Milestone reinforces national recognition as accelerator alumni continue to attract investment and scale high-growth companies
Tampa, Fla., Sept. 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tampa Bay Wave today announced that its portfolio companies have collectively raised more than $2 billion in capital, marking a significant milestone for the nonprofit startup accelerator and the broader Tampa Bay innovation ecosystem.
Since 2013, Tampa Bay Wave has supported more than 670 startups that have created more than 7,600 jobs, completed 34 exits and now surpassed $2 billion in capital raised. After crossing the $1 billion threshold in October 2024, Tampa Bay Wave’s portfolio companies raised their second billion in less than two years. The milestone was announced at the organization’s BlueTech|X Pitch Night and reflects the continued growth of Tampa Bay’s innovation economy.
The $2 billion benchmark comes at a time of growing national recognition for both Tampa Bay Wave and the region’s innovation ecosystem. Just weeks earlier, TIME recognized Tampa Bay Wave as the No. 3 startup accelerator in the United States and No. 1 in Florida, validating more than a decade of work helping founders build, scale and attract investment. That momentum was further reinforced by a recent grant award from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), expanding resources to support high-growth entrepreneurs and strengthen the region’s innovation economy. Together, these milestones underscore Tampa Bay’s emergence as a destination where startups can access the support, capital and connections needed to scale.
As a nonprofit, zero-equity accelerator, Tampa Bay Wave has spent more than a decade connecting founders with mentors, investors and strategic resources through 45 accelerator programs spanning six industry sectors.
“Crossing the $2 billion mark is about far more than capital raised. It represents years of determination from founders, guidance from mentors, confidence from investors and the collective commitment of a community that knows innovation can thrive here in Tampa Bay,” said Linda Olson, founder and CEO of Tampa Bay Wave. “We’re proud of what this milestone says about our founders and ecosystem, but we’re even more energized by what comes next. Tampa Bay is proving it is a destination where ambitious entrepreneurs build companies, create jobs and attract national attention.”
Tampa Bay Wave is recognized among the same national accelerator tier as organizations such as Techstars, MassChallenge and Y Combinator, while maintaining its founder-first, nonprofit approach. Accelerator companies have raised an average of approximately $3.8 million, further underscoring the organization’s ability to help startups access the capital needed to scale.
To learn more about Tampa Bay Wave, visit tampabaywave.org.
About Tampa Bay Wave:
Tampa Bay Wave, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing entrepreneurs with facilitated access to the resources, expertise and capital they need to grow vibrant technology-based companies in Tampa Bay. Since 2013, Tampa Bay Wave has supported more than 670 tech startups that have raised more than $2 billion in capital, created more than 7,600 jobs and completed 34 exits, driving an estimated $450 million in annual economic impact, thanks to grant funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), plus support from its economic development partners Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and the City of Tampa. Tampa Bay Wave also receives support from individuals, corporations and foundations such as: A-LIGN, Appspace, Bank of America, Celestar, Delta Air Lines/Virgin Atlantic Airlines, Foley & Lardner, Kuducom, Nielsen Foundation, NextPath Workforce Solutions, St. Petersburg College, TECO, the University of South Florida and others. In 2026, Tampa Bay Wave was ranked the #3 accelerator in the U.S. and #1 in Florida by TIME. For more information, visit tampabaywave.org.
CONTACT: Jack Phillips Vistra Communications 8133222590 jackp@consultvistra.com
