A Tampa fintech accelerator has just announced the 16 startups that will take part in the highly specialized 90-day accelerator program. The accelerator, officially called FinTech|X Accelerator 2022, is a joint venture between the University of South Florida Muma College of Business and Tampa Bay Wave. Of the 16 startups, three are led by women entrepreneurs, and there is significant representation from military veterans, LBGTQ+ and minority founders.
What is fintech?
Fintech stands for financial technology and refers to technology and innovation that aims to compete with traditional financial methods in the delivery of financial services. It is an emerging industry that uses technology to improve activities in finance. The term encompasses a booming industry that serves the interests of both consumers and businesses in multiple ways. From mobile banking and insurance to cryptocurrency and investment apps, fintech has a seemingly endless array of applications.
Some famous examples of fintech include:
- Stripe
- Paypal
- Venmo
- Zelle
- Robinhood
What is Tampa Bay Wave?
Tampa Bay Wave is a central hub for Tampa’s startup activity. For over a decade Tampa Bay Wave has supported the growing tech-enabled ecosystem with accelerator programs, coworking, events and more.
Their stated missions is:
We help entrepreneurs accelerate innovation through our world class programs and networks, fueling social and economic change in Tampa Bay and communities everywhere.
FinTech|X Accelerator 2022
The FinTech|X Accelerator is a highly specialized 90-day accelerator program only for innovative and disruptive fintech startups. Participating startups will benefit from the coaching and connections from some of the nation’s leading fintech experts. Ultimately, the Accelerator seeks to advance the reputation of St. Petersburg and the Tampa Bay region as an innovative fintech hub. It will also showcase USF’s strategic entry into financial technology, which includes establishing a new FinTech Center and offering degree programs at the Kate Tiedemann School of Business and Finance.
Related story: USF innovation facility to focus on growing Tampa Bay’s economy
This inaugural batch of fintech cohorts consists of 16 high-growth startups from across the United States and abroad, including companies from Israel, England, Saudi Arabia and Germany.
Here are some companies that will participate:
College Cash
College Cash uses everyday behavior to reduce student loan debt, and does so uniquely, including user generated content campaigns, to engage with brands in a way that allows funds to be earned as early as the first year of high school.
Homey Technology LTD
For all home buyers and sellers, who are fed up with the difficult conveyancing process, Homey Technology’s digital platform allows the transaction parties to complete conveyancing faster, with more certainty and ease
VIVA Finance
VIVA Finance’s lending platform offers loans based on employment information rather than credit history, expanding access to affordable credit for individuals with damaged credit histories.
