Sarasota angel firm invests in a new executive director

Sarasota-based Bridge Angel Investors has invested in a new executive director. 

Kim Miele, former executive director of the Gulf Coast CEO Forum, has stepped into the role with the private investment group. As executive director, Miele’s main focus will be on growing membership and potential deals. She’ll also work alongside local community and investment partners throughout both Sarasota and Manatee counties. 

“As the new (executive director), I will continue our trajectory of support and investment in the local economy, which we will do by growing Bridge's membership to have additional deal flow and investments,” she says. “As the economies of Bradenton and Sarasota evolve, Bridge is well positioned to complement and support the flourishing ecosystem.”

Already her presence is being felt. Since January, Miele has connected seven new member investors to the company. 

“We are thrilled to have Kim Miele join the Bridge team,” says Allen Johnson, a founding member of Bridge's parent company Adi Dassler International Family Office. “Her background and deep experience in the Sarasota Bradenton business community fostering growth and increasing local talent engagement make her the ideal person to lead us on an accelerated growth path in 2022 and beyond.”

The investment group provides capital and mentorship to young businesses with a goal of helping them grow. According to the release, Bridge has provided more than $1.6 million in capital with the majority of that going to Florida-based companies.