Introducing the 2017 Guide To The Atlanta Startup Ecosystem. Brought to you by Startup Atlanta.

2. Introduction
Startup Atlanta is a community non-profit
focused on championing and connecting
the local startup ecosystem. We host
events, bring startup and regional leaders
together, support policies friendly to
innovation and entrepreneurs and
promote corporate involvement with the
local ecosystem through our CEO Pledge
campaign.
This guide was made possible by
Startup Atlanta
startupatlanta.com
Special thanks to David Ahn, Jennifer
Pearson, Kamel Adi, and Obinna Morton.
Design and layout by Scott Fuller of
The Studio Temporary,
thestudiotemporary.com
Printed in Atlanta, GA by
Standard Press.
Overview
The Atlanta Startup Ecosystem is a bright
spot in our local economy. Thanks to
continued investment from government
entities, schools & universities, and
successful startups & entrepreneurs we
have grown over the years to become a
top 10 city for startups! That momentum is
only increasing with new events,
workspaces, and accelerators opening up
everyday from all across the ecosystem.
Because of this, it can be difficult to keep
up with the wealth of information,
resources, and opportunities available in
our local startup ecosystem. We created
this guide to help navigate all our ATL
startup community has to offer. Use this
resource as a tool to create a roadmap to
find the people, places, and organizations
that can contribute to your success!
Disclaimer
This resource is an ever evolving
document intended to adapt and change
as quickly as our own startup ecosystem.
With that in mind we know there are
organizations, opportunities, and
resources that we have unintentionally
have missed. This is just a starting point,
so please help us out. Feel free to send us
your input at: info@startupatlanta.com.

3. Groups & Events
Associations
Groups
Events
Design &
Coding Schools
Coding
Design
Scholarships
Funding
Angel Funding
Crowdfunding
Venture Capital
Incentives
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
Media
Blog
News
Places
Accelerators
Clubs
Incubators
Workspaces
Notable Names
Thank You
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6 15
21
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9
13

4. GROUPS
& EVENTS
ASSOCIATIONS
Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO)
The Entrepreneurs’ Organization is a
global business network of 10,000+
leading entrepreneurs in 147 chapters and
48 countries. Founded in 1987 by a group
of young entrepreneurs, EO enables
business owners to learn from each other,
leading to greater business success and an
enriched personal life. They educate,
transform, inspire and offer invaluable
resources in the form of global events,
leadership development programs, an
online entrepreneur forum and executive
education opportunities, among other
offerings designed for personal and
professional growth.
eoatlanta.com
Ladypreneur League
The Ladypreneur League is a community
of women business owners slaying their
way through #ladypreneurlife. They
provide the tools, network and the
resources to help early stage female
founders grow and invest in each other’s
success.
ladypreneurleague.com
RitzGroup
The premier networking group connecting
entrepreneurs and investors. RitzGroup is
dedicated to growing new businesses,
creating new jobs, and positioning
Georgia as the leader in economic growth.
ritzgroup.org
Startup Chicks
Startup Chicks mission is to empower
women entrepreneurs through education,
community, coaching, connections and
investment. Founded in February of 2009
when founder, Jen Bonnett, noted the
extreme dearth in women attending local
entrepreneurial events.
startupchicks.org
Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)
is a world-class membership organization
and an engine for economic development
for the state of Georgia. TAG's mission is
to educate, promote, influence and unite
Georgia's technology community to foster
an innovative and connected marketplace
that stimulates and enhances Georgia's
tech-based economy.
tagonline.org
TiE Atlanta
TiE is a non-profit, global community
welcoming entrepreneurs from all over the
world. They believe in the power of ideas
to change the face of entrepreneurship
and growing business through their five
pillars; mentoring, networking, education,
incubating and funding. TiE was founded
in 1992 by a group of successful
entrepreneurs and is currently one of the
world’s largest entrepreneurial
organizations. With programs like TiE
Young Entrepreneurs (TYE) and Mentor
Match, they are also reaching out and
fostering the next generation of
entrepreneurs.
atlanta.tie.org
MIT Enterprise Forum
The MIT Enterprise Forum's mission is to
inform, connect, and coach technology
entrepreneurs —enabling them to rapidly
transform ideas into world-changing
companies. We are a global network of
local organizations, inspired by MIT, and
open to the world.
mitforumatlanta.org
GROUPS
& EVENTS
ASSOCIATIONS
Atlanta CEO Council
The Atlanta CEO Council empowers local
CEOs to excel by connecting them to their
most valuable resource: each other. It
addresses the top four needs shared by
every CEO: opportunities for personal
development, connections to customers,
exposure to capital, and access to talent.
Each member of the Atlanta CEO Council
is part of a private network dedicated to
empowering Atlanta’s most innovative
executives.
atlantaceo.org
LaunchPad2X
Launchpad2x is an entrepreneurial
ecosystem supporting women who are
founders/leaders/ majority owners of their
startup and emerging businesses. The
program works with the Atlanta business
community to provide Launchpad2x
members with mentorship, ongoing
education, and a supportive network that
builds the confidence and skills needed to
grow their companies.
launchpad2x.com
1 2

