Which annual event brings together hundreds of Georgia entrepreneurs, startups and technology leaders, as well as robots and a solar race car? That would be ATDC’s 2012 Startup Showcase, where the local technology community will gather on Monday for one of Atlanta’s premier industry events.
Held at the Georgia Tech Hotel & Conference Center, the showcase is open to the public and will include appearances from Georgia State Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) and Georgia Tech President G.P. “Bud” Peterson. Each year, the event honors Georgia’s brightest entrepreneurs and emerging technologies, putting a spotlight on ATDC’s graduating companies – all of whom have met rigorous growth milestones. In addition, dozens of ATDC’s most promising member companies – representing industries as varied as information security, financial technology, health care IT, mobile technology, clean tech/energy, and medical devices – will exhibit their innovative technologies during the event.
“This year’s ATDC graduates represent the impressive quality and strength of Georgia’s technology startup community,” said Nina Sawczuk, ATDC’s general manager and Georgia Tech’s director of startup services. “They have each achieved significant success in a short timeframe and contribute to Georgia’s growing reputation as a hotbed of entrepreneurial activity and innovation.”
The 2012 ATDC graduates include:
• 3DM Systems (formerly ShapeStart Measurement Systems) offers an in-ear 3D scanner for the digital design of custom hearing aids and earmolds.
• Asankya (acquired by EMC Corporation) is a global leader in enabling businesses and service providers to transform their operations and deliver IT as a service.
• Axion Biosystems developed the first multi-well microelectrode array (MEA) system to provide unprecedented throughput for cellular electrophysiology experiments.
• BioAutomaton Systems Inc. (BSI) designs and manufactures patented automation systems for cost-effective propagation of transgenic tree seedlings.
• Celtaxsys is focused on the discovery and development of therapeutics to treat inflammation by controlling innate immunity. The company has phase I clinical trials planned for its lead compound, CTX 4430.
• Digital Assent provides award-winning PatientPad® technology that delivers personalized health information and advertising to consumers in doctors’ waiting rooms.
• Preparis provides organizations with a new way to protect their people, operations, brands and shareholder value from 21st century threats.
• SimpleC utilizes proven technologies to help seniors of all cognitive abilities engage with those around them and cope with changes in their lives.
Interested in attending? The Showcase runs from 2 to 5 pm, followed by a cash bar after-party from 5 to 6 pm. Although regular registration has closed, walk-ins are welcomed and tickets cost $20 at the door. For more information, visit www.atdcstartupshowcase.com.
In search of office space? Spring is graduation time for ATDC startups and several graduates are getting ready to move on – making room for newcomers in ATDC’s headquarters.
Provided by the startup incubator to house early-stage and seed-stage companies, the high-demand space is located in the Centergy One building in Atlanta’s Technology Square. A number of individually keyed offices and workstations are currently open to ATDC members.
“Although ATDC Select companies will get priority, any member can request space on the floor,” said Nina Sawczuk, ATDC’s General Manager and Georgia Tech’s Director of Startup Services. “This is also the case for our satellite campus in Savannah and the biosciences facility at the Ford Environmental Science and Technology Building.”
Last year, “resident” companies demonstrated significant growth, collectively raising more than $40 million in a 12-month timeframe. The available space ranges from an 8×8 cubicle to 2,300-square-feet offices, while monthly rent starts at $200 and increases in price based on the configuration. Leases are renewed quarterly, however ATDC companies have the opportunity to remain in the space for up to three years. Members looking for wet lab space can apply to the Ford building’s waiting list.
Among the many perks of utilizing ATDC space: strong networking opportunities, the use of third-floor conference rooms at Centergy One, discounted parking and 24-hour building access.
“Entrepreneurs renting this space will benefit from the close proximity to Georgia Tech, as well as frequent interaction with ATDC team members, mentors, potential investors and other startups who are experiencing similar challenges,” said Sawczuk.
The Department of Education (DOEd) released two solicitations for 2010 SBIR. One is a Phase I solicitation and the other is a FastTrack solicitation.
