Social Entrepreneur
Blue Man Group
CONNECTING CULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY
Nonprofit Synapse Accelerates Innovation in Florida By Justin Braun
I
n the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that allows neurons to pass electrical and chemical signals to each other. It is a connection point that facilitates the flow of energy throughout the body, essential to all living things. Similarly, within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the synapse is just as vital. Taking the form of relationships and networks, connections within a business community enable the flow of ideas and capital that foster innovation and breed 54 | SEPTEMBER 2019 | i4Biz.com
growth. But, unlike neuronal synapses, social connection points between entrepreneurs are often entirely circumstantial rather than naturally occurring. Unfortunately, serendipity doesn’t scale. “A strong innovation community needs more than luck to be successful. It needs intentionality,” says Brian Kornfeld, president of Synapse, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to accelerate innovation throughout the state. “Synapse was founded by entrepreneurs and investors looking to create a framework to connect Florida’s dynamic innovation communities more efficiently and effectively. Synapse is a place for business leaders to find what they need and share what they have so they can more easily succeed.”
