This Week's Latest Tech News in Tallahassee, FL - Sunday April 27th 2025 Edition

This week, Tallahassee’s tech ecosystem entered a new phase of growth as the $4 billion merger of Converge Technology Solutions and Mainline Information Systems led to the launch of Pellera Technologies, now headquartered in the city.

Pellera’s leadership team - former Converge CEO Greg Berard and Mainline’s Jeff Dobbelaere - will guide the company’s focus on AI, cybersecurity, and digital infrastructure, backed by H.I.G. Capital’s $69 billion in managed assets (see merger details).

The combined entity brings with it deep industry expertise and is expected to create hundreds of new local jobs in 2025, further boosting the $1.2 billion annual contribution Tallahassee’s tech sector already makes to the local economy (read about local tech growth).

Community education partnerships also strengthened this week, with Lively Technical College announcing a tech-focused advisory board and workforce pipeline enhancements.

These developments build on the region’s policy activity - including the state’s prominent social media lawsuit - demonstrating Tallahassee’s commitment to both innovation and digital responsibility.

For more on Pellera’s market focus and the merger’s impact, review the official press release here.

• Pellera Technologies: Major merger brings 350+ jobs in 2025.
  The central theme is the transformative growth Pellera’s $4B merger delivers to Tallahassee through local job creation.
• Tech Policy Action: State's landmark social media lawsuit.
  The main idea is Tallahassee’s proactive leadership and commitment to digital responsibility via significant legal action.
• Education Milestones: Lively College’s new advisory board.
  The central theme is the strengthening of the tech education pipeline by forming new leadership and collaboration at Lively College.

Tallahassee is gaining serious traction on the national tech radar with the recent formation of Pellera Technologies, the result of a high-profile merger between Converge Technology Solutions and Mainline Information Systems.

Finalized in April 2025, this move combines two experienced teams and resources under one roof, positioning Pellera’s headquarters in Tallahassee and creating a tech powerhouse with approximately $4 billion in annual revenue - a milestone not previously seen for a local company.

The leadership team now includes Charles Davis (former Converge CEO) as CEO and Michael Brown (Mainline’s former President and CEO) as President and COO, whose collective experience guides Pellera’s emphasis on key areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, cloud services, and digital infrastructure.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Efficiency and data-driven strategies are prioritized to boost business operations.
• Cybersecurity: Companies benefit from comprehensive security and tailored architecture for any size business.
• Cloud: Hybrid and multi-cloud options are offered for maximum flexibility.
• Digital Infrastructure: Modernization and enterprise growth are supported by advanced IT solutions.

Backed by H.I.G. Capital’s $69 billion investment portfolio, Pellera is committed to scaling its workforce, with over 850 IT professionals based in Tallahassee and targeted hiring expected to grow by 15% in the coming year.

Already, this has translated into new vendor partnerships, local contracts, and increased economic opportunity. Pellera’s methodology centers on “Advise, Implement, Manage,” tailoring solutions to fit local and national client needs.

Industry observers highlight Pellera’s presence as a transformative catalyst, echoing the sentiment that its growth reflects the region’s expanding role in tech innovation.

To learn more about the specifics behind the merger, visit the official announcement and review in-depth details of Pellera’s services in this market update.

Florida is in the spotlight this week as Attorney General Robert Brown filed a lawsuit against Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat, alleging violations of the state’s recently implemented House Bill 3 (HB 3), a law designed to strengthen online protections for minors.

HB 3, signed in 2024, prohibits social media platforms from allowing users under 14 to create accounts and requires parental consent for 14- and 15-year-olds.

The lawsuit claims that Snap Inc. knowingly provides accounts to users it knows are under 14 and fails to obtain proper parental consent for those aged 14 and 15, in defiance of the statute’s requirements.

