Investor Profile: Florida Funders — Thesis, Cheque Size & How to Apply

Based in Tampa, Florida Funders is a hybrid venture capital firm and accredited-investor network that discovers, funds and builds early-stage technology companies. Its stated mission is to stop promising Florida companies from having to leave the state to raise capital — and it has grown into one of the most active seed-to-Series A investors in the Southeast.

Thesis: a network, not just a fund

The firm's model blends a professionally managed venture fund with a network of more than 2,000 accredited investors, plus a media-driven distribution engine that amplifies portfolio companies to customers, talent and follow-on investors. It invests in pre-seed through Series B technology companies led by standout founders across the US, with deep knowledge of Florida's major markets. It looks for rapid growth, founders who can sell, and teams that have done it before.

Sectors and stages

The firm is technology-focused but industry agnostic, with primary interest in B2B SaaS, AI, cybersecurity, healthtech, fintech and marketplaces. Its sweet spot is companies with $250,000 to $2 million in annual recurring revenue, and it follows on through Series B as companies scale. It is currently investing out of Fund 3, with a track record across more than 100 portfolio companies.

Fund size and cheque size

Fund 3 closed at around $53 million after a two-year fundraise, the firm confirmed in its Q4 2025 update. Typical cheques run around $500,000, with a range of roughly $250,000 to $1 million reported for the fund's investments. Separately, the firm's Florida First Check strategy writes $75,000 to $100,000 first cheques to Florida pre-seed founders, aiming to work with about 15 companies over three years.

Notable portfolio

The portfolio includes Peerfit, the corporate-wellness platform, Homee, the on-demand home-services marketplace, and PikMyKid, the school-dismissal platform. More recent names include Flex, which raised a $60 million Series B led by Portage Ventures and is the firm's largest position in Fund 2, plus Cast AI and Archive. In 2025 the firm recorded six exits or partial exits, including TSOLife.

Partners

Effective 1 January 2026, Saxon Baum took over as managing partner, with founder Tom Wallace moving to executive chairman. The investment team also includes partners Marc Blumenthal and Mark Sokol, investment director Ryan Whittemore and senior investment associate Zach Brodsky, who leads much of the Florida First Check work.

Programs, credits and perks

The flagship programme is Florida First Check, run with the Florida Institute, which provides first cheques plus company-building support, executive networks and connections into Florida's universities and research institutions. Its first investment was Tampa-based Stello AI, an agentic AI platform for enterprise HR teams. On the investor side, Portfolio Select offers deal-by-deal access with a $50,000 minimum. No general startup credits marketplace is published.

How to apply for funding

There is no open online pitch portal for founders. The practical route is an approach through the firm's website contact route or a warm introduction via its investor network, a Florida accelerator, university or incubator partner. Pre-seed Florida founders should also ask about Florida First Check. Arrive with a product or pilot, some traction, and a credible account of why the team can sell.