For three decades, Breakthrough Miami\u2019s evidence-based, near-peer teaching model has been designed to create dual impact: younger Scholars benefit from engaging, high-quality instruction and mentorship, positively impacting academic and social development, while older students gain hands-on leadership experience and professional confidence through an immersive teaching experience.<\/p>\n
\u201cBreakthrough Miami has a profound impact on the lives of Miami students by teaching them the leadership and learning skills they need to pursue their dreams and aspirations,\u201d said Griffin, in a statement. \u201cI care deeply about the lives of young people, and I am excited to know that my support of Breakthrough Miami will make a meaningful difference in our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Griffin\u2019s gift will support more than 600 high school and college students each year through Breakthrough Miami\u2019s leadership pipeline, while reaching 1,800 Breakthrough Scholars across South Florida. Funding will expand instructional coaching, leadership training, recruitment, evaluation, and program capacity while increasing the number of paid Teaching Assistantships and Teaching Fellowships available to students across South Florida. Through their Breakthrough experience, these emerging leaders develop transferable skills including instructional design and delivery, public speaking, time and project management, and adaptive problem-solving.<\/p>\n
2<\/p>\n
Zulu Pods attracts $660K investment from Tamiami Angel Funds<\/p>\n
Members of Tamiami Angel Fund V<\/a> recently invested $660,000 in Coral Spring-based Zulu Pods<\/a>, a defense-technology company that makes fluid-delivery components for manufacturers of missiles, drones and rotor aircraft.<\/p>\n \u201cZulu Pods is exactly the kind of Florida-based startup we seek to invest in as they develop cutting-edge technology that will be used in the rapidly changing defense industry,\u201d says Timothy Cartwright, partner of Fifth Avenue Family Office and chairman of Tamiami Angel Funds in Naples. \u201cThe defense and space industries have played a significant role in the diversification of Florida\u2019s economy for many years and promising fast-growing companies like Zulu Pods will help the state maintain that edge.\u201d<\/p>\n Zulu Pods, co-founded by engineers Rob and Daniella Sladen, makes a core product that delivers oil to expendable jet engines that power military missiles and drones, now a priority for the military in conflicts around the world. In addition, Zulu Pods technology can also be used as an emergency backup system in rotor-aircraft engines such as military helicopters, allowing crews to maneuver to a safe landing zone in case of failure of the primary engine-oil delivery system. <\/p>\n The funds raised from Tamiami Angel Funds and others will help the company achieve testing certifications and boost production.<\/p>\n READ MORE:<\/p>\n 3<\/p>\n Uber Eats bringing delivery robots to Brickell, too<\/p>\n More delivery robots are coming to Brickell. Starting this week, Uber Eats<\/a> customers in the Brickell area of Miami can now have their orders delivered by Avride autonomous robots<\/a>. Through its partnership with Uber, Avride\u2019s delivery robots are already available in Austin, Dallas, Jersey City, Philadelphia and Arlington.<\/p>\n Avride\u2019s delivery robots can operate within a 1-2 mile radius, stay charged for up to 12 hours, and can travel up to 5mph.Before confirming an order from participating restaurants, customers will be given the option to choose whether you\u2019d like your meal delivered by the Avride robot or a traditional courier. Initially, the service will be available from 10am \u2013 10pm in Brickell, with plans to expand the operating territory in the future. No tipping.<\/p>\n 4<\/p>\n XSponse, ExchangiFi lure strategic investments<\/p>\n \u00a0XSponse<\/a>, an emerging leader in intelligent emergency response, wearable technology, and critical communications, recently announced an investment by Armory Capital to accelerate the expansion of the company\u2019s technology platform, national footprint, and long-term growth initiatives. The amount of the invesment was not disclosed. <\/p>\n XSponse helps schools, public safety agencies, municipalities, healthcare organizations, and enterprises prepare for and respond to emergencies through a unified, intelligent security ecosystem that directly connects organizations with law enforcement, first responders, and emergency management agencies. <\/p>\n The investment provides the resources to advance development of its one-of-a-kind AI-powered security technology ecosystem and products, expand U.S. manufacturing, strengthen its engineering, sales, and customer relationship management teams, support nationwide deployment capabilities, build strategic partnerships, and enter new markets. \u201cWe believe the future of public safety will be built on intelligent platforms that seamlessly connect people, devices, and responders through communications and wearable technologies. This investment accelerates our mission to protect and save lives by saving seconds,\u201dsaid XSponse CEO Lee Mandel.<\/p>\n \u2713<\/p>\n Check your inbox for a confirmation email.<\/p>\n Also, ExchangiFi<\/a>, a Palm Beach Gardens-based startup developing a platform for ETF issuers and wealth advisors, received an investment from Prosperity Venture Partners, the family office of investor and wealth management entrepreneur Tommy Mayes. The amount of the deal was not disclosed. As part of the investment, Mayes will join ExchangiFi\u2019s board of directors.