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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
Trulli

Criteria for Consideration

  • 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.

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Accelerator Benefits

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

  • 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

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

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.

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

Key Dates

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