By Dave Chitester, Founder, Seedfunders Florida
Florida is growing—fast. Nearly 1,000 people are moving here every day. Many are retired or semi-retired professionals from New York, Boston, and Philadelphia. Some have sold their companies. Others are stepping back from day-to-day operations but want to stay active, intellectually engaged, and connected.
At Seedfunders, we’ve seen a surge of these new Floridians looking for more than just sunshine—they want purpose. And for many, that means angel investing.
Understanding Angel Investing
Angel investing fills a critical funding gap between the friends-and-family round and formal venture capital. Accredited investors—those with $1M+ in net worth (excluding their home) or a $200K+ annual income—can directly support early-stage companies, helping them cross the valley between idea and market traction.
Unlike passive funds, angel groups allow individuals to select deals, conduct due diligence, join boards, and contribute their expertise. It’s not just about capital—it’s about collaboration and support.
And yes, while the goal is to make money, the ripple effect of early-stage investment often goes far beyond returns.
The Florida Landscape
Florida’s startup ecosystem has never been more vibrant. Across the state, a variety of angel networks have emerged, each with its own model and regional presence:
- New World Angels (South Florida)
- Miami Angels
- Bridge Angels (Sarasota)
- Seedfunders (St. Pete, Orlando, Miami)
- Jax Angels (Jacksonville)
- venVelo (Orlando)
- Tamiami Angels, DeepWork Capital, and Florida Funders (hybrid or fund-based models)
Each group runs differently. Some pool capital into managed funds. Others, like Seedfunders, operate as true angel networks—where members actively vet deals and support startups post-investment.
What Makes a Good Angel Investor?
A good angel investor isn’t just someone with capital. It’s someone who:
- Understands risk and is comfortable investing 3–5% of their portfolio in early-stage ventures
- Has curiosity and a desire to keep learning
- Enjoys collaborating with others and mentoring founders
- Wants to play a hands-on role in growing companies and shaping the innovation landscape
Angel investing is part business, part education, and—truthfully—part fun.
Real Impact
I often say: We’re capitalists, but we’re also doing social good. We help launch companies that might not survive without that first check. Take TSO Life, our very first Seedfunders investment. We provided $150,000 at a time when no one else would. That year of funding not only kept the lights on—it helped them secure $1M+ in follow-on investment. Without that early belief and capital, the company wouldn’t exist today.
That’s the power of early-stage investing. We’re helping build the next generation of Florida-grown innovation.
Why Now?
If you’re an accredited investor, especially one new to Florida, there’s never been a better time to get involved. You’ll be part of a like-minded community. You’ll meet extraordinary founders. You’ll learn from others—and probably teach a thing or two along the way.
And if you do it right? You’ll make a difference—and have a great time doing it.