St. Petersburg, Florida continues to build its reputation as a nationally-recognized hub for fintech talent and innovation with the launch of FinTech | X Accelerator, a tech incubator partnership between Tampa Bay Wave and the University of South Florida Muma College of Business.
Fintech refers to the integration of technology into financial services. Online banking systems, crypto exchanges and crowdfunding platforms are all examples of fintech.
FinTech|X is a 90-day program offering access to key resources such as a dedicated cohort director, one-on-one mentoring with notable fintech industry leaders and experienced tech founders, sales training, pitch coaching, and strategic introductions in an environment designed to support high-scale growth. Over the course of three months, companies will participate in intensive week-long in-person programming sessions in St. Petersburg for one week per month. Participating companies will also pitch their businesses to an audience of accredited investors, venture capitalists and other financial industry leaders during a private Demo Day event at the conclusion of the program.
The program will serve as a link between the region’s tech startup community and financial services workforce centers located across the region. FinTech|X will also promote greater startup density in Tampa Bay and high-wage job creation.
Fin + Tech = Grow Smarter
“This program embodies St. Petersburg’s Grow Smarter strategy by focusing on the intersection of financial services and technology,” said J.P. DuBuque, President & CEO of the St. Petersburg Area Economic Development Corporation. “We’re seeing that nearly all financial service companies in our market are either significantly leveraging technology or are truly fintech companies. FinTech|X will allow us to showcase our thought leadership in the space and attract innovative entrepreneurs and growing companies to our region.”
The accelerator will begin accepting applications on or before January 1, 2022 from startups around the world. Like all of Tampa Bay Wave’s accelerator programs, startups selected for the cohort will participate at no cost and without giving up equity in their companies. Beyond the 90-day program, companies completing the program have access to an additional six months of mentoring and other resource support at no cost.
“The new FinTech|X Accelerator is being created to address the growing demand for innovative fintech solutions and talent by local finance industry giants and the greater Tampa Bay region,” said Tampa Bay Wave CEO Linda Olson. “I’m incredibly proud of our longstanding partnership with USF that continues to promote greater startup density and high wage job creation in Tampa Bay.”
For more, see “Tampa Bay Wave Launches New FinTech|X Accelerator to Grow Tampa Bay’s National Reputation for FinTech Talent/Innovation.”
To apply, visit https://www.tampabaywave.org/fintech/.
