Timothy Cartwright wears many hats in his professional life.
He is a partner and co-founder of Fifth Avenue Advisors, a wealth management, mergers/acquisitions and angel investing management firm. He’s also managing director of the FAA subsidiary he founded in 2003, Compass Advisory Group, a consultancy that completes business transactions and corporate restructurings for mid-market companies.
Add to that his chairmanship of Tamiami Angel Funds, which are member managed investments in promising young companies, and his service as president of the Gulf Coast Venture Forum, a Southwest Florida-focused, nonprofit, angel investment network.
These professional pursuits, as with his life, are infused with the teachings of his Christian faith, something he has in common with his partners in FAA, Craig Lyon and Gary Price. He says they share philosophies, ethics and an appreciation for serving customers.

“It really emanates from our core value of using our Judeo-Christian beliefs and implementing them in our business: respect for every individual, a servant-leadership mentality that we take into our business every day, recognizing the talents we have been given and determining to use those talents to their highest and best use in serving others,” Mr. Cartwright says.
“I think it’s equally important that you recognize that everyone has talents and gifts, so no one person has all the skill sets required. That’s why we’ve come together in a partnership; we’ve found that a team approach to serving clients is much better than an individual approach.”
He and Mr. Lyon formed FAA in 2006, bringing their individual businesses, Compass Advisory Group and Magnus Capital, together in a one-stop shop.
“He was a regular investment advisor who managed family wealth and I had a merger and acquisition advisory firm that helped people sell their companies and become liquid,” Mr. Cartwright says.

Mr. Price, a former vice-mayor of Naples, added his wealth management skills to the mix in 2008.
A native of suburban Chicago, Mr. Cartwright has a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin and a master’s of management in finance and accounting from Northwestern University. College was followed by two years with Arthur Andersen, a holding company and former Big Five accounting firm, in Chicago.
Next, Mr. Cartwright dove into entrepreneurship by starting a supply chain consulting company, Benchmark Solutions, which grew to have locations in four Midwest cities. After leaving that company in 1999, he started Byproducts Interactive, an internet marketplace for food and agricultural byproducts, which was victimized by the economic downturn that occurred after 9/11.
He and his wife, Amy, visited Naples in 2002, as he considered his next move. A beachfront lunch at Lowdermilk Park helped prompt their decision to move their family, which included three young children, from suburban Chicago to Collier County.
After the move, Mr. Cartwright became involved in organizing and educating angel investors and facilitating the funding of small businesses to diversify the region’s economic development through investment in innovative industries. This led to the creation of Tamiami Angel Funds in 2008.
He describes the impact of the Tamiami Angel Funds as one of his major sources of pride, citing the company Taste of Immokalee as a prime example behind that feeling.
Taste of Immokalee was launched in 2014 by Immokalee High School students. The company sells hot sauces, spices, salsa and barbecue sauces the students create in stores such as Publix and Winn-Dixie. With mentoring provided by Naples-area business leaders, students from the economically challenged community gain hands-on experience in various aspects of running a business.
Tamiami Angel Funds has raised $12,000 from its members for the company, in a partnership with the nonprofit Community Foundation of Collier County. Investors are working to raise a total of $250,000 to enable Taste of Immokalee to bring manufacturing and distribution of its products to Immokalee from Sarasota.
“The greatest satisfaction comes out of serving people and helping them achieve their dreams and their goals,” Mr. Cartwright says. “That goes across the board, whether it is serving high net worth families and helping them accomplish their goals of charitable giving or paying grandchildren’s tuitions, whether it’s working with entrepreneurs and angel investors, all the way to the public service and volunteer roles that we play in various organizations.” ¦
Interview with Tim Cartwright
Business mentors: My partners.
First jobs: Delivering the newspaper and detasseling corn.
Business words of wisdom: Operate at the intersection of professional drive and personal humility.
Favorite business book: Donald Trump’s “The Art of the Deal.”
Two things you look for when hiring: People who are confident but coachable.
Any job openings? No.
Last time you had to fire someone, and reason? Sorry, that’s confidential.

