Meet Mike McIntosh, Co-Founder and CEO of Hipstr, a company supported by the Embarc Collective, an award-winning start-up hub in the heart of Tampa.
Hipstr markets an AI-driven SaaS B2B platform that centralizes all aspects of event processes and allows companies, organizations, sports teams and more to merge digital market channels, elevate brand visibility, and assess ROI real-time. Current customers include Disney, MLB, NFL, Google, and Apple, among others.
Q: How did your company get its start?
A: Before founding Hipstr, I served on the executive team at Lucky Strike Entertainment, where I played a pivotal role in integrating AMF and Brunswick bowling centers and modernizing them into hospitality venues with a focus on service, technology, and a unified brand. This experience highlighted the significance of in-person events for brands nationwide and revealed a gap in the market for branded social media content. Recognizing the need to simplify user-generated content creation and performance tracking at events, I launched Hipstr to address this challenge.
Q: Why did you choose to become an entrepreneur?
A: It feels odd to say that I chose entrepreneurship—if anything, I did everything I could to run from it. But the truth is, entrepreneurship isn’t something I decided on; it’s something that kept pulling me back no matter where I went.
For me, building isn’t just about business—it’s how I’m wired. I can’t help but see opportunities to improve things, push boundaries, and rethink how something could be done better. First, it’s a task. Then it’s a job. Then a company. And before you know it, you’re not just running a business—you’re trying to reshape an entire industry on a global scale.
Q: Why did you choose to start your business in Tampa?
A: Hipstr was originally incorporated in New York City, but having started the company right before COVID, it quickly became clear that staying in New York didn’t make sense.
Tampa stood out for a few key reasons—the weather, the business-friendly environment, and the fact that it offered a fresh start without the high overhead of New York. At the time, it was just me and my cofounder, so we decided to plant our flag here and see what happens. Looking back, it was one of the best decisions we could have made. Tampa has given us the space to grow, adapt, and build something meaningful.
Q: How critical was the Tampa Bay startup community (investors, mentors, entrepreneurs, etc.) in your journey to becoming an entrepreneur?
A: The Tampa Bay startup community didn’t play a role in me becoming an entrepreneur—that was something that had already been set in motion long before. However, after being introduced to Embarc Collective, I quickly realized that Tampa had more to offer for tech startups than I initially expected.
In fact, compared to some of the larger cities we had considered, Tampa provided a surprising amount of support, resources, and access to mentorship. Embarc has been instrumental in connecting us with the right people and helping us navigate the challenges of scaling a tech-driven business.
Q: Are there any additional, local resources in Tampa that you’d recommend to newcomers or entrepreneurs that have had a positive impact on your business journey?
A: Beyond Embarc Collective, Purim Ventures is another valuable resource serving the Tampa Bay community. They have been instrumental in offering mentorship, strategic guidance, and exposure to potential investors. Their focus on supporting high-growth startups has made a real impact, especially for founders looking to scale.
Q: What would your overall advice be to someone looking to start a business in Tampa Bay?
A: Focus on execution and adaptability. Tampa is a fertile ground for launching and testing ideas, but success hinges on how well you execute. Surround yourself with the right people, stay committed to solving real problems, and be prepared to pivot based on feedback. The collaborative spirit of Tampa’s entrepreneurial community can be a valuable asset in your journey.
That said, it’s important to know that Tampa Bay is hyper-focused on healthcare, cybersecurity, and fintech. However, if you’re outside of these spaces—like we are—you can still find success here, but you need to be prepared to show much more traction and have a clear path to monetization.
Q: It’s been great to hear more about your success as an entrepreneur in Tampa. However, we know Tampa has so much to offer throughout the city. So, we must ask – what’s your favorite hidden gem in Tampa?
A: Tampa has no shortage of incredible spots, but if you’re looking for real hidden gems, these are my top picks:
- Island Crew – Hands down the best banana pudding, oxtail, and conch salad in town. If you’re craving authentic Caribbean flavors, look no further.
- Istanbul Mediterranean Grill – The most authentic Turkish food I’ve found in Tampa. Their babaganoush is unreal, and the lamb dishes are a must-try.
- Ibizu Sushi – The best sushi in Tampa. My go-to rolls are the Red Dragon Roll and the Curious George—both are top-tier.
Are you interested in learning more about Embarc Collective and the opportunities available for up-and-coming entrepreneurs? If so, check out our their resources to connect further! You can also find additional information about growing your business in Tampa on the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council’s website.