Life science startup expands in downtown Tampa
By Ashley Gurbal Kritzer
Tampa Bay Business Journal
Published: May 4, 2023

A life science startup is expanding in downtown Tampa, with plans to add 40 jobs over the next two to three years.

Verséa Health, which has 55 employees, has leased 14,000 square feet and taken signage at 401 S. Florida Ave., an office building owned by Tampa real estate developer and philanthropist Dr. Kiran Patel. The building is part of a property at the intersection of Channelside Drive and North Franklin Street that Mayor Jane Castor once floated as a possible target for an expansion of the Tampa Convention Center.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Verséa shifted its focus to creating tests for the virus. In 2022, it donated more than $1 million worth of Covid tests to the University of South Florida.

Verséa, which was founded in 2018, previously occupied 3,500 square feet at 1000 N. Florida Ave. The jobs it plans to create in the coming years include roles in laboratory research and analytics, financial planning and analysis, sales and marketing, digital marketing and e-commerce, customer service and warehouse operations.

“We have grown tremendously over the last couple of years, and we have plans to continue the strategic expansion of our business in Tampa while contributing to the growth of the life science and health care industry locally,” Sean Fetcho, co-founder and CEO of Verséa Health, said in a statement. “Our new space not only provides us room to grow, but we’re also excited about its location. Our team members will enjoy convenient access to the vibrant Channel District and Water Street areas.”