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Global medical device maker to make Miami its HQ
InspireMD, a publicly traded developer of a stent system for the prevention of stroke headquartered in Tel Aviv, today announced it has selected Miami for its global headquarters, as it prepares for its U.S. launch and commercialization of its CGuard Prime carotid stent system in the first half of 2025, if approved.
“Together with the ongoing build-out of world class commercial and operational teams and supporting infrastructure, our new U.S.-based headquarters will be key to driving long-term growth and serving the U.S. market while creating sustained shareholder value,” said CEO Marvin Slosman.
General Manager of US Business Peter Ligotti said the company was attracted to South Florida’s “rich history of medical device innovation.” Indeed, standout companies in the medical device space well known in the Miami tech community include Insightec, Neocis, DermaSensor and many others.
“This access to talent and capacity provides excellent capital to build our company as we ready for our U.S. launch,” added Peter Ligotti, General Manager of InspireMD’s U.S. Business. InspireMD will be building up its marketing, training and sales operations teams in South Florida.
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Top 1NCE exec in Miami to co-lead the global company
1NCE, a global software company with its North American HQ in Miami’s Brickell, has promoted Ivo Rook to Co-CEO. He will remain in Miami, the company said.
German-born 1NCE, which offers a software platform for connected products, was named to Fast Company’s “Next Big Things in Tech” list in 2022, and connects 30 million devices in 173 countries. It announced its Miami HQ news in in January 2022.
Rook joined 1NCE in 2021 as chief operating officer after serving as CEO of IoT at Vodafone and SVP at T-Mobile. His operational leadership has been vital in making 1NCE a truly global company in less than three years, with customers now serviced across the world with regional centers in Cologne, Miami, Riga, São Paulo, Singapore and Tokyo, the company said in its announcement, which also included other executive changes.
Founder Alexander P. Sator will continue as Co-CEO of 1NCE, focusing on corporate development while Rook focuses on guiding the company leadership team in delivering growth, quality operations and relentless execution. Stay tuned for more on 1NCE in Refresh Miami.
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Adam Neumann’s Flow turns to condos
Flow, the apartment startup founded by Adam Neumann, is adding condominium ownership to its offerings in South Florida. Neumann is launching sales at Flow House, a 466-unit project in Downtown Miami. The residences at the 40-story development within Miami Worldcenter are expected to be delivered next year, the Real Deal South Florida reported.
The option for ownership under the Flow umbrella comes after the venture initially planned a second tower of rentals, which will now open as condos. The firm’s properties include the 444-unit Caoba rental tower and the second phase of Caoba that is under construction. Studio apartments start at $450,000, while one-bedroom units will begin at $600,000. All units are equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows and in-unit washer and dryers. Some units will also have private balconies.
“We learned while building Flow over the last two years that the exact same needs faced by renters are also faced by owners in terms of lack of community and lack of connectivity,” Neumann said. “We are excited to build upon our vision and bring the full Flow experience, which is rooted in community and a sense of belonging, to anyone looking for a better experience from their permanent residence.”
Flow aims to transform the residential experience as a vertically integrated real estate owner, operator, and technology innovator, by prioritizing top-tier buildings, amenities, and a thriving community. Backed by a16z’s $350 million investment in 2022, Flow now has a portfolio encompassing over 4,000 Class A condo and apartment units across four U.S. cities and Saudi Arabia. Read more here.
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UrbanLink orders 9-passenger all-electric aircraft
UrbanLink Air Mobility, a South Florida-based advanced air mobility player, announced its partnership with Eviation Aircraft, a manufacturer of all-electric passenger aircraft. As part of the agreement, UrbanLink will purchase 10 Alice aircraft, a 9-passenger, zero-emission commuter aircraft, with the option to acquire 10 additional aircraft. This order will enable UrbanLink to provide eco-friendly commute flights with the 9-passenger Alice aircraft, which can fly up to 250 nautical miles nonstop.
