Tampa Bay Wave ranks No. 3 startup accelerator in the U.S. by TIME; has supported over 670 startups raising $1.8 billion

Tampa Bay Wave has been recognized as the No. 3 startup accelerator in the United States by TIME, following Techstars and MassChallenge. This accolade underscores the accelerator's significant impact on the entrepreneurial landscape since its inception in 2008.¹²⁴⁵⁶

Since launching its programs in 2013, Tampa Bay Wave has supported over 670 startups, which have collectively raised more than $1.8 billion. The organization has also created over 7,300 jobs and completed 32 exits. Notably, it does not charge founders or take equity, allowing startups to retain full ownership while benefiting from its resources.

Founder and CEO Linda Olson expressed her pride in the recognition, stating, “Being named the #3 accelerator in the United States by TIME is an incredible honor, especially knowing that we have built Tampa Bay Wave into this world-class accelerator in my hometown.”³

The ranking reflects the accelerator's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the Tampa Bay area, with factors such as alumni recommendations and expert recognition playing a crucial role in the evaluation process. Olson's vision was to bring resources typically found in major tech hubs to the region, and the results speak for themselves, with the supported companies generating an estimated $450 million in annual economic impact.

As Tampa Bay Wave continues to grow, it remains dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and enhancing the local economy through its comprehensive support programs.