From Tel Aviv to Miami: The Growing Connection Between Israel Tech and South Florida
By South Florida Community Voice
At last week’s Israel Tech Week in Miami, one thing was clear: the connection between Israel and South Florida has never been stronger.
“It’s as close as you can get to Israel without being there,” says Salomon Sredni, Managing Partner at Ocean Azul Partners. “It really feels like a mini Tel Aviv.”
A Growing Bridge Between Israel and Miami
Israel Tech Week has rapidly evolved into a major global gathering point for entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators. The multi-day event brings together venture capital firms, Israeli startups, Fortune 500 executives, and technology leaders for panels, networking, and deal-making.
With events spanning Miami, New York City, and other major hubs, the focus spans industries such as:
- Artificial intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Fintech
- Digital health
- Climate tech
Its mission is simple: connect Israeli innovation with global capital and opportunity.
In Miami, that mission feels especially natural.
Meet the Investor Behind the Growth
At the center of this ecosystem is Ocean Azul Partners, a Miami-based venture capital firm playing a key role in Israel-focused investing.
Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on early-stage companies—from seed through Series A—primarily in B2B software and deep tech.
“We currently have over a dozen portfolio companies in Israel,” says Sredni. “If you want to be a serious tech investor, you can’t ignore Israel. The level of innovation there is extraordinary.”
Why Israel Continues to Lead
Israel’s reputation as the “Startup Nation” is well earned. The country has one of the highest concentrations of startups per capita in the world and consistently produces globally scalable companies.
But beyond innovation, Sredni highlights something deeper:
resilience.
“I’ve taken pitch calls from founders near Gaza or the Lebanese border—and they refuse to stop,” he says. “They just keep going.”
In some cases, entrepreneurs are simultaneously serving in military reserve duty while running their companies.
“We had a CEO serving in special forces three days a week and running his company the other four,” he adds. “It’s inspiring.”
A Portfolio Built on Innovation
One standout example is QBIQ, an AI-driven company transforming commercial real estate.
Traditionally, evaluating whether a tenant can fit into a space requires costly and time-consuming architectural planning.
QBIQ changes that.
“It used to take $10,000 and a week,” Sredni explains. “Now it takes 30 seconds.”
The Israeli Entrepreneurial Edge
Israeli founders bring a distinct cultural advantage.
“They’re very direct,” Sredni says. “There’s real discussion—people challenge ideas openly, regardless of hierarchy.”
Combined with Israel’s diversity—a blend of cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives—this creates a uniquely dynamic innovation environment.
“That diversity is part of the strength,” he adds.
Miami’s Rise as a Global Tech Hub
While Israel has long been a global technology powerhouse, Miami’s tech ecosystem has been quietly building for years.
“When we started in 2017, Miami had a tech scene—but it wasn’t on the national radar,” Sredni explains.
That changed during COVID-19, when entrepreneurs and investors from cities like San Francisco and New York began relocating or spending extended time in South Florida.
“They came down and realized—why am I living somewhere else?” he says.
Today, Miami offers:
- A rapidly growing venture capital ecosystem
- A business-friendly environment
- Strong international connectivity
- A diverse, global culture
“It’s a true melting pot,” Sredni notes. “You can hear multiple languages on one block.”
Looking Ahead: Miami as Israel’s Global Gateway
Both Israel Tech Week and firms like Ocean Azul Partners are helping position Miami as a central hub for Israeli innovation outside of Israel.
If current trends continue, South Florida may evolve from a gateway into a permanent base for the next generation of Israeli startups.
The connection between Tel Aviv and Miami is no longer emerging.
It’s established—and growing.
