SoftBank is just the latest validation for Miami’s booming startup scene
Miami has long been a refuge for those escaping the cold or Latin American countries in political and economic turmoil. But, in 2020, it welcomed investors, founders and others in tech leaving San Francisco and New York City, partly propelled by the pandemic, seeking a welcoming government, lower taxes, a decent climate, less expensive housing, a dynamic lifestyle and the type of diversity that’s proven to help companies thrive.
Investors are bullish on Miami, TechCrunch found. In a survey with eight local investors, they point out the strengths and opportunities of the growing market.
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The daily rundown Between Saturday and Sunday, the number of Florida coronavirus cases increased by 7,788 (nearly 0.5 percent), to 1,721,377; deaths rose by 119 (nearly 0.5 percent), to 26,479; Since Thursday active hospitalizations went down by 464 (7 percent), to 6,101.
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Transcript: Miami Mayor Francis Suarez on Face the Nation, January 31, 2021
The following is a transcript of an interview with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez that aired January 31, 2021 on Face the Nation.
MARGARET BRENNAN: Welcome back to FACE THE NATION. We go now to Miami, still a hotspot for COVID-19. Mayor Francis Suarez is there. Good morning to you, Mr. Mayor.
MAYOR FRANCIS SUAREZ: Good morning, MARGARET. It s a pleasure to be with you this morning.
MARGARET BRENNAN: According to the CDC. Florida is the state with the most cases of B117. That s that strain first detected in the U.K. It s highly contagious. And I know there s a concentration in South Florida. What mitigation measures are you putting in place in your city to contain it?
Illustration by Melanie Lambrick
A passionate conversation about the Miami startup scene began on Twitter last month after a Bay Area venture capitalist tweeted, what if we move silicon valley to miami and Miami Mayor Francis Suarez responded, How can I help?
Miami boosters have long pushed the Magic City as the next tech startup hub. Now, a year into the Covid-19 era, their pitch has gained greater appeal, given the widespread embrace of remote work and newfound appreciation for outdoor living spaces. Of course, the friendly tax climate Florida has no personal income taxes and the mild winter weather have long drawn newcomers, as have its enviable position as a gateway to Latin America and its glittering nightlife. Now, a number of high-profile arrivals are driving new excitement about Miami s startup ecosystem. Here s what has startup leaders talking: