A little about Harry Stafford Bullen IV
I grew up in Annapolis, MD, right down the Severn River from the Naval Academy, where I graduated in 2017. After living in Tokyo, Charleston, and San Diego, my wife and I settled in Jacksonville, FL. As a former nuclear engineer working on our Navy’s aircraft carriers, I bring unique expertise to tech startups that we are investing in.
Additionally, I founded my company, The Jacket Club, in 2023, where we craft custom blazers for colleges nationwide. I enjoy surfing, playing pickleball, and spending time with my wife and daughter, Blaire.
Tell us about your work at PS27 and why you love the company.
PS27’s team is another family away from home. The unique level of expertise everyone brings to the table has been incredible as we elevate companies from the investment stage to self-sustaining excellence. From our investment committee to the marketing team and the many events we host around Jacksonville, PS27 has become a staple in the North Florida community.
Favorite memory in the innovation ecosystem so far?
Analyzing over 150 applicants for the Female Founder’s Forum was an incredible insight into women-founded companies around the country. With less than half of total VC funding going towards women founders in 2023, having the opportunity to assess our top applicants for entry to the event was an incredible time to ask the question: why are VC’s not investing more in this space? March 8, 2024, was a phenomenal showcase of some of the top talent in the United States.
Tell us about your vision for Jacksonville’s innovation ecosystem. Hopes and dreams for 2025?
- Embracing Technological Innovation and Startups: Florida, and particularly Jacksonville, has seen a significant rise in tech startups, leveraging the state’s business-friendly environment. For 2025, envision Jacksonville as a burgeoning hub for technology, particularly in sectors like fintech, health tech, and green tech. This growth is propelled by Jacksonville’s strategic location, diverse talent pool, and increasing access to venture capital.
- Sustainable Development and Clean Energy: Florida’s focus on sustainable development is another key trend. In Jacksonville, the potential for growth in clean energy solutions and sustainable urban development is immense. Jacksonville should be leading high-growth cities in green initiatives, from solar energy advancements to eco-friendly urban planning, attracting environmentally conscious startups and investments.
- Educational and Research Collaborations: Florida’s educational institutions have been active in fostering innovation. In 2025, Jacksonville should aim to strengthen its collaborations between universities and businesses, driving research, innovation, and talent development. This could position the city as a center for cutting-edge research in areas like biotechnology, AI, and materials science.
- Partnerships and Collaborative Networks: Finally, fostering strong networks and partnerships among businesses, government, and academia in Jacksonville could amplify the city’s innovation potential, attracting national and international investments.
Advice for young professionals hoping to get involved in venture capital?
For young professionals aspiring to enter the venture capital arena, my advice is to immerse yourself in the startup ecosystem. Build a robust network by engaging with entrepreneurs, attending industry events, and staying abreast of the latest trends and technologies. Cultivate a strong understanding of financial analysis and market dynamics, but also develop a keen eye for innovation and entrepreneurial potential. Seek out mentorship opportunities and consider roles in startups or related fields to gain practical insights into what makes businesses succeed. Remember, venture capital is not just about finance but also about foresight, strategy, and a passion for innovation.
For founders looking to raise capital, the key is to clearly articulate your vision and the unique value proposition of your business. Investors are drawn to founders who demonstrate deep market knowledge, a strong business model, and a scalable solution to a real problem. It’s crucial to build a solid team and show traction or potential for significant growth. Be prepared for due diligence and be transparent in your communications. Finally, target investors whose expertise and network align with your industry, as their value extends beyond just financial support.
What’s your favorite thing about startups you’ve discovered so far, and what do you want to see next?
In the context of Florida’s emerging status as a FinTech and clean energy hub, my favorite aspect of startups in this region is their remarkable drive and innovative spirit in challenging and disrupting major industry players. Entrepreneurs here have shown a unique blend of agility, creativity, and resilience, leveraging Florida’s supportive business environment and diverse talent pool. They are not just adapting to trends but are also actively shaping them, particularly in the realms of digital finance and sustainable energy solutions.
Looking forward, I am excited to see how these startups will further harness cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain to revolutionize these sectors, contributing to Florida’s economy and setting new benchmarks in global innovation. The potential for these startups to drive significant social and environmental impact, especially in sustainable practices, is a particularly thrilling prospect for the future.
What’s the best thing startups can do to help build the innovation ecosystem, and why should they do it? What’s the benefit for all?
The best thing startups can do to help build the innovation ecosystem, especially in a burgeoning environment like Jacksonville, is to actively engage in collaborative networks. This involves forming partnerships with local universities, research institutions, other startups, and established businesses. By doing so, startups can foster a culture of knowledge sharing, cross-sector innovation, and mentorship. These collaborations not only accelerate the growth of individual startups by providing access to new resources, expertise, and markets but also contribute to the overall dynamism of the local innovation ecosystem.
The benefit of this approach is multifaceted. For startups, it opens doors to new ideas, talent, and potential funding sources. For universities and research institutions, it means their work has a direct impact on real-world applications, enhancing the relevance of academic research. Established businesses benefit from the fresh perspectives and agility of startups, often leading to innovative solutions to existing challenges.
Moreover, such an interconnected ecosystem fosters a supportive environment that can attract more venture capital, talent, and entrepreneurs to the region. It creates a virtuous cycle of innovation, where successes within the ecosystem further fuel its growth and attractiveness. The result is a more robust, diverse, and resilient economic landscape, offering benefits not just to the stakeholders within the ecosystem, but to the wider community in terms of job creation, technological advancements, and sustainable development. In summary, by embracing collaboration and community engagement, startups can significantly amplify their impact and contribute to a thriving innovation ecosystem that benefits all.
