The Architect of a Tech Revolution
In the world of technology, ecosystems aren’t just born; they are gestated through intentionality, investment, and a relentless belief in a region’s potential. For decades, Silicon Valley has held the crown as the global epicenter of innovation. But a new era is dawning on the Gulf Coast of Florida.
In the debut episode of the Cyber Bay Podcast, host Angelica Rubin sits down with Arnie Bellini, the co-founder and former CEO of ConnectWise and the managing partner of Bellini Capital. Bellini isn’t just a participant in the Tampa Bay tech scene; he is its primary architect. His current mission? To officially transform the region into CyberBay, the undisputed cybersecurity center of excellence for the United States.
The Roots of Innovation: How IBM Built Tampa Tech
To understand where CyberBay is going, you have to understand where it started. Arnie Bellini’s journey is inextricably linked to the arrival of high-tech in Florida. In 1972, Arnie’s father moved the family to Tampa to open an IBM office. At the time, there were only 85,000 computers in the entire world, and only 36 were connected to what we now know as the internet.
“The Bellini family feels in so many ways that we have really brought technology to Tampa Bay,” Arnie reflects. That legacy continued when Arnie, then a technology consultant at Price Waterhouse, convinced his firm to purchase the very first IBM PC in the region in 1981.
Seeing the potential for personal computing to empower the “50% of the American economy” made up of small to mid-sized businesses, Arnie made the bold choice to leave the corporate ladder and start ConnectWise. It was a move his father famously questioned, calling him “Arney Barney” and warning him that IBM only expected to sell 5,000 PCs worldwide for hobbyists. Arnie saw otherwise, and the rest is history.
Building the Ecosystem: The ConnectWise Evolution
The success of ConnectWise was more than just a win for the Bellini family; it was the “big success” necessary to anchor an entire ecosystem. When the company was eventually acquired by Thoma Bravo, Arnie was highly intentional about the buyer.
“We wanted to bring a Silicon Valley private equity firm’s eyeballs on Tampa Bay,” says Bellini. “Now we’ve got eyeballs on technology plays here. Others will now benefit from the fact that we did this.”
An ecosystem requires three pillars:
- A massive success story.
- Private equity attention.
- A deep talent base.
Today, the fruits of that labor are visible across the city. Spin-outs and companies led by ConnectWise alumni, such as ReliaQuest, KnowBe4, ThreatLocker, and Aline, have collective valuations in the billions. Tampa isn’t just a retirement paradise; it is the part of Florida where serious business gets done.
The Bellini College: Training the “Cyber Soldiers”
Central to the Cyber Bay vision is the Bellini College of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Computing at the University of South Florida (USF), established by a historic $40 million gift from the Bellini family.
Arnie describes the college as his “version of Stanford in Tampa Bay.” The goal is simple but ambitious: create a national model for cybersecurity workforce development. Unlike traditional theoretical programs, the Bellini College emphasizes experiential learning.
“We are teaching them the scholastic side, but as soon as we teach a lesson, we’re saying: ‘Now go over here and show us you can set up a network safely,'” Bellini explains.
By using real software titles and guided learning, the college is producing “cyber soldiers” ready to defend the digital borders of the United States. The commitment doesn’t stop at education; Arnie has made a personal pledge to help create 70,000 high-paying high-tech jobs in the region within seven years.
Responsible Capitalism: Balancing Economy and Ecology
Perhaps the most unique aspect of Bellini’s vision is his commitment to Responsible Capitalism. He views wealth not as a personal prize, but as a tool for proactive community investment.
“The money is not for us,” Bellini says. “Once you have a couple million dollars, it’s not going to make a difference in your life. But if you’re responsible with it, you will do good deeds in your own community.”
This philosophy led to a fascinating realization. As Arnie mapped out his 70,000-job pledge on a spreadsheet, he realized the sheer scale of development required—shopping centers, grocery stores, and parking lots—could “pave over half of Hillsborough County.”
Determined not to repeat the mistakes of Silicon Valley, where the economy “ate the ecology,” Bellini launched a massive preservation effort. He was instrumental in passing the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act, officially recognizing 18 million acres of preserved land. Through his family’s nonprofit, Live Wildly, they are ensuring that the Florida Panther and other native species have the 400-mile ranges they need to thrive.
The Future is Creative: Preparing for the Age of AI
While Arnie is heavily invested in AI and cybersecurity, he also remains a champion for the arts. His $17 million investment in the Bellini Center for the Arts at Tampa Catholic High School is another strategic move for the future.
“AI is going to take a lot of jobs,” Bellini notes. “The jobs it won’t take are the ones that require human creativity.” By bringing the arts back to high schools, he is helping the next generation develop the one human trait that technology cannot replicate.
Cyber Bay 2025: Putting the Spotlight on the Region
The next major milestone in this journey is the CyberBay 2025 Conference. The event is designed to solidify Tampa Bay’s reputation as a global leader.
The region already boasts a unique advantage: it is the home of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base. By bringing together military leaders, educational visionaries, and tech entrepreneurs, CyberBay 2025 will showcase the full strength of the region’s cybersecurity infrastructure.
Conclusion: Join the Movement
Arnie Bellini’s story is a testament to what is possible when risk-taking meets a deep love for community. From swimming the English Channel to competing in world championship triathlons at age 60+, Arnie’s life is defined by pushing boundaries.
CyberBay is the next frontier. It is a vision of a thriving, high-tech economy that lives in perfect harmony with the natural beauty of Florida. It is a place where “cyber soldiers” defend the nation and where innovation knows no limits.
Are you ready to be part of the Cyber Bay story?
- Attend the Summit: Join us at the 2026 CyberBay Summit. Early bird tickets are available until December 19th, 2025.
- Follow the Journey: Follow @CyberBayPod on social media for the latest updates on the Tampa Bay tech revolution.
- Invest in the Future: Learn more about the Bellini College and how you can support the next generation of tech leaders.
This blog post is a companion piece to the CyberBay Podcast, Episode 1. Watch the full interview with Arnie Bellini on YouTube.
