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/Smiley Technologies, DTCC, 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 non-profit, non-equity, community-fueled accelerator launched over 10 years ago and recently named the #1 Accelerator in Florida. With world-class accelerator programs built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs, Tampa Bay Wave provides early-stage, well vetted startups from Tampa Bay and around the world with educational programming, critical connections, and peer support at NO COST.

Trulli — 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.

Rob Kaczmarek
Founder/CEO at inbanx

Criteria for Consideration

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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

Applications are now closed for the 2023 cohort.

Click the button below and submit your name and email to be notified when the next one opens.

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Accelerator Benefits

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Michael Wiemer (USF Muma College of Business)

FinTech Center Director

Allan Rayson (Encore Bank)

Chief Innovation Officer, Chief Technology Officer

Chris Raper (Smiley Technologies Inc.)

Chief Strategy Officer

Darlene Newman (DTCC)

Executive Director, Head of Internal IT Innovation & Research

David Chayer (DTCC)

Managing Director, Developer Enablement and Platform Delivery

Jess Chappell (Accenture)

Managing Director

Fernando Ramírez Blanco (AHEAD)

Partner, Advisory Services

John Short (Bank of America)

Senior Vice President, Business Development Manager

Chris Tyler (BlockSpaces)

Chief Product Officer

Jim Ryan (Curql)

VP of Strategic Partnerships

Sean Connors (Bit13 Technologies)

CTO and Founder

Wayne Miller (ICBA)

SVP Innovation Programs

Marc Gibbs (JPMorgan Chase)

VP Merchant Services - Vertical Markets Payments

Steve MacDonald (MacDonald Ventures)

Founder

Em Minor (Minor Capital)

Partner

Kishen Sridharan (Raymond James)

Technology Partnerships Executive, Office of Technology Innovation

Sara Garcés Roselli (RevTechLabs)

RevTech Labs Co-Founder and Foundation President

Tom Shen (Sensabill)

Tech Founder, Board Member

Key Dates

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Applications open:	May 1, 2023
Application due:	July 14, 2023
Program kickoff:	August 28, 2023
Pitch Night:	October 19, 2023

APPLICATIONS CLOSED

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