Each week on “On a Mission” we talk to community leaders who are out to make a positive impact in the area. Today, our host Wendy Norfleet talks to Dee Garcia from Tampa Bay Wave.
Tampa Bay Wave is a nonprofit technology accelerator helping entrepreneurs accelerate innovation through our world-class networks, fueling positive social & economic change.
To learn more, visit https://www.tampabaywave.org.
What makes your company unique?: Tampa Bay Wave is for entrepreneurs by entrepreneurs – everything we attempt is for the benefit of our community.
How do you define success?: Since 2013, Wave has supported nearly 350 companies raise over $300 million in capital and create more than 2,400 jobs, moving the needle on DEI for the Tampa Bay area.
Who in the industry inspires you and why?: Wave takes inspiration from the founders starting companies – their stories, what they’ve overcome, how their efforts have the capabilities to impact and improve quality of life for someone else.
What is a tip for success that you would provide someone in your same industry?: Perseverance is the single most important quality for success.
What excites you most about your industry?: Technology is agnostic, offering opportunities to the underrepresented and the aspiring entrepreneur.
What is the biggest challenge you think you or your organization is going to face in the upcoming year?: Entrepreneurs are resourceful by nature, pivoting to overcome obstacles and adapting to change but having a stable economy and pandemic-free environment benefits everyone.
Who is a Trustee in our community that you admire and why?: We are grateful for our sponsors and supporters with their vision to see the value of our efforts, their unwavering faith and the connections they make for Wave and for the startups we support.