When looking back at the Tampa Bay tech scene in 2021, it would be easy to categorize it as the year many flocked to the area (which is true), or the year the rest of the nation finally took note of the region (also true).
But there was also plenty that stood out, from companies launched, new verticals explored and even one national television stint.
Tampa Bay Inno has gathered up the 10 most-read stories in 2021 below.
University of Tampa freshman headed to 'Shark Tank'
We kicked off the year with what would become our most-read story by a landslide. We had the scoop that then-University of Tampa freshman Shirah Benarde was heading to ABC's famed 'Shark Tank' TV show, who gave us a sneak peek into what to expect.
After going viral on TikTok, Tampa startup Cirkul hires 100 with plans to double by end of year
This story had it all: A company moving to Tampa, mass hiring and going viral. Cirkul later announced it raised $30 million, and won our Inno Blazer award for fundings on fire.
Forbes: Tampa is the top emerging tech city in the U.S.
Tampa Bay residents love a good list, especially when it's giving credit to the local tech scene. Not much can top being named *the* emerging tech city by Forbes, making this story land at No. 3 of our most-read articles.
St. Pete yacht rental startup sails into $2.5 million seed round, eyes eventual unicorn status
The announcement of St. Pete-based Anchor Yacht rentals moving to town, coupled with its funding, is typically enough to get some interest. But the unique aspect of the startup — being able to rent luxury yachts — with the addition of its unicorn aspirations, made it one to read and share.
Inside the tank: University of Tampa student closes deal with 'QVC queen' on 'Shark Tank'
Following up on our most read story is the dive into the aftermath of appearing on 'Shark Tank.' Spoiler: The company got a deal with 'QVC queen' Lori Greiner.
Tech Madness is back: Which Tampa Bay tech company would you back?
Our annual Tech Madness competition always draws plenty of readers, and our third iteration was no different. The competition is less about "beating" the other tech companies and more about bringing awareness to the ecosystem as a whole, and it definitely did that as our sixth-most-read story.
All the Tampa Bay tech companies that are mass hiring right now
April brought many continued layoffs as Covid-19 raged on, but also mass openings from some local companies as they found themselves in overdrive during the pandemic. Our roundup of companies with plenty of open spots was one widely shared. You can also post jobs and view them at our Careers Directory.
Tampa serial entrepreneurs unveil latest startup with focus on real estate tech
A trio of Tampa Bay serial entrepreneurs, who have experience ranging from the Tampa Bay Wave to Valet Living, gave Tampa Bay Inno the exclusive on their latest venture: A smart home platform aiming to disrupt the apartment industry.
Tampa entrepreneurs launch the state's first bitcoin and blockchain conference
As activity in the cryptocurrency world reached a fever pitch, two Tampanians wanted to capture that excitement and make the state a hub for future activity. They launched the Florida Blockchain and Bitcoin Summit in June, held in Orlando, and brought a Tampa iteration in November.
Less than a year after launching, Tampa blockchain startup Pocket Network earns $9.3M in revenue
The blockchain platform, which launched in July 2020, raised $9.3 million six months after launching. But it didn't take the traditional route for funding: instead of selling equity, it sold investors its crypto token.
