Igniting Miami’s startup EcoSystem

Through its investments in the Miami innovation ecosystem, Knight Foundation is helping entrepreneurs, investors, technologists and others transform the local landscape, building a tech and startup hub rooted in South Florida’s diversity. Explore the many elements that are making Miami more of a place where ideas are built.

Miami Community Story

The Miami story

In 2013 Knight Foundation decided to take its Miami community program in a new direction. Alongside ongoing work in the arts, we decided to invest in South Florida’s emerging innovators and entrepreneurs as a way to build community. Since that time we have met an incredible group of motivated changemakers looking to make this region a place where ideas are built and dreams can soar.

At the heart of our efforts to support these startups, makers and doers of all kinds is the belief that investing in South Florida’s innovators can yield important community benefits: a stronger sense of place and possibility, increased talent retention and attraction, expanded opportunity, and a greater network of engaged problem-solvers.

Few U.S. cities have transformed the way that Miami has in recent years. It has gone through a cultural awakening, boasting both vibrant cultural institutions and an energetic arts scene. It has grown into a center for higher education; it’s now seventh per capita in the number of college students in the metropolitan area. It possesses entrepreneurial zeal, ranking in the top five per capita in entrepreneurial activity among all U.S. metropolitan areas each of the last six years, including ranking No. 1. It is developing its urban core as its downtown population has doubled. And it has become an international center, comprising people and ventures from around the world, but especially Latin America and the Caribbean.

Knight has capitalized on these strengths; Since 2012 the foundation has made more than 180 investments in entrepreneurship initiatives across South Florida, totaling more than $20 million. These investments have worked to build an environment where startups can flourish, focusing on three pillars of success: connecting entrepreneurs at all levels; attracting capital and investment; and building the region’s talent base.

It is a story of collaboration and partnership. Together, institutions and individuals, businesses and nonprofits, governments and citizens, are propelling South Florida’s reinvention as a growing center for innovation and technology, and as a global meeting place for the Americas and beyond.

Check out Funded Projects

In Miami, Knight Foundation invests in civic innovators who help attract and keep talented people, expand economic opportunity and create a culture of engagement. Check out some of the current funded projects and how they’re influencing Miami.

Notable Remarks & Statistics

Knight Foundation has been incubating Miami and expanding startup opportunities. These are some notable remarks and statistics showcasing the evolving startup ecosystem.

Report

Miami's Startup Ecosystem: A Snapshot

Few U.S. cities have transformed the way that Miami has in recent years. In addition to its evolution as a year-round arts and culture location, there has been an increased focus on entrepreneurship as essential to the city’s future growth. But what does entrepreneurship in Miami look like? And what are the gaps that need to be filled? This report provides an overview of the current state of Miami’s startup ecosystem examining key drivers of success: availability of talent, funding access, and support systems that connect people and fuel startup growth. While the analysis shows that gaps persist in education, access to capital and opportunities to scale, there are positive signs pointing to an emerging and robust ecosystem.

Download The Miami Report

Check out Startup.miami, a guide to Miami’s innovation ecosystem

Check out Funded Projects

In Miami, Knight Foundation invests in civic innovators who help attract and keep talented people, expand economic opportunity and create a culture of engagement. Check out some of the current funded projects and how they’re influencing Miami.