Tampa venture capital firm adds three partners

Florida Funders, a Tampa-based venture capital firm, has elevated three staff members — Saxon Baum, Michael Kadow and Ryan Whittemore — to partner status.

According to a news release, Baum previously served as vice president of investor relations and was responsible for sourcing new investors and raising capital for early-stage companies. As a partner, he will continue to oversee investor relations in addition to scouting founders and startups.

Kadow, the release states, had been vice president of finance and operations. After his promotion, he’ll be responsible for developing and implementing Florida Funders’ financial management strategy and strategic goals.

Whittemore, meanwhile, served as the firm’s chief investment officer and will continue to head up its investment strategy as a partner.

“I’m immensely proud to watch the new generation of professionals make their mark in venture and continue to evolve Florida Funders’ commitment to investing in the best talent,” Florida Funders Managing Partner Tom Wallace states in the release. “They have each brought extensive value to the firm and I’m excited to see the firm’s growth under their leadership.”

In the past four years, the release states, Florida Funders reviewed more than 3,600 deals and invested in 96, with a contribution totaling $146,042,843. To date, the firm has invested in 209 companies, mostly in the tech sector.