The attorney general’s office further alleges that Snapchat’s use of features such as infinite scrolling, push notifications, and auto-play videos promote compulsive use among kids and make it easier for predators and drug dealers to contact minors, while the company markets the app as safe for young users (read more). Attorney General Robert Brown emphasized that Snap is “deceiving Florida parents about the dangers children face on the app, from behavioral addictive features to allowing sexual predators and drug dealers access,” referencing specific concerns about mature content, including drug use, profanity, and nudity, found on the platform (detailed allegations).

HB 3 allows for fines up to $50,000 per violation, as well as demands for platform changes. A federal judge recently denied a tech group’s motion to block the law, signaling the state’s intention to begin enforcement and potentially prompting other states to follow Florida’s regulatory lead (legal proceedings update).

As Florida’s case unfolds, it may set the tone for national efforts to hold tech companies accountable for child safety online in 2025 and beyond.

• Legal Action: The main theme is that Snap Inc. faces legal backlash from Florida for allegedly violating new child safety laws regarding minors using social media.
• Parental Concerns: There is emphasis on parental awareness and the exposure of minors on Snapchat to potentially harmful or mature content.
• Enforcement and Fines: The state can enforce significant penalties, up to $50,000 per violation, which demonstrates a rigorous approach to ensuring compliance.
• National Implications: Florida’s case could establish a precedent for similar actions and legislation in other states regarding child safety online.

Lively Technical College made news in Tallahassee this week with the unveiling of its first-ever official mascot, the Titans. The April 17 ceremony brought together students, faculty, alumni, and community leaders, marking a milestone in Lively’s 88-year history and reinforcing the college’s commitment to unity and pride.

The event included remarks from Lively’s director Michael Miller and Superintendent Karen Davis, who spoke about the mascot’s importance in building school spirit and community identity.

Amidst the celebration, Lively introduced its new industry advisory board, which will include experts from fields such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, cybersecurity, and automotive technology.

The board is set to present quarterly reports and is tasked with keeping Lively’s training programs aligned with local workforce needs, supporting efforts to create a strong talent pipeline for Tallahassee’s growing economy.

This initiative highlights collaboration with partners like Pellera Technologies and CareerSource Capital Region and is part of a broader push to strengthen ties between education and area employers (read more about the advisory board and new mascot).

Lively’s leadership also took the opportunity to put to rest speculation about a merger with Tallahassee State College, confirming the institutions will remain independent but continue collaborations on dual-enrollment and articulation efforts.

This focus on program development and workforce alignment is reflected in Lively’s diverse offerings, which include programs in nursing, automotive maintenance, aviation, and cosmetology, attracting students seeking affordable, skill-based education (details of the mascot unveiling and community response).

Events like the mascot reveal and upcoming College Career Showcase demonstrate Lively’s ongoing role in supporting students and the local economy (event and campus details), reinforcing its mission in workforce development and community partnership.

Few stories in Tallahassee’s tech landscape stand out quite like that of Netia McCray. A Tallahassee native, McCray’s journey led her from local classrooms to MIT, where she was introduced to engineering through the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES) summer program, supporting talented students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Inspired by both her family and her experiences, McCray founded Mbadika, a nonprofit focused on empowering youth - especially those with limited access to STEM resources - through hands-on learning and global STEM education workshops.

Since launching Mbadika, she has helped more than 25,000 students, with programs reaching Boston, Tallahassee, Africa, and Latin America, and initiatives such as Mbadika Laboratory (MLAB), which provides DIY project kits and a TV show recognized with a New England Emmy nomination (read more about Mbadika’s growth and MLAB).

McCray’s approach integrates her personal story - her father, who once dreamed of MIT but faced barriers due to discrimination, inspired her mission to make STEM more inclusive.

In addition to international work, McCray ensures local impact by running STEM workshops and providing free kits to public school students, building bridges between academic opportunities and underserved communities (see how McCray opens STEM pathways for underserved youth).

She is also known for her creative, pop culture-inspired lessons, dressing as characters like Maleficent or Princess Shuri to engage students and make STEM relatable.

