Lakeland, Fla. – July 20, 2020 – Florida Polytechnic University, known for shaping the state's future STEM talent, today announces a partnership with Florida Funders, a hybrid of a venture capital fund and an angel investor network, to provide the next generation of students with meaningful connections in the technology startup industry.
The partnership fosters the potential career placements of students within Florida Funders’ expansive startup community. It also creates an avenue for its members to collaborate with the University through its successful Capstone Design Program. The program allows seniors to use their high-tech, project-based education to help entrepreneurs by developing evolutionary products to impact various functions across businesses and industries.
Through this collaboration and Florida Polytechnic University’s offering certificates in entrepreneurship, students can learn directly from Florida Funders’ dynamic team via guest lectures designed to give students real-world insights into what it takes to start Florida’s next breakout technology company.
“We know that Florida Funders has access to the best technology startup community that can make a difference for our students’ futures,” said Randy K. Avent, University President, Florida Polytechnic University. “In addition, our students who have the best education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), will have the opportunity to learn from the best and have excellent careers.”
Florida Polytechnic University is the only state university dedicated exclusively to STEM and also has a strong, internationally recognized entrepreneurship program.
“Our partnership with the Florida Polytechnic University is vital for realizing our goal to evolve from the Sunshine State to the Startup State,” said Tom Wallace, Managing Partner of Florida Funders, based in Tampa, Fla. “Discovering exceptional talent is an essential piece of the puzzle that allows local startups to go on to become successful, driving economic growth in the region.”
Florida Funders, recently named the top VC in the Southeast region by Pitchbook, is focused on discovering, funding and building early-stage technology companies in the state.
