We have a robust startup community but a lagging, small VC community in Orlando.
I didn't see many resources to easily raise a lot of capital in Orlando, so we raised approx. $200 million mostly in New York City for our homebuilding company.
I attended the Florida Venture Forum for Early Stage reception about a week ago. Receptions are usually where people mingle.
The VCs and Angel groups were hanging out together talking and I watched founders approach the VC groups.
Each time the investors blatantly ignored the founders and went back to talking to each other. It was so rude.
So I introduced myself to the investors to see what would happen.
I put my hand out and one investor felt obligated to shake my hand. The others in the group didn't even introduce themselves. As I stood there facing three investors trying to do small talk, they ignored me and started talking to each other.
It was probably the rudest moment I've had in the last 20 years.
The investors didn't realize that I help run one of the largest private companies in Orlando.
The investors didn't realize that I'm fundraising for another company, Jabburr.
Jabburr is growing over 60% monthly and has a strong chance of being the first tech decacorn in Orlando.
I immediately blacklisted the investors. When they come back later and act all nice after finding out what I can do for them, that train will have left.
I only do business with good people. If you're an investor and a crappy person who thinks you're better than the founders who can make you rich, you may want to find a new occupation.
What's sad is that I would have invested heavily back into their VC funds to support other local founders once Jabburr got to a certain level.
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