We’re looking for innovative, diverse, passionate companies that are:
• Tech-enabled • Located in the Southeast (as far west as Texas and as far north as D.C.) • Looking to raise within the next 18 months • In any startup stage from seed to growth
Venture Atlanta serves as a platform for companies located in the greater Southeast as noted by the 13 states below. If your company is completely virtual you must have some affiliation with one of these states in order to participate: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington DC.
Benefits for Early-Stage & Growth-Stage Venture Companies
These companies pitch live on the Venture Atlanta event stage and enjoy:
• Exposure to 450+ investors from 250+ funds nationwide • Coaching and mentoring prior to the pitch • Two complimentary tickets to the event • Founder admittance to the exclusive VA Investor Dinner • Free press kit • Ongoing social media coverage • On-demand pitches for a full year following the event • Year-round networking opportunities and invitations to exclusive alumni events • Help and connections from our sponsors and committee members
Benefits for Seed-Stage Companies
Early-stage or pre-revenue companies have the opportunity to mingle with investors, along with:
• One complimentary ticket to the event • Founder admittance to the exclusive VA Investor Dinner • Mentor Day to facilitate coaching • Free press kit • Ongoing social media coverage • And more!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Prepare to pitch with dates for meet-and-greets, deadlines, announcements, and more.
5.9.24
Company Apps Open
8.2.24
Company Apps Close
8.14.24
Companies Notified if in TechOperators Pitch Off
The TechOperators Pitch Off is a way for the Venture Atlanta screening committee to narrow down the list of company pitch applicants.
8.21.24
TechOperators Pitch Off
8.23.24
Companies Notified Privately If Selected
9.9.24
Companies Announced Publicly
9.17.24
Showcase Mentor Day
All selected seed-stage companies are encouraged to attend in person!
10.8.24 & 10.9.24
Venture Atlanta 2024
SELECTION
COACHING
Selection
Carefully Curated by Industry Leaders
Curious about how the top companies are picked? Our process is a multi-step review with some of the industry’s top leaders, investors, and innovators:
1. Applications are reviewed by our committee.
2. The narrowed applications are then graded by our experienced investor and voting committee.
3. The top applicants for the Early-Stage/Venture category are then invited to our Pitch Off where they will have a 50/50 chance of being selected.
Coaching
Prep for the Big Event
We pair you with an experienced coach who will help you prepare to deliver a winning pitch. Here’s how it works:
• If selected, you’ll be matched with dedicated coaches who will work with you throughout the entire process.
• You’ll receive coaching and training on how to develop a memorable pitch.
• Historically, coaching has been reserved for Pitch Companies, but for the first time ever, we will be providing coaching to our Showcase companies as well.
Pro Tip: Often these coaches are also investors, so you’ll have one-on-one time with people who could invest in your business—even before the event happens.
FAQS
What is the conference format?
The conference will take place at The Woodruff Arts Center (the third-largest arts center in the nation!). Don’t miss this opportunity to stand on the prestigious Atlanta Symphony Hall stage and pitch your business to hundreds of investors and corporate leaders at our biggest and best Venture Atlanta yet.
How long are applications open, and what’s the process to apply?
VA 2024 applications open 5/9 and close at 11:59 PM on 8/2.
What type of business is Venture Atlanta looking for?
Pitch companies must be looking to raise within the next 18 months and must be located in the Southeastern U.S. (as far west as Texas and as far north as D.C.) We are looking for all levels of startup stages (from pre-revenue seed stage all the way through growth stage). We have a broad range of technology that we accept and have featured all kinds of companies from wearables to electric cars. The majority of our pitch companies fall into the following categories:
B2B Marketplace
B2C Marketplace
Blockchain / Crypto
Climate Tech
Consumer
Cybersecurity
Digital Health
Digital Media
Enterprise / B2B Software
Environmental, Social, & Governance
Fintech
Hardware
Real Estate & Property tech
Supply Chain & Logistics
What does it cost to present at Venture Atlanta?
NOTHING! It’s a great opportunity for entrepreneurs to get on stage and receive excellent exposure for their business. You have nothing to lose!
Do companies receive coaching to help prepare for the event?
YES! Venture Atlanta is known for its quality coaching. We provide two rounds of coaching in various formats to best fit your needs. You’ll receive exposure to top CEOs who have raised money and been in your shoes as well as investors to give invaluable feedback and help with your pitch. All selected companies MUST go through at least one round of coaching.
What kind of networking opportunities are available?
We will have 1:1 meetings that companies can set up through our app, there will be designated meeting areas set up at the venue, AND all companies will be invited to attend our Investor Dinner. This is BAR NONE the best networking of the conference. Fostering networking is one of our top goals!
Can my pitch be viewed after the event for the conference attendees who may have missed it?
YES! We understand that it’s not practical for every investor to watch every pitch live. For that reason, we record all of the pitches and house them on our on-demand platform for a full year after the event. And you will be able to make updates to your company information at any time after the fact.
It All Starts with a Pitch
Our alumni companies were in your shoes once. Now, they have collectively raised a mind-blowing $7.7 billion with $17 billion in exits.
We're more than just a two-day conference. Stay tuned to find out what's going on year-round.
Don't Miss This Opportunity!
Get your company in front of some of the biggest names in venture!
