Vinik’s newest investment is Rad

Less than 6 months ago, Tampa Bay Lightning owner Jeff Vinik spoke at an event showcasing eight Israeli startup tech companies that were seeking U.S. investors. He told a crowd of about 350 at the Bryan Glazer Family JCC that, “We have to let it be known that Tampa and the Tampa Bay area is open for business in the innovation space.” He added, “Tampa is one of the country’s best kept secrets. We need to change that.” As the companies made their pitch at that meeting, one apparently stood out for Vinik – a company called StemRad that makes radiation protective wear for use by nuclear power plant workers in the event of a meltdown, first responders, military personnel in the event a nuclear radiation event and even astronauts.