The fast rise of the Atlanta tech scene over the past decade as a leading hub for startups and innovation is no accident. Several factors make the city a powerhouse in the tech and startup ecosystem:
- Diverse Talent Pool: Atlanta is home to a wealth of talent, with graduates from renowned institutions like Georgia Tech, Emory University, the University of Georgia, Kennesaw State University, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College feeding the city's tech workforce.
- Cost of Living: Compared to other major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York, Atlanta offers a much lower cost of living, allowing startups to stretch their funding further.
- Robust Infrastructure: With access to major transportation hubs (including the world’s busiest airport) and world-class technology infrastructure, Atlanta is well-positioned for companies looking to scale.
- Access to Corporates: Atlanta is home to some of the world’s largest corporations including The Home Depot, Delta Air Lines, NCR Voyix, The Coca-Cola Company, Cox Enterprises, United Parcel Service, Chick-fil-A, Georgia-Pacific, and more.
According to the Metro Atlanta Chamber, the city is home to over 35 corporate innovation centers, making it one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the U.S. Atlanta's tech scene continues to thrive, with entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts flocking to the city.
As large corporations turn to Atlanta tech ventures for acquisition opportunities, more venture capitalists are taking interest. Some claim that there aren’t enough funding opportunities in Atlanta, others say there are plenty. While Georgia still trails behind the Valley, Boston, New York and others in total capital investment, our city is experiencing major growth and attracting new opportunities from all over the world.
Good ideas and strong business plans drive investment opportunities, regardless of location – and our alumni are solid proof, with over $7.7 billion in capital raised so far.
So, whether you’re looking to raise your next round or just get your foot in the door, we’re here to help you navigate the Atlanta startup ecosystem.
Major Events: Atlanta Tech Week and InnovATL
Atlanta is home to two must-attend events that drive the city's thriving tech scene and startup ecosystem:
Atlanta Tech Week
- When: Every June
- Host: RenderATL
- Who It’s For: Atlanta Tech Week is designed for those involved in Atlanta’s tech scene, including software developers, entrepreneurs, and anyone working in the tech ecosystem. The week features a packed agenda with panel discussions, workshops, and networking events focused on innovation and technology.
InnovATL (Atlanta Innovation Month)
- When: Every October
- Host: Metro Atlanta Chamber and Startup Atlanta
- Who It’s For: InnovATL is a month-long series of events celebrating innovation across a wide array of industries, including technology, startups, investors, creators, and more. The initiative serves as a collective platform for thought leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to come together and showcase Atlanta’s growing influence on the national stage.
Both events are integral to fostering collaboration, entrepreneurship, and growth within Atlanta's vibrant tech scene.
Venture Capital Opportunities in Atlanta
Atlanta’s venture capital scene has flourished in recent years, providing startups with access to critical funding opportunities. These firms, along with others, are helping to fuel Atlanta’s reputation as a hub for startup companies, enabling local entrepreneurs to scale their ventures both regionally and nationally.
Atlanta-Friendly VC Funds:
- 11-11 Ventures
- Accel
- Assurant Ventures
- Atlanta Ventures
- Automotive Ventures
- Ballast Point Ventures
- Battery Ventures
- BIP Ventures
- BLH Venture Partners
- BRONZE VC
- Camelback Ventures
- Catalyst by Wellstar
- CEO Ventures
- Circadian
- Croft & Bender
- CTW Venture Partners
- Curate Ventures
- DeepWork Capital
- Leaders Fund
- Mosley Ventures
- NEA
- Noro-Moseley Partners
- Outlander VC
- Overline
- Peachtree Equity Partners
- RAISE Forum
- Resurgens Technology Partners
- Rule 1 Venture Studio
- Shadow Ventures
- Shorewind Capital
- Silicon Road Ventures
- Drive Capital
- Eastside Partners
- EGL Ventures
- Ellis Capital
- Engage VC
- FEARLESS FUND
- Forte Ventures
- Fulcrum Equity Partners
- Georgia Oak Partners
- GRA Venture Fund
- Gray Ghost Ventures
- IDEA Fund Partners
- Invest Georgia
- Johnson Venture Partners
- Jump Capital
- Kinetic Ventures
- Knoll Ventures
- KnowCap
- The JumpFund
- Socium Ventures
- SpringTime Ventures
- Stanley Ventures
- Susquehanna Growth Equity
- TechOperators
- Tech Square Ventures
- TechSquare Labs
- TTV Capital
- Valor Ventures
- Vocap Partners
- Zane Venture Fund
Atlanta-Friendly Angel Investors:
- Atlanta Technology Angels
- Atlanta Ventures
- Black Angel Tech Fund
- Gathering of Angels
- Greg Smith
- Keiretsu Forum
- Paul Judge
- Southeast Investor Group
- Steve Schilling
- Steve Chaddick
- TiE Atlanta Angels
- VentureSouth
- Virginia Persons
Atlanta Incubators and Accelerators
One of the key factors contributing to the city’s success in the startup world is the robust support system of incubators and accelerators in Atlanta. These programs are instrumental in guiding Atlanta startups from idea to execution, giving them the resources they need to thrive in the Atlanta tech scene.
