Justis Mendez and Pablo Casilimas, the founders of OneSixOne Ventures, are actively reshaping Miami's tech landscape through a community-focused approach to venture capital.

Central to their strategy is Miami's emergence as a tech hub, which they view as a unique bridge connecting Latin America, the U.S., and Europe.

The founders are confident that Miami can develop into a global tech center, distinct from Silicon Valley, by attracting talent and capital while nurturing a supportive community.

Since its inception, OneSixOne Ventures has significantly increased its assets under management from $1.2 million to over $4 million and has invested in 21 portfolio companies.

To further expand their investment strategy, the firm is preparing to launch a $35 million Fund II, which will enhance their support for founders.

OneSixOne emphasizes the importance of connecting founders with the right people, including investors and customers, to foster startup growth.

This approach has already facilitated valuable connections for their portfolio companies, including an introduction that helped a startup secure a deal with T-Mobile.

Their investment focus spans sectors such as infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing, with recent investments in companies like Betr, Clockout, and Agentuity.

In addition to their investment activities, the firm hosts numerous networking events, aiming to increase from 11 events last year to 50 events across 10 cities this year.

OneSixOne is also partnering with universities like the University of Florida and Northeastern University to integrate venture education into academic programs, aiming for long-term impacts on the startup ecosystem.

Their approach to limited partners includes a diverse mix of exited founders and operators, rather than just institutional investors, which enhances their network and support.

As they prepare for Fund II, OneSixOne aims to enhance their impact on early-stage investing and contribute to systemic changes in the venture capital landscape.