In Episode 122 of The TBD Podcast, Garrett sits down with Richard Munassi from Tampa Bay Wave to discuss how Tampa has become a serious hub for startups. They talk through why founders are choosing to build here, how companies raise early funding, and what makes some startups succeed while others stall. Richard explains how Tampa Bay Wave supports founders, what he looks for when selecting companies, and why a strong team matters more than just a good idea. If you're building or thinking about building a company, this episode gives you a clear look at what it takes to grow in this market.

0:00:00 - Private Equity Buying Businesses 

0:03:57 - Tampa Bay Wave

0:15:35 - Pulse Charter Connect

0:19:27 - Is Tampa Becoming an Innovation Hub? 

0:29:43 - 3D Printed Seawall Company

0:33:01 - Tampa Bay Wave Success Stories

0:42:45 - Transportation 

0:50:52 - Tampa Compared to Major U.S. Cities

1:10:24 - Economic Instability 

1:19:17 - Tech Companies