News Summary
Embarc Collective, Florida’s premier startup hub, has unveiled its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting a 96% survival rate for member startups. With more than 250 startups benefitting from over 9,200 hours of coaching, the organization has successfully driven significant growth in the local economy, creating nearly 1,000 new jobs. New CEO Tim Holcomb emphasizes the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem, as highlighted by successful partnerships and funding achievements among member startups.
Tampa, Florida – Embarc Collective, the only startup hub of its kind in Florida, has released its 2024 Impact Report, showcasing its considerable achievements in supporting startup growth during its fifth year of operation. The report highlights a remarkable 96% survival rate for member startups, significantly surpassing the national average of approximately 50%.
The newly appointed CEO of Embarc Collective, Tim Holcomb, emphasizes the organization’s commitment to fostering a thriving startup ecosystem. Since its inception, Embarc Collective has rendered over 9,200 hours of personalized coaching and organized 400 targeted programming sessions, making it a pivotal resource for entrepreneurial support.
Throughout its operation, Embarc Collective has extended assistance to more than 250 startups, which together have successfully raised $565 million in funding. These firms have contributed to creating nearly 1,000 net new jobs within the region, further enhancing the local economy. Embarc currently serves as a central hub for over 125 active startups and hosts more than 20,000 visitors annually for various tech-related events and educational sessions.
Community Impact and Notable Partnerships
The 2024 Impact Report highlights several success stories from Embarc member companies, reflecting both economic and sectoral growth. Among the noteworthy collaborations is “Ready Chapter 1,” which recently partnered with Barnes & Noble Press to connect undiscovered authors with publishers. Another Embarc startup, the healthcare platform “Apaly,” successfully closed a $2.4 million seed funding round, led by Pittsburgh’s 412 Venture Fund.
Additionally, “EaseAlert,” which produces wearable emergency alert systems, has teamed up with the Florida Institute of Oceanography and the University of South Florida (USF) to improve safety measures for vessels. Meanwhile, data analytics firm “Spontivly” is collaborating with the Tampa Bay Rowdies to enhance corporate sponsorship and fan engagement strategies.
Success and Development Initiatives
Moreover, in 2024, Embarc Collective witnessed two of its startups achieve significant acquisitions: “Livingtree” was acquired by the Follett School Solutions, and “OnScreen” was acquired by Learning Pool. Embarc provides tailored long-term support led by seasoned startup coaches specializing in critical areas such as growth marketing, fundraising, technical development, and leadership wellness.
Key initiatives undertaken this year include the Outlast Leadership Summit and the National Investor Fly-In, which collectively facilitated over 100 meetings between startups and potential investors. It is noteworthy that nearly all participating founders arranged follow-up discussions after the investor meetings.
Bridging the Talent Gap
Embarc Collective also prioritized addressing the talent gap through strategic partnerships and initiatives, placing five interns from USF and the FUSE program at member companies. The organization hosted a total of 304 events in 2024, which comprised 129 public events and 78 community events, significantly contributing to community engagement.
The Builder Series of workshops featured influential speakers such as Shellye Archambeau and Ryan Serhant, while the annual Glaring Gap Summit aimed at increasing investor education and access for women entrepreneurs drew approximately 200 participants.
International Recognition
This year, Embarc Collective was recognized by UBI Global as one of the top startup programs worldwide and stands out as one of only two in the United States. The primary goal of Embarc Collective is to scale alongside founders as their companies evolve from early-stage operations into growth-focused entities, ensuring a strong trajectory for startup success.
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Catalyst: Inside the Embarc Collective 2024 Annual Review
- Hypepotamus: Tim Holcomb Named Embarc Collective CEO
- Business Observer: Embarc Partnership Program
- ABC Action News: Embarc Collective – A Hub for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
- Globe Newswire: Leadership Transition at Embarc Collective
- Wikipedia: Startup
- Google Search: Embarc Collective
- Google Scholar: Embarc Collective
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Startup
- Google News: Embarc Collective
