Inside the Embarc Collective 2024 annual review

Tampa-based Embarc Collective, Florida’s only startup hub of its kind, released its 2024 Impact Report, highlighting notable milestones as it continues to shape the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Now in its fifth year, the nonprofit support organization boasts a 96% startup survival rate among its members – almost double the national average of about 50%.

New CEO Tim Holcomb introduced the report with a nod to his predecessor, Lakshmi Shenoy, who led the collective from its inception in 2019 until 2023. Holcomb emphasized the community’s shared commitment to startup growth and long-term success. Since its launch, Embarc has delivered over 9,200 hours of personalized coaching and hosted 400 targeted programming sessions.

More than 250 startups have received support through the organization, collectively raising $565 million in funding and generating nearly 1,000 net new jobs. The organization now serves as the central landing zone for over 125 active startups and hosts more than 20,000 visitors each year for tech events and public education sessions.

This year’s report features several member success stories that demonstrate both economic and sectoral growth. Ready Chapter 1, a platform helping connect undiscovered authors with publishers, announced a strategic partnership with Barnes & Noble Press. Tampa-based Apaly, a healthcare platform linking direct primary care providers with employers, closed a $2.4 million seed funding round led by Pittsburgh’s 412 Venture Fund.

Embarc companies are also making inroads in public safety and accessibility. EaseAlert, which produces wearable emergency alert systems, partnered with the Florida Institute of Oceanography and the University of South Florida to enhance safety aboard research vessels. Meanwhile, data analytics firm Spontivly is collaborating with the Tampa Bay Rowdies to improve corporate sponsorship and fan engagement using its no-code data dashboard.

Embarc Collective CEO Tim Holcomb. Photo provided.

In terms of exit activity, two Embarc startups achieved acquisitions in 2024. Fundraising management platform Livingtree was acquired by Follett School Solutions, marking CEO Gary Hensley’s third successful exit. OnScreen, a digital adoption tool, was purchased by Learning Pool, expanding its capabilities to global enterprise training.

The organization’s approach continues to diverge from traditional accelerators by offering long-term customized support through a team of experienced startup coaches. Coaches specialize in areas such as growth marketing, fundraising, technical development and leadership wellness, helping entrepreneurs build companies at scale.

Key programming initiatives over the past year included the Outlast Leadership Summit and the National Investor Fly-In. Sponsored by J.P. Morgan and Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, the fly-in enabled over 100 curated meetings between startups and investors. According to Embarc, nearly every participating founder scheduled follow-up conversations.

Embarc Collective also increased its focus on bridging the talent gap. Through a partnership with the Genspiration Foundation, the organization placed five University of South Florida and FUSE program students in paid summer internships at member companies. Two students received follow-up offers and nearly 100 additional students participated in Embarc-led networking events and development programs.

The organization hosted 304 events in 2024, including 129 public and 78 community events. Its Builder Series, supported by Hillsborough County’s Economic Development Innovation Initiative (EDi2), featured speakers such as Shellye Archambeau, Ryan Serhant, former Tampa International Airport CEO Joe Lopano and Embarc’s own Tim Holcomb. The annual Glaring Gap Summit, held in partnership with ReliaQuest, focused on increasing investor education and access for women entrepreneurs, drawing 200 participants.

Embarc Collective was ranked by UBI Global as one of the top startup programs in the world – one of only two recognized in the U.S. As Holcomb put it in the report, the goal is to scale alongside the region’s founders, evolving Embarc’s offerings as member companies move from early- to growth-stage development.

For more, visit embarccollective.com.