FinTech|X Accelerator
POWERED BY:
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.
Advisory Council
Eric Baker
IT Partnerships Executive - Raymond James
Fernando Ramírez Blanco
Partner, Advisory Services at AHEAD
Kristen Castell
Managing Director - Center for Accelerating Financial Equity (CAFE)
Red Daniels
FinTech Catalyst & Program Manager -ATDC
Laurent Desmangles
Board Member - Fifth Third Bank
Marc Gibbs
Director of Account Management - Mastercard
Manoj Govindan
VP of Innovation - PGIM
Gabe Higgins
Co-Founder/CPO - BlockSpaces
Mo Khalifa
Executive Director - Head of AI & Innovation -J.P. Morgan Private Bank
Kathy Kraninger
President and CEO of Florida Bankers Association
Beau Kraft
Early Stage Fintech, East Region Market Lead - SVB
Steve MacDonald
Founder, MacDonald Ventures
Jack Markwalter
Founder & CEO - VIVA Finance
Danny McDonald
SBA Business Development Loan Officer - Locality Bank
Wayne Miller
SVP Innovation Programs at ICBA
Brian Neer
Managing Partner - Neer Venture Partners
Leslie Norman
CTO - Dynasty Financial Partners
Chris Raper
Principal Consultant - GCB Consulting
Allan Rayson
Founder & CEO - Finov8r Consulting
Mindi Richter
Partner - Shumaker
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
Michael Wiemer
Director of the FinTech Center, Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance
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.”