Based in Washington State, Eviation Aircraft Inc. develops and manufactures electric aircraft to provide operators and passengers with green, cost efficient and convenient regional transportation. UrbanLink continues to expand its all-electric fleet, which now includes eVTOL aircraft, electric sea vessels, and now the 9-passenger Alice aircraft.
Meanwhile, Toyota is doubling down on Joby Aviation with a $500 million investment into the California-based company that’s developing electric air taxis. Toyota’s total investment in Joby, which includes a $394 million capital injection back in 2020, is now $894 million. The funds will be used to help Joby complete the lengthy Type 2 certification process with the Federal Aviation Administration and support commercial production of its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
5
Miami’s Carve Communications acquires consumer-focused PR firm
In a further move to expand its expertise beyond tech, Carve Communications, a 10-year-old Miami-based public relations agency, recently announced the acquisition of Freeman PR, a consumer public relations agency headquartered in Northern New Jersey. In the deal, set to close Nov. 1, Carve will acquire the Freeman brand name, their full roster of clients and the team of seven employees.
The acquisition strengthens Carve Communications’ consumer practice, focused on technology, toys, pet products, collectibles, and more. “The real win for Carve Communications is the addition of their highly-experienced team to our current Carvers committed to being a partner to our clients,” said Carve founder and CEO David Barkoe, who will remain CEO of Carve following the acquisition.
Freeman PR rose to become one of the most prominent PR agencies in the toy industry, representing brands like Mattel, Fisher-Price, Playmobil and others. The agency received national PR acclaim for its award-winning work launching one of the most successful toys of all time, Tickle Me Elmo.
Since 2020, Carve Communications has diversified its client roster and service offerings, which now include media relations, advocate and influencer relations, executive thought leadership, event marketing and execution, affiliate partnerships, content development, media training and more, in addition to tech PR. A number of South Florida tech startups and community leaders have been represented by Carve over the years.
6
Aleph acquires Buenos Aires-based fintech
Aleph, a Miami-based provider of an ecosystem of global digital experts and technology-driven solutions that enable global digital marketing, announced the acquisition of a controlling equity interest in Localpayment, an Argentina-based payment service provider. The amount of the deal was not disclosed.
With the acquisition, Aleph said it will consolidate its position in connecting digital advertising with streamlined payment solutions across various industries, including streaming, digital media, gig economies, online retail, SaaS, hospitality, travel, financial services, and entertainment.
Led by CEO Gaston Taratuta, Aleph is a global network of digital experts and technology driven solutions that enables the growth of the digital ecosystem by operating in +130 countries and +70 offices, connecting over more than 26,000 advertisers with over 3 billion consumers.
7
Microsoft joins MDC-led consortium to expand AI education
The National Applied AI Consortium (NAAIC), a collaboration led by Miami Dade College, is working with Microsoft to expand AI education and create a highly skilled technical workforce. Microsoft’s support of the Consortium will include an industry-aligned AI curriculum, faculty training opportunities for participating colleges and national AI business industry leadership team representation.
“We are proud of Miami Dade College’s role as a national leader in AI education and workforce development,” said Antonio Delgado, MDC’s Vice President of Innovation and Technology Partnerships. “Working with Microsoft to train the faculty, improve the curriculum, and grow the AI talent pool is a pleasure.”
Through the Microsoft Learn for Educators (MSLE) program, educators from the NAAIC can access ready-to-teach curriculum and teaching materials aligned to industry-recognized Microsoft Certifications to equip students with cutting-edge technical skills. These skills, ranging from cloud computing to AI, are aligned with industry-recognized Microsoft Credentials. MSLE is free to join, and once admitted, educators can access numerous resources such as teaching guides, educator forums, lab environments, Microsoft Official Courseware, and more.
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Taxfyle, Column Tax partner up
Miami-based Taxfyle and Column Tax are partnering to provide companies nationwide with an all-in-one embedded tax and accounting experience. Previously, companies would have to offer services such as tax and tax consultations off-platform by referring them to companies such as TurboTax and H&R Block. As a result, the company loses contact and support with customers, reducing associated net promoter scores and time on the platform.
