NinjaAI.com
Florida may be famous for beaches and theme parks—but it’s fast becoming a powerful hub for AI innovation, from Miami to Tampa, Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. Here’s a curated look at the standout companies, founders, and voices driving AI forward in the Sunshine State.
Miami is home to Cast AI, a trailblazing platform that automates cloud infrastructure management—optimizing CPU/GPU usage for AI workloads. In April 2025, Cast AI closed a $108 million funding round led by G2 Venture and SoftBank Vision Fund 2—raising their valuation to about $850 million. They serve over 2,100 global customers, including BMW, HuggingFace, and Akamai.
Kim Perell, based in Miami, is another standout voice. Founder and CEO of 100.co, she built an AI-powered marketplace (CLAIRE platform)—connecting brands to consumer trends via predictive insights and NLP. She’s become a prominent thought leader in AI entrepreneurship in Florida.
In Tampa, AI‑driven cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest continues to scale globally. In March 2025, the company raised over $500M, valuing it near $3.4B. Its GreyMatter platform uses agentic AI to deliver automated threat detection, serving clients like major airlines and healthcare providers.
Arnie Bellini, also from Tampa, co-founded ConnectWise (sold for $1.5B) and in 2025 donated $40M to establish the Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity & Computing at the University of South Florida. This is the first named college in the U.S. combining AI and cybersecurity in one curriculum.
In Orlando, care.ai—founded by UCF alumnus Chakri Toleti—is making headway in ambient AI for healthcare facilities. Their platform monitors patient movement to predict falls and optimize operational workflows across hospitals and long‑term care.
Also noteworthy is Michael Vega‑Sanz, now headquartered in Florida. After co‑founding insurance tech platform Lula, he launched Gail, an AI assistant platform tailored for the regulated financial services industry. Gail became the first AI system known to pass U.S. insurance licensing exams—marking a major milestone in AI‑driven fintech.
Fort Lauderdale’s tech scene is booming, with Infinite Reality investing in a $3B tech-and‑entertainment campus and CentralReach ranking among top global AI health companies.
Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, the Synapse Summit 2025 hosted at Raymond James Stadium showcased AI innovations like inundation detection sensors, AI gun detection by ZeroEyes, and environmental-data grants powered by Bluetech in collaboration with USF and Tampa Bay Wave.
Beyond the giants, platforms like Clutch, DesignRush, and Built In highlight dozens of AI development firms across Florida:
Goji Labs, Naked Development, Azumo, and IT Medical (in Miami and Palm Bay) lead client‑focused AI and machine learning initiatives in healthcare, mobile apps, and automation.
According to Built In, the state hosts over 120 AI companies, including Zeta Global, Maxar Technologies, Rokt, and CDW, many with AI and analytics services in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
F6S lists top AI startups like wayfinder.ai, Prescient AI, OPSWAT, and dozens more in Florida cities—reflecting a diverse startup ecosystem.
Founder of OpenEvidence, a medical AI startup valued at ~$3.5B. Nadler recently moved to Miami and purchased a high‑profile Surfside penthouse. His investments and presence are seen as a signal of Miami’s increasing attractiveness to AI founders.
As described earlier, his leadership, philanthropy, and vision for AI-cyber convergence place him among Florida’s most influential AI voices.
After founding care.ai, Toleti has become a recognized voice in ambient AI and healthcare automation. His company’s rapid hospital deployments show a practical, mission-driven approach.
Recognized along with his brother for building Lula and now Gail, his journey signals AI’s advancing role in regulated sectors like insurance and finance.
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By NinjaAINinjaAI.com
Florida may be famous for beaches and theme parks—but it’s fast becoming a powerful hub for AI innovation, from Miami to Tampa, Orlando to Fort Lauderdale. Here’s a curated look at the standout companies, founders, and voices driving AI forward in the Sunshine State.
Miami is home to Cast AI, a trailblazing platform that automates cloud infrastructure management—optimizing CPU/GPU usage for AI workloads. In April 2025, Cast AI closed a $108 million funding round led by G2 Venture and SoftBank Vision Fund 2—raising their valuation to about $850 million. They serve over 2,100 global customers, including BMW, HuggingFace, and Akamai.
Kim Perell, based in Miami, is another standout voice. Founder and CEO of 100.co, she built an AI-powered marketplace (CLAIRE platform)—connecting brands to consumer trends via predictive insights and NLP. She’s become a prominent thought leader in AI entrepreneurship in Florida.
In Tampa, AI‑driven cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest continues to scale globally. In March 2025, the company raised over $500M, valuing it near $3.4B. Its GreyMatter platform uses agentic AI to deliver automated threat detection, serving clients like major airlines and healthcare providers.
Arnie Bellini, also from Tampa, co-founded ConnectWise (sold for $1.5B) and in 2025 donated $40M to establish the Bellini College of AI, Cybersecurity & Computing at the University of South Florida. This is the first named college in the U.S. combining AI and cybersecurity in one curriculum.
In Orlando, care.ai—founded by UCF alumnus Chakri Toleti—is making headway in ambient AI for healthcare facilities. Their platform monitors patient movement to predict falls and optimize operational workflows across hospitals and long‑term care.
Also noteworthy is Michael Vega‑Sanz, now headquartered in Florida. After co‑founding insurance tech platform Lula, he launched Gail, an AI assistant platform tailored for the regulated financial services industry. Gail became the first AI system known to pass U.S. insurance licensing exams—marking a major milestone in AI‑driven fintech.
Fort Lauderdale’s tech scene is booming, with Infinite Reality investing in a $3B tech-and‑entertainment campus and CentralReach ranking among top global AI health companies.
Meanwhile in Tampa Bay, the Synapse Summit 2025 hosted at Raymond James Stadium showcased AI innovations like inundation detection sensors, AI gun detection by ZeroEyes, and environmental-data grants powered by Bluetech in collaboration with USF and Tampa Bay Wave.
Beyond the giants, platforms like Clutch, DesignRush, and Built In highlight dozens of AI development firms across Florida:
Goji Labs, Naked Development, Azumo, and IT Medical (in Miami and Palm Bay) lead client‑focused AI and machine learning initiatives in healthcare, mobile apps, and automation.
According to Built In, the state hosts over 120 AI companies, including Zeta Global, Maxar Technologies, Rokt, and CDW, many with AI and analytics services in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa.
F6S lists top AI startups like wayfinder.ai, Prescient AI, OPSWAT, and dozens more in Florida cities—reflecting a diverse startup ecosystem.
Founder of OpenEvidence, a medical AI startup valued at ~$3.5B. Nadler recently moved to Miami and purchased a high‑profile Surfside penthouse. His investments and presence are seen as a signal of Miami’s increasing attractiveness to AI founders.
As described earlier, his leadership, philanthropy, and vision for AI-cyber convergence place him among Florida’s most influential AI voices.
After founding care.ai, Toleti has become a recognized voice in ambient AI and healthcare automation. His company’s rapid hospital deployments show a practical, mission-driven approach.
Recognized along with his brother for building Lula and now Gail, his journey signals AI’s advancing role in regulated sectors like insurance and finance.