Sarasota Hosts Meet the Founders Tech Event

The Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County recently hosted an event called Meet the Founders, presented by Shumaker, in Sarasota, FL. The event gathered entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders for discussions on innovation, technology, and collaboration.

At the event, several local founders shared their experiences and explained why they chose Sarasota to grow their businesses and homes. Jesse Biter, a Sarasota-based entrepreneur and investor, discussed his experience founding and scaling HomeNet Automotive, which was later acquired by AutoTrader. Rich Swier, an internet pioneer and AI founder, discussed his role in launching broadband nationally, as well as his involvement with significant tech deals and his recent exit from Offrs.com. Eric Foster, founder and CEO of TENEX.ai, highlighted his work in AI-native cybersecurity and noted the significant financial exits his company has achieved. Former Procter & Gamble Chairman and CEO A.G. Lafley, who also helped lead the Bay Park Conservancy, highlighted his contribution to Sarasota's waterfront transformation, a project valued at $200 million.

The event emphasized the growing momentum behind Sarasota County’s technology-driven economy. Organized by the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, the gathering also featured 57 new photos shared on the organization's Facebook page.



Source: Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County | Sarasota FL | Facebook

Source Type: Business

Source Location:

Feb 5, 2026 at 2:19 PM Business

North Port, FL

301 N Cattlemen Rd Suite #203, Sarasota, FL

https://www.facebook.com/757077153131090/posts/1379148604257272

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