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Tampa Bay Business & Wealth

Startups are fueling innovation across Tampa Bay as new founders launch companies, raise capital and build the region’s next wave of growth. Here, you’ll find reporting on the people, ideas and trends shaping the local startup ecosystem.

Startups

Embarc Collective expands corporate AI access in Tampa
 |  Chuck Merlis

Embarc Collective and EX3 Labs launch The Digital Suite Tampa to help companies move from AI interest to real world application.

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Leaders and team members cut a ribbon during the launch of The Digital Suite Tampa at Embarc Collective.
White Castle taps Sarasota firm for 1st fully automated airport kiosk
 |  Chuck Merlis

White Castle partnered with a Sarasota tech firm to launch its first fully automated airport kiosk serving hot Sliders around the clock.

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Interior of Boston Logan Airport with travelers at check-in and an inset photo of a White Castle–branded Just Baked automated food kiosk.
How did Jake Kurtz build Brick Media? Brick by brick
 |  Chuck Merlis

How Jake Kurtz turned a $500 side hustle into one of Tampa’s fastest-growing social media agencies.

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Professional headshot of Jake Kurtz smiling in a navy blazer, placed inside a circular frame on a blue gradient background with the words “Brick By Brick” in bold white text.
Meet Dieumerci Christel, whose journey from a refugee camp is reshaping student-teacher connections
 |  Chuck Merlis

Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp, Dieumerci Christel is building Enlightapp to help schools strengthen connection and student engagement.

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Dieumerci Christel sitting in a conference room wearing an NDSU sweatshirt while working on Enlightapp.
How CareerSource’s new CEO is rebuilding Tampa Bay’s workforce
 |  Contributed Content

CareerSource Tampa Bay CEO Keidrian Kunkel is reimagining how the region develops, connects and retains talent.

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CareerSource Tampa Bay logo featuring four geometric shapes in orange, green, blue, and light blue, arranged in a triangular formation with the words “CareerSource” in green and orange and “TAMPA BAY” in blue.
Tampa startup using AI to build custom curricula for schools
 |  Chuck Merlis

A Tampa ed-tech startup is using AI to help schools build custom curricula that fit every learner.

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A three-panel collage showing the ryco logo, founder Riley Walker speaking on stage at a student pitch event and the company’s virtual campus where team members work as avatars.
Meet the Tampa Army vet powering new startups
 |  Michael Connor

Army veteran Valerie Lavin is helping Tampa Bay’s veterans and first responders turn service into successful startups.

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Action Zone staff and volunteers connect with veterans, first responders and aspiring entrepreneurs across Tampa Bay.
VC Fast Pitch networking event returns to St Pete
 |  Michael Connor

Networking is at the heart of the entrepreneurial spirit. Once entrepreneurs connect with investors who see the potential in their companies, incredible things can happen. Through this collaboration process businesses

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Tampa Bay Wave appoints COO
 |  Jo-Lynn Brown

Tampa Bay Wave has appointed Jay Powers as chief operating officer. In this newly created position, Powers will spearhead the execution of strategic initiatives, including the HealthTech|X Accelerator and LatinTech

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Tampa Bay Innovation Center opens applications for new startup accelerator focused on AI, data science and machine learning
 |  Jo-Lynn Brown

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center, an early-stage tech incubator located in St. Petersburg, has opened the application process for its next accelerator program, which will focus on startups developing products

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A new café is planned for the ARK Innovation Center
 |  Jo-Lynn Brown

The Tampa Bay Innovation Center, a tech hub for startups, in St. Petersburg, has subleased to Point Chaud Coffee & Crepes. The ARK Innovation Center, at 1101 4th Street South,

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One Liners Pinellas: Chris Ponte, Tampa Bay Wave, Power Design and more
 |  Jo-Lynn Brown

► Chef Chris Ponte’s modern Italian restaurant Olivia will open, at 225 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, on the ground floor of the Ascent apartment and hotel tower. (Pictured above) ►

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