Tampa Bay Wave
Tampa Bay Wave is a small business founded in 2008, located in Tampa, Florida, specializing in web and mobile software. The organization supports tech entrepreneurs through accelerator programs, mentorship, and access to investors, having aided over 500 startups in raising significant capital and creating thousands of jobs.
Company Overview
Tampa Bay Wave operates within the Computer Software industry and was founded in 2008. The organization is classified as a small business with a team size of 55 employees. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, Tampa Bay Wave focuses on accelerating the growth of tech entrepreneurs through various support programs and initiatives. The company emphasizes collaboration and innovation, encapsulated in its motto, 'Accelerate. Innovate. Collaborate.'
Accelerator Programs
Tampa Bay Wave offers a range of accelerator programs tailored to different sectors, including CyberTech, FinTech, HealthTech, LatinTech, and TechDiversity. These programs provide startups with expert coaching and essential introductions to industry stakeholders. The organization operates a zero-equity accelerator model, ensuring that startups retain full ownership while benefiting from the resources and mentorship provided. Startups in their programs have collectively raised over $900 million in capital.
Impact and Achievements
Over the past decade, Tampa Bay Wave has supported more than 460 innovative startups, which have collectively raised over $700 million and created more than 4,200 jobs. The organization has a reach that spans 30 countries and has a notable focus on diversity, with 46% of its startups being women-led and 86% having diverse founders. The organization aims to create a $10 million seed fund and surpass $1 billion in total fundraising efforts globally by 2024.
Community Engagement
Tampa Bay Wave hosts exclusive events that connect key stakeholders within the tech community, fostering collaboration and growth. The organization is a member of the Morrow network, which consists of a curated community of accelerators, partners, and investors. This network enhances the support system available to startups, facilitating access to over 200 mentors and 400 investors.
Specialized Initiatives
The organization runs specialized accelerator programs such as the HealthTech|X Accelerator, which focuses on health technology startups, and the TechDiversity Accelerator, which supports startups that are at least 50% owned, operated, and controlled by underrepresented groups. The LatinTech Accelerator is backed by a $500,000 federal funding initiative, while the FinTech|X Accelerator is presented in conjunction with the USF Muma College of Business and supported by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration.