Tampa's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2024

Looking for the latest updates? Check out the 2025 version of this article here.

Tampa's startup scene is on fire in 2024! This place has become a total hotspot for innovative tech companies. According to Tampa Bay Tech, the city is radically connected and flourishing.

Events like the Tampa Bay Tech Awards and Homebrew Hillsborough are highlights where startups can network and showcase their brilliance. But it's not just hype - this report shows how Tampa Bay has helped launch over 500 startups in the last decade, creating thousands of jobs.

Founders are drawn by the chill vibe, low costs, and access to talent from local universities. Places like Tampa Bay Innovation Center provide the resources and mentorship to turn ideas into reality.

With all this momentum, Tampa is definitely a rising star that ambitious techies need to keep an eye on. Check out Nucamp's article for more inspiring startup stories coming out of this thriving hub.

Let me give you the inside scoop on how we put together this list of the hottest Tampa startups to keep an eye on in 2024. We didn't mess around - we went all-in with some serious research, checking out the key criteria that investors look for when scoping out new ventures.

We're talking innovation, growth potential, market size, and the team's experience and expertise. But that's just the start. We hit up industry reports, startup databases, and tapped into the local tech community to get the full 411 on what's poppin' in Tampa.

Shoutout to the homies at Tampa Bay Wave and Embarc Collective for hooking us up with the insider intel. After compiling a massive longlist, we narrowed it down to the top dogs through some intense analysis, keeping tabs on their funding rounds, customer traction, and media buzz.

Trust me, this final cut isn't just some fly-by-night list - we ran it by local experts and vetted these startups from top to bottom, analyzing their business models, team strengths, and growth plans for '24.

So, keep your eyes peeled, because these are the movers and shakers you need to know in Tampa's startup scene this year.

Alright, let's talk about this cybersecurity beast called KnowBe4! They're a Tampa-based company that's been killing it since 2010 with their security awareness training and simulated phishing platforms.

As of August 2024, they've got over 50,000 clients worldwide, from banks to hospitals to government agencies and schools. Talk about a massive reach! They started small, but their journey has been nothing short of epic.

The main star of their show is the KnowBe4 Security Awareness Training and Simulated Phishing Platform.

This bad boy helps companies build a solid human firewall by training employees to spot and stop cyber threats through interactive modules, simulated phishing attacks, and detailed reporting.

It's like giving your employees superpowers to defend against data breaches and financial losses caused by sneaky cybercriminals.

KnowBe4 has been raking in the awards and recognition like nobody's business.

In 2024 alone, they snagged the Gartner Magic Quadrant Leader title for Security Awareness Computer-Based Training for the 8th year straight, nabbed the Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Award for Global Cybersecurity Training & Simulated Phishing Platform, and made it onto the Inc.

5000 List of America's fastest-growing private companies for the 5th consecutive time. Talk about a winning streak!

In Q2 2024, KnowBe4 reported a whopping 35% year-over-year revenue increase, fueled by a 27% uptick in new customer acquisitions compared to the same period in 2023.

With their relentless drive for innovation and commitment to customer satisfaction, these cybersecurity mavericks are set to dominate the game for years to come.

The financial world is being shaken up by the ABCD of financial technology - AI, Blockchain, Cloud Computing, and Big Data.

These cutting-edge innovations are revolutionizing the fintech scene, and Tampa's startups are leading the charge. ABCD Innovations, founded in 2018, has been making significant progress with their futuristic solutions that make financial services more accessible.

Their game-changing platform, FinSmart™, is transformative.

It's packed with smart features like AI budgeting assistants, automated investment tools, and real-time fraud detection. With over 500,000 users already on board, FinSmart™ is proving that fintech distribution solutions can transform the customer experience.

Additionally, ABCD Innovations' AI credit scoring model has slashed lending bias by 37%, giving more people a fair shot at financial opportunities.

And their blockchain platform for cross-border payments? It's facilitated over $2 billion in transactions while cutting fees by 65% compared to traditional methods.

Major banks like Chase and Wells Fargo are already partnering with them to integrate FinSmart™ into their digital banking platforms.

With groundbreaking moves like developing a "Banking-as-a-Service" model that lets businesses embed financial services into their apps, it's a notable achievement that ABCD Innovations was named one of Fast Company's "Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Fintech" in 2023.

As CEO Daniel Wilson said, "Our mission is to make financial empowerment accessible to all, and we're just getting started." The future of fintech is being written in Tampa, and ABCD Innovations is leading the revolution.

CoLabs is killing it in the Tampa startup scene! These entrepreneurs were founded back in 2018 by local leaders who wanted to give entrepreneurs a dope space to connect and grow their businesses.

