Sagamore and its social impact investing arm, Commonwealth Impact Investing, have been actively building Tampa Bay’s entrepreneurial ecosystem since 2021 — deploying capital, convening innovators, and connecting minority entrepreneurs to the networks and resources they need to scale. Tampa is home to some of our most active portfolio companies and among the most dynamic startup ecosystems in the country, ranked #2 in the nation for entrepreneurship and #3 for the number of minority-owned businesses.
Sagamore’s impact investing platform—Commonwealth—has been investing in Tampa and other Florida companies since 2021. Sagamore also helped convene the Tampa Innovation Summit featuring the Christian rap artist KB and other founders, investors, corporate leaders, and civic partners using business as a force for good across the region.
As part of our Minority Entrepreneurship Institute (MEI), a partnership with NFL player and businessman Jaylon Smith, the Tampa Showcase expanded access to capital and opportunity for local minority entrepreneurs.
The event brought together investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders for a live pitch competition and marketplace experience. Entrepreneurs were selected from across Florida to present high-growth businesses and compete for investment, while also gaining visibility, mentorship, and connections.
More than 80 entrepreneurs applied, with finalists pitching on stage and competing for a planned $300,000 in investment across new portfolio companies. Beyond the competition, the Showcase opened the broader MEI marketplace—connecting dozens of startups with investors and support organizations to generate deal flow and long-term growth.
Sagamore has teamed up with the Florida-based WepTac A.G. and Osprey Global Solutions to get critical defense tech onto the battlefield.
Commonwealth’s think tank partner, Sagamore Institute, produces research and consulting services to advance innovative ideas, strengthen social enterprise and create leading measures to evaluate social impact.
Tony Dungy’s All Pro Dad organization commissioned Sagamore Institute to prepare a report on better serving the state’s foster youth in the K-12 educational system.
Sagamore Institute prepared a white paper titled “The Business of the Civil Society Sector: Taking Care of Community” for the Office Depot Foundation’s annual Weekend in Boca Civil Society Leadership Symposium. Click the image to read the report.