Global Miami Magazine

The January/February 2025 issue of Global Miami is here—available in print and online! Inside this issue: ✈️ MIA’s $9 Billion Makeover – Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava unveils a bold plan to transform the airport’s future. 💰 International Banking & Finance – How South Florida is strengthening its position as a global financial hub. 🇲🇽 Miami & Mexico – A deep dive into growing trade and investment ties between these economic powerhouses. Stay informed—subscribe and follow Global Miami Magazine for more! #GlobalMiami #MiamiBusiness #Trade #Finance #Aviation #SouthFlorida #EconomicGrowth #MiamiAirport #InvestMiami #MIAExpansion #MiamiTrade

Coco Robotics has officially expanded its Uber Eats partnership to Miami, launching in Wynwood and Downtown with plans to reach Brickell, Miami Beach, and other neighborhoods this year. The California-based company—responsible for over 500,000 global deliveries—announced the move on April 2. Its entry into the Miami market reflects the city’s growing role in testing and adopting autonomous delivery solutions, as the global delivery robot market is projected to reach $770 million by 2029. #GlobalMiami #CocoRobotics #MiamiTech #AutonomousDelivery #UberEats #TradeAndInvestment #LogisticsInnovation #SmartCityMiami

The Miami Seaquarium’s parent company, MS Leisure Co., filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 31, listing up to $500 million in assets and liabilities. The filing includes 14 affiliated entities and outlines plans to secure $8 million in debtor-in-possession financing to maintain operations during restructuring. The bankruptcy follows months of tension with Miami-Dade County, which served an eviction notice over alleged unpaid rent and animal welfare concerns. Despite the county’s efforts to remove the Seaquarium from its Virginia Key site, a judge ruled to allow the attraction to remain open under a new rental plan. The Seaquarium is operated by The Dolphin Co., a Mexico-based MS Leisure subsidiary that purchased the park in 2021 and manages marine attractions across Florida, Latin America, and Europe. Subscribe to our Business Monday newsletter for the latest news impacting trade and investment in South Florida here: https://lnkd.in/eQBxeunj #MiamiBusiness #BusinessMonday #MiamiSeaquarium #MSLeisure #TheDolphinCo #BankruptcyNews #MiamiDade #TourismUpdate #CorporateNews #TradeAndInvestment #GlobalMiamiMagazine

Liechtenstein’s First Delegation to Miami 🇱🇮🤝🇺🇸 Our very own Yousra Benkirane had the privilege of sitting down at the iconic Biltmore Hotel with Ambassador Georg Sparber of the Embassy of Liechtenstein in the U.S. to discuss Liechtenstein’s growing presence in the U.S., its interest in Florida, and its role in the Americas. This visit marked the first-ever delegation of the Principality of Liechtenstein to Miami, organized by the World Affairs Council of Miami. A sincere thank you to Ambassador Sparber and Senior Advisor Matt Keller for their visit, helping to strengthen ties between Liechtenstein and Miami. Stay tuned for the full interview in our next issue! #GlobalMiami #Liechtenstein #Diplomacy #MiamiBusiness #InternationalRelations #EconomicGrowth #TradeConnections #ForeignAffairs #MiamiNetworking #GlobalTrade

Casa Cipriani is bringing its world-renowned hospitality to Miami Beach with a 17-story oceanfront development, marking its third global location after New York and Milan. Designed by architect Brandon Haw, the project will feature a 40-suite boutique hotel, a private members club, and 23 ultra-luxury residences, all embodying Cipriani’s timeless elegance. Inspired by the grand Art Deco hotels of the 1930s, the development will also include a signature Cipriani restaurant, spa, and club lounge, offering an unparalleled lifestyle experience. A joint venture between Miami-based 13th Floor Investments, New York’s Midtown Equities and the Cipriani family, sales are set to launch later this year, with residences starting at $25 million. #CasaCipriani #MiamiBeachRealEstate #LuxuryLiving #CiprianiMiami #GlobalExpansion #MiamiDevelopment #OceanfrontLiving #RealEstateNews

eMerge Americas has just wrapped its annual conference, bringing together 20,000+ attendees, 300+ exhibitors, and 240+ speakers at the Miami Beach Convention Center. As Miami’s premier global tech event, eMerge connects startups, investors, and industry leaders to drive innovation and scale groundbreaking ideas. This year’s speakers included Armando Christian Perez (Pitbull) and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, reinforcing Miami’s growing influence in the tech world. They also released their 2024 Insights Report, highlighting a strong year for venture capital in South Florida. In 2024, startups in the region raised $2.77 billion across 358 deals, accounting for 67% of Florida’s total $4.13 billion in VC funding. Miami ranked 9th nationally by deal value, with fintech (27% of funding) and medtech ($572M) leading investment sectors. Key VC Deals in 2024: Vultr – $333M (Largest deal, $3.5B valuation) finally – $200M INSIGHTEC – $150M DoorLoop & Syncromune® – $100M each Apricus Generation – $88.5M With record participation from 60 countries, eMerge Americas continues to cement Miami’s position as a global tech hub, bridging investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship. #eMergeAmericas #MiamiTech #2024InsightsReport #TechConference #StartupEcosystem #VentureCapital #MiamiInnovation #Fintech #Medtech #Entrepreneurship #MiamiBusiness