<\/p>\n Founded by CEO Matthew Bucklin, ExchangiFi provides a platform to connect ETF issuers and wealth advisors for Section 351 ETF exchanges. Its software supports the transaction by helping participants optimize portfolios, manage documentation, track capital commitments, and coordinate fund seeding. Since launching in September 2025, ExchangiFi has attracted more than 40,000 visitors and built an email list of more than 3,000 registered investment advisors. The platform currently lists 11 open 351 exchange ETFs and has a pipeline of more than 30 syndicated 351 exchange launches in 2026.<\/p>\n \u201cTommy has spent his career advising families and the advisors who serve them, and he deeply understands the wealth and asset management businesses and the tax challenges ExchangiFi is built to solve,\u201d said Bucklin, in a statement. \u201cHis experience as a board member and advisor will be invaluable as we scale the platform.\u201d<\/p>\n 5<\/p>\n Survey says: Florida CEOs more optimistic than most<\/p>\n The Florida Council of 100<\/a> recently released its Q2 2026\u202fFlorida CEO Index, showing Florida business leaders\u00a0remain\u00a0confident in the state\u2019s economic outlook despite continued national uncertainty surrounding costs, workforce needs, and broader economic conditions.<\/p>\n Florida\u2019s overall Florida CEO Index increased from 98 in the first quarter to 106 in Q2, the highest reading since the Council launched the index in 2025. Florida\u2019s score also exceeded the national Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index of 91, with scores above 50\u00a0indicating\u00a0economic expansion. The survey captures expectations from Florida CEOs\u00a0regarding\u00a0sales, capital investment, and employment over the next six months, providing an early\u00a0indication\u00a0of where the state\u2019s economy is headed. Florida\u2019s Q2 results also improved significantly from the same period last year. The overall index rose from 83 in Q2 2025 to 106 in Q2 2026, reflecting stronger confidence across sales, investment, and hiring expectations.<\/p>\n \u201cBusiness leaders often see changes in the economy before anyone else because they\u2019re making decisions about investment, hiring, and growth every day,\u201d said George LeMieux, Chair of The Florida Council of 100. \u201cThe record strength of this quarter\u2019s Florida CEO Index\u2014the highest we have ever seen \u2014 reflects the continued confidence Florida business leaders have in our state\u2019s economic direction and long-term competitiveness.\u201d<\/p>\n READ MORE: Florida Council of 100 and partners launch statewide tech expansion to reshape Florida\u2019s economy<\/a><\/p>\n 6<\/p>\n GoTu teams up with major provider of healthcare solutions for dental practices<\/p>\n GoTu Technology<\/a>, the dental talent marketplace startup based in Miami, and Henry Schein, the world\u2019s largest provider of healthcare solutions to office-based dental and medical practitioners, announced a strategic partnership designed to help dental practices address ongoing staffing challenges and maintain continuity of patient care. Through this collaboration, dental practices will gain expanded access to GoTu\u2019s technology-enabled platform, which connects offices with qualified dental hygienists, dental assistants, and associate dentists for both temporary and permanent staffing needs.<\/p>\n \u00a0GoTu will now be part of Henry Schein Dental Recruitment Services, which offers a range of services from permanent placement solutions to enterprise-level Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO). By combining GoTu\u2019s workforce technology with Henry Schein\u2019s extensive customer network, the partnership aims to deliver modern, flexible solutions that support practice efficiency and reduce operational strain. \u201cStaffing shortages continue to be one of the most significant challenges facing dental practices,\u201d said Cary Gahm, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of GoTu. \u201cPartnering with Henry Schein allows us to bring reliable, scalable workforce support to more offices across the country. Together, we can help practices stabilize their teams and ensure patients receive uninterrupted, high-quality care.\u201d<\/p>\n GoTu, which raised $45 million<\/a> in 2025, \u00a0has filled more than 500,000 shifts nationwide, offering practices a streamlined way to manage staffing gaps and maintain productivity.<\/p>\n 7<\/p>\n Brightline reintroduces commuter passes<\/p>\n Brightline<\/a> has reintroduced multi-ride passes for trips between its West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale stations and include a 10-ride option for $239, a 20-ride pass for $319 and a 40-ride pass for $359. Based on the largest package, fares start at about $9 per one-way trip.<\/p>\n \u201cAs South Florida continues to evolve into a connected economic powerhouse, Brightline is making it easier than ever for professionals to move seamlessly between major employment centers,\u201d said Brightline CEO Patrick Goddard in a statement. \u201cThe return of the multi-ride pass connecting West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale reflects the growing demand for flexible transportation options that support both business and lifestyle needs.