Tech Grove Innovation Funding Showcase

The Innovation Funding Showcase offers a unique opportunity to explore investment opportunities, foster collaboration between the private sector and government, and gain a deeper understanding of how defense technology funding works in a dynamic environment where innovation and investment converge. The event brings together key players from the world of venture capital, government agencies, and technology innovation, providing businesses with the opportunity to learn, network, and grow.

Investment Opportunities and Government Collaboration

It can be challenging to navigate the complexities of government and military investment. The key to unlocking significant growth potential is to align your product with government and military needs. During the Innovation Funding Showcase, companies have the opportunity to learn how government and private investment work together. A roadmap will be provided for securing contracts and grants across departments and organizations. Participants will gain insight into how to pitch their products and services effectively to meet government needs, leading to successful partnerships and funding.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Rob Panepinto, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Govo Venture Partners, underscores the importance of understanding what you need from your investors. “It’s crucial for businesses to have a clear vision of what they want to achieve as presidents or CEOs of their companies,” Panepinto explains. “Knowing the investor’s portfolio and how you can bring tangible results is key to securing investment and building a fruitful relationship.” His insights highlight the importance of strategic planning and clarity in achieving investment success.

The CTO of Axelera Technologies also emphasizes the importance of networking and understanding investor relations, particularly in the context of government partnerships. “This event provides a fantastic opportunity to learn about how the government works and deals with new technologies,” he says. “It’s not just about showcasing what we have; it’s about understanding the needs of our investors and aligning our offerings with their expectations.”

The State of Venture Capital in Defense Technology

Despite fluctuations in other sectors, venture capital investment in defense technology has remained steady. A recent report from Silicon Nation shows that the venture capital landscape for defense technology has shown remarkable stability and growth. Between 2022 and 2023, VC investment in defense tech stayed steady, with $35.8 billion invested across 800 deals in 2022 and $34.9 billion across 627 deals in 2023. Across 228 deals in 2024, $9.1 billion has already been invested, underscoring the sector’s robustness and potential.

Exhibitors Highlight

The Innovation Funding Showcase features a diverse range of exhibitors, each offering unique opportunities for collaboration and investment. Among the key exhibitors are:

– Advanced Technology International (ATI): Specializes in Other Transactions Authorities (OTAs), providing flexible funding mechanisms for prototyping and technology development.

– Army Contracting Command Orlando: Focuses on contracts and grants for defense-related projects.

– Backswing Ventures: Offers equity investment opportunities for emerging tech companies.

– Cogent Bank: Provides loans and lines of credit tailored for technology startups and growth companies.

– DeepWork Capital: A venture capital firm focused on early-stage equity investments in technology and life sciences.

– Florida High Tech Corridor: Offers matching research grants to foster innovation and collaboration.

– Govo Venture Partners: Provides equity investment opportunities, particularly in the defense and government technology sectors.

– NASA Kennedy Space Center: Offers contracts and grants for space-related technology development.

– Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division: Focuses on contracts and grants for advanced training systems.

– New World Angels: An equity investment group that supports early-stage companies.

– Plug & Play: A global innovation platform providing venture capital funding to high-tech startups.

– SeedFunders Orlando: Offers equity investments to early-stage companies in Central Florida.

– United Capital Funding: Specializes in providing debt capital to growth companies.

– US Small Business Administration: Offers loans and grants to small businesses looking to innovate and expand.

Conclusion

The Innovation Funding Showcase is more than just an event; it’s a launchpad for future success. By providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and investment, it equips businesses with the tools they need to thrive in a competitive and rapidly evolving market. Whether you are a startup looking for your first investor or an established company aiming to expand into new markets, this event offers invaluable resources and connections. Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of this dynamic ecosystem and drive your business forward.

Central Florida Tech Grove

The Central Florida Tech Grove is a hub for accelerating collaboration and innovation in defense modeling, simulation, training, and human performance. Tech Grove is located in the Central Florida Research Park in Orlando, Florida which is the epicenter of the nation’s largest cluster of government, industry, academic, and industry organizations developing and delivering training and simulation products for our nation’s military. Tech Grove was established in 2020 through a Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) between the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) and the University of Central Florida Research Foundation. Eight other Department of Defense entities are Tech Grove members: US Army Program Executive Office for Simulation Training and Instrumentation (PEO STRI), US Air Force Agency for Modeling & Simulation (AFAMS), US Marine Corps Program Manager for Training Systems (PM TRASYS), US Army Simulation & Training Technology Center (STTC), US Army Futures Command Synthetic Training Environment Cross-Functional Team (STE CFT), Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL), Defense Health Agency (DHA), and the Office of Naval Research through the NavalX Central Florida Tech Bridge.