Companies seek startup funds

Sixteen early-stage firms will head to the Omni ChampionsGate in Orlando Oct. 5, seeking to raise equity capital at the Florida Venture Forum. Four of the companies are based along the Gulf Coast.

• Apollidon Inc. is based in Oldsmar, and aims to provide masters-level education resources to distance learners over the Internet;

• St. Petersburg-based Claro Scientific LLC is developing medical diagnostic tools;

• Proximus Mobility LLC specializes in local mobile advertising, and is based in Naples, with an office in Sarasota; and

• Tampa-based Rover Technology Fusions LLC develops business software that integrates with mobile devices.

Since its January 2008 Conference, the Florida Venture Forum has helped Florida's early-stage companies raise more than $230 million in equity financing.