Fintech|X Accelerator Startup Program - Tampa Bay Wave

The FinTech|X Accelerator is a highly specialized 90-day accelerator program exclusively for innovative and disruptive fintech startups.

Participating startups will benefit from the coaching and connections from some of the nation’s leading fintech experts, including from our key sponsors at Encore Bank, MacDonald Ventures, DTCC, Black Dragon, as well as from our strategic partners at the University of South Florida’s Muma College of Business Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance.

Tampa Bay Wave is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and takes no equity from participating companies. Wave is also a proud accredited member of GAN.co.

Trulli — The Wave presented the best opportunity for SPHER to enhance several useful skills including capital investment communication, networking, and sharpening our vision towards growth. The strong commitment from staff, mentors, and community set the Wave apart from every other Accelerator we looked at joining. We are deeply grateful for the guidance and ongoing contributions to our success.
Raymond Ribble
Founder/CEO

Criteria for Consideration

<img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;">

Business built with proprietary next-generation fintech technology
Dedicated management of at least two full-time people
Ability to travel to Tampa Bay/St. Petersburg at least 2 times during the 90-day program*
Proof of market validation
Investable and/or scalable business
Viable business plan
Financial runaway of at least 6-12 months

*Note: Travel during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic can pose a high-risk for acquiring the infection and spreading it to others. We are continually monitoring the situation and will make final decisions about in-person vs. virtual programming prior to the program kick-off.

Click the button below to access the application...

Complete Your Application with Gust

Accelerator Benefits

<img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;">

Guidance & Mentorship

Dedicated support & coaching staff
Curated events with & ongoing access to Wave’s 100+ experienced mentors
24/7 only platform access to global mentor network

Community & Connections

<img src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/peopleicon.png" width='75' height='75'>

Immersive experience with cohort peers
Membership in Wave’s full startup community (100+ startups)
Curated networking events and introductions to national business prospects

Access to Capital

Exposure and warm introductions to Wave’s 300+ investor network
Exposure via Demo Day event that attracts national accredited investors
Pre-investment pitch deck and negotiation coaching

Exposure & Savings

Media exposure through Wave’s press/pr team and social media
Massive exposure through multiple in-person / virtual pitch events
> $10,000 in annual savings through GAN and other partners
Flex office space and meeting rooms access

Program Structure

<img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;">

Build + Launch + Grow

Build, launch and grow are not only the phases of any startup venture, they are the framework by which we support our companies. Our BUILD-LAUNCH-GROW framework provides targeted support for the demands your company will experience that will ultimately lead to success.

Mentorship

Mentorship is one of the single most important tools for any startup founder or CEO. Tampa Bay Wave’s extensive network of mentors provide a unique and diverse group of experts that will provide infinite value throughout your company’s journey toward success.

Extensive Network

<img src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/peopleicon.png" width='75' height='75'>

It’s been said that it’s all about who you know. Tampa Bay Wave’s extensive network of supporters, mentors, entrepreneurs in residence, community advocates and business leaders make up a tremendous community of people who will provide you and your company a firm foundation of growth.

Fintech Advisory Council

<img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;">

Allan Rayson (Encore Bank)

Chief Innovation Officer

Chris Raper (STi)

Chief Operating Officer

Chris Tyler (Block Spaces)

CPO

Jess Chappell (Accenture)

Managing Director

Jim Giacobbe (United Solutions Company)

President & CEO

John Short (Bank of America)

Senior Vice President, Business Development Manager

Kishen Sridharan (Raymond James)

Technology Partnerships Executive

Kyle Taylor (The Penny Hoarder)

Founder & CEO

Michael Wiemer (USF Muma College of Business)

FinTech Center Director

Sean Connors (USF FinTech Certification)

FinTech, Automation, Bitcoin/Blockchain Consultant

Shai Perez (DTCC)

Operating Council

Steve MacDonald (MacDonald Ventures)

CEO/Founder

Tom Rizzo (JPMC)

Executive Director, Global Technology

Tom Shen (Sensibill)

Executive Chair

Wayne Miller (The Venture Center-Little Rock)

Executive Director

Powered By

<img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;" data-src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" class="lazyload" src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw=="><noscript><img src="https://www.tampabaywave.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pillarsofinnsqui.png" width='132' height='15' style="padding-left:3px;">

Key Dates

Applications open:	May 1, 2023
Application deadline:	July 14, 2023
Program kickoff:	August 28, 2023
Demo Day:	October 19, 2023

Learn more about Fintech | X Accelerator

Contact Us

Pillars of Innovation Sponsors

Support Us