Spotlight On: Edgardo Defortuna, President & CEO, Fortune International Group
March 2025 — In an interview with Invest:, Edgardo Defortuna, president and CEO of Fortune International Group, discussed Miami’s real estate and investment opportunities. He also discussed challenges and the importance of strong branding. “South Florida is the place to be,” he said. “Everyone wants a piece of it.”
What have been the most significant milestones or achievements for Fortune International?
The past year has been fantastic. Many projects that were in pre-sales and pre-construction are now well underway. One example is the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Pompano Beach, where we topped off about two weeks ago. This project includes two towers: a 32-story oceanfront tower and a 15-story tower across the street, offering buyers both beach and marina access. Sales have been incredibly strong, with over 95% of units sold.
We’re also making significant progress on Nexo Residences in North Miami Beach, which is over 80% sold, and St. Regis in Sunny Isles, where the first tower has been under construction for over a year, and we recently launched sales for the second. What made last year special was seeing so many projects move from planning to active construction.
How would you describe the state of the region’s luxury real estate market?
The market remains strong, but after years of rapid growth, a wave of new inventory is coming in. Some projects are well-executed, while others feel rushed and may not meet buyers’ expectations.
I’m cautiously optimistic. Established developers with strong track records continue to do well, but competition is intense. More developers from Latin America, New York, and Chicago are entering the South Florida market.
One thing is clear; South Florida is the place to be. Years ago, promoting Miami real estate internationally sparked interest, but today, demand is unprecedented. Everyone wants a piece of it.
That said, buyers need to do their homework. It’s crucial to research the developer, the project, and whether there’s a brand involved. Publications like yours help buyers make informed investment decisions.
How is Fortune International addressing evolving investor needs?
It’s important to create products that align with investor demand. In addition to developing high-end residential buildings, we recognize that many investors want to own property in Miami while living elsewhere. To address this, we’ve launched short-term rental projects like Ora by Casa Tua, which offers luxury residences with high-end amenities, including a 24-hour market and a restaurant on the pool deck. Owners can rent units on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, offering more flexibility and higher returns than long-term leases.
We’ve also addressed the demand for real estate equity investments. Many Latin American investors want to participate in our projects but don’t have millions to buy a unit. They ask if they can invest $10,000 or $50,000 and share in a project’s equity. Until recently, managing many small investors in a single development was complex. To solve this, we partnered with Globant, a leading tech company, to create a blockchain-based investment platform.With this tool, investors can sign up, select a project, and invest as little as $10,000, receiving proportional returns like larger investors. We launched this model in Argentina and Mexico and are now expanding across Latin America.
This approach merges real estate security with blockchain flexibility. Investors don’t have to buy an entire unit; they can participate in vetted projects and benefit from real estate-backed returns. I believe this will be a game-changer for real estate investment.
How did the idea of democratizing real estate investment come about?
My 21-year-old son, who’s very into technology, once asked, “Why do you only have big investors? Why not allow smaller investors to participate?” That question made me realize the opportunity to make real estate investment more accessible.
We listed The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Pompano Beach on our platform, and the response has been incredible. Investors love being part of a prestigious development at a lower entry point.
Beyond condominiums, we’re also exploring multifamily projects where investors contribute a set amount and receive rental returns. While crypto is exciting, it’s risky. Our real estate-backed model offers more stability. No investment is risk-free, but we ensure every project meets strict criteria.
A key feature of our platform is liquidity. Since it’s blockchain-based, investors can sell their tokens back on the platform. This gives them true ownership. They’re not just putting money into a fund; they’re part-owners of a high-end development.
I believe this will revolutionize real estate investment, making quality developments more accessible while maintaining transparency and security.
How is technology influencing real estate investment and development?
Technology is transforming every aspect of real estate, from investment to development and marketing. Platforms like ours make real estate more accessible through blockchain-based transactions.
In pre-construction sales, technology brings projects to life. High-quality renderings, virtual reality, and immersive experiences allow clients to explore properties as if they already exist, helping them visualize spaces and amenities.
Technology also streamlines decision-making. AI and data analysis reduce the time needed to design, plan, and price developments. While the human touch is essential, technology optimizes processes to ensure projects align with market demand.
From marketing to financial modeling, technology is advancing rapidly. Keeping up isn’t easy, but we strive to use the best tools to continue growing and improving.
How do collaborations with renowned architects and designers enhance your developments?
My wife and I always say we’re fortunate to work with some of the greatest minds in architecture, interior design, and lifestyle branding. These collaborations elevate our projects and create unique experiences for buyers.
Working with Alan Faena brings a level of sophistication that sets projects apart. Similarly, for Ora by Casa Tua, we partnered with M2 Atelier, an Italian firm that truly understands today’s luxury buyer.
Because we’re involved in sales, we get direct feedback from buyers. This allows us to design with their needs in mind from the start. We don’t build for ourselves, we build for the people who will live there.
Today’s buyers prioritize wellness, longevity, and connection. We integrate these elements into our projects by working with experts who understand evolving preferences.
Luxury brands like The St. Regis, The Ritz-Carlton, and Faena go beyond architecture; they create curated experiences, from concierge services to world-class amenities.
Some ask, “Why pay premium fees for a branded residence?” The answer is simple: You can’t replicate the lifestyle these brands provide. Their expertise ensures exceptional service and experiences.
At Fortune International, we don’t just build beautiful buildings, we create immersive environments that enhance the way people live.
What are the opportunities for growth and your priorities moving forward?
South Florida has seen tremendous growth over the past decade, and I believe we’re still in the early stages of its potential. Miami is becoming a major U.S. business hub, on par with New York and Chicago. We’re already attracting top companies, and while many have relocated teams, I believe they’ll continue expanding. Once people move here, they don’t want to leave, but to keep them, we need the right infrastructure.
A key challenge is affordability. Housing costs have risen, making it harder for essential workers to live near their jobs. To sustain growth, we must focus more on multifamily and affordable housing. Developers like us, Related, and others should collaborate with the government to create incentives that support this.
Transportation and infrastructure must also improve. If Miami is to become one of the best cities in the United States, or even the world, these issues need to be addressed. Otherwise, growing pains could slow progress. That said, we’re on the right track, and the coming years will be exciting.
You recently invested in Miami’s first professional rugby team. What drew you to that opportunity?
One exciting development last year was the launch of the Miami Sharks, a professional rugby team. Marcos Galperin acquired the franchise, and I was fortunate to invest. The team had its first season last year and recently kicked off its second.
Beyond adding another professional sports team to Miami, rugby fosters youth programs, healthy living, and outdoor activity. Seeing kids get involved in sports is just as rewarding as watching the team compete.
I hope we continue growing this initiative, as it’s another attraction making Miami even more dynamic.
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