Through Mbadika, McCray aims not just to provide tools and training, but to unlock potential for innovative problem solving - work that has garnered national recognition and awards, and inspired young people globally (explore McCray’s impact as profiled by MIT Technology Review).

As she puts it:

“Every child deserves a chance to innovate. If we can cultivate that here in Tallahassee, we can change the world.”

Mainline Information Systems has played a significant role in shaping Tallahassee’s technology landscape, growing from a single-vendor IBM solutions provider in 1989 into a nationally recognized IT consulting and managed services company.

With more than $1 billion in annual revenue and a workforce exceeding 400 professionals, Mainline expanded its reach beyond Florida to serve clients across all 50 states and internationally, highlighting its impact as a locally founded powerhouse (read more on Mainline’s evolution).

The company’s consultative approach helped organizations navigate complex multi-vendor environments, offering managed, advisory, and implementation services, as well as facilitating hardware refreshes and migration to cloud environments.

Mainline’s dedication to innovation was further recognized through key industry partnerships - with IBM, Dell, and HPE - and accolades such as the 2024 Dell Technologies North America Storage Sales Partner of the Year and multiple placements on CRN’s Tech Elite 250 list (see recent Mainline achievements).

• Mainline’s acquisition by H.I.G. Capital in 2024 marked a new era for the firm, maintaining a privately-held structure that underlines stability and investment in the local tech workforce (details on H.I.G. Capital’s acquisition).
• Strategic leadership changes align with Mainline's ongoing commitment to Tallahassee through apprenticeship programs with local universities and investments in STEM scholarships.
• Growth plans are fueled by acquisitions and expanding cybersecurity services, maintaining Mainline’s support for local students and professionals.

Patricia Williams, a longtime advocate for workforce development in Tallahassee, commented, "Mainline’s journey continues to foster lasting connections between educational institutions and the tech industry."

Aspect	Highlights	Impact
Company Evolution	Expanded from IBM vendor to multi-national IT consultant	Positioned Tallahassee as a rising tech hub
Community Initiatives	STEM scholarships, apprenticeship programs	Opportunities for local students and professionals
Industry Recognition	CRN Tech Elite 250, Dell Technologies Partner of the Year	Establishes national reputation

With plans for growth and expanding opportunities, Mainline - now integrated into larger entities - remains dedicated to fostering Tallahassee’s future as a premier destination for IT careers and innovation.

Lively Technical College’s new advisory board, established in 2025, plays a key role in aligning tech education with the specific workforce needs of North Florida.

Rather than merging with Tallahassee State College, Lively remains under the Leon School District, focused on practical, blue-collar job skills such as auto mechanics, HVAC repair, and information technology.

Superintendent Jessica Jackson advocates for an advisory structure that ensures Lively’s programs stay relevant to market demands, providing vital oversight and ongoing reviews to keep the curriculum current and targeted to local employers’ expectations.

Each quarter, the advisory board brings together representatives from education, business, and Leon County Schools to gather direct feedback from leaders in IT, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and software development, ensuring a responsive approach to curriculum updates and career preparation.

This initiative supports practical student outcomes - like modernized course modules and more robust internship pathways - while opening doors for local companies to connect with emerging tech talent early on (details here).

The advisory board’s quarterly check-ins focus on several main areas:

• Curriculum review and alignment: Industry experts ensure courses match market needs, recommending changes when gaps emerge. In early 2025, this resulted in modules on cloud deployment and cybersecurity risk, responding to job growth forecasts in these fields.
• Employer engagement: Board members and local companies identify key certifications and professional skills needed for Tallahassee’s job landscape, shaping co-op opportunities and course content (see board membership).
• Student exposure: Students gain first-hand industry insight in advisory sessions and Q&A forums, easing their transition from classroom to the workplace (learn more about tech advisory boards).

