Anti-PR Star to Launch Founders Live Tampa Bay
This is an abbreviated version of the original article, “Internationally acclaimed pitch competition heads to St. Pete,” written by Mark Parker, published on July 2, 2025, in the St. Pete Catalyst.
Karla Jo Helms, founder of JOTO PR Disruptors, is the new city leader for Founders Live Tampa Bay
“We’re not waiting for the spotlight — we’re building it right here.”
St. Petersburg will soon become the newest city to begin hosting Founders Live city competitions when Founders Live Tampa Bay launches on July 17 at The Birchwood in downtown St. Petersburg.
Karla Jo Helms, founder of the “anti-public relations firm” JOTO PR Disruptors, said she worked to secure the event because local entrepreneurs deserve more support and recognition.
“In the Tampa Bay area, we have some cool things going on, and I don’t think we’re on the radar enough,” Helms said. “This showcases Tampa Bay startups on a national level – even a global stage – because it’s connected to a global startup pitch competition.”
“It puts our entrepreneurs into the spotlight.”
Helms founded Tampa-based JOTO PR in 2009 to disrupt the public relations industry. She said her firm supports a global community of fellow disruptive innovators.
While Tampa Bay is home to pioneering entrepreneurs “going against the status quo” like those found in Silicon Valley, Austin and Boston, Helms believes they lack the exposure typically offered in those cities.
““The more attention an area has, the more people want to give resources and have resources for companies in the area. The exposure connected to this event will give these opportunities – even networking opportunities that complement our local accelerators and incubators.”
Helms, who recently became “city leader” for Founders Live Tampa Bay, noted that successful entrepreneurs create local jobs and contribute to their community’s success. She offered statistics to underscore that point.
Area companies have raised over $650 million in capital in 2025, led by cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest’s $500 million “mega round.” At least 500 startups have created 5,200 jobs over the past decade, and Tampa Bay now ranks among the top five cities for startups.
However, Helms believes people in and outside the region have failed to give local startups their flowers. “We really want to make this a powerful platform for startup exposure in Tampa Bay, validate them in front of investors and influencers and bring this community together,” she said.
“I think it’s a bit too siloed.”
Helms stressed the platform’s global reach. While she is still looking for local sponsors, organizations from “Africa and other countries” have expressed interest.
Tampa Bay is a diverse area with many cultures. Helms said local networks bolstered by the event could expand to participants’ “home countries.”
She noted that many people struggle to understand how a new technology can improve an industry. Helms hopes the event and platform will help increase understanding, acceptance and adoption.
““It’s giving them a community to feel inspired, keep going, and overcome challenges,” she said. “I think we can make a real impact in this area. There’s so much going on here and so much expansion that we should push this to the forefront.””
Helms chose St. Petersburg for the inaugural event, which she plans to host every quarter. She then plans to “give different areas love” throughout Tampa Bay.
