February 16th 2024.
On February 15th, Downtown Miami was buzzing with excitement as a new addition to its tech ecosystem, The Source, officially opened its doors. According to the Miami Herald, this center is proudly Black-owned and is set to make a significant impact on the community. The brains behind this project are none other than Miami Gardens native Ted Lucas, founder of Slip-N-Slide Records, and his business partner Hilmon Sorey, a seasoned venture capitalist with investments in over 100 companies, including big names like Uber and Lyft.
During the grand opening, Lucas spoke about the importance of uplifting and supporting the local community, especially for those who look like him. "If you look like me, I want to see how you are going to help my community. That's very important to me," he said. The Source's main goal is to foster local tech talent and provide resources for students, startups, and small businesses through accelerators, workshops, and networking opportunities.
Lucas also acknowledged the efforts of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez in attracting tech founders to the city. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he worked closely with Mayor Suarez to find ways for Black residents to actively participate in the growing tech scene. "It's important to have a space like this because there are a lot of different organizations handling different aspects of the tech ecosystem," shared Stefan Owens, head of Growth and Investment at The Source. Miami-Dade Commissioner Oliver Gilbert III, who was present at the grand opening, also expressed confidence in The Source's commitment to supporting startup founders and empowering others.
Through a partnership between Lucas' Tech Knowledge organization and Florida Memorial University, The Source has already made a significant impact on the community. They have supported tech boot camps, providing training for local residents and preparing them for future tech jobs. "Within the last two years, we've invested $500,000 in startup companies, and we're just getting started," Lucas proudly announced.
One success story that stands out is that of Desiray Malcolm, a single mother of two from Miami Gardens. She had previously worked in warehousing but decided to take a chance and participate in a tech boot camp at Florida Memorial University. Her hard work paid off when she secured a job as an account manager at Kaseya. "They say this is just the beginning for The Source, but I feel like we've already taken off," shared an enthusiastic Malcolm.
In addition to The Source, there is another new player in the tech industry making waves. Inpathy App's COO, Desiree Davis, is determined to help people find balance and elevate the human experience through technology. The Source and Inpathy App are both proof that Miami is quickly becoming a hub for tech innovation and diversity. With their determination to support and uplift the community, the future looks bright for both organizations.
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