Newsletter #1215 - 8.19.2026

Another day, another FinTech startup to watch in the Southeast. This one is in North Carolina, and born out of the financial technology hub building on the beaches of Wilmington.

We're also exploring the wild world of tech accelerators. Equity-based programs have long been the standard for early-stage founders looking to get ahead. So how did a zero-equity accelerator program in Tampa become a place to be for national (and international) startups?

We explore here...

This edition of Hypepotamus is brought to you by Live Oak Bank.

Startup To Watch: Cofounders Capital is backing Finley, a FinTech founding team with strong ties to the banking software giant nCino. Following the round, co-founder Justin Norwood walked Hypepotamus through the platform and why Finley sees a big opportunity to serve middle-market businesses. More here.

The big headline: Only a small fraction of startups that apply to Tampa Bay Wave’s accelerator programs are accepted. But those that make the cut have gone on to raise $1.8 billion in outside capital. A big part of the accelerator’s success? Industry-specific programs—and taking zero equity from startups at a critical early stage. Read more here.

Founder Q&A: Is your voice the key to unlocking your health? Doctor-turned-entrepreneur Morris Nguyen thinks so. A patients’ voice is one of the health signals that is core to his startup Predicate. Nguyen talks us through his new HealthTech company here.

Live Oak Bank's (NYSE: LOB) Venture Banking team provides non-dilutive growth financing that complements equity, along with tailored banking solutions, for venture-backed B2B software and healthcare companies at every stage of their financing journey. We understand entrepreneurs because we are entrepreneurs. Member FDIC.