Accelerator Programs

LatinTech 2024 Pitch Night

Tampa Bay Wave, in partnership with the Tampa Bay Latin Chamber of Commerce, is thrilled to welcome you to the inaugural LatinTech Accelerator 2024 Pitch Night.

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Accelerating
Startup Success

Every startup is unique, which is why our zero-equity accelerator programs are tailored specifically to your business needs and evolve alongside your journey to success. Each accelerator member has access to our growing community of startups, investors, and mentors for advice, coaching, and strategic introductions to accelerate your business growth.

We provide structured programming, industry expert mentorship, preparation for investor meetings, and the opportunity to showcase your business with the extensive Wave community.

We’re also here for the long haul with year-round support available through our CORE program to ensure your continued success.

CyberTech accelerator program — Tampa Bay Wave

CyberTech
Accelerator

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FinTech accelerator program — Tampa Bay Wave

FinTech
Accelerator

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HealthTech accelerator program — Tampa Bay Wave

HealthTech
Accelerator

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TechDiversity accelerator program — Tampa Bay Wave

Tech|X
Accelerator

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Success Stories

Refactr

Refactr was acquired by cybersecurity leader SOPHOS just months after…

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LunaJoy

LunaJoy is a telehealth startup, based in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are…

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Harness

Harness is an impact-focused financial technology platform that…

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Ongoing Support with the Wave CORE Program

Startups like yours require year-round support and the support of a community to succeed. Our CORE Program provides continuous programming tailored to your needs, along with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs who share your journey.

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Portfolio Companies

Pillars of Innovation Sponsors

A-LIGN logo
Appspace logo
Bank of America logo
Bellini logo
CAMLS logo
Celestar logo
Encore logo
Frasers Enterprise logo
EY logo
Florida Blue logo
FBDC logo
FHTC and USF Research Institute logo
NEW Florida Funders Logo
Foley logo
Hafer Family Foundation logo
JPMorgan Chase logo
KnowBe4 logo
Kuducom Logo with Slogan
Macdonald Ventures logo
NextPath Career Partners logo
Nielsen Foundation logo
Regions Foundation logo
Synapse logo
TECO Energy logo
Truist
USF Health logo
VinikFamily Foundation Logo
Support Us
Refractr

Refactr was acquired by cybersecurity leader SOPHOS just months after graduating from Tampa Bay Wave’s inaugural cybersecurity-focused accelerator.

 

Air Force veteran Founder and CEO, Mike Fraser, established Refactr alongside co-founders, Korrine Fraser and Anthony Rowlands. The company built the Refactr Platform, a DevSecOps Automation Platform to help bridge the gap between DevOps and cybersecurity.

 

Post-acquisition, Mike and Korrine are also giving back to the veteran and startup community, including as a Tampa Bay Wave donor and advisor.

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LunaJoy

LunaJoy is a telehealth startup, based in St. Petersburg, Florida. They are disrupting women’s healthcare and breaking the stigma around mental health.

As psychiatrists and mothers, the co-founders of LunaJoy were inspired to create an innovative solution that ensures women have access to affordable mental health resources. LunaJoy is a digital care clinic for women throughout their lifespans. The pay-per-visit model offers a variety of therapy techniques, including holistic therapy, psychiatry, and mental health coaching.

Sipra Laddha, MD and Shama Rathi, MD co-founders of LunaJoy, have raised millions of dollars for the company through their participation in the Y Combinator and Tampa Bay Wave accelerators. 

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Harness

Harness is an impact-focused financial technology platform that connects consumers with nonprofits, financial institutions, and their communities. Harness helps link everyday spending with causes consumers care about, offering financial institutions fresh ways to engage members, drive deposits, and meet business goals. 

Founded in 2016 by Miraj Patel and Andrew Scarborough, Harness has grown to a team of over 50 employees. Through strategic relationships with leading payment card networks, Harness has achieved global reach and securely facilitated over $100 million worth of transactions to help fund consumer passions and interests. For more information, visit goharness.com today.

Miraj is also a key member of the Tampa Bay Wave Board of Directors, supporting the organization and helping the next generation of innovative startups in the Wave ecosystem.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What accelerator programs does Tampa Bay Wave offer?
Tampa Bay Wave offers zero-equity accelerator programs across multiple verticals: CyberTech|X, HealthTech|X, FinTech|X, Tech|X, and BlueTech|X. Each program is free to accepted startups and provides mentorship, workshops, investor connections, and Demo Day pitching opportunities.
Are Tampa Bay Wave accelerator programs zero-equity?
Yes. Tampa Bay Wave takes no equity, charges no fees, and requires no revenue share in exchange for participation in any of its accelerator programs. All programs are completely free for accepted startups.
Who is eligible to apply for a Tampa Bay Wave accelerator?
Most programs are open to early-stage technology startups, typically pre-revenue to Series A. Eligibility requirements vary by program — Tech|X prioritizes underrepresented founders, while CyberTech|X focuses on cybersecurity startups. A Florida presence or intent to establish one is preferred.
How long are Tampa Bay Wave accelerator programs?
Most Tampa Bay Wave accelerator programs run for approximately 3 months and are cohort-based. The program includes mentorship sessions, workshops, peer learning, and culminates in a Demo Day pitch event.
Is there a cost to participate in a Tampa Bay Wave accelerator?
No. Tampa Bay Wave accelerator programs are completely free for accepted startups. There are no tuition fees, equity requirements, or revenue share obligations.
How do I apply for a Tampa Bay Wave accelerator program?
Applications are submitted online through each program's individual page on tampabaywave.org. The application typically covers your startup's stage, team, the problem you're solving, and your target market.
When does the next Tampa Bay Wave accelerator cohort begin?
Application cycles and start dates vary by program. Visit the individual program pages at tampabaywave.org/startup-programs for current open applications and upcoming cohort schedules.