Atlanta-Friendly Accelerators and Incubators
- Ascend Atlanta
- AtlantaBeltline Business Solutions Office
- Atlanta Founders Academy by Google
- Atlanta Tech Village
- ATDC
- Bronner Business Institute
- Center for Civic Innovation
- CREATE-X
- Comcast Sports Tech
- Cox Innovation Accelerator Program
- Creative Destruction Lab
- Emory Startup Launch Accelerator
- Endeavor Atlanta
- EO Atlanta
- Gener8tor
- Goodie Nation
- Greenhouse Accelerator
- HatchBridge Incubator
- Independent Community Bankers of America
- It Takes a Village (Pre-Accelerator)
- KiwiTech Startup Program
- Main Street Seed Fund
- Russell Innovation Center for Entrepreneurs (RICE)
- Shadowlabs
- South Downtown Atlanta
- Square One Startup School
- Start It Up Georgia
- Switchyards
- Techstars
- The Entrepreneurship Center at the Urban League of Greater Atlanta
- The Farm
- The Idea Village
- The Lola
- TiE Atlanta Access
- VentureLab
- Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI)
- Zane Access
Startup Awards That Atlanta Companies Should Apply For
Awards are a great way for your startup to gain visibility and credibility in the community. It also helps to have backlinks and social media promotions from the major accounts that host these awards. Here are some of the top startup and tech awards Atlanta companies are eligible for.
- Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Best Places to Work - Recognizing the companies that best earn their employees' respect and loyalty.
- Atlanta Startup Awards - The Atlanta Startup Awards, jointly organized by members of the Atlanta Startup Community, recognizes and celebrates the city’s most successful rising tech companies, startup pioneers, and disruptive innovators. Atlanta Startup Founders and Ecosystem Builders – it’s your time to shine.
- EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Southeast - Honoring the ambitious entrepreneurs building a more equitable, sustainable and prosperous world for all.
- Inc. 5000 - The 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. based on their revenue growth rate.
- Inc. Best Workplaces - The Inc. Best Workplaces list is created in partnership with Quantum Workplace and honorees are selected based on your employee feedback.
- TAG Technology Awards - The annual TAG Technology Awards promote and celebrate our inclusive technology community throughout Georgia. Any company, organization and leader located in Georgia is welcome to apply.
- The Atlanta 500 - Atlanta Magazine’s annual list of the most influential Atlantans.
- University-Specific Awards - Startup founders should also consider entering awards hosted by their universities. Several Venture Atlanta alumni companies have won the 40 Under 40 awards through Georgia Tech or the Bulldog 100 through the University of Georgia.
How Venture Atlanta Supports the Startup Ecosystem
As the premier venture capital event in the Southeast, Venture Atlanta plays a critical role in supporting the growth of the city’s startups. Venture Atlanta connects local entrepreneurs with the funding, resources, talent, mentorship, and customers they need to succeed.
Tech companies that have participated at Venture Atlanta have raised over $7.7 billion collectively, making it a driving force behind the city’s startup success stories. Stay updated on the latest announcements from Venture Atlanta to see how your startup can leverage this incredible perk of being in Atlanta.
FAQ
What makes Atlanta a great place for tech startups?
Atlanta’s unique combination of a thriving entrepreneurial community, affordable living, and access to venture capital makes it an ideal place for startups to grow and succeed.
How can I connect with investors in Atlanta?
Attend key events like Venture Atlanta, Atlanta Tech Week, and InnovATL, or join incubators and accelerators like ATDC and Atlanta Tech Village for ongoing opportunities to meet investors.
What are the must-attend tech events in Atlanta?
Be sure to check out Atlanta Tech Week in June and InnovATL and Venture Atlanta in October to engage with the city's booming tech scene.Where can I find more resources for startups in Atlanta?
Atlanta offers a wide range of resources through incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces like Atlanta Tech Village, ATDC, and The Farm. Additionally, networking events and conferences provide opportunities to connect with key players in the Atlanta startup ecosystem.
