By Sarah Sell, University Communications and Marketing
Approaching its fourth year, the Fintech|X Accelerator program has drawn startup founders from across the United States and around the world who have gone on to generate millions in revenue while creating hundreds of jobs.
This successful partnership between USF's Muma College of Business and Tampa Bay Wave is also helping to establish the region as a thriving hub for financial technology or fintech.
Fintech refers to the integration of technology into financial services. Online banking systems, crypto exchanges and crowdfunding platforms are all examples of fintech.
"The fintech accelerator was a game changer. It made me realize how important it was to plan for my own future.” Amanda Reineke, co-founder and CEO, Notice Ninja
The accelerator program began in April 2022 on the St. Petersburg campus, and is designed to assist high-potential, high-growth startups in the fintech industry through mentoring, pitch coaching and investment training. The goal is to transition startups to sustainable, scalable and profitable businesses.
The 40 companies that have graduated from the program so far have generated nearly $60 million in revenues and have raised more than $100 million in investment while creating nearly 500 jobs, according to Richard Munassi, director of Tampa Bay Wave's accelerator programs.
"Many of our alumni have engaged and partnered with local business and finance organizations, hired local talent, spoken at regional events and conferences, and some have even moved their companies to the Tampa Bay area,” Munassi said.
In 2023, tax notice management company Notice Ninja relocated its headquarters to Tampa, saying that the city and nearby St. Petersburg were a hotbed for tech companies and startups, offering an ideal environment to thrive. The company automates how businesses manage tax notices, turning a manual process into a streamlined workflow system.
"One of the main reasons we chose to relocate to the Tampa area is the strong and expanding talent pool," said Notice Ninja CEO and co-founder Amanda Reineke. "With a top-ranked university and a thriving tech community, it offers the kind of skilled professionals who will help us innovate and better serve our clients' evolving needs."
In 2024, Notice Ninja was one of 10 high-growth fintech startups to take part in the third FinTech|X Accelerator program. The cohort included founders with backgrounds in finance from companies such as Ernst & Young, Bank of America, Barclays, Morgan Stanley, Credit Suisse and more.
The 90-day accelerator includes two weeks of classroom training, virtual education opportunities and one-on-one mentor guidance for founders as their business grows beyond the startup stage. At the conclusion of the program, the startups participate in a Pitch Night event where they present their ideas and solutions to a room full of accredited investors and venture capitalists.
The Fintech|X Accelerator provides further exposure for these startups by opening the door to engagement with the university's network of partners.
"These startups gain significantly through opportunities to partner with us on projects, research, brand promotion, student internships, career recruitment and networking across public- and private- sector organizations that make up the USF ecosystem," said Michael Wiemer, director of USF's Fintech Center at USF St. Petersburg.
The 2025 FinTech|X Accelerator will take place from August 4 to September 25. Applications are due by July 7.
In addition to the accelerator program, fintech education and programming is rapidly growing at USF. This growth was spurred by a transformational $14 million gift from Kate Tiedemann and Ellen Cotton back in 2022, which has supported the university's vision in becoming a “hub of excellence” in fintech.
In 2024, the university launched a fintech certificate, an eight-week program that provides a non-technical, foundational understanding of fintech and its impact on the future of business. Degree-seeking students can pursue a bachelor's degree in finance with a fintech concentration, and starting in fall 2025, a master's degree in fintech.