This is the accounting industry’s first end-to-end embedded tax solution supporting users with offerings such as do-it-yourself taxes, on-demand tax consultations, assisted professional taxes, and full-service professional tax offerings. It is also the first embeddable tech service regardless of industry. “This collaboration marks a significant step toward providing an all-in-one tax solution that enhances customer experience and retention,” said Ricky Lavina, co-founder & CEO of Taxfyle.
Taxfyle says the partnership will reduce the burden companies face when managing each step of the tax process. Users will be able to access support from licensed CPAs and EAs seamlessly from Taxfyle while maintaining platform retention via Column Tax.
9
Miami-based Tray received strategic investment
Tray, a Miami-based provider of cloud-native enterprise-class POS systems, received a strategic investment from Alraedah Finance. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its growth and development.
Led by CEO Peter Kellis, Tray is a provider of cloud-native enterprise-class POS systems for the hospitality industry. It aims to empower businesses to operate more efficiently, increase revenue, and provide a better experience for their customers. Its system is used by hospitality businesses of all sizes and types, including full service and quick service restaurants and family entertainment centers.
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Opportunity knocks
- Founders, apply to join the eMerge Global Startup Accelerator + Showcase, an opportunity to take your company to the next level. eMerge Americas offers startups the opportunity to debut and share their transformative ideas by providing access to resources, investors, curated bootcamps, mentors, and networking opportunities with global enterprises. Learn more and apply here by Dec. 31.
- The SMB Growth Lab, presented by eMerge Americas and powered by JP Morgan Chase, is an opportunity for SMBs located in Miami Dade County to gain access to cutting-edge digital tools, comprehensive training, and exclusive connections with key players in the tech ecosystem—all designed to propel your business to new heights. 50 SMBs will be selected for the cohort. Learn more and apply here by Dec. 31.
- If you’re a job seeker, an industry expert, or higher education professional, the Tech Talent Fest on Nov. 18 at FIU will offer interactive workshops, panel discussions, and presentations focused on tech recruitment, workforce development, and job placement. The Tech Talent Fest will be presented by South Florida Tech Hub and Miami Tech Works. It’s free for job seekers. Find more information and register here.
- The Florida Venture Forum is now accepting presenter applications for the 2025 Florida Venture Capital Conference March 3-5, 2025 at the Loews Coral Gables. Apply here.
- Endeavor Miami is accepting applications for its next ScaleUp Program. Apply for ScaleUp here.
- The Miami Downtown Development Authority is offering $1.1 million in incentives to attract businesses seeking to move to or expand their operations to Downtown Miami’s Central Business District, Arts & Entertainment District or Brickell. The program offers grants up to $25,000 per business for startups, and is flexible to allow businesses to either operate out of a co-working space or lease their own dedicated office space. Grants up to $50,000 are available for mid-size businesses and ground floor retail operators moving into downtown. Learn more here.
- As part of its 100 Startup Project Scholarship Program, The Levan Center of Innovation is offering 10 entrepreneurs a one-year membership to the Levan Center of Innovation, thanks to the support of Memorial Healthcare System. Apply here.
ICYMI
- It’s $16.8M for FlexFactor to fight failed payment problem vexing eCommerce entrepreneurs
- Miami metro’s Q3 VC: Investment is up, deal count is down, Pitchbook report finds. Here are top deals, trends and more.
- Career Karma team launches OutRival, aiming to leverage AI to transform customer experience at scale
- Climatetech startup SustainaBase acquired by global giant ISS-Corporate in sustainability push
- Miami metro makes US’s top 10 for VC activity, luring $1.37B in 1st half, and by deal count it’s No. 6, eMerge Insights finds
- Yung Sidekick is on a mission to make therapy more efficient with AI
- Seaworthy Collective pushes Miami’s bluetech ecosystem forward with new Shoreline initiative
- And much more news at refreshmiami.com/news
Have news to report? Email Nancy Dahlberg at nancy@refreshmiami.com and follow her on X @ndahlberg. Subscribe to Refresh Miami’s free weekly newsletter here featuring startup news, tech job opportunities and events. Thank you for supporting Refresh Miami.
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