About the Event
Founding Blue is back. After a quiet stretch since the 2024 Jerry Hendrix discussion, we're relaunching the gathering that brings South Florida's blue economy community into the same room — founders building marine and ocean-tech companies, investors backing them, and the operators, captains, researchers, and sponsors who keep the ecosystem moving.
This first evening of the new series is intentionally informal: heavy on conversation, light on programming. Hear what's coming next from the Founding Blue team, meet the leaders of the Marine Research Hub of South Florida and Ocean Exchange, and connect with the people building in adjacent corners of Florida's blue economy.
Hosted at the Marine Industries Association of South Florida (MIASF) in Fort Lauderdale.
What to Expect
- Curated networking with founders, investors, and marine industry leaders
- A look at what's next for Founding Blue and the relaunched series
- Connections with the Marine Research Hub and Ocean Exchange teams
- Drinks, light bites, and conversation — no pitches, no panels
- A conversation with Mark Volchek, Founding Partner of Las Olas Venture Capital, on building and funding companies in the blue economy
Featured Speaker
Mark Volchek
Mark co-founded Higher One out of college, took it public on NASDAQ, and grew it to serve 13 million students across 1,900 schools. He's since backed 30+ companies as an angel and VC and currently chairs the Florida Venture Forum. He'll join us for a conversation on building and funding companies at the intersection of technology and the blue economy.
Hosted By
In Partnership With
Marine Research Hub
Ocean Exchange
Who Should Attend
Founders building in marine, ocean tech, coastal resilience, or the broader blue economy. Investors and operators looking to plug into Florida's marine and ocean-tech ecosystem. Researchers, captains, and industry partners who want to be in the room as Founding Blue restarts. If you've been waiting for the next gathering, this is it.