Tony Jimenez, Managing Partner, Medina Ventures

In an interview with Invest:, Tony Jimenez, managing partner at Medina Ventures, discussed the firm’s milestones, its role in fostering frontier tech startups, and key trends in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing. He also shared insights into Miami’s growing tech ecosystem.

What have been the most significant milestones or achievements for Medina Ventures in the past year?

We’re launching a new fund, which is a significant milestone for us. Over the past year, we’ve been working on developing a new strategy and assembling the components of this fund, and we’re excited to be going to market now. It’s a $100 million fund focused on early-stage, seed companies in the next-generation computing infrastructure space.

Our focus includes what we call “dual-use” companies, those with applications in both private enterprise and the government. This dual-use aspect is central to our strategy, as it creates opportunities to address critical challenges faced by our government across sectors.

How has Medina Ventures leveraged its global network and venture ecosystem to support its portfolio in achieving growth and successful exits?

Medina Ventures stands out because we own a unique and powerful asset: eMerge Americas. This is a global platform based in Miami and designed to support next-generation entrepreneurs. eMerge Americas produces large global tech conferences, executive roundtables, an annual accelerator program, startup pitch competitions, and masterclasses that corporations and entrepreneurs leverage to scale their companies.

eMerge Americas builds partnerships with governments, private enterprises, and university research institutions. These partnerships allow us to create a go-to-market infrastructure and serve as a rich platform for deal sourcing. In this way, Medina Ventures leverages eMerge to deliver unparalleled value to our portfolio companies, supporting their growth and exit strategies.

What trends are you observing in AI, cybersecurity, and quantum computing, particularly in their dual-use applications?

In AI, we see unique opportunities, particularly in the infrastructure layer. Energy demands and other constraints prevent AI from reaching its full potential, highlighting the need for innovation at this level. Existing systems were built for a different era, a “CPU era” and must be replaced to support an AI-first world, or “GPU era,” in the next five to 10 years.

We’re especially focused on reducing energy requirements and improving efficiency. Without these changes, AI’s growth will remain limited, but we’re optimistic about ongoing innovations.

We’re also really excited about Quantum computing, which we believe is poised to have an even greater impact. If AI is transformative, quantum computing is 100 times more so. It could address humanity’s greatest challenges: curing cancer, solving climate change, and tackling natural resource limitations. However, much like AI, its potential benefits also bring with it potential risks if misused.

One concern is “store now, decrypt later,” where adversaries like China, Russia, North Korea, etc. store encrypted data now to decrypt it with future quantum technology. This could compromise personal devices and national security. We’re investing in post-quantum cryptography to protect against these threats and ensure encryption remains secure in the quantum era.

How do you assess the potential to disrupt industries and create new opportunities for early-stage investments with advancements in quantum technologies?

Quantum technologies are creating ripple effects, much like AI. Rapid optimization and efficiency gains mirror the digital transformation of the early 2000s. Just as companies had to adopt digital strategies then, they now need AI and quantum strategies to stay competitive. Those who adapt will surge ahead, while others risk being left behind.

Quantum computing is a game-changer, unlocking possibilities we can’t yet fully conceive. From addressing chronic illnesses to discovering new solutions, quantum will redefine industries. Its potential is why we believe now is the time to invest in this transformative technology.

What are the current challenges and opportunities in scaling frontier tech startups, particularly in the context of American competitiveness and security?

Scaling frontier tech startups is challenging because these technologies require significant investment and time to mature. Balancing these demands is a major hurdle.

At the same time, the United States is in a competitive race with China in areas like AI and quantum computing. China has heavily invested in these technologies, making it difficult to gauge their progress. This underscores the need for the United States and allied nations to increase their investments to ensure responsible development and control of these powerful innovations.

What are the most critical factors for early-stage startups to achieve scalability in the highly competitive tech landscape?

The most critical factors are achieving product-market fit and demonstrating early traction. While it’s easier than ever to launch a tech company today, thanks to lower costs and accessible tools, this ease has led to a saturated market. Founders need to differentiate their products significantly, offering solutions that stand out from the competition.

Additionally, having a strong, experienced team is vital. Teams that understand execution and scaling are best positioned to capitalize on early traction and navigate the complexities of growth in a crowded market.

How is Medina Ventures preparing its portfolio companies to navigate the evolving global regulatory landscape for AI and quantum computing?

In the United States, we lack a GDPR-style framework for AI, which provides a more flexible environment for growth compared to Europe. This flexibility is why we focus on the U.S. market, where we have the strongest regulatory expertise.

Many European companies are relocating to the United States to escape stringent regulations and high exit taxes. For instance, some European nations impose a 70% exit tax on businesses moving to the United States. This makes the United States, and particularly Miami, an attractive hub for AI startups scaling globally while accessing Latin American markets.

What are Medina Ventures’ top priorities for the next few years?

Our priority is leveraging Miami’s growing prominence as a tech and innovation hub. For decades, Miami has attracted talent and capital from Latin America due to its regional instability. This unique positioning makes Miami a gateway for frontier tech investments.

Florida, with an economy exceeding $1.6 trillion, ranks among the Top 20 economies globally. By being based here, Medina Ventures gains access to a diverse pool of talent and capital, providing a significant advantage in fostering transformative technologies that will define the next decade.

What is your vision for Miami over the next decade, and what role will Medina Ventures play in achieving it?

Over the past decade, Miami’s tech ecosystem has transformed dramatically. Ten years ago, there were only a few venture funds and scaling tech companies. Today, there are hundreds of funds and countless startups driving innovation.

eMerge Americas has been pivotal, generating over $3 billion in economic activity, creating nearly 20,000 jobs, and graduating more than 1,000 companies through its accelerator program. These companies have collectively raised close to $3 billion.

In the next 10 years, I expect a ten- to twentyfold increase in tech activity and success stories from founders scaling and exiting companies from South Florida. eMerge Americas and Medina Ventures will continue driving this momentum, ensuring Miami remains a global innovation leader and a beacon for tech talent and capital.