Page 45 - May-June-July Life In Naples

There is also, of implementation of the Adrenaline Venture Fund, the accelerator is
course, a draw to poised to grow even more.
Naples in particular,
beyond the beauty Dr. Goodman loves the cultural perspectives these international
southwest Florida companies bring, “innovation rarely occurs in monolithic cultures.
has to offer, “it’s There is a hyper-diversity here,” Marshall exclaimed.
the overall business
climate, not just the With the increased funding and growing interest from local
weather climate but and international companies, Marshall has clear plans for better
the business climate technology, more equipment and infrastructure in the Naples space
is very supportive, and feels the Immokalee Accelerator is on the horizon.
very friendly, very
encouraging,” Oskari explained about his decision to move his “We hope to bring high-tech to the food processing world and
family and business headquarters to Naples. we are very excited about the collaboration with FGCU and UF,”
Supportive, friendly and encouraging are important adjectives Marshall described, “and we look forward to student engagement
in Accelerator Executive Director, Dr. Marshall Goodman’s book and involvement throughout the process in Naples and Immokalee.”
for international companies. “In many cases they’re not start-ups,
they’re transplants, they’ve been successful in their country, with Oskari reflects Marshall’s vision with his company, Local Greens,
proven products and experience,” Marshall explained, “bringing a “we know agriculture is one of the main business fields in the state
company to this environment can be a shock…we can help ease of Florida,” he explained, “which gives us opportunity to introduce
them into our culture and our preferred method for doing business.” the latest applications in high-tech agriculture through our unique,
The international culture continues to grow at the Naples enclosed, entirely organic, greenhouse production.”
Accelerator with current international companies: Airfi from
London, HyperTeam from Hungary, RUMM from the United Oskari felt being in Florida has a distinct advantage with the
Kingdom, and Active Asset Allocation from France, and with University of Florida’s existing ecosystem, massive demographic
the approval of $2 million from the State of Florida and the and distribution potential, and highly successful tourism. Moving
his companies to the Naples Accelerator is a decision Oskari feels
good about and is confident his latest company, Ilme – a high-end
advertising and marketing company - will do just as well. “There is
great opportunity at the Naples Accelerator,” he said.

For more information, visit naplesaccelerator.com

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Life in Naples | May • June • July 2016 45