MIAMI - Web-based payment processing startup, BlueKite acquired RedCycle Networks, a developer of bill-payment technology solutions in Latin America. In addition to the proprietary bill-payment technology platform developed by RedCycle Networks, the company has completed integrations with local billers including utilities and telecommunications companies in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and South America.

MIAMI - Miami-based tech startup, Guide announced it has closed a $1 million round of seed investment from investors including The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Sapient Corp., MTV founder Bob Pitman,  actor and producer Omar Epps, and Google Employee No. 13, Steve Schimmel. The Knight Foundation is supporting Guide through its new early-stage venture fund, the Knight Enterprise Fund.

FT. LAUDERDALE – South Florida Technology Alliance, a technology support organization announced that Linda Gove joined the organization as Executive Director. Based in south Palm Beach County, Gove is responsible for management and organization of SFTA's tri-county region. She will also support the growth of SFTA membership and sponsorships in this area and expansion of the organizations forum for building awareness of technology-related business and initiatives in the community.

Gove joins SFTA with over 20 years of high-tech marketing and management experience and over 5 years of non-profit executive experience. She has established herself in the south Palm Beach County non-profit arena as a community leader and visionary developing programs that enhance and support the social service organizations serving our local families through her involvement in the Jr. League and Spirit of Giving Network.  

Elton Rivas, co-founder and executive director talks about One Spark, a first of its kind crowdfunding festival to be hosted on April 17-21 in Jacksonville.

One Spark plans to bring together hundreds of artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators who will display projects in a 1.5 mile radius, multi-venue gallery in downtown Jacksonville. Projects showcased can include just about anything that needs funding - technology, music, science, film, community initiatives.

WASHINGTON, DC - The Federal Communications Commission is considering making free Wi-Fi- networks available to the public. While it could be years before it’s a reality, the proposal already has wireless service providers in a tizzy, according to The Washington Post.

The proposed Wi-Fi networks would be powerful enough to “penetrate thick concrete walls and travel over hills and around trees,” the Post said.

The idea is from FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski. “Freeing up unlicensed spectrum is a vibrantly free-market approach that offers low barriers to entry to innovators developing the technologies of the future and benefits consumers,” Genachowski told the Post.

At the Florida Venture Capital Conference in Jacksonville, I caught up with Mark Heesen, president of the National Venture Capital Assocaition to talk about Florida's venture capital deal flow, angel investing and industry growth opportunities.

Heesen says that due to federal tax increases, regulatory issues have slowed venture capital and angel investment. Deal flow is expected to be slow this year.