The energy was electric at Raymond James Stadium as the Tampa Bay Wave community came together for our sold-out Hall of Fame Fundraiser and Celebration, showcasing the remarkable growth and vitality of our ecosystem here in Tampa Bay. The evening was packed with invigorating speakers, meaningful connections, groundbreaking founders, and a whole lot of fun! 

NFL veteran and accomplished entrepreneur Ryan Nece captivated the audience with his keynote address, setting an inspiring tone for the evening. A highlight of the celebration was honoring Tony DiBenedetto as our inaugural Tampa Bay Tech Legend, recognizing his transformative impact on our technology landscape.

Wave proudly welcomed an exceptional group of innovators into the Tampa Bay Wave Hall of Fame, with companies recognized across five tiers of achievement:

 

The evening also celebrated Andy Bennett and Madeline Dent as our Mentors of the Year, acknowledging their outstanding commitment to guiding emerging entrepreneurs. Their dedication exemplifies the collaborative spirit that drives our community forward.

This magnificent evening was made possible through the generous support of our sponsors, silent auction donors, and table sponsors. Your investment in Tampa Bay Wave’s mission enables us to continue providing crucial resources, mentorship, and opportunities to ambitious entrepreneurs who are building the future of technology in our region.

As we reflect on this extraordinary celebration and set our sights on 2025, Tampa Bay’s technology ecosystem stands in an exciting moment. Our region isn’t simply experiencing growth – we’re witnessing a transformation that’s reshaping Florida’s innovation landscape. The electric atmosphere at Hall of Fame celebration captured the essence of what makes our community special: bold entrepreneurs, dedicated mentors, visionary investors, and passionate supporters all united in building a vibrant ecosystem. Hall of Fame was a testament to the collaborative spirit and unstoppable momentum that defines Tampa Bay’s entrepreneurial community. As we continue this journey together, we’re crafting a legacy of innovation that will ripple through generations to come. The future of technology in Tampa Bay has never been brighter, and the best is still ahead.

Thank you to all who joined us on December 11th, we are already counting down the days until Hall of Fame 2025!