White Castle taps Sarasota firm for 1st fully automated airport kiosk
White Castle partnered with a Sarasota tech firm to launch its first fully automated airport kiosk serving hot Sliders around the clock.
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.
How did Jake Kurtz build Brick Media? Brick by brick
How Jake Kurtz turned a $500 side hustle into one of Tampa’s fastest-growing social media agencies.
Meet Dieumerci Christel, whose journey from a refugee camp is reshaping student-teacher connections
Born in a Tanzanian refugee camp, Dieumerci Christel is building Enlightapp to help schools strengthen connection and student engagement.
How CareerSource’s new CEO is rebuilding Tampa Bay’s workforce
CareerSource Tampa Bay CEO Keidrian Kunkel is reimagining how the region develops, connects and retains talent.
Tampa startup using AI to build custom curricula for schools
A Tampa ed-tech startup is using AI to help schools build custom curricula that fit every learner.
Meet the Tampa Army vet powering new startups
Army veteran Valerie Lavin is helping Tampa Bay’s veterans and first responders turn service into successful startups.
How David Habib built Yo Mama’s Foods
From his family kitchen in Clearwater, David Habib built Yo Mama’s Foods into a national clean-label brand sold in 24,000 stores.
VC Fast Pitch networking event returns to St Pete
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 develop, mature and grow. For entrepreneurs, the first step to meeting investors is finding an opportunity to pitch their company. Business accelerator Black Dog Venture … Read more
Tampa Bay Wave appoints COO
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 Accelerator, both funded through recent federal grants. He will also oversee all operational, functional and administrative aspects of the organization, according to a statement. “I … Read more
Tampa Bay Innovation Center opens applications for new startup accelerator focused on AI, data science and machine learning
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 that simplify collecting, analyzing or monetizing large sources of data. The program will serve early-stage founders that are working with, and gaining insight from, large … Read more