Table: Lively Tech Advisory Board - 2025 Key Metrics

Members	Industries Represented	Curriculum Changes (2025 Q1-Q2)	Internship Placements
16	IT, Cybersecurity, Healthcare Tech, SaaS	+3 new modules	57 students matched

Dr. Tanya Morse, advisory board chair, notes that having employers at the table allows Lively Tech to adapt quickly and prepare students with up-to-date, relevant skills for the local workforce. This board-driven approach, coupled with support from Leon County Schools, affirms Lively’s commitment to tech talent development and clarifies its distinct community role.

Florida-based Fidelity National Information Services (FIS) made headlines this week by unveiling a two-part asset swap with Global Payments in a transaction valued near $38 billion.

In this deal, Global Payments will acquire Worldpay - a leading merchant services provider previously split between FIS and private equity firm GTCR - while FIS acquires Global Payments’ issuer solutions business.

For business leaders in Tallahassee, this move highlights Florida’s growing role in tech and financial services, and signals an evolving landscape that could impact everything from workforce development to local entrepreneurship.

Read more on Payments Dive.

Key Deal Highlights:

• Main theme: FIS’s strategic refocus. FIS is acquiring Global Payments’ issuer business for $13.5 billion, refocusing its services toward banking and payment solutions, while Global Payments is consolidating merchant services by buying Worldpay for $24.25 billion including tax assets.
• Main theme: Scale and reach. The combined entities will now process approximately 94 billion transactions annually, totaling about $3.7 trillion across 175 countries, strengthening Florida’s position in global payment tech infrastructure. Explore more industry insights here.
• Main theme: Strategic benefits for both companies. Analysts see the moves as mutually strategic, although FIS is viewed as gaining a more stable recurring revenue stream and simplifying its business, while Global Payments expands its reach in e-commerce and merchant services. See analyst commentary and Tallahassee’s regional impact.

Impact on Florida and Tallahassee’s Tech Ecosystem:

Area	Potential Benefits	Central Idea
Workforce	Major payment providers expect to scale up technology, potentially bringing more specialized fintech roles statewide, many of which are accessible from Tallahassee.	Growth in specialized fintech opportunities for Tallahassee’s workforce.
Startup Ecosystem	Increased capital and focus on digital solutions could spark new fintech pilot programs and innovation labs in Florida.	Boost to innovation and new digital startups in the region.
Vendor Network	Smaller IT and digital services vendors can look for expanded contracts and transformation projects as companies adjust to new operational models.	Expanded opportunities for local vendors and service providers.

“Florida’s major asset swaps don’t just change the landscape for big companies - they empower business growth and digital transformation across the region,” says Jessica Harris, a Jacksonville-based tech economist.

For Tallahassee, these developments could mean heightened investor attention, ongoing upskilling opportunities, and more ways for local tech firms to connect with Florida’s expanding innovation economy.

The resolution of the lengthy 2025 contract dispute between UF Health and UnitedHealthcare is an important development for Tallahassee’s tech workforce and startup community.

After an eight-month impasse, a new multi-year agreement, effective May 5, 2025, restores in-network access for tens of thousands of UnitedHealthcare members across North Florida, including tech professionals who rely on UF Health’s hospitals and physicians for their coverage.

During negotiations, UnitedHealthcare members faced coverage losses and potential balance billing for out-of-network care, creating stressful uncertainty, especially for employers and employees navigating ongoing projects and hiring cycles.

As reported, this new agreement covers not just commercial employer-sponsored plans but also Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans, extending access for a wide range of insured patients in Gainesville, Jacksonville, St.

Augustine, and surrounding regions - a group that includes much of Tallahassee’s remote and hybrid tech workforce impacted by the recent negotiations.

• Talent Stability: The continuity of coverage for more than 30% of local tech professionals prevents talent flight and actively supports company retention.
• Startup Resilience: Ensuring network access enables startups to compete for skilled talent who seek stable health solutions.
• Efficiency Gains: With streamlined insurance processes, both leaders and staff experience fewer administrative roadblocks and improved healthcare access, which reduces downtime in Tallahassee's tech sector detailed in local coverage.

