The Tampa Bay Wave’s portfolio of more than 550 tech startups has collectively raised over $1 billion in investor capital, marking a significant milestone for the nonprofit accelerator.
Founded in 2013, with the support of a $1 million federal grant from the United States Economic Development Administration, the Wave aims to strengthen the region’s startup ecosystem by attracting top-tier companies and fostering innovation.
“Reaching $1 billion in capital, raised by our portfolio companies, reflects the power of grassroots entrepreneurship,” said Linda Olson, president and chief executive officer of the Wave. “This achievement highlights our commitment to making Tampa Bay a global destination for technology and innovation.”
The Wave operates several accelerator programs, including the TechDiversity Accelerator, and industry-specific programs such as CyberTech|X and HealthTech|X. A new program, BlueTech|X, is in development, focusing on ocean-based climate resiliency innovations.
Its portfolio companies have generated thousands of high-paying tech jobs in the region, attracting talent from across the U.S. and more than 30 countries.
As Tampa Bay Wave grows, Olson emphasized that the milestone is just the beginning. “We’re committed to making Tampa Bay the go-to destination for tech startups,” she said.
