Kevin Burgoyne
President & CEO, Florida Venture Forum, Miami
The Florida Venture Forum is a 40-year-old member organization that connects companies with the capital and services they need to grow and scale. Since 1984, the Forum has featured and mentored 2000-plus Florida startups, which have raised over $16 billion in equity capital, created thousands of Florida jobs and contributed billions of dollars in economic value. Burgoyne has led the organization since 2012.
EDUCATION: University of Florida (BS), University of Chicago (MBA)
MENTOR: My late Mother was a single Mom (of four boys by age 30!) who worked as a waitress after my parents divorced. She went on to own and operate the very restaurant where she was a waitress. Her example taught me a lot about grit and determination and grinding it out every day.
READING: Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten. A simple book that reminds us of the basic principles that can make the difference between success and failure, and a happy life.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED: Probably to give and receive grace. We’re all struggling human beings generally trying to do our best. It’s too easy to forget that in these divided times.
