By the FL Innovation News editorial team · Entrepreneurship
Tampa Bay Wave has announced the 15 startups selected for its highly competitive 2025 Tech|X Accelerator, a flagship program powered by the Nielsen Foundation that supports high-growth, high-impact tech companies. The cohort spans industries from healthtech and fintech to AI, legal tech, and edtech, bringing a fresh wave of innovation to Florida’s thriving startup ecosystem.
Tampa Bay Wave’s nationally recognized accelerator programs, known for their no-cost, zero-equity model, have become a launchpad for hundreds of disruptive startups that are solving real-world problems and redefining their respective sectors. The 2025 Tech|X Accelerator is no exception, with companies led by former executives from Amazon, Microsoft, Intel, SpaceX, and more—many of whom are alumni of institutions such as Stanford, Harvard, Oxford, and MIT.
“We are proud to continue our support for the Tech|X Accelerator, which aligns with our mission to power and advance innovation in technology,” said Andrea Bertels, President and Executive Director of Grantmaking at the Nielsen Foundation. “The talent and ideas within this cohort are truly impressive, showcasing how groundbreaking advancements in fintech, cybersecurity, healthtech, and more will create a better future for people everywhere and expand opportunities for all across the ecosystem.”
Founded in 2008, Tampa Bay Wave has helped 600 startups raise more than $1.1 billion in funding and create more than 6,300 jobs. Under the leadership of Linda Olson, the nonprofit has played a central role in transforming the Tampa Bay region into one of Florida’s leading tech hubs.
“Tampa Bay Wave has always been at the forefront of driving innovation and fostering the next generation of tech disruptors,” said Olson, President and Founder of Tampa Bay Wave. “The Tech|X cohort exemplifies the ingenuity and ambition that define our accelerator program. These 15 startups are not just building companies—they’re shaping the future of industries, solving real-world challenges, and fueling economic growth in Florida and beyond.”
The 2025 cohort includes:
- Actualization AI (Tampa, FL) – A cybersecurity tool for large language models.
- Allies (New York, NY) – A digital platform supporting expectant mothers.
- Beagle Labs (New York, NY) – AI tools to streamline insurance claims.
- Care Hero (Boston, MA) – An on-demand platform for home caregivers.
- Depth AI (St. Petersburg, FL) – Specializing in spatial computing and holographic tech.
- Emisha Innovations (Tacoma, WA) – Custom CRM and payment solutions powered by AI.
- GenomAI (Danville, CA) – Genomic data analysis using artificial intelligence.
- Learn Collaborate (Danville, CA) – Digital literacy and immersive learning for students.
- LITIG8 (Austin, TX) – A marketplace platform for litigation and class-action law.
- Mappa (San Francisco, CA) – AI-driven hiring tool to assess remote talent fit.
- ModoScript (Miami, FL) – A SaaS platform for remote healthcare analytics.
- Movestax (Miami, FL) – Simplified tools for cloud deployment and automation.
- RISKRATOR (Miami Beach, FL) – Dynamic risk assessment for financial services.
- ROOK (Miami, FL) – API integration for wearables and health data.
- Tukki (Miami, FL) – Immigration process made easy through tech-enabled guidance.
“A singular mission drives every founder in this cohort: solving critical problems with technology that creates meaningful change,” said Dr. Richard Munassi, Accelerator Managing Director at Tampa Bay Wave. “These companies are not just iterating on existing ideas; they are pushing boundaries, addressing urgent challenges, and positioning themselves to scale rapidly.”
He added that the class includes “Professors and Scientists, serial entrepreneurs with previous exits, and leaders from Fortune 100 organizations… All of us at Wave are tremendously proud to have these founders and their companies joining our portfolio.”
The program offers startups direct access to investor networks, corporate partners, and top-tier mentorship without taking equity—a rarity in the accelerator world. Alumni have gone on to raise major rounds and scale globally, with many citing Wave’s support as a crucial early-stage boost.
“Tampa Bay Wave’s zero-equity accelerator program was pivotal for our startup,” shared a program alum. “Unlike other accelerators that require equity stakes, Wave’s model allowed us to retain full ownership while benefiting from top-tier mentorship and resources. This approach empowered us to scale effectively and attract significant investment, all while preserving our equity.”
The cohort will culminate with a pitch night, where founders present to a curated audience of investors, stakeholders, and corporate leaders.
For Tampa Bay’s tech scene, the 2025 Tech|X Accelerator not only brings new ideas to market—it’s yet another signal that the region is growing into a national powerhouse for innovation.
