Tampa Bay Wave
Tampa Bay Wave is Florida's leading accelerator and tech startup support organization, established in 2008. As a nonprofit, it operates on a "for…
Online destinations
Find Tampa Bay Wave online
Where to find this organization online, grouped by who runs each page. A link here does not mean the organization controls it.
Official links
Pages the organization runs itself.
Third-party rankings
Where Tampa Bay Wave ranks
| Ranking | Edition | Position | Since last edition | Trust | What it measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 America's Best Incubators and Accelerators | 2026 | #3 | No prior edition | D | Performance, Prestige |
Overview
Tampa Bay Wave is a nonprofit organization founded in 2008, dedicated to supporting early-stage tech startups in Florida. Operating on a 'for entrepreneurs, by entrepreneurs' model, it provides a structured framework to help startups launch, grow, and succeed without requiring equity from founders. The organization focuses on transforming innovative ideas into scalable businesses, contributing to social and economic change in the Tampa Bay area and beyond. Through mentorship, resources, and connections to funding opportunities, Tampa Bay Wave aims to enhance the local tech ecosystem and support entrepreneurs in their journey.
Focus
Tampa Bay Wave describes accelerator activity in FinTech, cybersecurity, HealthTech, and BlueTech/OceanTech. These are host-level areas of activity, not terms or eligibility criteria for every individual program.
Support
Tampa Bay Wave describes structured programming, virtual point-to-point mentorship, and funding coaches who connect companies with suitable investors; investor introductions are not a guarantee of investment. Wave-affiliated companies are also announced as having access to the Florida High Tech Corridor's FL FAST initiative for SBIR/STTR funding preparation. This is access to funding preparation, not evidence of awarded funding.
Questions
What support does Tampa Bay Wave describe?
It describes structured startup programming and virtual point-to-point mentorship. Its funding coaches connect companies with suitable investors, but this does not guarantee investment. [130860, 130861, 130862]
Are all programs currently accepting applications?
The Startup Programs page is an informational directory and does not establish open intake. Check individual offerings for current status. [130866]
Check your startup’s fit
Check your startup’s fit with Tampa Bay WaveFrom public sources
What the sources say about Tampa Bay Wave
Wave states a Florida-centered mission that also includes communities elsewhere.
Source: About Tampa Bay WaveTampa Bay Wave says Wave-affiliated companies will have access to the Corridor's FL FAST initiative for SBIR/STTR funding preparation.
Source: Florida High Tech Corridor Expanded PartnershipWave's Media Kit dates the partnership announcement September 28, 2026.
Source: Media KitTampa Bay Wave announces expansion of its longstanding partnership with the Florida High Tech Corridor into a multi-year collaboration.
Source: Florida High Tech Corridor Expanded PartnershipTampa Bay Wave reports that its portfolio companies collectively raised more than $2 billion in capital.
Source: Tampa Bay Wave Portfolio Companies Surpass $2 Billion RaisedTampa Bay Wave's Startup Programs page is an official route for comparing its accelerator offerings.
Source: Startup Accelerator Programs
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