Investors are raising $250,000 in capital for Taste of Immokalee, a Florida corporation that is breaking new ground in socially responsible investing.
In a unique partnership between Naples-based Tamiami Angel Funds and the Community Foundation of Collier County, investors in Taste of Immokalee know their investment will benefit underprivileged children in eastern Collier County who are learning to become entrepreneurs.
Launched three years ago by Immokalee High School students, Taste of Immokalee sells hot sauces, spices, salsa and barbecue sauces in stores such as Publix and Winn Dixie. Under the mentorship of Naples business leaders, the students from the socio-economically underserved area learn valuable hands-on business lessons in developing social-media campaigns and merchandising activities at local festivals, schools and retail outlets.

Taste of Immokalee is a benefit corporation, a newly permitted Florida corporate structure that lets companies pursue both profits and community benefits. Traditionally, companies either had to register as for-profit or not-for- profit, but the state approved this new hybrid structure in 2014. It gives the company’s directors the ability to pursue both the community benefits and the profits as their mission.
“Taste of Immokalee students pitched their company to our investors, and we were won over by their entrepreneurial drive to succeed,” says Timothy Cartwright, chairman of Tamiami Angel Funds, member-managed funds that invest in promising young companies. “They are at the vanguard of the trend of social investing, which considers both financial success and community benefits to create social change.”
Mr. Cartwright believes this new initiative with the Community Foundation of Collier County, called the Tamiami Angels Impact Investing Initiative, will create similar socially responsible investment opportunities in the future.
Tamiami Angel Funds raised an initial $12,000 from their members, which will be deposited in a special account set up by the community foundation for the benefit of Taste of Immokalee. This allows investors to claim a tax deduction because they donated the shares in the company to the nonprofit foundation.
“This is the kind of groundbreaking endeavor the community foundation was designed to facilitate, and we hope this is the first of many such corporate efforts to benefit other causes, such as restoring the environment and improving human health,” says Eileen Connolly-Keesler, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Collier County.

If Taste of Immokalee is as successful as investors believe it can be, the benefit to the community could be significant. For example, food and beverage company Newman’s Own has distributed $475 million to charity thanks to the actor Paul Newman, who founded the company in 1982.
The capital that Taste of Immokalee raises will be used to bring the manufacturing and distribution to Collier County and to boost sales to achieve profitability, says Steve Stolz, board member of Taste of Immokalee. Currently, the company has contracted with a Sarasota based firm to produce and package the sauces and salsa, but long-range plans include production in Immokalee.
The nonprofit 1 By 1 Leadership Foundation of SWFL helped the students launch Taste of Immokalee in 2014 with the help of grants from insurance giant State Farm. “This is all about the kids,” says John Lawson, executive director of the foundation. “They can build it to sustainability.”
For more information, visit www.tasteofimmokalee.com, www.tamiamiangels.com and www.cfcollier.org. ¦

