The new fintech accelerator aims to rapidly grow Tampa Bay Area technology companies

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The nonprofit Tampa Bay Wave is accepting applications for its new FinTech | X Accelerator, its fourth program designed to help entrepreneurs grow technology-based businesses in Tampa Bay.

The Wave will hire 10 to 15 companies until February 28. The program will start the week of April 11th.

“Fintech as a whole is growing very rapidly,” notes Dr. Richard Munassi, CEO of Wave’s accelerator. “The region’s financial giants are recognizing that new fintech solutions are in demand from their customers.”

The ideal candidate has an initial product or at least a working prototype.

“We are looking for companies with strong founders who are looking to solve real problems,” says Dr. Munassi.

Applications will be reviewed by staff and a selection committee.

Like Wave’s CyberTech | X accelerator starting this week, which has six of 15 attendees from outside the country, this accelerator will be open to entrepreneurs around the world. Participants will be expected to attend part of the program at the University of South Florida-St. St. Petersburg, where the event will be held.

“That [global interest] talks about the growing reputation of Tampa Bay Wave and the Tampa Bay tech community as a whole, “says Linda Olson, Wave president and CEO.” We really hope this fintech program can replicate that … so we can continue to advertise the resources of the ecosystem of Tampa Bay. “

The three-month program, which is free to capitalless companies taken from Wave, offers mentoring with technology founders and fintech experts, as well as sales training, pitch coaching, and investor introductions. Includes a Demo Day on June 29 where companies can access accredited national investors.

Key partners who have made multi-year commitments to the program include USF, Encore Bank, and its processing partner, Smiley Technologies, Inc. USF has approached Wave about the program since its Muma College of Business and Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance are gaining a reputation as a place for fintech leaders. It has committed to supporting the program for three years.

Also sponsoring the accelerator are Steve and Lindsay MacDonald through their company MacDonald Ventures, the Depository Trust and Clearing Corporation and Kyle Taylor, founder of The Penny Hoarder. The Wave is also collaborating with the Greater St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation and the city of St. Petersburg.

To learn more and apply for the program, follow this link to Tampa Bay Wave.

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