Founders Live has helped provide resources, capital and exposure for startups in 53 countries and 130 cities. St. Petersburg will soon become the 131st to host the global platform and media brand.
Five founders will have 99 seconds to pitch their startups and highlight why Tampa Bay is a burgeoning innovation hub. The Birchwood in downtown St. Petersburg will host the event Thursday, July 17, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Attendees will vote on a winner following a four-minute question-and-answer session. Karla Jo Helms, founder of the “anti-public relations firm” JOTO PR Disruptors, said she worked to secure the event because local entrepreneurs deserve more support and recognition.
“In the Tampa Bay area, we have some cool things going on, and I don’t think we’re on the radar enough,” Helms said. “This showcases Tampa Bay startups on a national level – even a global stage – because it’s connected to a global startup pitch competition.”
Founders can still apply to pitch in the competition. Local stakeholders can also nominate startups.
According to the event’s website, the winner will receive a Founders Booster Pack with over $1 million in cash savings on more than 100 “essential apps and services for startups. They will also appear in the Founders Live Prime Time regional qualifiers, which precede the Prime Time global event that awards $10,000.
Seattle-based Founders Live launched in May 2016 and livestreams its happy hour events. “It puts our entrepreneurs into the spotlight,” Helms said.
Helms founded Tampa-based JOTO PR in 2009 to disrupt the public relations industry. She said her firm supports a global community of fellow disruptive innovators.
While Tampa Bay is home to pioneering entrepreneurs “going against the status quo” like those found in Silicon Valley, Austin and Boston, Helms believes they lack the exposure typically offered in those cities.
“The more attention an area has, the more people want to give resources and have resources for companies in the area,” she added. “The exposure connected to this event will give these opportunities – even networking opportunities that complement our local accelerators and incubators.”
Helms, who recently became “city leader” for Founders Live Tampa Bay, noted that successful entrepreneurs create local jobs and contribute to their community’s success. She offered statistics to underscore that point.
Area companies have raised over $650 million in capital in 2025, led by cybersecurity firm ReliaQuest’s $500 million “mega round.” At least 500 startups have created 5,200 jobs over the past decade, and Tampa Bay now ranks among the top five cities for startups.
However, Helms believes people in and outside the region have failed to give local startups their flowers. “We really want to make this a powerful platform for startup exposure in Tampa Bay, validate them in front of investors and influencers and bring this community together,” she said.
“I think it’s a bit too siloed.”
Helms stressed the platform’s global reach. While she is still looking for local sponsors, organizations from “Africa and other countries” have expressed interest.
Tampa Bay is a diverse area with many cultures. Helms said local networks bolstered by the event could expand to participants’ “home countries.”
She noted that many people struggle to understand how a new technology can improve an industry. Helms hopes the event and platform will help increase understanding, acceptance and adoption.
“It’s giving them a community to feel inspired, keep going and overcome challenges,” she said. “I think we can make a real impact in this area. There’s so much going on here and so much expansion that we should push this to the forefront.”
Helms chose St. Petersburg for the inaugural event, which she plans to host every quarter. She then plans to “give different areas love” throughout Tampa Bay. Tickets remain available for $12.51.
For more information on Founders Live Tampa Bay’s inaugural event, visit the website here.
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