Florida’s most active VC firm is landing in Miami — and it’s adding a familiar tech name

The most active venture capital firm in Florida is finally landing in Miami — and adding a familiar tech community member’s name to its ranks.

Florida Funders, the Tampa-based hybrid venture capital fund-angel investor network, will soon open a Magic City office after years of circling South Florida.

Among its first local hires is Maria Derchi Russo, the executive director of Miami tech and startup community Refresh Miami. She will serve as Funders’ Miami director of community on a part-time basis and retain her title at Refresh. She will also be leading a local “scout” program for Florida Funders, a team that will be augmented by Miami scouts including Kiddie Kredit’s Evan Leaphart.

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