Why we built
Embarc Collective

We saw Florida's incredible entrepreneurial talent and asked:

What if they finally had the infrastructure they need to build world-class companies?

We built the platform
we wished we had

As experienced founders and operators, we knew Florida’s entrepreneurs deserved something better than templated programs and surface-level support.

So we built something completely different: a founder-first platform that puts you at the center. We built personalized coaching from operators who’ve actually been there. A community of serious builders who understand that growth doesn’t follow artificial deadlines. And support that evolves with you – instead of forcing you into a box.

And most importantly, we’ve proven it works — with 95% of member companies still growing after five years, $600M in funding raised and 1,200+ high-paying jobs created. At Embarc Collective, we’re empowering the next generation of serious builders to create world class companies, right here in Florida.

The platform ambitious
founders deserve

Embarc Collective exists to support the most driven and focused tech entrepreneurs in Florida. We surround serious founders with the operator-led coaching, strategic connections, and curated community they need to build companies that make a lasting impact.

Personalized strategy that scales with you

Get customized roadmaps that evolve with your business—from initial traction through scaling and fundraising milestones

Expert guidance when it matters most

On-demand access to GTM, ops, fundraising, and team-building operators who know what actually works

Founders who move as fast as you do

A curated community of builders who understand your ambition and operate at your pace

Open the right doors at the right time

Warm introductions to investors, corporate partners, and top-tier talent—timed for when you actually need them

We followed
our own playbook

We didn't build Embarc Collective in a conference room with whiteboards and assumptions. We spent months in customer discovery, having 100+ conversations with founders to understand their pain points, so we could build a platform that actually solves real problems.

Now, five years later, we're in our own growth stage, scaling the same data-driven way we teach our members. That's why 95% of our companies are still growing after five years, too. When you build around real needs instead of theoretical solutions, the results speak for themselves.

When founders get
the right support,
they thrive

Our track record proves it. When you combine personalized support with expert guidance and a community of driven peers, founders scale, raise capital, and build companies that last.

0%

Companies still growing with
Embarc Collective after five years

0+

High-paying
jobs created

$0M

Raised by
member companies

0+

Startups scaling
with us

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Hours of
coaching delivered

0K+

Visitors to Embarc
Collective annually

Power the platform
that’s building
Florida’s tech future

From Fortune 500 partnerships to grassroots community support, discover how you can contribute to Florida's most effective founder ecosystem.

Partners

Corporations, educational institutions, and investors work with us to connect with breakthrough startups while positioning themselves as innovation leaders.

Explore partnership
Community Champions

Connect with Florida’s most ambitious founders and entrepreneurs and elevate the region’s startup ecosystem through events, introductions, and strategic support.

Explore ways to support

“Being part of a community like Embarc Collective helped immensely. Sharing experiences with other founders and having access to coaches and mentors — including mental wellness coaches — made an enormous difference.”

Mart Vainu
Founder and CEO, Cashy
Matthew Livak

“Serving on the Young Professionals Board launched me into the world of startups and venture capital. It was truly rewarding to accomplish multiple goals in parallel: driving value to our community's entrepreneurial nucleus, building my personal brand, and building friendships that will last for years to come. Whether you're an industry veteran or just launching your career, I encourage you to apply!”

Matthew Livak
Private Banker, JP Morgan

“Joining Embarc made a huge difference for me. Before that, I was trying to figure it all out on my own. When I joined Embarc, I got exposed to a lot of different knowledge, different visions, and different points of view. And that made me a better founder.”

Mauro Costa
Founder and CEO, Bulkitrade

“Working together, USF and Embarc Collective are creating an ecosystem to drive innovation and accelerate community impact. Companies benefit from cutting-edge academic insights, while offering students hands-on experience and mentorship opportunities. Together, we're amplifying our individual missions, creating breakthroughs that neither of us could achieve alone.”

Prasant Mohapatra
Provost and Executive Vice President, University of South Florida

Florida’s startup story
is being written here

Our century-old building in downtown Tampa has seen many eras—from a 1920s produce warehouse to an arts center, ad agency, and event space. Today, it's home to something new: a 32,000 sq ft hub where we host 300+ events annually and fuel Florida's emergence as a serious tech powerhouse.

Be part of Florida’s most driven
founder community

Become part of the platform that delivers real results for serious builders. And get personalized support, expert operators, and a community that moves as fast as you do.