FinTech|X Accelerator
POWERED
Join the
FinTech|X
Accelerator
Tampa Bay Wave’s world-class FinTech|X Accelerator supports disruptive startups pioneering new technology solutions in the financial industry.
This program is presented in conjunction with our partners at USF Muma College of Business and Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance. It is powered by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) and from the support of our sponsors at Encore Bank, Smiley Technologies, and Shumaker.
Capital
Receive warm introductions to Change to 600+ members of investor network, 250+ mentors.
Connections
Attend networking events and receive strategic introductions to business prospects, government, and community leaders.
Community
Connect with cohort startup peers and engage in a range of community events and networking opportunities.
Mentor
Get coaching and mentorship from our well-vetted community of 220+ subject matter experts.
Exposure
Take advantage of Wave’s robust media and social presence. Showcase your startup at Wave’s Pitch Night community event.
Perks
Gain exclusive annual savings of $100,000+ on startup resources through Morrow and other affiliate partnerships.
Criteria For Consideration
- Early-stage startups leveraging proprietary, next-generation financial technology
- Management team with a minimum of two full-time roles
- Ability to make at least two visits to Tampa throughout the program
- Evidence of market validation
- Investable, scalable business model
- Viable business plan
- Financial runway of at least 6-12 months
Accelerator Applications Are Open
Complete the application by clicking on the link below.
Accelerator Applications Are Currently Closed
Thank you for your interest in our Accelerator Program. While applications are currently closed, we’d love to keep you updated. Sign up below, and we’ll notify you as soon as the next application period opens.
Key Dates
May 5, 2025
Application Opens
July 7, 2025
Application Closes
Aug 4, 2025
Kick Off Week
Sep 24, 2025
Pitch Night
Advisory Council
Kristen Castell
Managing Director - Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE)
Red Daniels
FinTech Catalyst & Program Manager -ATDC
Laurent Desmangles
Board Member - Fifth Third Bank
Karla Dial
EVP - Encore Bank
Marc Gibbs
Director of Account Management - Mastercard
Manoj Govindan
Venture Builder, Strategic Partnerships - PGIM
Kathy Kraninger
President and CEO of Florida Bankers Association
Steve MacDonald
Founder, MacDonald Ventures
Wayne Miller
SVP Innovation Programs at ICBA
Brian Neer
Managing Partner - Neer Venture Partners
Fernando Ramírez Blanco
Partner, Advisory Services at AHEAD
Chris Raper
Principal Consultant - GCB Consulting
Allan Rayson
Founder & CEO - Finov8r Consulting
Mindi Richter
Partner - Schumaker
Jim Ryan
VP of Strategic Partnerships at Curl
Jignesh Sherdiwala
Associate Director - Accenture
John Short
Senior Vice President, Business Development Manager at Bank of America
Tom Shen
Sensibil
Kishen Sridharan
Technology Partnerships Executive, Office of Technology Innovation at Raymond James
Chris Tyler
Chief Product Officer at BlockSpaces
Michael Wiemer
FinTech Center Director at USF Muma College of Business
Startup Spotlight
Rod Kaczmarek
Founder/CEO at inbanx
“As a past participant in the Tampa Bay Wave FinTech|X Accelerator, we connected with fellow founders, venture capitalists, and seasoned mentors.
The program’s founder-friendly approach made participation accessible, while the value of insights and connections proved invaluable.
This platform became our arena to exchange innovative ideas, embracing diverse perspectives on scaling, construction, and problem-solving.”