Miami-Dade Innovation Authority has launched its fifth Public Innovation Challenge, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at tackling the county’s growing waste crisis. In partnership with the Miami-Dade County Department of Solid Waste Management, the challenge invites early-to-growth stage startups to propose innovative solutions for waste diversion and recycling. With Miami-Dade County generating over five million tons of waste annually—and only 37% of it being recycled—waste diversion is a critical strategy for sustainability. To address this, MDIA will select at least three startups, each receiving $100,000 to pilot and validate their solutions. The challenge, running until April 21, is part of the county’s Zero Waste Master Plan, aiming to reduce landfill waste, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve public engagement in recycling efforts. “This is a game-changing moment for Miami-Dade,” says Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “As our community continues to grow, we must use all the tools in our box to reimagine how we manage our waste now and in the future… to build a smarter, more resilient waste management system that will serve our community for generations to come.” #MiamiInnovation #Sustainability #WasteDiversion #ZeroWaste #CleanMiami #GreenTech #RecyclingSolutions #EcoFriendly #ClimateAction #FutureOfWaste #TechForGood

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest news shaping trade and investment in South Florida: - Miami Tourism: In 2023, Miami welcomed 27.2 million visitors, with projections reaching 30 million by 2025, driven by global appeal, major events, and expanding infrastructure. - $76 Million Acquisition: Alhambra Acquisition LLC has acquired the 473,214-square-foot Columbus Center in Coral Gables for $76 million, following an $11 million renovation in 2023. - Global Events: Vinexposium America, North America’s leading international wine and spirits trade show, will debut in Miami on May 7–8, 2025, bringing 280+ exhibitors from 25 countries and over 3,000 visitors from 40 nations. - Flight Updates: Air Canada is scaling back U.S.-bound capacity, including key routes to Florida, due to rising diplomatic tensions and shifting Canadian demand. - MIH $90M Acquisition: Miami International Holdings (MIH) is set to acquire 70.54% of TISE - The International Stock Exchange for $90 million, with plans to open a new trading floor in Miami by Q2 2025. MIAX Exchange Group Stay ahead with the latest trends, insights, and opportunities shaping Miami’s business landscape. Tap here: https://lnkd.in/eQBxeunj to subscribe to our newsletter now. #MiamiTourism #RealEstateNews #VinexpoAmerica #AirCanada #MIHAcquisition #MiamiBusiness #CorporateGrowth #SouthFlorida

We're thrilled to see the historic delegation of the Principality of Liechtenstein in Miami, organized by the World Affairs Council of Miami. A special thank you to Ambassador Georg Sparber and Senior Advisor Matt Keller for their insightful visit. Stay tuned for the full interview with Ambassador Sparber, where we discuss Liechtenstein’s growing presence in the U.S., expanding ties with Florida, and broader interests in the Americas.

This week, the World Affairs Council of Miami helped make history by organizing the first-ever delegation of the Principality of #Liechtenstein to Miami. We thank Ambassador Georg Sparber and Senior Advisor Matt Keller of the Embassy of Liechtenstein in the United States of America for their visit. The delegation to Miami began with a sit-down with Yousra Benkirane from Global Miami Magazine at the beautiful Biltmore Hotel in the City of Coral Gables to discuss Liechtenstein's presence in the U.S., desire to grow ties with Florida, and interests in the broader Americas. Thereafter, Ambassador Sparber and World Affairs Council President Aaron Rosen held a fireside chat introducing Liechtenstein, one of the world's most successful small states, to students, faculty, and the general Miami public. The program was held in partnership with Miami Dade College - Wolfson Campus, The Honors College at Miami Dade College, and Miami-Dade County International Trade Consortium. Thank you to our opening speakers: Alvaro M. Gonzalez, Gerard Philippeaux, and Mary Elizabeth Gomez. Next up: PortMiami, where Eric Olafson and Stanley Rigaud briefed the delegation on Miami's economic and trade trends, demonstrating Miami's role as a gateway to the Americas while organizing a behind-the-scenes tour of the port's cruise & cargo capacity. Following the port, we were warmly received by Miami Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava—and joined by Assistant Director of Economic Development Maria Dreyfus-Ulvert; Governmental and Community Liaison Mia DeVane; and World Affairs Council Board Chair Paul Griebel and intern Roberto Carmona. The introductory meeting served to explore how the Principality and Miami could grow their relationship based on an exchange of best practices and development of mutual interests. To celebrate Liechtenstein's arrival in our community, the World Affairs Council of Miami and The Wolfsonian–FIU partnered to jointly host Ambassador Sparber along with select community leaders for dinner at the beautiful museum in the City of Miami Beach. We deeply thank Micky Wolfson Jr., the museum's founder and collector, for graciously treating the group to a private tour of his unique collection, which included important works on Liechtenstein’s interwar history and identity. Our gratitude as well to museum director Casey S. for making us all feel so welcome at The Wolfsonian–FIU in South Beach's historic art deco district. No trip to Miami is complete without a stop in #LittleHavana to visit the iconic Versailles, walk Memorial Boulevard to learn about the Cuban fight for freedom, and observe artist Oscar Thomas' mural in Domino Park. The work depicts the first Summit of the Americas, held in Miami in 1994, where the region's leaders first agreed to create the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA). Though it never was, the mural remains as a reminder of Miami's central role in the dream of a common future of peace and prosperity for the Americas.