TAMPA, FLORIDA, AUGUST 12, 2026— Embarc Collective today announces a new partnership with Cogent Bank, that joins the organization as a preferred commercial banking partner and newest Shared Services Partner. 

Embarc Collective’s Shared Services Partner Program gives early-stage technology companies access to best-in-class banking, accounting, tax, legal, cybersecurity, and other strategic service providers that help founders build investor-ready businesses faster. By connecting startups with experienced advisors well before they would traditionally engage these services, the program helps companies strengthen core business operations, reduce complexity, and scale with confidence. Embarc Collective member-companies interested in accessing Cogent Bank’s services can connect with Cogent through quarterly partner meetings and workshops, dedicated office hours, and one-on-one advisory sessions integrated into the Embarc member experience. These opportunities will be introduced as part of the onboarding process for new members and made available to existing member-companies as well. Founders can also discuss their specific banking or capital needs with their Embarc coach, who can help connect them with the appropriate Cogent resource.

“Building a high-growth company requires far more than a great product; it requires the right financial, legal, and operational foundation,” said Tim Holocomb, CEO of Embarc Collective. “Our Shared Services Partnership Program gives founders access to the same caliber of trusted advisors that much larger companies rely on, helping them make smarter decisions earlier. We’re excited to welcome Cogent Bank as a partner that understands the unique needs of venture-backed startups and can help our founders scale with confidence.”

Unlike traditional banking relationships, Cogent Bank will actively participate in Embarc’s founder community through educational programming, mentorship, and strategic engagement throughout the year. Founders will gain access to commercial banking solutions, treasury and cash management services, financing options, and guidance on topics ranging from cash flow management to capital strategy and financial operations.

“As a Florida-based community bank, we’re excited to partner with Embarc Collective to help support the next generation of innovative companies being built in our state,” said  Barbara Negron | SVP, Managing Director, Embedded Finance & Partnerships. “Early-stage founders face unique financial decisions that can shape the trajectory of their businesses. We look forward to sharing our expertise, building lasting relationships, and helping entrepreneurs establish the financial infrastructure needed to scale successfully.”

As part of the partnership, Cogent Bank will:

• Host quarterly educational workshops covering topics including cash flow management, banking best practices, debt versus equity financing, and capital strategy.
• Offer founder office hours and one-on-one advisory sessions with experienced commercial banking professionals.
• Participate in founder onboarding, networking events, and strategic introductions throughout the year.
• Serve as a Program Sponsor supporting Embarc’s venture-focused programming and founder events.

Embarc founders will also have access to business banking services, treasury management solutions, commercial lending products, SBA lending opportunities, and experienced advisors who understand the operational and financial needs of rapidly growing technology companies.

The partnership reflects Embarc Collective’s continued commitment to building a comprehensive support ecosystem where founders can access world-class expertise across every stage of company growth. By expanding its Shared Services network with trusted partners like Cogent Bank, Embarc helps entrepreneurs spend less time navigating operational challenges and more time building transformative businesses.

About Embarc Collective

Embarc Collective, a 501c3 non-profit, is a central landing zone for the most driven and focused startup builders in Florida, ranked as a top startup support program in the world by UBI Global. Embarc Collective offers vetted, curated live and on-demand coaching and programming, an ever-growing repository of resources and frameworks, and access to a network of corporate customers and investors, all amongst a peer community of 300 founders and cofounders of 135+ early-stage tech startups and growth companies operating within an award-winning 32,000-square-foot startup hub in downtown Tampa, Florida. Since its launch in 2019, Embarc Collective member-companies have achieved a 96% survival rate, created 1,200+ high-paying tech and tech-enabled jobs, and raised more than $600M in angel, venture and growth equity, including more than half from investors outside the state of Florida. Annually, Embarc Collective’s Florida-based early-stage tech companies drive $100 million in direct economic returns to the state of Florida and attract more than $100 million annually in seed, venture, and growth equity investment capital, capital that is invested directly into Florida-based companies.

About Cogent Bank

Cogent Bank is a state-chartered bank that has operated as a full-service business and personal bank since 2001. With over $2.4 billion in total assets Cogent offers multiple banking centers in North, Central and South Florida. Cogent offers a broad range of lending, depository, treasury management, and mobile banking services designed to meet the complex and diverse needs of its clients while staying focused on the local communities it serves. Cogent believes banking is personal and requires high-touch, innovative services designed to make managing financial transactions easier. Cogent pairs its financial expertise with a passion for learning more about its clients’ goals and objectives. To learn more, visit www.cogentbank.com.

Media Contacts:

Embarc Collective

Kathy Osborne

kathy@kamelpr.com

607-434-2065

Cogent Bank

Shelby Eiger

Shelby.eiger@andbarr.co

321.300.7420