Aspect	Pre-Agreement	Post-Agreement
Potential Coverage Loss	Up to 100,000 affected across region	0
Employer Uncertainty (Tech Sector)	High	Low
Provider Network	Unstable	Restored and multi-year

As Patricia Moore of UF Health noted, restoring this access was a top priority to help Florida families and businesses - an outcome that supports tech-driven regional growth and investment throughout North and Central Florida.

For Tallahassee’s technology employers and professionals, this agreement helps maintain stability, attract new ventures, and build a healthier ecosystem for future innovation.

Florida’s growing tech ecosystem continues to attract attention, with Exowatt - a Miami-based renewable energy company - securing a $70 million Series A funding round in April 2025.

Contrary to initial reports labeling it as a Series B, this round brings Exowatt’s total funding to $90 million, with $35 million each coming from equity and debt.

The Series A was led by Felicis, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm, alongside investors such as Andreessen Horowitz, Starwood Capital, Thrive Capital, and several others.

Exowatt’s flagship product, the P3, is a modular solar power system designed to provide up to 24 hours of electricity a day, targeting the rapidly rising energy needs of data centers.

Demand for the Exowatt P3 has already surpassed 90 gigawatt-hours, with several commercial deployments planned across the U.S. in 2025 (read more here).

The ripple effect of this funding round reaches North Florida, including Tallahassee, through expanded job opportunities, increased supply chain needs, and inspiration for local entrepreneurs.

Exowatt’s scaling efforts are expected to drive roles in engineering, manufacturing, and R&D - fields where Tallahassee universities, such as Florida State and FAMU, are strong talent feeders.

Local manufacturers and logistics companies may also gain new business opportunities as Exowatt gears up for large-scale production (explore investor and expansion details).

Additionally, the company’s success serves as a motivating example for Tallahassee’s aspiring tech founders and draws attention to the state’s innovation landscape.

• Job opportunities: Expansion brings new engineering and manufacturing roles to Tallahassee, benefiting graduates and skilled workers, says Daniel Taylor.
• Growth for local businesses: Increased supply chain and production needs create additional contracts for manufacturers and logistics firms, according to Elizabeth Miller.
• Inspiration for entrepreneurs: Exowatt’s achievements offer real-world proof that significant innovation can thrive in Florida, inspiring the next wave of tech founders, adds David Miller.

A typical $1 million tech investment in Florida creates an average of 14 new jobs, supporting a statewide multiplier effect.

As data center energy demand is projected to rise 150% by 2030, Florida’s proactive tech investments - like Exowatt’s - position the state as a contributor to critical industries.

As Dr. Alan Ramsey, a regional tech analyst, explains, "Innovation and funding from companies like Exowatt spill over throughout the state, connecting Miami’s momentum to opportunities in North Florida."

(see coverage of Exowatt's role and investors)

Impact Area	Description	Primary Beneficiary
Job Creation	New engineering, manufacturing, and R&D roles resulting from company growth	Tallahassee workforce
Business Growth	Increased demand for local manufacturers and logistics companies	Local supply chain firms
Innovation Inspiration	Motivating example for future tech entrepreneurs in the region	Tallahassee startups

This week, Tallahassee’s tech community spotlighted how education and advocacy are shaping both opportunity and workforce growth across the region.

Local leaders like Christopher Jackson are expanding on the work of role models such as Netia McCray, an MIT alum whose outreach programs have inspired thousands, by building broader pathways for students and job seekers.

The ripple effect is visible in the region’s focus on bridging talent gaps and fostering early exposure to tech careers. Initiatives like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce’s Talent Pipeline Management program and the ASPIRE Capital Region collective are helping coordinate efforts, from hands-on career expos for high school students to skills-based hiring practices for employers.

