InvestorInvesting in the future of innovation.
The startup scene in United States
UF Innovate Tech Licensing reported that 344 startups had been launched from university research by July 2026, with 231 active and 66 active in Alachua County. The county figure is not a Gainesville city count.
About
UF Innovate Tech Licensing reported that 344 startups had been launched from university research by July 2026, with 231 active and 66 active in Alachua County. The county figure is not a Gainesville city count.
UF Innovate’s Innovation NaviGator provides founder-support information and a map of startups, incubators, support groups, commercial space, and investment groups across Alachua County. UF Innovate Ventures says its $2 million annual fund may co-invest in UF startups alongside an accredited third-party lead, subject to Investment Committee approval. Its pitch-deck route is for companies with an active UF technology license or option, a viable product or service idea, strong intellectual property, a large market, and a need for investment.
UF Innovate reported in 2023 that Gainesville’s Innovation District, which includes The Hub, had more than 80 businesses at that time. A 2021 UF News article described The Hub’s facilities and reported 55 resident companies then; that company count is historical.
Examples of Gainesville-connected companies include Shadow Health, founded in Gainesville in 2011 as a UF Innovate startup and acquired by Elsevier by January 2021, and Feathr, which UF Innovate identified as Gainesville-based and a Hub graduate when it announced the company’s Series B of more than $11 million in January 2020.
GNV Tech Chats describes itself as a local technology networking group for developers, designers, AI engineers, and other technology enthusiasts, with monthly coffee socials and happy hours. The 2026 pitchGNV competition has concluded: applications closed July 10, 2026, and the event took place September 2–3, 2026.
Startup ecosystem standing
Where Gainesville ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Global Startup Ecosystem Index (cities) | 2025 | #403 | No prior edition | B | Ecosystem, Activity, Finance, Business Climate |
8 organizations with a profile
Who's based in Gainesville
Investors 4
Investor
InvestorInvesting in the future of technology, manufacturing, and real estate.
InvestorAuthentic Italian dining experience
The 3 most prominent of 4. Browse all investors
Accelerators 3
AcceleratorFostering innovation and commercialization at the University of Florida.
AcceleratorFostering entrepreneurship through competition.
AcceleratorEmpowering tech founders to transform industries.
Venture studios 1
Venture studioInnovating technology companies from concept to market.
Based here, most-ranked first
Universities in Gainesville
UniversityListed in 7 rankings
Pick what describes you
Your way in
Raising in Gainesville
Investors based here, and the programs that take teams at your stage.
Get investor introsFinding startups in Gainesville
Accelerators and incubators here see the earliest teams first.
Get startups that fitScouting in Gainesville
Campuses and communities are where teams form before anyone funds them.
Start scoutingFrom public sources
What the sources say about Gainesville
UF reported a 2019 estimate of statewide economic impact from UF-licensed companies; it is not a Gainesville-only measure.
Source: UF Research Helps Drive Florida's Tech EconomyGNV Tech Chats presents itself as a local cross-disciplinary technology networking group with monthly informal meetups.
Source: GNV Tech Chats - Gainesville's Tech CommunitystartGNV’s 2026 pitchGNV competition has closed and the event has passed; its stated eligibility was national, while event venues spanned Gainesville and Alachua.
Source: pitchGNV – 2026 – startGNVA 2021 UF News article described The Hub’s facilities and reported 55 resident companies then; the count is historical.
Source: UF Research Helps Drive Florida's Tech EconomyUF Innovate’s 2023 article placed The Hub in Gainesville’s Innovation District and reported more than 80 businesses in the district at that time.
Source: The University of Florida, Concept Companies, and Trimark Properties Join Forces To Make Gainesville’s Innovation District a Major Economic HubFeathr’s September 2025 release announced two products for nonprofits; it said Intelligence was available and Fundraising was planned for Q4 2025, without establishing current availability.
Source: Feathr Expands Nonprofit Marketing Platform With AI-Powered Intelligence and Integrated Fundraising
Questions about Gainesville
How does Gainesville rank as a startup ecosystem?
Its best position is #403 in StartupBlink Index (cities) (2025).
How many startup investors are based in Gainesville?
4 investors based in Gainesville have a profile here, including OneSixOne Ventures, INDIE Co. and Pomodoro Cafe. The real number is higher.
Are there accelerators or incubators in Gainesville?
Yes. Gainesville has 3 accelerators and 1 venture studio on record, including UF Innovate and 6Massive Holdings.
Which universities are in Gainesville?
One university has a profile: University of Florida.
Geographic proximity
Nearby cities to Gainesville
Superscout Pro
Find faster. Show up verified. Keep your deals private.
$99a year, or $12 a month
Get Pro- Search that narrowsInvestors, programs, accelerators, incubators and studios, by stage, sector and place.
- A verified profileThe people you reach know you are who you say you are.
- A private deal vaultThe startups you are watching, with your notes and your reasons. Nobody else's eyes.
Is this page right?How the research works