Newsletter 10.24.2024

Author

Masterminds Tampa Bay
October 24, 2024

In partnership with

Happy Thursday! We’re like a protein shake, in newsletter form. Drink up → make gains.

Here’s what we’ve got for you this week:

  • The app that helps spot fake reviews

  • Tampa Bay Wave secures $1 Billion in funding

  • Tampa startup partners with Barnes & Noble to help writers

  • Why you might want to work with community banks

FEATURED

New App Helps Tampa Businesses Stay Compliant as FTC Bans Fake Reviews

As the FTC cracks down on fake reviews, Tampa entrepreneur Jose Bello has launched Dunbar, an app that helps small businesses manage feedback and encourage honest reviews. With the new FTC rule banning fake reviews as of October 21, Dunbar offers a compliant way for businesses to request feedback and address complaints directly. Bello’s app, launched eight weeks ago, is already gaining traction globally, helping businesses like those in Tampa Bay stay compliant while boosting customer satisfaction.

STARTUPS

Tampa Bay Wave Reaches $1 Billion Milestone in Startup Funding

Tampa Bay Wave, a nonprofit tech accelerator, has reached a major milestone, helping its portfolio of over 500 startups secure more than $1 billion in funding. Since its inception in 2008, Wave’s accelerator programs and mentorship initiatives have supported the growth of companies in fintech, healthtech, AI, and more. CEO Linda Olson attributes the success to grassroots entrepreneurship and community collaboration, putting Tampa Bay on the global map for innovation and tech startups.

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

Gif by rodneydangerfield on Giphy

You have two ropes of uneven thickness. Each rope takes exactly one hour to burn from end to end, but they don't burn at a uniform rate—some parts might burn faster than others. Using only these two ropes and a way to light them, how can you measure exactly 45 minutes?

(Pause for some deep thinking…)

STARTUPS

Ready Chapter 1 Partners with Barnes & Noble Press to Empower Indie Writers

Ready Chapter 1, a startup founded by Fred Koehler, is teaming up with Barnes & Noble Press to help independent writers publish and market their work. This partnership gives writers access to Barnes & Noble’s e-reader platform, allowing them to publish, gain visibility, and earn royalties without upfront costs. Ready Chapter 1’s platform helps authors improve their craft through peer feedback, and with this partnership, indie authors now have a greater chance to thrive in a competitive publishing world.

MEME STREET

Here’s a Meme You Can Probably Relate To

FUNDING

How Community Banks Help Small Businesses Thrive Amid Economic Challenges

Small businesses in Tampa Bay are feeling the pressure from rising inflation, interest rates, and housing costs. Porter Smith of American Momentum Bank emphasizes that community banks offer personalized support, flexible loans, and financial advice that larger institutions can’t always provide. With strong relationships and local expertise, community banks like American Momentum help business owners, such as Reflection Custom Homes, navigate tough times and grow. As economic challenges continue, community banks remain essential partners for small business success.

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WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, TOOLS, RESOURCES

  • 📅Mark your calendars for our biggest VC & Tech event of the year on Nov 20th. Details coming soon.

  • 📅 Want to sponsor an upcoming Masterminds event? Register here!

WANT YOUR BUSINESS IN FRONT OF 3K+ TAMPA BAY FOUNDERS, ENTREPRENEURS & STARTUPS?

Advertise with us to get your brand in front of the Who's Who of startups, tech, and businesses in Tampa Bay. Masterminds are some of Tampa Bay's most driven and connected entrepreneurs who are always looking for their next interesting product, service, or tool. Get in touch today.

Answer:

Light the first rope at both ends and the second rope at one end. When the first rope completely burns (which takes 30 minutes), light the other end of the second rope. Since half of the second rope has already burned for 30 minutes, burning it from both ends now will take 15 minutes. 30 + 15 = 45 minutes.

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