Miami VC Exceptional Capital introduces ‘Exceptional 100,’ spotlighting top tech talent

By Riley Kaminer

When Andrew Van Nest (pictured below) took to the basketball court as a seven-foot-tall powerhouse, he never guessed it would be the stepping stone to his current role as a Managing Partner at Exceptional Capital. And it all started with a moment of serendipity: “I met my business partner, Marell [Evans], over a pickup game in San Francisco,” he told Refresh Miami.

This month, Exceptional Capital launched its Exceptional 100 report, spotlighting top emerging talent – an initiative designed to identify top builders with potential to impact the future of B2B enterprise solutions.

Founded by Evans, a former Division I football player, and later joined by Van Nest, Exceptional Capital focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed-stage B2B enterprise software startups. The fund’s journey to Miami is part of the broader trend that has attracted top talent and major firms to the area.

For Van Nest, a native Bostonian, the decision to move to Miami in March 2021 wasn’t solely about opportunity but a convergence of factors, including his wife’s role with a real estate tech firm. “We were drawn here by the energy and growth potential. Miami offers a unique blend of community and accessibility that’s hard to find elsewhere,” he said.

At the heart of Exceptional Capital’s mission is an appreciation for resilience, a trait Van Nest honed on the court and now sees mirrored in early-stage founders. He likens the startup grind to a three-point shooter’s mindset: “The best shooters miss more than they make. Founders face the same odds – bad days, missteps, and the need to keep pushing forward.” This grit is crucial, Van Nest emphasized, particularly for pre-seed and seed companies whose paths to product-market fit are often paved with challenges.

As the city continues to attract global tech players, Exceptional Capital is playing a role in actively shaping Miami’s tech landscape. Van Nest pointed to the influx of talent due to companies like Microsoft, Spotify, and Uber establishing offices locally. “This brings young talent here – talent that might otherwise head to the Bay Area or New York,” he said. Exceptional Capital’s vision aligns with these newcomers, aiming to build a sustainable ecosystem for B2B innovation within Miami.

Though Miami’s tech ecosystem is still developing, Van Nest sees an advantage in being early to market, especially with B2B startups. He explained that Exceptional Capital’s strategy doesn’t solely focus on established businesses but instead builds relationships with talent early, even before companies are founded.

“We’re seeing interest in enterprise software – people here are talking about real problems they want to solve. It’s not just about established tech but identifying the people who will create future enterprises,” he shared.

Part of Exceptional Capital’s strategy is leveraging Miami’s diverse base of potential clients, a unique edge that larger, more traditional tech hubs can’t always offer. “Florida’s customer base is ripe for digital transformation,” Van Nest noted, hinting at the untapped potential for software solutions within the state’s businesses.

And when it comes to fundraising, Miami offers an unexpected advantage: “It’s a central hub for reaching our global LP base, and it’s also a place LPs want to visit.” Regular interactions with their limited partners, coupled with a strong local presence, create deeper relationships and contribute to the firm’s community-focused approach.

The launch of the Exceptional 100 is a prime example of this community-centric philosophy. Van Nest explained that the report leverages a proprietary framework built by the Exceptional Capital team, identifying 100 promising tech professionals who may one day found their own companies.

“This is about highlighting the kind of people we’d like to work with,” he said. The Exceptional 100 allows Van Nest and his team to watch careers unfold and support this talent with opportunities through their portfolio or with connections across the industry.

“If they remember we were there to support them early on, that’s even better,” Van Nest added.

Image at the top features (left to right): Melissa Morano Aurigemma, Chief of Staff; Marell Evans, Founder and General Partner; Graham Stoddard, Investor; Andrew Van Nest, Managing Partner.

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Riley Kaminer

I am a Miami-based technology researcher and writer with a passion for sharing stories about the South Florida tech ecosystem. I particularly enjoy learning about GovTech startups, cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence, and innovators that leverage technology to transform society for the better. Always open for pitches via Twitter @rileywk or www.RileyKaminer.com.

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