Financial success and social welfare are not mutually exclusive. One innovative company in Immokalee shows us the way.
The small agricultural town of Immokalee in eastern Collier County may be an unlikely place for the newest trend in venture-capital circles, but one company there is at the vanguard of social investing.
Tamiami Angel Funds, a group of Naples investors who invest in promising young companies, recently formed a unique partnership with the Collier County Community Foundation to raise capital for Taste of Immokalee.
But Taste of Immokalee is unlike any company you’ve seen before in Southwest Florida. It’s not a nonprofit charity and it’s not a for-profit company.  It’s a hybrid called a benefit corporation, or “B Corp.”, a structure that only recently has been permitted to form in Florida.
Started by enterprising students from Immokalee High School in 2014, Taste of Immokalee sells hot sauces, spices, salsa and barbecue sauces in stores such as Publix and Winn Dixie. Under the mentorship of experienced Naples business leaders, the students from the socio-economically underserved area learn valuable hands-on business lessons such as marketing and distribution.
Anyone can invest in Taste of Immokalee just like any for-profit company and become a shareholder. Or you can make a charitable contribution to 1 by 1 Foundation, the nonprofit that helped launch Taste of Immokalee with grants from insurance giant State Farm.
But investing through the Tamiami Angels Impact Investing initiative at Community Foundation of Collier County (CFCC) could mean a windfall for the greater benefit of the community. Here’s how: By ceding their shares in Taste of Immokalee to the CFCC, investors get a tax deduction because of the foundation’s nonprofit status.  If Taste of Immokalee becomes a successful company as investors believe it can, the Community Foundation can earn a windfall and reinvest the proceeds for the benefit of the community.
This is an important development because it’s another tool in the economic-development arsenal to diversify the region’s economy. What’s more, it’s a way to boost the economic well-being of communities that haven’t benefited from the economic recovery.
There is a well-known precedent for this kind of social benefit to financial success. Food and beverage company Newman’s Own has distributed $475 million to charity thanks to the actor Paul Newman who founded the company in 1982.
Tamiami Angel Funds and other investors are confident that Taste of Immokalee can be financially successful and boost economic opportunity. But like any startup enterprise, Taste of Immokalee needs capital to grow.
Tamiami Angel Funds is the lead investor and its members are contributing $12,000 to seed a $250,000 capital raise. That’s money Taste of Immokalee can use to bring manufacturing to Collier County and provide more opportunity and jobs to the region.
Taste of Immokalee will show the state that profits and social welfare aren’t mutually exclusive. Now’s the time for investors to prove us right by contacting Tamiami Angel Funds for more information (www.tamiamiangels.com).
Timothy Cartwright is chairman of Tamiami Angel Funds, member-managed funds that allow high-net-worth individuals and families to invest in promising early stage and expansion-stage companies located in the U.S., with a preference for those in Florida.

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA — Budding entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to realize their dreams at a Shark Tankstyle event sponsored by local investors.
Three to five contestants will compete for $50,000 during a real-life tournament, based on the popular TV reality series. The event will culminate on March 30, when triumphant entries receive venture capital to transform their company concepts or nascent business models into life-changing, successful enterprises.
“Thanks to generous sponsors, VenturePitch SWFL will offer the winning startups $50,000 in equity investments,” said Timothy Cartwright, chairman of Naples-based Tamiami Angel Funds.
Entrepreneurs from Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee and Sarasota counties can submit their startup business plans to VenturePitch SWFL at www.tamiami-e.co. The deadline to submit a plan is Feb. 15 and the event is scheduled from 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. March 30, at Isles Yacht Club, 1780 W. Marion Ave., Punta Gorda.
The VenturePitch SWFL series is part of the Tamiami Angel Funds’ e.co initiative to build a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem from Sarasota to Naples. Modeled after the “Shark Tank” television show, entrepreneurs make a brief pitch to seasoned investors on stage in front of an audience.
Sponsors of the fast-paced event in March include SunNewspapers, The Hatchery at Babcock Ranch, North Port Economic Development Corporation, Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce, SCORE, Tamiami Angel Funds and Adrenaline Venture Fund.
This will be the first time the event takes place in Charlotte County.
“The reason our newspaper decided to bring this event to our area of Florida is because we wanted our young people to hear the message that they don’t need to leave town to start their dream business,” said David Dunn-Rankin, CEO of the Sun Coast Media Group which owns Sun newspapers in Charlotte, DeSoto and Sarasota counties. “It’s time we support our homegrown entrepreneurs and our newspaper decided to put money where our mouth is.”
The Sun partnered with Babcock Ranch because they are building the most technologically advanced city in the nation, he said, including a Hatchery to house entrepreneurs with ideas. Babcock Ranch President Rick Severance said the winner will receive one year of free space in the Hatchery.
“We see the benefits of sponsoring this new business platform,” he said. “We want to keep that entrepreneurship here.”
And Severance hopes to host the event at Babcock Ranch next year, when the Hatchery is up and running.
“It will be a place to share ideas and passions in a collaborative environment,” he said.
SCORE volunteers will select the finalists to pitch their ideas on March 30. SCORE is a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, grow and achieve their goals through education and mentorship.
“We’ve got a lot of business experience in our group,” saidSCORE’s Jim Getz, chair of the screening committee.
He said the Shark Tank-style competition shares the same goal.
“It’s an excellent idea. It will be a lot of fun and give entrepreneurs exposure to major capital,” Getz said.
Punta Gorda Chamber President John Wright also promotes a common purpose. “The Punta Gorda Chamber is delighted to be a part of this great, new initiative, especially as it focuses on entrepreneurial spirit that is so key to the chamber’s heart,” he said.
“We have operated several Entrepreneurial Academies in recent years, and this event just adds excitement tosearching out new entrepreneurs in our area.”
North Port is getting into the act as well. The private North Port Economic Development Corporation will raise $5,000 for the top company from the North Port area.
“The focus is not just on the award winners,” said Peter Bartolotta of the North Port EDC. “The important thing is we’re bringing people to the table who are willing to invest. Economic development is all about relationships.”
The North Port EDC supports business interests to diversify the local economyand build up the tax base for a city of more than 60,000 residents, and growing. A recent example was its advocacy role in bringing to North Port the Suncoast Technical College, now under construction. This facility will further the mission of providing a trained workforce far into the future.
“I think the timing for this event is perfect. There’s other ways to make a living today than to work for a company for the next 30 years. The world is changing,” Bartolotta said.
“North Port is a community that believes in a future filled with possibilities. A city whereyou can achieve anything.”
Also with the North Port EDC, David Dignam said the event promises to be mustsee reality, with the contest bringing out the best in the community.
“You don’t know what ideas are out in the community,” he said. “This event will stir folks, young and old, who have been sitting on an idea or an app.
They can say, ‘Now I have a venue to launch my program.’ I’m excited to see what comes out. We may just have the next widget of the world.”

