Built for Founders.
Fueled by Community.
Florida's #1 startup accelerator — helping Tampa Bay tech founders raise capital, find mentors, and scale since 2008.
We’re entrepreneurs helping entrepreneurs transform innovative ideas into real-world solutions and scalable businesses, fueling important social and economic change in Florida and elsewhere.
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
What started as a meetup in 2008 has evolved into Florida’s #1 Accelerator and tech startup support organization.
HealthTech
What started as a meetup in 2008 has evolved into Florida’s #1 Accelerator and tech startup support organization.
TechDiversity
What started as a meetup in 2008 has evolved into Florida’s #1 Accelerator and tech startup support organization.
Start-Up Support
What started as a meetup in 2008 has evolved into Florida’s #1 Accelerator and tech startup support organization.
LatinTech
What started as a meetup in 2008 has evolved into Florida’s #1 Accelerator and tech startup support organization.
FinTech
What started as a meetup in 2008 has evolved into Florida’s #1 Accelerator and tech startup support organization.
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.
