Leslie F. Giscombe, MBA, is a seasoned serial entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience and the distinction of being the oldest African American graduate from the University of Florida’s undergraduate College of Business. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship, followed by an MBA in International Business from the Florida Institute of Technology.

Giscombe’s background in the technology sector began with his first joint venture, Compucepts Corp, co-founded in 1989 with a Brazilian national he met in college. Compucepts was among the pioneering companies that introduced personal computers (PCs) to the Brazilian market, significantly contributing to the country’s technological advancement. This venture, which operated until 1993, provided Giscombe with invaluable experience, underscoring the importance of compliance and risk management in international business operations.

Throughout his career, Leslie has been dedicated to developing and empowering Black and minority-owned businesses across the United States. He has forged partnerships with some of the largest banks in the nation, including TD Bank, Truist, Fifth Third Bank, SouthState, and Florida’s largest Community Development Financial Institution, the Black Business Investment Fund (BBIF). These partnerships are instrumental in expanding resources, funding, and opportunities for minority entrepreneurs, supporting sustainable business growth within diverse communities.

In alignment with his mission to support economic advancement for African American and minority entrepreneurs, Leslie has also established strategic alliances with several of the United States’ leading public universities, including the University of Florida, Auburn University, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. These partnerships reinforce the mission of the African American Entrepreneurial Association (AAEA), which he founded to foster education, entrepreneurship, and access to resources for underrepresented communities.

As a mentor, Leslie has guided the success of Fire Neural Network (FNN), an innovative company recently recognized as a GrowFL Company to Watch in 2025 and awarded Tech Company of the Year by the Gainesville Chamber of Commerce. Under his mentorship, FNN has expanded its reach to three countries and secured million-dollar contracts with notable organizations such as the Florida Forest Service, NSF, FPL, and USDA.

Leslie’s extensive experience and dedication to empowering minority-owned businesses have made him pivotal in promoting diversity and inclusion within the entrepreneurial landscape.