Florida’s Greenspoon Marder, a full-service Am Law 200 and NLJ 500 law firm, and The South Florida Accelerator (TSFA), a technology accelerator and investment fund dedicated to advancing Florida’s start-up companies, announce today the creation of a strategic alliance to advance the development of Florida’s knowledge-based economy. The organizations will serve as Co-Founders of Innovation Florida – a corporate advocacy not-for-profit dedicated to the advancement of innovation.

Innovation Florida serves to connect the state of Florida’s technology assets through a shared resource and advocacy center that provides support in the areas of policy advancement, academic outreach, workforce development, talent acquisition, and entrepreneurialism.

“Greenspoon Marder has deep roots in the Florida business and technology communities,” comments Gerry Greenspoon, Co-Managing Director of Greenspoon Marder. “We are honored to continue to work with The South Florida Accelerator to leverage our strategic relationships and advocate for Florida’s innovative entrepreneurs and technological pioneers, many of whom will become the future leaders of our state’s business community.”

Christopher Malter, Managing Director of TSFA comments, “Greenspoon Marder understands the challenges the region has faced to advance the knowledge-based economy. Their participation as a Founding Sponsor of the TSFA and now a Co-Founder of Innovation Florida is indicative of their commitment to Florida’s technology sector and we are delighted to further our strategic relationship with Gerry, Michael and their team.”

South Florida’s new economy thought leaders met for their sophomore Innovation Florida Roundtable at the Ft. Lauderdale offices of Florida’s Greenspoon Marder on Tuesday to set their strategic fall initiative and launch their web portal which will serve as a content aggregator for all Florida Innovation activities, advancements, fundings, exits, corporate registry, jobs board and a shared resource center for their members. Innovation Florida’s Founding Sponsors include: Brightstar Corp., Citrix, Levatas and AAJ Technologies.

"From our world headquarters in Miami, Brightstar Corp. has a long and rich history of innovation in the mobile industry and an equally bright future. As one of the largest tech companies based in Florida, we support innovative change and technological developments leading to a stronger knowledge-based economy," said Michael Singer, Brightstar's Chief Strategy Officer.

Andy Cohen, Citrix’s VP of Strategic Development commented, "From its founding over twenty-five years ago to its position as a leading public software company, Citrix has been based in South Florida and is an enthusiastic supporter of the local economy and technology ecosystem. We are pleased to be able to partner with Innovation Florida and its mission to advance and grow the vibrant innovation economy in our region. “

Ryan Gay, CEO of Levatas added, "We love being a part of Innovation Florida. The access to a technology-centric and innovative ecosystem has been both a great way to grow our business as well as contribute to Florida's growth and reputation as a leader in the startup economy."

Amjad Shamim, CEO of AAJ Technologies said, “The leadership and vision provided by Innovation Florida is a breath of fresh air. The ability to align public and private sectors to forge a forward thinking win-win relationship is what Florida needed and what TSFA was able to deliver. In addition, the ability to attract tech startups and venture funding to create jobs and wealth is what differentiate TSFA from other organizations.”

Innovation Florida leverages their strategic alliances with Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity, The Greater Ft Lauderdale Alliance, Beacon Council, and Palm Beach County’s BDB for broad support. Innovation Florida’s founders at Greenspoon Marder and TSFA have strong relationships with the State Universities’ Presidents and trustees, legislature, the startup, venture capital and tech communities that do business in Florida.

“Florida’s entrepreneurs have the potential to bring innovative change and technological developments to our state, as well as to the country as a whole.” comments Michael Marder, Co-Managing Director of Greenspoon Marder. “We are excited to play our part in providing valuable support and resources to help Florida thought leaders achieve success.”

“As we continue to collaborate with Florida’s thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and institutions of higher learning we discovered that Florida’s technology sector was missing the value components of an innovation ecosystem. Innovation Florida will bring advocacy at a local, state, and international level. Without a dedicated Florida-centric advocacy organization, the potential to grow Florida’s innovation corridors is compromised,” says Thomas Buchar, Managing Director of The South Florida Accelerator and Innovation Florida. “Greenspoon Marder embraced the Innovation Florida strategy and we are delighted to collaborate with them. We also have to thank State Senator Maria Sachs for championing the initiative and Cissy Proctor, Executive Director of Florida’s Department of Economic Opportunity for their support.”

About Innovation Florida

We advance Florida’s innovation industry’s agenda for the greater benefit of the private sector to effectively build a 21st century work force, promote innovative Florida companies, and generate wealth.

About Greenspoon Marder

Greenspoon Marder is committed to providing excellent client service through our cross-disciplinary, client-team approach. Our goal is to understand the challenges that our clients face, build collaborative relationships, and craft creative solutions designed and executed with long-term strategic goals in mind. Since our inception in 1981, Greenspoon Marder has become a full-service, Am Law 200 and NLJ 350 law firm with more than 180 attorneys. We serve Fortune 500, middle-market public and private companies, start-ups, emerging businesses, individuals and entrepreneurs across Florida and the United States. For more information, visit www.gmlaw.com.

About TSFA

Our mission is to identify visionary entrepreneurs and facilitate ideation by providing a clear path to success through a global ecosystem of innovation resources. We make our entrepreneur’s dreams real so people around the world live happier, healthier, richer lives.

The South Florida Accelerator is a multi-location, multi-discipline regional start-up business facilitator with global connectivity. Our venture fund will support the region’s most creative and talented entrepreneurs. For additional information, visit our web site at www.tsfa.co.