Billionaires Ken Griffin and Stephen Ross are spearheading a new $10 million initiative, Ambition Accelerated, aimed at enticing chief executive officers and business leaders to relocate to South Florida. The campaign highlights the region’s attractive business environment, low taxes, and high quality of life, positioning it as a burgeoning global hub for finance and technology.
Key Takeaways
- Billionaires Ken Griffin and Stephen Ross are investing $10 million in the "Ambition Accelerated" initiative.
- The program targets CEOs and business leaders, encouraging them to move to South Florida.
- Key selling points include Florida’s low taxes, business-friendly policies, and quality of life.
- Both Griffin and Ross have previously relocated their own companies and operations to Florida.
- The initiative is spearheaded by The Florida Council of 100, a pro-business nonprofit.
The "Ambition Accelerated" Initiative
Ambition Accelerated, a project backed by prominent figures like hedge fund magnate Ken Griffin and real estate mogul Stephen Ross, is actively promoting South Florida as an ideal destination for corporate leaders. The initiative, which has secured $10 million in funding, is designed to attract CEOs by emphasizing the state’s economic advantages. Ross expressed strong optimism, stating, "I think this is a place that is about to explode."
Florida’s Appeal to Business Leaders
Griffin and Ross, who have both moved their company headquarters from states like Illinois and New York to Florida, are vocal critics of high taxes and stringent regulations found elsewhere. They champion Florida’s constitutional prohibition against income tax and its generally conservative, business-friendly political climate. The initiative, managed by The Florida Council of 100, offers personalized consultations for businesses looking to establish or expand in the state. Griffin, founder of Citadel, moved his hedge fund’s headquarters to Miami in 2022, and his company’s new mixed-use tower is set to become a significant presence in the Brickell area. Ross, owner of the Miami Dolphins and founder of Related Companies, has also deepened his Florida investments with the establishment of Related Ross, focusing on the state’s real estate market.
A Growing Trend of Relocation
The push by Griffin and Ross aligns with a broader trend of high-profile individuals and companies relocating to Florida. Recent examples include Wells Fargo moving its wealth management headquarters to West Palm Beach and Google co-founder Larry Page reportedly purchasing significant property in Coconut Grove, potentially in response to proposed tax increases in California. The Wall Street Journal’s decision to host its WSJ Invest Live event in West Palm Beach underscores the region’s growing prominence as a center for finance, private equity, venture capital, and other key industries, with at least 115 billionaires now calling Florida home.