UGLY TALK: MIAMI FOUNDERS & FUNDERS

Miami’s startup glow-up isn’t all sunshine. Behind every big win is a founder who’s faced the fire—and an investor who’s seen it all. In this two-part edition of Ugly Talk, we dive deep into what it really takes to build and support innovative companies in Miami. We start with the founders—exploring what’s working, what isn’t, and what’s still misunderstood about launching in this city. Then we turn the mic to the investors to reveal the red flags, the green lights, and what truly builds long-term conviction in a Miami deal.

🧠 What You’ll Learn

• Real Solutions for Miami Founders: Understand the “Miami effect” on early-stage traction and team building.
• Overlooked Challenges: Explore the unique hurdles of operating in the Miami market.
• Raw Founder Stories: Hear missteps, pivots, and unexpected wins straight from the trenches.
• Investor Insights: Learn what makes Miami startups stand out—and what causes investors to hold back.
• Building Relationships: Discover how local investors assess trust, potential, and community in a deal.

🎤 Who’s on the Panel

• Ron Tarro – President of New World Angels
• Nathaniel Vasel– Partner at Las Olas Venture Capital
• Net Kohen – CEO of Linkme
• Bruce Pinchbeck – Cofounder & Head of Marketing
• Carlos Garcia – Economic Development Strategist