A Dynamic Day Of Innovation In South Florida - Connecting The Brightest Minds In Startups, Technology And Investment

Since its inception in August 2023, the Tech + Startups Community has seen rapid growth. Born in the vibrant city of Miami, this community has expanded to over 12,000 members across 24 cities in 8 countries. Its mission is simple yet ambitious: to connect the brightest minds in startups, technology, and investment, creating a global ecosystem where innovation thrives. The conference on May 1st marks a major milestone for this fast-growing organization, providing a unique platform for the exchange of knowledge, strategies, and insights that will shape the future of the industry.

“Miami is fast becoming a global hub for startups, technology and this conference reflects that shift,” said Denis Hiller, Founder and CEO of the Tech + Startups Community. “We’re bringing together innovators, investors and founders who are driving change in industries ranging from AI to FinTech. This event isn’t just about learning—it’s about making meaningful connections that can accelerate growth and spark the next big idea.”

Cutting-Edge Insights From Industry Leaders

One of the highlights of the Tech + Startups Community Conference is the opportunity to hear from industry trailblazers who have successfully scaled startups and revolutionized the tech landscape. With a focus on real, implementable strategies, the conference promises to deliver invaluable insights into what it takes to go from idea to success.

Attendees will have the chance to hear from top venture capitalists and founders who’ve navigated the highs and lows of growing a business. These speakers have scaled companies from $0 to $10 Million and from $10 Million to $100 Million and they’re ready to share their secrets for success. Whether you're a startup founder looking to take your company to the next level or an investor searching for the next big opportunity, this event will offer practical advice that you can apply to your own journey.

Fireside Chats with Leading Experts

A key feature of the conference is its series of fireside chats, where top industry leaders will engage in candid, in-depth discussions on the most pressing topics in the world of startups, technology and investment. These sessions are designed to be highly interactive, offering attendees the chance to ask questions and gain deeper insights into the strategies that have shaped some of the most successful companies today.

Sarah Pichardo, Corporate Venture Capitalist at PepsiCo, will lead a fireside chat on corporate venture capital opportunities. With corporate venture capital playing an increasingly important role in the startup ecosystem, Sarah’s experience in navigating the intersection of startups and large corporations will be invaluable for both entrepreneurs and investors looking to explore this avenue.

Ryan Pruitt, Managing Director of Ocean Azul Partners and Richard Lavina, CEO & Co-Founder of Taxfyle, will engage in a discussion on FinTech innovation. As one of the most dynamic sectors in the tech world, FinTech is revolutionizing industries from banking to insurance and Ryan and Richard’s insights will shed light on how startups can leverage technology to disrupt traditional financial services.

Another exciting fireside chat will feature Steve Mock, Head of Growth at Blumberg Capital, who will be joined by Nicolas Toro, Head of LatAm at Silicon Valley Bank, to discuss AI-driven Enterprise SaaS. The potential of artificial intelligence to drive enterprise software solutions is enormous, and this session will explore how startups can harness AI to scale their operations.

Zach Rubin, Head of Growth at Traded, will delve into growth hacking trends, sharing insights into how startups can use innovative growth strategies to quickly scale their businesses in today’s competitive landscape.

Lastly, Michaeljohn Green, Chief of Economic Development & Strategy at the Miami Downtown Development Authority, will be joined by Keeyan Ravanshid, Co-Founder of HODL Markets, to discuss why Miami is the place to be for startups. As a city that is rapidly becoming a global startup hub, Miami offers unique opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive and this session will provide valuable information for anyone considering setting up shop in the Magic City.

$5,000 Startup Pitch Competition

In addition to the rich content of the conference, attendees will also have the chance to witness the excitement of the $5,000 Startup Pitch Competition. Five lucky startups will present their projects to a panel of esteemed judges, with the winner taking home a grand prize of $5,000. This competition offers early-stage companies the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas in front of investors, potential partners and industry experts, giving them the exposure they need to take their business to the next level.

Startups interested in participating in the pitch competition must submit their applications by April 11th, 2025. It’s a chance to gain invaluable feedback, secure funding and elevate your brand in front of a global audience.

Networking Powerhouse

One of the most powerful aspects of any conference is the opportunity to network and the Tech + Startups Community Conference offers an unparalleled chance to connect with the most influential people in the startup, tech and investment sectors. Whether you’re looking to forge partnerships, meet potential investors, or find collaborators for your next big project, this conference will provide the space to meet like-minded professionals who share your vision for the future.

To add a little extra excitement, attendees will also have the chance to win a $500 prize drawing, courtesy of the event’s Gold Sponsors, Delta Airlines and LATAM Airlines. One lucky attendee will walk away with $500 in travel credit to use on their next adventure—whether that’s for business or pleasure.