The Phase I solicitation, RFP Number: ED-IES-10-R-0009, and the Fast-Track, RFP Number: ED-IES-10-R-0008 (which is actually a combined Phase I and Phase II solicitation) have two main priority topics:
- Education Technology Products for Students
- Education Technology Products for Teachers
Phase I Award: not to exceed $100,000
Phase II Award: not to exceed $750,000
The purpose of the Fast-Track solicitation is to eliminate the gap in time and funding between a Phase I and a Phase II award. NOTE: In order to apply for Fast-Track funding, offerors must submit both 1) a full Phase I proposal and 2) a Fast-Track proposal. Fast-Track proposals that are submitted without a Phase I proposal will not be evaluated.
The Solicitation will close at 11:00 AM on January 11th. This is a paper submission, so be sure to allow time for mail/Fed-X delivery. While the delivery method is paper, companies must still be electronically registered in CCR and ORCA prior to submitting a proposal.
An exciting new series of educational events is launching across the country in October and November. Kirtsy has joined forces with Microsoft Office Live to offer five Hands On Small Business (#HOSB) sessions to cites throughout the US and Canada, including here in Atlanta.
These sessions promise to be very “Hands On” and interactive. They are designed to offer practical advice, direct instruction, and application tips to help small businesses and entrepreneurs effectively use online and social media solutions. The events will be held at ATDC in midtown with Tessa Horehled as the facilitator. The sessions are free and open to the public. You can sign up for one of the Atlanta sessions here.
ATDC is looking forward to hosting the Hands On sessions.
This is a call to all who plan on applying for CapVenture. Submit your application by this Fri 6/19. There's a $50 discount to those who are accepted to the program. Final application deadline is Weds 7/15.
As a reminder, ATDC, along with our partner TAG, are accepting applications for the 2009 CapVenture Program.
CapVenture
is a unique program that educates and equips CEOs and executives of
early-stage companies for smarter and more productive capitalization of
their businesses. Now in its 3rd year, CapVenture has been incredibly
successful; past
participants include Centrafuse, Global Crypto Systems, Purewire, and
Solo-Health.
Technology companies that are selected for this year's CapVenture will be guided
through extensive workshops on fund raising preparation, an elevator
pitch exercise and review, executive summary review, investor
communications and practice investor pitches. Participants will also
receive weekly mentoring from Atlanta investors and entrepreneurs.
CapVenture’s series of presentations and workshops prepare executives
for the opportunity to meet angel and venture investors and culminates
with an Investor Forum and Celebration. After the final event, the
top-rated CapVenture companies will also have an opportunity to present
at the 2nd annual Venture Atlanta conference in October.
ATDC, along with our partner TAG, are now accepting applications for the 2009 CapVenture Program.
CapVenture is a unique program that educates and equips CEOs and executives of early-stage companies for smarter and more productive capitalization of their businesses. Now in its 3rd year, CapVenture has been incredibly successful; past
participants include Centrafuse, Global Crypto Systems, Purewire, and Solo-Health.
Technology companies that are selected for this year’s CapVenture will be guided
through extensive workshops on fund raising preparation, an elevator
pitch exercise and review, executive summary review, investor
communications and practice investor pitches. Participants will also
receive weekly mentoring from Atlanta investors and entrepreneurs.
CapVenture’s series of presentations and workshops prepare executives
for the opportunity to meet angel and venture investors and culminates
with an Investor Forum and Celebration. After the final event, the
top-rated CapVenture companies will also have an opportunity to present
at the 2nd annual Venture Atlanta conference in October.
ATDC spends innumerable hours every week coaching entrepreneurs on their investment pitches. We see many entrepreneurs with good intentions make common mistakes and help them avoid common pitfalls as they prepare to present their companies in the best possible light. A great opportunity to observe fellow entrepreneurs in action is next Tuesday May 19th at MIT Forum of Atlanta’s Run it By the Pros workshop.