\u201d<\/p>\n 8<\/p>\n Jobs, jobs, jobs<\/p>\n eMed \u2013\u00a0Head of Technical Operations<\/a> Find more jobs on Refresh Miami\u2019s job board\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n PLUS<\/p>\n Opportunity knocks<\/p>\n Are you\u00a0Miami curious? Maybe you\u2019re ready for more sunshine or tired of state income taxes. Maybe you\u2019re just looking for your next adventure. The challenge usually isn\u2019t the city, it\u2019s figuring out how to make the move make sense \u2013 the right role, the right company, the right connections. If you\u2019ve been thinking about Miami, check out\u00a0moveto.miami<\/a>, powered by Refresh Miami. We\u2019re here to help.<\/p>\n Applications are now open for the Alan B. Levan | NSU Broward Center of Innovation\u2019s\u00a0Incubate Program, a dedicated experience designed for entrepreneurs at the MVP stage ready for growth. This program runs from Aug. 5-28; participants meet on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays from 8:30 AM \u2013 11:00 AM at the Levan Center.\u00a0Apply by July 22 here.<\/a><\/p>\n Calling all Florida-based startups:\u00a0GatorPitch Miami\u00a0has always been an opportunity for University of Florida-affiliated startups to get in front of South Florida\u2019s vibrant investor and entrepreneurial ecosystem. For this year\u2019s event on Nov. 5, UF Innovate is opening the opportunity to pitch to Florida-affiliated companies. Find out more\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0apply here by Sept. 4<\/a>.<\/p>\n Applications are now open for the\u00a0Cade Prize for Inventivity, a national competition awarding over $100K in cash and in-kind support to early-stage inventors and entrepreneurs. Apply\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0by July 10.<\/p>\n Applications are open for the inaugural\u00a0West Palm Entrepreneurship and Adversity Program (WPEAP), a 10-month initiative designed to support individuals facing economic hardship while launching or growing a business. The program, managed by the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship at Florida State University and the Jim Moran Institute for Global Entrepreneurship, cost is $500, but scholarships of $475 are available. \u00a0Learn more ere hand apply by Aug. 1<\/a>.<\/p>\n ICYMI \u2013 Catch up!<\/p>\n Have news to report? Email Nancy Dahlberg at\u00a0nancy@refreshmiami.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow her on X @ndahlberg and\u00a0on LinkedIn<\/a>.\u00a0Subscribe to Refresh Miami\u2019s free weekly newsletter\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0featuring startup news, tech job opportunities and events.\u00a0<\/p>\n I am a writer and editor with extensive media experience and a passion for journalism and serving the community. Most of my career has been spent with the Miami Herald in business news, and my expertise is writing about tech and entrepreneurs. I love hosting this blog for Refresh Miami and we aim to be the go-to site for South Florida startup and tech news, features and views. Have news? Contact me at ndahlbergbiz@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!<\/p>\n
Codistry \u2013\u00a0Chief Operating Officer<\/a>
Exowatt \u2013\u00a0Power Systems Engineer \u2013 EMT Modeling\/Simulation<\/a>
Kaseya \u2013\u00a0Sr Software Engineer<\/a>
Lennar \u2013\u00a0Data Engineer II<\/a>
Papa \u2013\u00a0Operations Manager<\/a>
Payabli \u2013\u00a0Staff Data Engineer<\/a>
Ramp \u2013\u00a0Procurement Product Activation Manager<\/a>
Securitize \u2013\u00a0Director of Trading & Risk<\/a>
Securitize \u2013\u00a0Marketing Operations<\/a>
TrustLayer, Inc \u2013\u00a0Implementation Specialist<\/a>
Vultr \u2013\u00a0Sr Manager, AI Infrastructure Operations<\/a>
Workee, Inc \u2013\u00a0Customer Success Manager<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n![\"Nancy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/60b7851ea3a84-bpfull.jpg\")
<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/a>Latest posts by Nancy Dahlberg (see all<\/a>)\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t8+ things to know in #MiamiTech: News about Ken Griffin, Zulu Pods, Tamiami Angel Funds, Uber Eats, FC 100, XSponse, ExchangiFi, GoTu, Brightline, job opps & more<\/a> – July 10, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMiami area startups attracted $832M in VC in Q2, PitchBook reports. We\u2019ve got the top deals.<\/a> – July 9, 2026\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPediatrica secures $28M Series B to expand platform across Florida, Texas<\/a> – July 7, 2026\t\t\t\t \t<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"1 Ken Griffin donates $2M to Breakthrough Miami More South Florida students will have the opportunity to gain…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":78,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[225,227,226],"class_list":["post-335821","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-hialeah","tag-hialeah","tag-hialeah-headlines","tag-hialeah-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/335821","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=335821"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/335821\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/78"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=335821"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=335821"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=335821"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}