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Happy Thursday! This is Masterminds Tampa Bay - your startup chuckle. Because a day without laughter is a day wasted.

Here’s what we have for you today:

• Tampa Bay is getting a new accelerator

• The Sweet Sixteen of Tampa

• USF is doing something with AI to analyze consumer behavior

• Sarasota company closes $1.75B deal

• The St. Pete nonprofit making big changes in Florida

STARTUPS

Shipt's LadderUp Accelerator Program Expands to Tampa

Shipt, the Target-acquired delivery service, is launching its LadderUp accelerator program in Tampa for the first time. The eight-week program aims to support small businesses through education and mentorship.

This marks the inaugural inclusion of Tampa and Florida in the program. Applications, open until Feb. 16, target brick-and-mortar businesses in grocery, beverage, floral, gifts, or health and beauty locations.

The 2024 program, starting on April 16, will consist of virtual classes, an interview process, and selected participants will receive a one-time $5,000 stipend upon completion. Shipt recognizes Tampa Bay as a "game-changing market."

Roper Acquires Childcare Software Firm Procare for $1.75 Billion

Roper Technologies, all the way from Sarasota, Florida, just bought Procare Software, a cool company that makes software for childcare centers. They sealed the deal for a whopping $1.75 billion, using money from their credit line.

The head honcho at Roper, Neil Hunn, is super excited about this. He thinks Procare is top-notch because they're leaders in their field, their software is a must-have, they're growing fast, customers stick with them, and they're great at turning a profit.

Procare, based in Denver, is all about making life easier for early childhood education centers. Their software handles everything from keeping parents in the loop, scheduling staff, managing classrooms, to handling tuition and payments.

COMMUNITY

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STARTUPS

Tampa Bay Wave's CyberTech Cohort Unveils 16 Cutting-Edge Startups, Spanning Globally

Nonprofit organization Tampa Bay Wave has introduced its latest cybertech accelerator cohort, featuring 16 startups set to undergo an intensive three-month program.

Hailing from diverse backgrounds, these founders bring expertise from industry giants such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, and the U.S. Air Force. With a focus on solving real-world problems, the program is supported by prominent cybersecurity firms and corporate partners.

The startups cover a range of cybersecurity solutions, including generative AI models, security operations software, and aerospace asset protection.

TICKLE YOUR BRAIN

I'm the sum of loyalty, a business's treasure. Beyond a single sale, I give them pleasure. From the first hello to the last farewell, In the long-term dance, my value dwells.

What am I?

(Pause for some deep thinking...)

TECH

USF's Behavioral AI Lab Unlocks New Insights into Consumer Behavior

The University of South Florida (USF) has inaugurated its Behavioral AI Lab, providing researchers with advanced tools like eye-tracking glasses and brain-activity monitoring headgear to analyze consumer reactions.

Operational since 2023, the lab boasts 20 computer stations utilizing biometric sensors and AI to comprehend consumer behavior. The sophisticated equipment tracks voice tone, eye movement, facial expressions, skin reactions, and brain activity, offering valuable insights into online and in-person marketing materials.

The investment, exceeding seven figures, enhances research opportunities and explores practical applications of AI in business and society.

MEME STREET

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NONPROFIT

St. Pete Nonprofit Launches Statewide 'Adopt a Watergoat' Program for Water Pollution Prevention

The Water Warrior Alliance, a St. Petersburg-based nonprofit, introduced the innovative "Adopt a Watergoat" initiative, celebrated at Bear Creek Park.

Spearheaded by Jenna Byrne, the program advocates for the adoption and maintenance of Watergoats—floating debris-catching barriers. Proven to be ten times more effective than manual cleanup, Watergoats enhance water clarity by preventing debris from reaching oceans.

The initiative gains support from environmental leaders, strategic partnerships, and government entities, fostering a statewide movement to combat water pollution and preserve economic interests.

WORTHY MENTIONS: UPDATES, TOOLS, RESOURCES

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