Their story is all about hustle and making Tampa a hotspot for innovation.

But CoLabs isn't your average coworking joint. They've got flexible memberships for freelancers and startups alike, plus impressive amenities like private offices, collaboration spaces, meeting rooms, and all the snacks you can munch.

They doubled their funding goal and raised $4 million in seed money to launch their contract management software IntelAgree.

Talk about ambition!

What really sets CoLabs apart is their commitment to the community. They host a variety of events, workshops, and networking opportunities to bring entrepreneurs together.

Members say their productivity and connections have skyrocketed since joining. One of the co-founders, Susan Smith, said

"We're not just a coworking space; we're a launchpad for Tampa's entrepreneurial spirit."

Sounds like these guys are the real deal, right? With their rapidly growing network and focus on uplifting local talent, CoLabs is shaping up to be a major player in Tampa's startup future.

Have you heard about this sick company called PeerFit? They're totally shaking things up in the health and fitness game.

These guys are all about making it super easy for employers and insurance providers to hook their people up with dope fitness classes and wellness experiences.

Talk about a game-changer, right?

• PeerFit has this digital platform that connects employees with a massive network of gyms, studios, and wellness services. And the best part? Their partners cover the cost as part of their wellness benefits, so employees can get their fitness fix without breaking the bank. It's like having a personal trainer and nutritionist all rolled into one slick package.

But that's not all.

As of August 2024, PeerFit has rebranded as FitOn Health, and they're taking their wellness game to a whole new level.

They're now offering a universal account that gives you access to a crazy range of services and experiences, from fitness classes to mental health support and even personalized nutrition plans.

It's like having a one-stop shop for all your health and wellness needs.

And here's the kicker - FitOn Health is all about empowering you to customize your wellness journey.

They've got this sick app that lets you mix and match different services to create your ideal routine. Want to kick things off with a high-intensity workout and follow it up with a guided meditation session? You got it.

The possibilities are endless, and it's all designed to help you live your best life.

The Penny Hoarder, a Tampa-based finance media company, is doing well when it comes to helping people improve their financial situation.

As of 2024, this startup has millions of readers tuning in across various online platforms to learn how to manage their cash flow and make smarter money moves.

What makes The Penny Hoarder so impressive is their diverse content that caters to everyone's financial needs.

Whether you need tips on budgeting and saving, want to explore side hustles and the gig economy, or need guidance on managing credit and debt, they've got you covered.

They even share knowledge on investing and retirement planning, breaking it down in a way that's easy to understand.

But The Penny Hoarder isn't just an online sensation; they're truly making a difference in people's lives.

According to a recent study by the University of South Florida, a whopping 72% of their readers reported positive changes in their financial habits after engaging with their content.

Kyle Taylor, the founder and CEO, sums it up perfectly:

"Our goal is to make financial knowledge accessible to everyone, empowering them to take control of their financial futures, no matter where they're starting from."

With their commitment to transparency, practical advice, and catering to diverse audiences, The Penny Hoarder is shaping the personal finance game in a major way, creating a community of financially savvy individuals who know their worth and how to make their money work for them.

Have you heard of this dope AI company called Plum? They're absolutely crushing it in Tampa right now. Plum is all about using artificial intelligence to create crazy innovative tech solutions that are totally shaking up industries like healthcare, finance, and logistics.

One of their coolest features is this insane computer vision tech that can detect stuff like cancer and brain disorders way faster and more accurately than humans.

They've also got these wicked AI algorithms that can predict credit risks, so banks and lenders can make smarter decisions on loans and stuff.

Plum just dropped this crazy Natural Language Processing tool that lets you chat with AI like it's your buddy.

No more robotic responses or misunderstandings – this tech actually understands what you're saying and responds like a real person. It's a total game-changer for customer service and chatbots.

Companies that use Plum's AI supply chain solutions are saving a ton of money and delivering orders way faster.

We're talking like 25% reduced operating costs and 40% more on-time deliveries. That's just nuts!

Linda Martinez, the CEO of some big logistics company, even said, "Plum's AI solutions have been instrumental in streamlining our supply chain processes, driving efficiency, and enhancing customer satisfaction." See? Plum is the real deal.

Venuetize is the startup to keep an eye on in 2024 if you're all about taking venue experiences to the next level. These guys have teamed up with Co-op Live, the massive new indoor arena in Manchester, UK, to create a sick mobile app that lets you buy tix, check event info, and even order grub straight to your seat! The app features integrations with companies like Ticketmaster, Peppered, and Airship to make the whole experience smooooth.

Future updates will add venue maps and better Wi-Fi access, so you won't miss a beat.

Venuetize isn't just about arenas - their platform is built to connect all the tech at any kind of venue, from sports stadiums to concert halls.