NAPLES, Fla. (May 5, 2016) – The Tamiami Angel Fund II (T2) recently announced an investment in its 10th portfolio company – Streann Media.

A fast-growing startup in Miami, Florida, Streann Media offers Next Generation streaming and over-the-top (OTT) transformational software for content providers.
“TV, video, and audio are a necessity, but how we consume them is ever-changing,” said Streann Media Chief Executive Officer Giovanni Punzo. “While the market for traditional TV platforms is shrinking, demand for OTT-TV is growing exponentially. The millennial generation wants TV on its tablets, smart TVs and smart phones. Consumers want TV everywhere, and they’re cutting the cord from traditional cable operators that continue to offer the same entertainment without new interactive or innovative development.”

Streann Media offers cloud-based, easy-to-integrate solutions that enable content providers, cable operators, mobile operators and TV/radio broadcasters to offer their viewers a “TV everywhere experience” on any smart device.

With nearly 64 percent of customers based in Latin America, Streann Media will focus T2’s investment funds in expanding its services into the U.S. and European markets; developing new product features for its video OTT-TV advertising platform; and increasing support staff to manage the growing customer base.

“There is a transformation happening in the content market. It’s no longer enough to provide services on demand; we now need to migrate to a platform that gives consumers social interactive features, such as live tweets and virtual reality applications,” said Punzo. “For our B2B customers, our social interactive solutions are integrated with our advertising management platforms, giving them a way to monetize their content.”

As part of Streann Media’s focus on social media integration, the company recently showcased its live streaming virtual reality solutions with Oculus (a Facebook company) at this year’s Las Vegas NAB Show – the world’s largest annual conference and expo for professionals who create, manage, and distribute entertainment across all platforms.

“Our technology helps engage audiences; we integrate content with social media allowing for better interactivity. Our virtual reality solution allows experiences, such as live concerts, to be streamed through our smart phone applications and viewed through Oculus headsets. We also showcased another Streann market first – our next generation OTT-TV content management system integrated with our advertising platform created to help our customers develop revenue streams from their content.”

The recent venture continues T2’s commitment to investing in high-potential, accelerated growth companies. Its members include former executives of major national and global corporations and successful entrepreneurs that have exited their businesses.

“T2 sees Streann Media as a disruptive technology based business that will participate in the democratization of streaming video. Content providers, social media influencers and personality brands can launch their own TV channel utilizing Streann Media without ever needing to negotiate a contract with Comcast,” said Timothy J. Cartwright, chairman of T2. “The team has tremendous relationships and a full sales pipeline in Latin and South America, which provides T2 geographic diversification we don’t typically get with a U.S.-based startup.”

