 |
The state’s largest investor showcase is back, once again putting a spotlight on numerous current and former ATDC members. The companies will all be presenting at Venture Atlanta, an annual conference that helps connect Georgia’s entrepreneurs with venture capitalists, bankers, angel investors and others who can help them raise the capital they need to grow their businesses.
Held on Oct. 17 and 18 at the Georgia Aquarium, the non-profit event is a collaboration of three leading Georgia business organizations: Atlanta CEO Council, Metro Atlanta Chamber and the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG). Over the course of the past decade, Venture Atlanta and its earlier iteration have helped Georgia companies raise nearly $1 billion in funding.
“Venture Atlanta is truly THE place to be and the Who’s Who event in Georgia,” said Allyson Eman, Executive Director of Venture Atlanta. “Everyone that can help an entrepreneur grow their company will be there, whether it’s an investor, lawyer, CPA, educator, banker, etc.”
Conference attendees will have the opportunity to hear from some of the nation’s most seasoned entrepreneurs, including Phil Wickham, CEO of the Kauffman Fellows Program, Jonathan Bush of athenahealth and Steve Case, best known as the co-founder of America Online (AOL).
“We really pushed for relevant keynote speakers,” said Eman. “Steve Case is obviously one of the most well-known entrepreneurs around and is now giving back through Startup America. Phil Wickham is extremely relevant to entrepreneurs and will talk about growing a substantial and effective entrepreneurial ecosystem. And Jonathan Bush is a very successful entrepreneur in the healthcare arena. With Georgia being the number one place for Health IT, we felt it was a timely topic.”
In addition, more than one dozen past and present ATDC companies will have the opportunity to pitch on stage. The list includes: Aptidata Corporation, Badgy, Clinigence, CollectorDASH, Emcien, EndGame Systems, LiquidText, Lucena Research, MessageGears, Mowgli, Pindrop Security, Rigor, SalesLoft, Springbot, SynkUp and Sytheros Communications. The early-stage and venture spotlight companies were vetted by a selection committee composed of highly respected members of the technology startup community, making acceptance even more prestigious.
Last year, more than 600 people flocked to Venture Atlanta for the chance to network and learn. Organizers say this year’s event should draw similar crowds. ATDC members are eligible to receive discount tickets of $250 covering both days by using ENTPB12. The offer is available through Oct. 10.
To learn more about Venture Atlanta, view the schedule or register, visit http://ventureatlanta.org/