevates the pre-construction and new development sales experience for buyers and developers, bringing real estate sales to the digital age. 

For more information, please visit www.homebourse.com. 

, , , , , ,
1 2 3 … 8

LATEST POSTS

SUBSCRIBE







South Florida-based BrandStar acquires Lens End Media with production presence in Washington D.C. market
Dan Chait Promoted to President & COO of JM Family
TEDxBocaRaton 2024 is welcoming 11 speakers; theme Divergence
C3 Complete expands offices to Treasure Coast and Orlando markets
Securitize announces $47 Million Strategic Funding Round led by BlackRock
DSS Director of Strategic Innovation Meggie Soliman Wins IGNITE 2024 Award
Social Mobile celebrated their new office grand opening and ribbon cutting
FAU Engineering selected by NASA for University Nanosatellite Program
RTX’s Pratt & Whitney announces GTF MRO capacity expansion at West Palm Beach facility
TBC Corporation Promotes Don Byrd to President and Chief Executive Officer
Open AI CEO Sam Altman invests in South Florida AI data center energy startup Exowatt
DRINKWATR® Revolutionizes Electrolyte Water With New Innovative BevTechnology
ModMed & Medtronic Collaborate to Drive Efficiencies in Documenting Colonoscopies Using Artificial Intelligence
GRUBBRR Announces the Appointment of Jonathan Elster as President
The 6% Commission Era Ends – Homebourse is changing the game for real estate sales