To learn more about Streann Media, visit www.streann.com.
​
Tamiami Angel Fund I & II LLC are member-managed funds designed to enable private accredited investors to actively participate in a disciplined investment process. The funds invest in promising early-stage through expansion-stage commercial ventures located in the U.S., with a preference to those in the state of Florida. The Funds are members of the Angel Capital Association and the Florida Venture Forum. For more information, visit www.tamiamiangels.com. 

NAPLES, Fla. (April 7, 2016) – The Tamiami Angel Fund II (T2) recently closed on its ninth portfolio company, investing $250,000 in eNow Inc. (eNow).

The innovative, clean technology company develops and sells proprietary renewable energy systems for commercial and public transportation vehicles. eNow’s solar panels use the latest in technology to capture and convert the sun’s energy into useable power.

Formed in 2011, eNow’s team of experts include industry leaders in solar power applications, transportation, technology, engineering and environmental science.

“Fuel costs are one of the largest expenses for fleet operators and industry participants,” said Jeff Flath, founder and president of eNow.  “Truckers idle engines in order to keep the engine block warm, to heat and cool the cabin and to operate lift gates. Using the engine for these types of functions consumes almost a gallon of diesel fuel per hour and constitutes nearly eight percent of total fuel use. Our product is enabling customers to substantially reduce the costs associated with operating trucking fleets by providing a less expensive, solar-based energy system.” 

The no-idle climate control system has shown an annual savings of $8,000 to $12,000 in operational tests. In addition to cost savings, customers also benefit from emissions reduction and less wear and tear on motors.

In a 2015 report released by Ohio State University’s Center for Automotive Research, findings showed that eNow’s solar auxiliary power systems can significantly improve fuel economy by utilizing solar power to charge a vehicle’s auxiliary batteries.

“The funding from T2 will allow us to expand our marketing outreach efforts as well as continue product development and testing,” said Flath.

Recently, eNow announced the launch of its new Solar Photovoltaic Panels system integration for the Dometic Blizzard Turbo auxiliary air conditioner. The combined eNow-Dometic system is the first solar-powered air-condition for the Class 8 sleeper trucks.  The system enables a typical Class 8 driver to extend run time of the air-condition, resulting in increased savings on diesel fuel costs and reducing the alternator load. 

“We’re very excited about the platforms and products the company has developed,” said Bud Stoddard, a Tamiami Angel Fund II member and eNow board member. “eNow’s unique energy management systems is one of the most advanced systems available today. It’s not only a great sector investment for T2 but also an impact opportunity to transform the transportation industry.”
eNow designs and sells solar power idle reduction systems for medium and heavy-duty vehicle applications. These products are designed to reduce fuel and maintenance costs, save energy, and reduce harmful emissions. The company’s goal is to provide industry-specific solar solutions to companies that embrace profit, planet and people. The company provides sustainable solutions to the increased regulatory requirements of its customers while allowing them to realize a significant return on their investment. To learn more, visit www.enowenergy.com.

The recent venture continues T2’s commitment to investing in high-potential, accelerated growth companies. Its members include former executives of major national and global corporations and successful entrepreneurs that have exited their businesses.

Tamiami Angel Fund I & II LLC are member-managed funds designed to enable private accredited investors to actively participate in a disciplined investment process.  The funds invest in promising early-stage through expansion-stage commercial ventures located in the U.S., with a preference to those in the state of Florida.  The Funds are members of the Angel Capital Association and the Florida Venture Forum.  For more information, visit www.tamiamiangels.com. 

Timothy J. Cartwright has been selected to chair the Emerging Technologies and Business Showcase selection committee.

A partner at Fifth Avenue Advisors, a merger and acquisition consultancy and family wealth management firm, Cartwright also serves as chairman of the Tamiami Angel Fund I and II, one of the largest angel groups in Florida at $9 million under management.

Presented by Space Florida, Enterprise Development Corporation of South Florida and Florida Venture Forum, the Emerging Technologies and Business Showcase, a capital acceleration competition and business networking event open to the public and featuring presentations by some of Florida’s most promising early and mid-stage companies, will take place on Nov. 4 at the Hyatt Regency Coral Gables. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top two winning presenters: $100,000 for a growth to mid-stage company and $50,000 for an early stage company.

