Local testimonials

Get an inside look at Tampa Bay success stories

What’s it like to live and thrive in Tampa Bay? Find out from real locals working in a variety of industries. Explore how the area offers personal and professional opportunities you won’t find anywhere else.

Jim Schimpf

Co-Founder and CEO of Chattr

I’ve lived in Tampa since I was 10, apart from college and a brief stint in Austin. I’ve always felt Tampa is one of the best places to live, work, and play, and I’m driven to spotlight everything our city has to offer. From a business standpoint, my goal was to grow a technology company right here, leveraging local investors, creating local jobs, and elevating Tampa as a vibrant tech hub. It helps that Tampa’s favorable environment—strategic location, economic growth, and supportive tax policies—aligns perfectly.

Tara Faquir

Co-Founder and COO of Trustate Corporation

Shortly after choosing Tampa as our new HQ, we discovered the incredible startup ecosystem thriving here. What set Tampa apart from more established hubs like New York or San Francisco was its growth-stage energy—an ecosystem actively working to elevate and showcase the businesses calling Tampa home.

Trevor Clark

CEO and Founder of Shyftoff

I can't overstate how important Tampa's startup community has been for us. When I look back at our growth from a one-person operation to the team we have today, so much of it happened because of the relationships and support we found here.

Balaji Renukumar

Founder and CEO of Sensfix

Tampa is the best-kept secret in the startup world. While Silicon Valley is great for fundraising and networking, Tampa Bay offers a unique combination of early customer base, growing tech talent, affordability, and a forward-looking mindset toward adopting AI and automation.

Aharon Chernin

CEO and Founder of Rewst

If you are a young software startup in Tampa, do some research on the local angel investors in the area. They can really kick start your business.

Mike McIntosh

Co-Founder and CEO of Hipstr

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.

Max Echevaría

Founder and CEO of Eskuad

We’ve found resources like the Tampa Bay Wave accelerator, co-working spaces like WeWork, and dedicated spaces like Embarc Collective, where you can find entrepreneurs from which to learn and connect. And the entrepreneurs in Tampa are welcoming, friendly, and open to sharing their connections and experiences.