ELEVATOR PITCH
OUR STORY
In 2006, Brian Breslin saw untapped potential in South Florida’s fledgling startup ecosystem and quickly realized there lacked a support system for the tech and startup community. From this idea, Refresh Miami was founded. Its mission: to educate, inspire, connect, and grow South Florida’s tech and startup ecosystem. Over a decade later, Refresh Miami now unites over 10,000 entrepreneurs, developers, designers, investors, and tech lovers right here in our own backyard.
As the oldest and largest tech and entrepreneurial community in the state, Refresh Miami serves as the hub of Miami Tech. Refresh Miami members get a front-row seat to learn from top-notch founders, innovators, and technology professionals from across the country. They expand their skills through Refresh’s in-depth workshops, hear what other local entrepreneurs are working on through Refresh’s news articles, and explore the helpful resources available to them through Refresh’s Resource Directory. Pulling it all together is Refresh’s weekly email newsletter, which keeps the ecosystem “in-the-know” on all things tech and startups in South Florida.
The team at Refresh believes what’s happening in Miami is truly special— from the diversity of its ecosystem (the majority of the entrepreneurial support organizations and gatekeepers are women) to its thriving immigrant population (42% of Refresh members were born outside of the United States, and 56% are ethnically diverse). South Florida is now home to some of the world’s newest unicorns, including Magic Leap, REEF Technology (formerly ParkJockey), and JetSmarter—all within the last five years! Refresh Miami is proud to serve this community, amplify its stories, and help it continue to grow.
MILESTONES
- Featured in Inc. Magazine (July/Aug 2019 issue): “Poolside Co-Working Spaces and a Bustling Art Community: Your Ultimate Guide to Miami’s Hot Startup Scene”
- Featured in TNW (July 19, 2019): “An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Miami’s Startup Ecosystem”
- Authored 2015 and 2019 Miami Tech Ecosystem Report for the Miami Downtown Development Authority (Miami DDA)
- Miami Dade Chamber of Commerce, Technology Association of the Year (2014)
TESTIMONIALS
“When deciding whether or not to move back to Miami in 2011, Refresh Miami’s existence was a signpost of this city’s potential. Refresh offered an open community, friendly collaborators, and a learning platform. Miami’s startup community wouldn’t be where it is today without this pillar of an organization.”
—Wifredo Fernandez, Co-founder of The LAB Miami
“Refresh is Miami Tech’s connector. From the events they host to the individuals who run Refresh, they are continually working to make connections and build the network. Wyncode made its official launch announcement at a Refresh event back in 2014. It was an important starting point for us to have a platform and audience to get the word out.”
—Johanna Mikkola, Co-founder of Wyncode
“Refresh was how I was introduced to Miami’s tech scene. I was working as a developer in advertising and started attending Refresh events where I was exposed to people building products and companies. Fast forward six years, and I have now built two businesses and exited one, both of which I pitched at Refresh’s Demo Days.”
—Juan Bermudez, Founder of NightPro & CoachHQ
“We turned to Refresh when we needed to fill a crucial role on our Product team. We found the ideal candidate (who was living in NYC) through the Refresh newsletter promoting our job post. There’s no doubt that Refresh has built the strongest tech community in South Florida!”
—Linda Koritkoski, Classic Motors
MEET OUR TEAM
Brian Breslin, Founder and Chairman
Brian founded Refresh Miami in 2006 after identifying a lack of technology and entrepreneurial resources available in South Florida. Over a decade later, Refresh Miami now unites over 10,000 entrepreneurs, developers, designers, investors, and tech lovers.
Brian has been involved in a number of local startups, as well as local charities. He is the founder of Infinimedia, Inc., a software consulting firm focused on logistics solutions. He also co-founded SimCase, an educational gaming company focused on higher education.
Brian holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He is a proud Miami native.
Maria Derchi Russo, Executive Director
A long-time member of the organization, Maria formally joined Refresh Miami as its Executive Director in November 2015. Maria has a rich background in marketing, leading initiatives for companies such as ParkJockey (now REEF Technology) and Travelzoo.
She also serves as Campus Director for TheVentureCity and is the founder of Women in Miami Tech (WIMT). Maria holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Boston University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
Peter Martinez, Director and Board Member
Peter is a senior software engineer, community organizer, and serial entrepreneur. By day, he develops tools to enhance teaching and learning at the University of Miami, and by night, he builds infrastructure for InvestReady, a crowdfunding compliance solution.
Peter holds a Master’s in Electrical Engineering from Florida International University and has been an integral part of South Florida’s tech community for the past eight years.
Josh Martinez, Events Assistant
Josh joined the Refresh Miami team in 2008 while pursuing a Computer Science degree at Florida International University. He is CTO for On The Map Marketing and Local Staffing.
Mollie Cole, Project Manager
The newest team member, Mollie joined in June 2019. A senior at the University of Miami, Mollie is passionate about working with startups and has experience in the Israeli and Chilean tech ecosystems.
