Tampa-based XTEND begins $8M drone deliveries to Middle East
XTEND delivers first drones under $8M defense contract tied to Tampa expansion.
Startups
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.
Last Rep expands Tampa distribution for THC drink, targets 100 stores
Tampa startup Last Rep is expanding its THC recovery drink into up to 100 retail stores.
St. Pete advances $18M port lease referendum for tech hub expansion
Voter approval would unlock federal funding and long-term financing for port expansion.
2026 Women Who Win: Entrepreneur finalists
Three founders scale companies across tech, recruiting and manufacturing.
Tampa Bay hospitals consider robots for patient transport
A Florida ER doctor built a robot to cut transport delays inside busy hospitals.
Tampa startup Force Equals raises $2.2M seed round
The Tampa startup is scaling an AI planning platform for enterprise teams.
Seagate Space takes rocket launches offshore
Seagate Space is rethinking how and where rockets launch as offshore platforms move into focus.
Receivabull aims to unlock liquidity in revenue-based finance
Receivabull is building a secondary market to make revenue-based finance more liquid and flexible.
Serial entrepreneur builds AI platform for marketing decisions
Bill Lederer builds an AI platform designed to help marketers make faster, smarter decisions in real time.
Yo Mama’s Foods Instacart growth earns national recognition
Yo Mama’s Foods was named one of Instacart’s fastest-growing brands as national demand continues to rise.