These collaborative approaches - detailed on the Chamber’s Talent, Workforce, & Education page - are designed to ensure all students have access to opportunities that connect education and sustainable work.

Education-industry partnerships remain at the heart of this progress.

Tallahassee’s technology industry has grown rapidly, now supporting about 7,000 jobs and encompassing more than 70 tech companies, according to the Chamber’s work on developing tech talent in Florida’s capital.

Partnerships between employers, higher education, and K-12 schools have created more internship pipelines and mentorship opportunities, helping students better prepare for evolving job demands.

The “Job Hops” program, where students tour local tech employers, and new career development platforms like TalentHub are increasing awareness and access for young professionals.

• Internship pipelines: Mentorship and internships help students gain direct experience in real tech roles.
• Career development: Programs such as Job Hops and TalentHub are expanding access for students and recent graduates.
• Industry collaboration: Employers and educators work together to create technology-focused initiatives for emerging talent.

Community voices remain active in public education advocacy as well.

Recent gatherings in Tallahassee drew over 125 education leaders and school board members focused on collaboration with lawmakers, best practices, and advancing student success.

FSBA events allow school board members to advocate directly in the legislative process, shaping education policy for their districts - an effort recapped by Monroe County School District’s involvement at the FSBA Advocacy Event.

Advocacy Leader	Role/Title	Key Focus
Michael Johnson	School Board Member	Shaping education policy
John Lopez	Community Advocate	Fostering legislative engagement

Mentorship, cross-sector partnerships, and legislative engagement continue to reinforce the foundation for future tech talent in Tallahassee.

As these initiatives grow, the community is working to address barriers and expand access - supporting both current and next-generation innovators.

Tallahassee’s tech sector in 2025 is shaping Florida’s broader innovation story, as local advancements ripple into statewide influence. Rather than just a regional hub, Tallahassee now contributes $1.2 billion to the local economy annually and supports an expanding workforce, with average tech salaries nearing $90,000 and over 1,000 new tech jobs added each quarter.

Landmark initiatives like the Smart City project, powered by a $28.6 million federal grant, have improved urban infrastructure by reducing commute times and energy usage, all while increasing citizen satisfaction and strengthening public safety with AI-driven solutions - a focus soon to be highlighted at the Government Innovation Showcase Florida in Tallahassee (learn more about the state’s digital innovation summit).

• Innovation fuels growth: Tallahassee’s expanding tech economy drives statewide progress and establishes the city as more than just a regional hub.
• Smart City projects thrive: Smart City initiatives, funded by substantial federal grants, enhance infrastructure and quality of life for residents.
• Policy shapes tech future: Lawmakers are focused on balancing innovation with privacy, considering AI regulation, data center expansion, and cybersecurity enhancements (read about the upcoming tech policy debates).
• Collaboration boosts talent: Efforts led by FSU, FAMU, the Chamber of Commerce, and employer-led programs like LaunchTally connect students and career switchers to practical opportunities and strengthen the talent pipeline (see how local partnerships grow tech talent).
• Education supports growth: Accessible certificate programs and bootcamps complement a vibrant network of tech companies and research, fostering both immediate skills and long-term community resilience.
• Growing national and global profile: By hosting global conferences and attracting new investments, Tallahassee is setting an example for tech-driven growth across all of Florida.

Key Institution	Main Role in Tech Sector	Recent Contribution
FSU (Florida State University)	Research & Talent Pipeline	Launched new AI degree program
FAMU (Florida A&M University)	STEM Education & Diversity	Expanded tech internship opportunities
Greater Tallahassee Chamber	Business Partnerships	Rolled out regional industry coalition

“Tallahassee is not only redefining its own future, but laying the foundation for tech-centered prosperity throughout Florida,” said Jennifer Jones, a regional tech policy expert.

As Tallahassee hosts global conferences and attracts new investments, its integration of business growth, thoughtful policy, and hands-on learning is not just raising the region’s profile - it’s setting a template for tech-driven growth across Florida.