Florida’s Leading Startup Accelerator — Built for Founders, Fueled by Community.
We’re entrepreneurs helping Tampa Bay founders raise capital, find mentors, and scale through zero-equity accelerator programs since 2008.
We Are Tampa
Bay Wave
Tampa Bay Wave is a technology startup accelerator and innovation community based in Tampa, Florida. Founded in 2008 as a grassroots entrepreneur meetup and established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2013, we are widely recognized as one of Florida’s leading startup accelerators, built “for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs.” We run vertical-specific accelerator programs in FinTech, Cybersecurity, HealthTech, and BlueTech/OceanTech, alongside Tech|X, our non-vertical accelerator supported by the Nielsen Foundation for startups across categories, including Enterprise SaaS, MarTech, AdTech, DefenseTech, FrontierTech, and ProTech. Alongside our accelerator programs, we offer corporate innovation partnerships, mentorship networks, investor connections, and a thriving membership community for startups at every stage.
Startup
Programs
Core
Membership
Events
Networking
Corporate
Innovation
Program
Innovation
Hub
Accelerator
Programs
Mentor
Programs
Investor
Programs
Scholarships
CyberTech|X
Our CyberTech|X Accelerator equips cybersecurity startups with strategic support, global networking, and mentorship from industry leaders, including sponsor partners A-LIGN, Bank of America, Thoropass, and Potomac Law Group.
HealthTech|X
Our HealthTech|X Accelerator is an exclusive program for health technology startups ready to scale, backed by global healthcare attention and ecosystem partners like the Tampa Medical Research District.
Tech|X
Our purpose-driven Tech|X Accelerator welcomes startups across every category solving real-world problems through transformative technology — open to founders of all demographics and geographies.
Startup Programs
Explore our full lineup of zero-equity accelerator programs — CyberTech, HealthTech, FinTech, Tech|X, and more — each built to fast-track your startup with mentorship, capital connections, and hands-on support.
LatinTech
What started as a meetup in 2008 has evolved into Florida’s #1 Accelerator and tech startup support organization.
FinTech|X
Our world-class FinTech|X Accelerator supports disruptive startups pioneering new financial technology, presented with partners at USF's Muma College of Business and the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance.
Upcoming Event
BUSINESS IMPACT
670+
Startups
Supported
7,300+
JOBS
CREATED
30+
Countries Represented From
Startup Founders
32
Exits
$450M
ECONOMIC IMPACT
2500+
Annual Training
Hours
$1.8B+
Capital Raised
STARTUP FOUNDERS FROM
Santo Cannone
Board Member and Strategic Advisor
“There is amazing energy around the tech startup community in Tampa Bay. As the Chairman of the Board for Tampa Bay Wave and a Wave mentor, I’ve had the opportunity to work with impressive entrepreneurs with exciting solutions. Supporting their success and that of our region is truly rewarding.”
Accelerating Startup Success
Every startup is unique, which is why our zero-equity accelerator programs are tailored specifically to your business needs and evolve alongside your journey to success. Each accelerator member has access to our growing community of startups, investors, and mentors for advice, coaching, and strategic introductions to accelerate your business growth.
Support Wave
Supporting Tampa Bay Wave fosters innovation, growth, and startup success through diverse contributions, scholarships, and partnerships, empowering startups to thrive.
Startup Accelerators
Our accelerator programs fast-track startups with expert coaching and key introductions. Alumni have created over 7,300+ jobs, significantly impacting local and global communities.
Memberships
Started in 2008, we are Florida’s top accelerator and tech startup support organization, built “for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs,” driving innovation, growth, and success across industries.
The Ripple Effect
Since 2013, we’ve helped 670+ startups create 7,300+ jobs and raise $1.8 billion in capital — building a stronger, more diverse innovation ecosystem across Florida and beyond.
Tampa Bay Wave builds a stronger innovation ecosystem, one founder, one job, one breakthrough at a time. Since 2013, we have supported 670+ startups and helped create 7,300+ jobs, with founders connected across 30 countries. Our alumni have raised over $1.8 billion in total capital across 32 successful exits, driving an estimated $450 million in annual economic impact across Florida. Our purpose-driven founder community is 46% women-led, and reflects our commitment to building an ecosystem where every founder has a path to succeed.
Read Our Blog
Why Mentors and Specialized Programs Help Founders Move Faster
Speed is the one resource every early-stage founder is short on. Not money, not even talent — speed. The founders who move fastest aren’t necessarily
Why a Startup Accelerator Is the Right Fit for Tech Founders (and When It Isn’t)
Every technical founder eventually hits the same wall: the skills that got the product built aren’t the same skills that get it funded, sold, or
Why Tampa Bay Is Becoming Florida’s Startup Capital — and the Role Tampa Bay Wave Plays
Ask someone outside Florida where the state’s tech industry is, and they’ll probably say Miami. Ask someone who’s actually building a startup, and increasingly the
Tampa Bay Wave Welcomes 2026 Tech|X Accelerator Cohort
Tampa Bay Wave Welcomes 2026 Tech|X Accelerator Cohort, Powered by the Nielsen Foundation Tampa Bay Wave has launched the ninth cohort of its Tech|X Accelerator,
Regions Foundation Backs 2026 FinTechX Accelerator
Regions Foundation Backs 2026 FinTech|X Accelerator Tampa Bay Wave is excited to announce a generous grant from Regions Foundation to support its fifth annual FinTech|X
Tampa Bay Wave 2026 CyberTech|X Launch
Tampa Bay Wave 2026 CyberTech|X Accelerator Cohort Tampa, Fla., Feb. 05, 2026 – Tampa Bay Wave, Inc. (Wave), a leading nonprofit technology accelerator, proudly announces