Referencing the prize money, Cartwright noted, “There are numerous pitch competitions in which the reward is being named the winner. For companies to receive an actual cash award, i.e., nondilutive capital, nationally distinguishes this showcase and should encourage the best angel-backed and venture-backed companies from Florida to apply.”

To be considered as a presenter at the 2015 Emerging Technologies and Business Showcase, companies must submit an online application by Sept. 30. Participating companies (including showcasing companies) must be aligned with one of the following industry sectors: information technology and health technology, knowledge-based services, space transportation and advanced aerospace platforms, satellite systems and science payloads, ground and operations support systems, agriculture, climate/environmental monitoring, civil protection and emergency management, ISS and human life science (including medical research), communications, cyber security and robotics, adventure tourism, clean/alternative energy applications, advanced materials and new products.

The selection committee will consider companies in either start-up or growth stage, and will make its selections based on companies’ innovative or disruptive offerings, potential to attract third-party investment, and pathway toward robust job creation.

Qualifying companies must maintain a corporate presence in Florida or establish a corporate presence in Florida within 90 days of selection.

Cartwright will be joined by selection committee members: Casey Swercheck, CapitalSouth Partners & Capitala Finance Group; Jennifer Dunham, Arsenal Venture Partners; Melissa Krinzman, Krillion Ventures; Nico Berardi, Accelerated Growth Partners; Nicholas Brunner, Stonehenge Growth Equity Partners; Richard Licursi, venVelo; Robert Crutchfield, Harbert Venture Partners; Rhys Williams, New World Angels; Richard Molloy, Florida Gulfshore Capital; Ryan Cortner, Clearwell Group LLC; Travis Milks, Stonehenge Growth Equity Partners; Will Brooke Jr., Harbert Venture Partners; and Mike Byrnes, Emphasys Software.

For registration information, event details, entry guidelines or to apply online, visit www.flventure.org and select “2015 Emerging Technologies and Business Showcase” under “events.”

The Florida Venture Forum, established in 1984, is known as the leading entrepreneurial networking group in Florida that provides companies with managerial assistance and identifies sources of venture capital. To date, the organization has helped Florida-based companies attract more than $3 billion of venture capital investment. Cartwright joins a board comprised of the top venture capitalists, private equity investors and service providers who desire to see Florida become a perennial top five finisher in attracting venture capital investment to the state.

The organization provides programs statewide throughout the year in addition to hosting the Florida Venture Capital Conference, Statewide Collegiate Business Plan Competition and Early Stage Conference. For more information, visit www.flventure.org.

Tamiami Angel Fund I and II LLC are member-managed funds designed to enable private accredited investors to actively participate in a disciplined investment process. The funds invest in promising early-stage through expansion-stage commercial ventures located in the U.S., with a preference to those in the state of Florida. The Funds are members of the Angel Capital Association and the Florida Venture Forum. For more information, visit www.tamiamiangels.com.


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Startup companies create jobs.  Not just a few jobs, but all new net jobs.

This is not conjecture, rather the findings of a study entitled "The Importance of Young Firms for Economic Growth", published by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City.  The Kauffman Foundation, a $2 billion charitable organization focused on entrepreneurship, reports that over a 30-year study period, large companies created jobs when the economy was growing and eliminated jobs when the economy weakened.  "Both on average and for all but seven years between 1977 and 2005, existing firms are net job destroyers," writes author Jason Wiens and Chris Jackson.

Startups, the very earliest stage companies, defined in the report as "firms less than one year old" accounted for three percent of total employment from 1980-2005, which seem s a modest number.  Yet, given that the average annual net employment growth over th same period was 1.8 percent, the data suggest without the jobs from startups, employment growth would be negative.

If the question before us is 'How do we generate economic development and diversification?' (in other words, jobs), then the clear answer is startups.  However, that answer begs the question, 'How do we generate startups?'.  In order to solve the proverbial chicken and egg paradox, which comes first the startups or early stage capital, our region should rely on our trump card, Southwest Florida's retired and semi-retired high net worth individuals.  Collier County lays claim to the highest per capita concentration of accredited investors across all 67 counties in Florida.

Read the Full Article Online Here.