Signature

Rapid Growth for Scaling Businesses

ATDC Signature is the premier program for scaling businesses. It’s where Georgia’s highest-potential technology startups, ready to move beyond product-market fit and into rapid growth, go to scale nationally and globally. The Signature Program provides founders with dedicated coaching, investor access, and deep corporate connections to accelerate their journey from traction to category leadership.

As ATDC’s advanced membership tier, the Signature Program offers strategic guidance and curated resources for CEOs and founding teams focused on scaling revenue, teams, and capital. Each Signature company is paired with an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), a seasoned founder who has successfully built, funded, and exited technology ventures. The EIR delivers hands-on coaching, pattern recognition, and practical advice to help navigate the complexities of growth.

ATDC founder talking with two other people at an ATDC accelerate event

ATDC Signature: Advanced Support for Growth-Stage Founders​

ATDC: Where Startups Become Industry Leaders

For more than 45 years, ATDC has helped transform ideas into thriving companies through a unique public-private partnership between Georgia Tech and leading corporate sponsors. Our approach combines expert coaching, a robust curriculum, and a powerful network of connections to give founders the tools they need to succeed.

Today, ATDC supports more than 150 portfolio companies across diverse technology sectors. Each year, we graduate an average of 8–10 high-growth startups, and in 2025, we celebrated our largest class ever with 17 graduates.

Best of all? We take zero equity in your business. That means our advice is unbiased, our commitment is genuine, and our only goal is your success.

John Avery talking with RIF Robotics founder outside the RIF Robotics office in ATDC

Why ATDC Signature?

Coaching

Work with highly specialized coaches who provide individualized guidance to help you navigate every stage of your startup journey.​

Capacity

Tap into a vast talent pool and resources to build a world-class team and scale your operations effectively.

Capital

Gain support in securing venture capital and nondilutive funding sources to fuel your growth.

Corporate Connections

Access tailored pilot opportunities and partnerships through our corporate innovation team, opening doors to enterprise-level customers.

Community

Join an expansive network of tech founders, mentors, and peers who share knowledge, experience, and connections.

Curriculum

Leverage world-class facilities and ecosystem-wide programming designed to accelerate your learning and execution.

Criteria for Signature Level

ATDC Signature companies have achieved product-market fit, are growing rapidly, and are ready to scale further. These companies are able to access additional Georgia Tech resources to leverage their growth. Many entrepreneurs in our signature program have founded other companies, and some have previously been through ATDC with these prior startups.

Requirements

Questions about the Signature Program

Do I need to be a Tech Startup to join the Signature program?

Yes. The Signature Program is ATDC’s advanced membership tier for growth-stage technology companies that have demonstrated strong product-market fit and are focused on scaling revenue, teams, and capital. 

There is no fixed application deadline. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed individually. Admission is based on company traction, growth readiness, and alignment with the objectives of the Signature Program.

Signature membership fees are $500 per quarter.

Signature members participate in a weekly CEO Roundtable Luncheon. In this confidential, peer-driven forum, founders discuss real-time challenges, share insights, and receive feedback from fellow CEOs and experienced facilitators. These sessions are designed to foster accountability, strategic thinking, and trusted peer relationships.

Each Signature company is assigned an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR), a seasoned entrepreneur who has ideated, raised capital, scaled, and successfully exited multiple technology companies. EIRs offer strategic guidance, founder coaching, pattern recognition, and practical advice, all based on their firsthand experience.

ATDC does not provide direct funding. However, Signature companies receive support in fundraising strategy, investor readiness, and introductions to relevant investors and capital partners when appropriate.

ATDC is an incubator and long-term partner for startups, and participation in the Signature Program is not time-limited. Companies may remain in Signature as long as the program continues to provide strategic value and aligns with their growth stage.

Yes. ATDC supports companies across the entire state of Georgia. Companies must be registered to do business in Georgia, and at least one founder must be based in Georgia and committed to building a strong presence in the state. 

On-site participation is not required. Many Signature resources and meetings can be accessed virtually. For Atlanta-based companies, flexible office space at ATDC is available but optional.

Companies typically move from Accelerate to Signature after demonstrating strong traction, scalable business fundamentals, and readiness for advanced strategic support. Transitions are guided by ATDC staff in collaboration with founders.

Is Signature the Right Fit For Me?

Check out our interactive tool to determine if the Signature program or one of our other programs is the right fit for you.

The People and Stories that Power ATDC

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10 founders or team members of the 17 ATDC graduating companies standing with their graduation awards.

Read About Our Startup Success

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ATDC team members standing together after the 2025 graduation celebration. Our team helps tech entrepreneurs thrive within our startup community.

Learn From Our Team Of Experts

Meet the ATDC Member Companies

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Panel discussion for ATDC defense practice area being led by Bob Nunnally

Active ATDC Member Companies

Our portfolio member companies are past the idea stage, with a real product (MVP) and early customers, and are poised for rapid scaling.

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2025 ATDC graduate program and run of show

ATDC Alumni

Graduating companies must hit significant business milestones, such as generating substantial annualized revenue (often $5M+), proving a scalable model, securing growth financing, or getting acquired, alongside having a strong founder team and product in market. It’s about demonstrating real traction and viability.

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Photo of Tim Sheehan, Founder of Greenlight, standing in the ATDC office showing one of Greenlight's debit cards. Photo was taken by AJC

ATDC Unicorn Companies

ATDC is proud of our unicorn companies. These startups are valued at over $1 billion, which reflects exceptional growth, market influence, and investor confidence. We’re honored to have supported their journey, helping these founders build the foundation for industry-defining innovation.

Be Where the Action Is. Rent Space at ATDC.

Features

Benefits

ATDC In Action

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Carnelia Ajasin, ATDC EIR, running a coaching session with an ATDC startup founder. Carnelia is talking with her computer in front of her.

What We Do for Startups

We equip serious, growth-minded, tech entrepreneurs in Georgia to transform their ideas into scalable, sustainable businesses.

ATDC is Georgia’s statewide innovation hub and startup incubator. We provide deep industry expertise, hands-on coaching, funding and talent connections, and proven economic and workforce impact that supports and inspires entrepreneurs and drives Georgia’s innovation economy forward.

Our Impact
by the Numbers

Capital Raised
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Offices Across Georgia
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Our
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