JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Jacksonville is emerging as a key player in the global fintech landscape with the launch of Jax Hub, a new corporate innovation initiative led by L Marks, a UK-based firm specializing in accelerating innovation for large organizations.
Daniel Saunders, CEO of L Marks, shared in a recent interview that Jax Hub aims to bring cutting-edge financial technology solutions from around the world to Northeast Florida. The program fosters collaboration among local businesses, academic institutions, and international innovators to solve real-world challenges.
“Jax Hub is about bringing the best fintech solutions from across the globe to Jacksonville and piloting them locally with partners like PaySafe and the University of North Florida,” Saunders said. “It’s a collaboration program where private, public, and academic sectors come together to solve real-world challenges.”
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The initiative is a direct outcome of a fintech corridor agreement signed between the UK and Florida, which was formalized in Jacksonville. This corridor aims to strengthen ties and create opportunities for innovation between the two regions.
“The MOU signed between Florida and the UK was signed right here in Jacksonville,” Saunders noted. “It put a stamp on the map, elevating Jacksonville’s position beyond the traditional hubs like Miami or Orlando. This is about delivering real impact, creating jobs, and attracting investment.”
L Marks has built more than 120 innovation programs worldwide and sees Jacksonville as a promising market due to its growing innovation economy and strong financial services sector, anchored by companies such as PaySafe.
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Saunders emphasized the importance of local talent in building a sustainable innovation ecosystem. “Having strong talent is crucial for an innovation ecosystem,” he said. “You’re going to see global innovators engaging with local students and local workforce, which will elevate them and give them those jobs.”
Looking ahead, Saunders envisions Jacksonville becoming a global center for financial innovation and a hotbed for tech startups. “In three to five years, I want Jacksonville to be the next Tel Aviv or Silicon Valley,” he said. “It’s going to be a place where innovation comes not just from businesses, but also from spinouts from universities like UNF and UF’s new Jacksonville campus.”
Innovators interested in joining Jax Hub can apply through the program’s website at jaxhub.us. The structured program supports startups by validating their solutions with industry leaders and piloting innovations locally.
With Jax Hub, Jacksonville is positioning itself as a dynamic hub for fintech innovation, attracting international partnerships, fostering local talent, and driving economic growth. Innovators interested in participating can apply through the Jax Hub website at jaxhub.us.