The program is catered towards innovative fintech startups with the goal of transitioning them into “sustainable, scalable and profitable businesses.”
Courtesy of USF
By Sofía García Vargas
With a new partnership between USF and Tampa Bay Wave, the St. Petersburg campus will become a focal point for the financial technology (fintech) industry.
The collaboration is launching the FinTech | X Accelerator, a free program “designed to assist high-potential, high-growth startups in the fintech industry through mentoring, pitch coaching and investment training,” according to a press release.
The accelerator is powered by Tampa Bay Wave, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the local entrepreneurial ecosystem through financial technology, software and other technologies used to enhance financial services like online banking, crypto exchanges and crowdfunding platforms.
The FinTech | X Accelerator is an intensive 90-day program catered towards innovative fintech startups with the goal of transitioning them into “sustainable, scalable and profitable businesses.”
“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 Linda Olson, CEO of Tampa Bay Wave.
Starting on April 11, 2022, participants will be provided guidance and mentorship from coaching staff, build their community and connections through networking events, access to capital with national accredited investors and garner media exposure.
After successfully completing the program, businesses will continue to receive mentoring and resource support for six months and participate in a Demo Day event on June 29, 2022 with investors and venture capitalists.
In-person events will be held at the USF St. Petersburg campus and other locations in the area.
“The fintech accelerator will allow our campus to play an active role in the growth of fintech across the Tampa Bay region,” said Gary Patterson, interim director of the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance. “We are excited to see the new ideas and companies this accelerator generates and what it offers the industry.”
Applications open on Jan. 1, 2022 and close on Feb. 28.
To read the criteria for consideration and to apply, visit tampabaywave.org/fintech/