At Run it By the Pros four new companies will present their business plans to a panel of experts. The Venue : Law Offices of Carlton Fields, One Atlantic Center, 1201 West Peachtree Street, 49th Floor, Atlanta, GA, 30309; Time: 3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. You can register here (members only but TAG members are eligible and can attend at the MIT Forum Member $25 rate). Clarification: You must be a member of the MIT Enterprise Forum to attend.
ATDC graduate entrepreneur Patrick Taylor of Oversight Systems will serve as the experienced entrepreneur on the panel along with VC’s Mark Johnson of Total Technology Ventures, Linnea Geiss of Arcapita, and Lawrence Gold from Carlton Field.
In addition to attending Run it By the Pros many an entrepreneur will find our articles on Telling a Compelling Story and Top VC Questions valuable resources when prepping to pitch their own deal.
 |
Thursday, May7, 2009 7:30 to 9am
Ashford Club 75 5th Street, NW 5565 Glenridge Connector # 100 Atlanta, GA Map
Click here to register!
|
This week the TAG/ATDC Entrepreneurs Society partnered up with the TAG Featured Speaker Series to present Don Yaeger, New York Times best seller and author of "What Makes the Great Ones Great" on Thursday at the Ashford Club.
Yaeger, author of 16 books, was formerly Associate Editor of Sports Illustrated, and has led to guest appearances on every major talk show in America – from Oprah to Nightline; from CNN to Good Morning America. In his 20-plus years as a journalist, he has conducted interviews with some of the greatest athletes of our time – Michael Jordan, Mia Hamm, Emmitt Smith, Serena Williams, Jimmy Connors and countless others. He has lived with Walter Payton, writing the NFL legend’s autobiography as Payton courageously battled cancer, and even interviewed the President of the United States in the Oval Office.
Using lessons learned from a lifetime in sports, Don will share the formula that he has seen in the great winners he’s worked with – and explains how that formula can work for others.
Characteristics necessary for entrepreneurial success are in many cases quite similar to those of great athletes – a PHD – persistence, hard work and determination.
As an athlete, I look forward to getting inspired by Don and perhaps hearing some interesting stories about the great individuals Don has worked with over his very interesting career.
 |
Thursday, April 2, 2009 7:30 to 9am Entrepreneurs-only Roundtable 9:15-10:15am
Centergy One Building 75 5th Street, NW Hodges Room (335) Atlanta, GA Map
Click here to register!
|
"Georgia Innovators in Financial Services and Payments Technology"
The TAG/ATDC Entrepreneurs event for April features a panel of two ATDC member companies, FTRANS and Cardlytics, and the Georgia-based VC firm, Total Technology Ventures. Blake Patton, our newest entrepreneur-in-residence, will be moderating the session and brings his own experience in financial services start-ups to the discussion. This panel will be an informative resource as executives from the featured companies discuss their business models and best practices. The event will be a great way to showcase some of the exciting developments in Georgia's technology industry.
Check out the bios of the panel participants:
Lynne Laube, COO and Co-Founder, Cardlytics
Daniel Drechsel, CEO, FTRANS
Gardiner Garrard, CFA, Investment Partner, Total Technology Ventures
Register now!
 |
Thursday, March 5, 2009
7:30 to 9 am
Entrepreneurs-only Roundtable 9:15-10:15am
Centergy One Building
75 5th Street, NW
Hodges Room (335)
Atlanta, GA Map
Click here to register!
|
Come meet TechOperators, a team of experienced and successful entrepreneurs-turned-VCs, at the TAG/ATDC Entrepreneurs event in March.
Dave Gould, Glenn McGonnigle, and Said Mohammaidoun formed TechOperators last year because they believe that early-stage investing means helping companies operationalize ideas for success. Their collective experience includes Witness Systems, ISS, and Synchrologic.
Their willingness to share the lessons they have learned is a valuable asset to the Georgia technology community.
You don’t want to miss the practical advice this team will be providing, so register today!