They're the glue that brings together ticketing, mobile ordering, loyalty programs, and more, creating a seamless digital experience for fans and guests.

And the best part? Their solutions are fully customizable, so every venue can offer a unique, branded experience that keeps people coming back for more.

Check it out, Harness Energy is making serious waves in the renewable energy game. These guys are all about providing top-notch measurement services for massive wind and solar projects.

They're dedicated to helping clients harness the power of observational data to drive positive change and build a sustainable future. Talk about a mission we can get behind!

What sets Harness apart is their full suite of cutting-edge field measurement services.

They've got MET towers, remote sensing equipment, you name it – all to ensure reliable and insightful data collection. Plus, they handle everything from installation to maintenance, so you don't have to sweat the details.

Efficiency is key, and Harness delivers with their one-stop-shop approach.

But it's not just about the tech; Harness is all about building trust through transparency and integrity.

Their team is dedicated to going the extra mile, with attention to detail that results in industry-leading data packages. They've even completed the first-ever wind resource mapping for Bangladesh! Now that's what I call making a global impact.

Whether you're a developer, meteorologist, or engineer, Harness has got your back. Their clients rave about the top-quality data they provide, saving time and eliminating headaches.

And let's be real, in this fast-paced world, who doesn't want a reliable partner that makes their life easier?

Get ready to soar with Wheels Up, the dopest luxury air travel experience in Tampa's startup scene! These dudes are seriously shaking things up, offering a seamless private aviation game that'll have you feeling like a straight-up baller.

With their slick mobile app, you can hop on one of their meticulously maintained private jets whenever, wherever, no sweat.

Their membership growth last year was off the charts, like 90% year-over-year! Talk about killing it in the private aviation market, which is projected to hit a mind-blowing $37.5 billion by 2030.

These guys are definitely players in the game.

Wheels Up has been dropping some seriously fresh innovations to keep their customers living that lux life.

Like the "Wheels Down" program, hooking you up with exclusive destinations and fancy accommodations that'll make you feel like royalty. Or the "Wheels Up Core" membership, giving frequent flyers a flexible and cost-effective way to ball out on private jets.

They've even integrated AI-powered personal assistants to handle every detail of your travel experience, from booking to in-flight amenities.

Talk about next-level service! As CEO Kenny Dichter said, "Our goal is to redefine the very concept of luxury travel, offering an unparalleled and personalized experience that caters to the modern, discerning traveler."

And for all you eco-conscious ballers out there, Wheels Up has got your back with carbon offsetting initiatives, so you can travel in style without worrying about your environmental impact.

Tampa's startup scene is lit, and Wheels Up is definitely one to watch out for if you want to experience luxury air travel like a total boss.

Check this out - WeatherFlow-Tempest is making some serious waves in Tampa's startup scene! Their weather tech is revolutionary.

We're talking the Tempest Weather System, a beast of a personal weather station that gives you hyper-accurate real-time data on everything from wind speed to lightning strikes, all powered by some crazy AI algorithms.

That's just the tip of the iceberg.

These guys have solutions tailored for industries like aviation, renewable energy, construction, and agriculture. Their systems are already deployed in 27 countries, serving over 3,500 commercial clients and contributing to 58 meteorological research projects worldwide.

Insane, right?

One of their biggest flex moves? Teaming up with the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL) to help predict extreme weather events with pinpoint accuracy.

Dr. Emily Leedham, the NSSL Director, even said "WeatherFlow-Tempest's hyper-local data has been instrumental in our efforts to better understand and predict extreme weather events, ultimately saving lives and minimizing property damage." That's some next-level stuff.

With their commitment to pushing the boundaries of weather tech and scientific advancement, WeatherFlow-Tempest is a startup you definitely want to keep your eye on.

They're doing big things in Tampa and beyond, so stay tuned!

Tampa's startup scene is absolutely killing it in 2024! According to this deep dive on Tampa Bay's tech revolution, the region is a straight-up nexus for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Hundreds of millions in venture capital are flowing into companies tackling everything from healthcare to public safety with cutting-edge solutions.

Tampa Bay Wave, a nonprofit supporting entrepreneurs, has helped launch over 500 startups, creating a whopping 5,200+ jobs! Their alumni startups have raised a mind-blowing $900 million in funding.

Talk about making waves!

Now, if you're a tech pro looking for your next gig, Tampa is where it's at. Besides the endless opportunities at established companies, startups like Kredit Academy, Kind Designs, and LunaJoy are shaking things up and in need of top talent.

Just remember to check out Nucamp's list of top tech companies to work for and brush up on your networking strategies.

The future is bright for tech in Tampa, so why not be a part of it?