TLDR:
- TCA Venture Group, based in Irvine, California, is launching TCA Southeast in St. Petersburg to expand their national reach.
- Scott Kelly of Black Dog Venture Partners will serve as the hub for TCA Southeast in St. Petersburg to facilitate partnerships and funding for entrepreneurs in the area.
An Irvine, California-based venture capital group, TCA Venture Group, has announced the launch of TCA Southeast in St. Petersburg to foster startup ecosystems in Florida and Georgia. The firm, formerly known as Tech Coast Angels, is expanding its reach outside of California to tap into new technologies emerging from universities in Florida. The leadership of TCA realized the potential for growth and innovation in the southeastern region and decided to establish a headquarters in St. Petersburg.
Scott Kelly, CEO of Black Dog Venture Partners, will play a key role in the operations of TCA Southeast in St. Petersburg. He plans to facilitate partnerships in the local tech ecosystem and help entrepreneurs apply for funding. Frederick and Christopher Fey will serve as co-presidents of TCA Southeast, leveraging their ties to the University of Florida and their experience as serial entrepreneurs to drive the growth of angel investing in the region.
TCA currently has over 425 members and three angel funds, offering mentoring, industry connections, and operational assistance in addition to capital. TCA Southeast members will have access to investment opportunities across six separate networks, aiming to increase available capital through collaborations with local angel groups, universities, and startup accelerators.
The partners emphasized the benefits of virtual meetings but plan to hold an investment panel in St. Petersburg in May. They believe that Florida’s favorable business climate and growing population will contribute to the success of TCA Southeast in the region.
