FinTech|X Startup Accelerator

University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business and Tampa Bay Wave have announced a new partnership that will highlight the region’s prominent financial industry presence, by launching a new FinTech|X Accelerator program! Coming in 2022, the groundbreaking program will recruit fintech startups from across the U.S. to the region. This initiative will enrich and diversify the tech ecosystem; establishing the Tampa Bay area’s reputation as a nationally-recognized hub for fintech talent and innovation.

The FinTech|X Accelerator is a highly specialized 90-day accelerator program exclusively for innovative and disruptive technology startups focused on fintech. Participating startups will gain access to key resources to support high-scale growth, including one-on-one mentoring with notable fintech industry leaders, sales training, pitch coaching, and strategic investor introductions.

The program will conclude with a private Demo Day event, where participating companies will pitch their businesses to an audience of accredited investors, venture capitalists and other financial industry leaders. Events for this program will be hosted at USF’s St. Petersburg campus, the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance, among other venues.

Due to the inclusive nature, the demand for financial technology is rapidly increasing. The rise in popularity has made fintech instrumental in stimulating economic growth. This program will promote greater startup density in Tampa Bay and high-wage job creation, while also addressing the region’s below average wages and early stage capital gaps.

Other critical funding was providing by other key sponsors including:

• Encore Bank/STi,
• MacDonald Ventures,
• City of St. Petersburg,
• St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation,
• DTCC and
• Kyle Taylor, Founder of Penny Hoarder

You can read the full press release here.