"Most startups will not have the luxury of applying to protect all of their potentially registrable IP rights at the outset. Financial constraints will mean that difficult decisions will need to be made regarding which IP right or rights to prioritize. This is where a clear strategy comes into play."

— Jacqueline Hooper on safeguarding your startup with an intellectual property strategy

Featured Growth Story: Jason Sallman

Role: Director of Marketing

Organization: BlockSpaces

Hometown: Stuart, FL

Tactical advice on building a startup: Always look for an edge, or a way of doing something new. Think about what could flip your industry on its head. Don't be afraid to cause disruption.

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Startup Leadership + Confidence Mentor Hour Webinar
Digital Fireside Chat and Mentor Session with Titania Jordan, CMO of Bark
Presented by Startup Sisters USA
Friday, January 31 at 2PM - 3PM


Synapse Summit
Innovation Conference with 6,000+ Expected Attendees, Keynotes, Breakouts and Company Exhibits
Presented by Synapse Florida
Tuesday, February 11 and Wednesday, February 12


Embarc Collective Open House
Tour Tampa Bay's New Startup Hub
Presented by Embarc Collective
Wednesday, February 12 at 5PM - 7PM


Startups to Watch
Startup Showcase of Fast-Growing Companies in Tampa Bay
Presented by Tampa Bay Inno
Wednesday, February 19 at 5:30PM - 8PM

BlockSpaces to host Blockchain Innovation Event at Embarc Collective
St. Pete Catalyst • BlockSpaces, a Tampa-based blockchain development studio, will host Matteo Rizzi, financial tech pioneer, next month to bring his insights on financial service disruption to Tampa Bay. The event takes place on February 20 at Embarc Collective.


Artificial Intelligence Innovation Lab Sets Up Shop in Ybor City
TBBJ • TheIncLab, a D.C.-based startup that develops artificial intelligence-based systems designed to learn and collaborate with humans, has established an office in Ybor City. The company recently took part in Tampa Bay Wave's TechDiversity accelerator.


Yaro Gets Acquired by Virgin Pulse
Embarc Collective • Embarc Collective member startup Yaro, a Chicago-based healthcare company that transforms healthcare by putting consumers at the center of their health and financial decisions, announced last week its acquisition by Virgin Pulse.

Company: Homee

Elevator Pitch: An on-demand property maintenance platform.

Position: Provider Recruiter

Position Highlights: Homee is looking to add to its growing team. This role is responsible for the acquisition of pros in designated Homee markets as assigned by the VP of Markets or Director of Support Services. Acquisition includes all activities from the initial promotion of markets to supporting qualified pros taking their first Homee job. The job requires a high degree of professionalism, an ability to communicate the value proposition of Homee to potential professionals, an ability to persuade desired professionals to engage in the Homee model, a willingness to maintain relationships with professionals and build the referral network of additional professionals.

Apply Here

10 Intellectual Property Strategies for Technology Startups
Intellectual Property (IP) is one of the strongest economic tools your startup can leverage. It not only protects what differentiates your startup from competitors but can also be essential to obtaining venture capital and partnerships. However, early-stage startups need to be resourceful to strategically secure the correct IP as their company scales. In a 2017 (but still relevant) article, the authors break down 10 strategies startups can use to secure their intellectual property with descriptions of how and what to protect in your business.


Who Owns the Intellectual Property Rights in Your Startup?
One of the key issues an investor or buyer will look for in a company is who owns the intellectual property rights used in the course of its business. However, when startups are early-stage with a team of one or more, who owns the intellectual property may not necessarily be the company outright. In this resource, Taylor Wessin Law Firm shares why determining who owns the company's intellectual property is important and how to manage intellectual property owned by startup operators versus the company.

Navigating the Internet: Domain Names Management
Domain names play a special role in the intellectual property ecosystem. On the Brand & New podcast from the International Trademark Association, committee members Paul McGrady and Todd Williams explain how companies can protect its domain names and use this intellectual property to strategically position its business.
Listen Here

Volunteer at the 2020 Synapse Summit
Synapse is looking for volunteers to help with the 2-day conference taking place February 11 and 12. Volunteers are needed to help with pre-event, during event and post-event tasks. Participating volunteers receive a free ticket to the rest of the event with event parking comped, a Synapse t-shirt and a unique networking opportunity.
Deadline: February 9
Apply Here


Techstars Allied Space Accelerator
Techstars Allied Space Accelerator is a 13-week mentorship-driven accelerator program that provides in-depth foundational content that prepares you to run your startup. The virtual accelerator program is interested in the next generation of space technologies with a concentration on companies in the commercial space industry.
Deadline: March 1
Apply Here


2020 TechDiversity Accelerator
This program gives entrepreneurs of varied backgrounds an opportunity to leverage their diversity for the expressed purpose of realizing their aspirations of success, and to make a positive impact on our growing community. Startups with 51% ownership or operated by a minority, woman, veteran or lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender person, or a combination thereof are encouraged to apply.
Deadline: March 31
Apply Here