5. GROUPS
& EVENTS
GROUPS
1Million Cups Atlanta
1 Million Cups is a national initiative of the
Kauffman Foundation to educate, inspire,
and connect entrepreneurs. Already in
over 80 cities, 1MC is based on the vision
of what might result as entrepreneurs
share their ventures and network with
their communities over 1 million cups of
coffee. Each Wednesday we have an
entrepreneur share a 6-minute pitch
followed by 20 minutes of Q&A. The 1MC
environment is that of a supportive space,
welcoming entrepreneurs to be open and
honest about their businesses and the
challenges they face.
1millioncups.com/atlanta
Code for Atlanta
An extension of Code for America, Code
for Atlanta uses civic minded
technologists, designers, and subject
matter experts to improve Atlanta. They
host civic hack meetups and assist with
established projects for individuals
interested in civic hacking.
codeforatlanta.org
Women In Technology
Women in Technology (WIT) passionately
supports women at every stage of their
STEM careers—from the classroom to the
boardroom. We do this by telling the
stories of successful women and by
helping more women write their own. This
takes place in a wide variety of
formats—from educating middle and high
school girls about the opportunities in
science, technology, engineering, and
math (STEM), to providing networking and
education for professionals. With over
2,500 professionals attending our
programs and events, over 500 students,
and over 250 volunteers, WIT has become
the largest, most active organization of its
kind in the region.
mywit.org
Startup Grind
Startup Grind serves as the largest
independent startup community that
educates, inspires, and connects over
400,000 founders within 200 cities.
Startup Grind Atlanta helps entrepreneurs
find mentorship and learn valuable lessons
through a fireside chat led by successful
local educators, investors, and founders.
startupgrind.com/atlanta/
Startup Drinks
Atlanta’s Startup Drinks is a meetup for
those interested in entrepreneurship and
technology. Networking, the exchange of
war stories, and contacts are exchanged
though a fun and social setting each
month. Drop in on the first Tuesday of
every month and meet technologists and
entrepreneurs in interesting gathering
places within Atlanta.
atlsuds.com
ChickTech
ChickTech facilitates hands-on
technology-centric events to empower,
support, and increase the confidence of
women and girls. Through our events, we
build community, empower participants to
see themselves as leaders, and provide
networking and mentoring opportunities
in the rapidly growing high tech industry.
atlanta.chicktech.org
Health 2.0 Atlanta
Health 2.0 is a networking group designed
to connect Atlanta’s healthcare tech
community. Their meetups consist of
company presentation, panel discussions,
guest speakers, and technology
sub-sectors. Health 2.0 Atlanta delivers all
healthcare IT news and opportunities.
health2con.com
GROUPS
& EVENTS
EVENTS
Atlanta Startup Village
Atlanta Startup Village is a Atlanta’s
largest monthly pitch event designed to
discuss roadblocks and solutions to
improve within the entrepreneurial
process through a five minute business
pitch model. This event is focused on
startups and isn't limited to technology.
Join this fun, friendly, and inclusive
environment and broaden your exposure!
meetup.com/Atlanta-Startup-Village
Atlanta Startup Week
A five day celebration of the startup
community, Atlanta Startup week was
designed for entrepreneurs by
entrepreneurs. This conference builds
camaraderie and momentum within the
ecosystem through various events
developing Atlanta’ startup identity.
atlanta.startupweek.co/
ATDC Startup Showcase
The ATDC Startup Showcase gathers
entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders
to discover startups showcase their
technologies. Not only are the startups
highlighted, but ATDC’s signature
companies are honored that are on the
verge of graduating ATDC’s incubator
program.
atdcstartupshowcase.com
F’Up Nights
F’Up Nights is a global movement where
stories of failed businesses and projects
are told, questioned and celebrated. Come
hear #fail stories from local doers and
support failure.
funatl.com
Pitch Practice
Pitch Practice allows individuals to
practice their pitch and receive feedback
from their peers every Friday after ATV’s
Startup Chowdown. Listen to Pitch
Practice’s Podcasts to help learn more
about developing a perfect pitch and the
fundamentals.
pitchpractice.co
Startup Chowdown
Meet, greet, and eat with other startups at
Startup Chowdown every Friday at Atlanta
Tech Village. Notorious for its incredibly
long lines and catered lunches, Startup
Chowdown welcomes all entrepreneurs to
network with one another and and
become actively engaged within the
startup community.
atlantatechvillage.com/events/startup-
chowdown/
The Consumer Show
The Consumer Show is hosted by
Switchyards and highlights five B2C
startups every month. Consumer based
startups pitch their company for five
minutes and receive feedback to meet
their goals. Community support is fostered
through pinpointing what the community
can do to help these startups thrive.
Venture Atlanta
Promising tech companies and top tier
investors merge at Georgia’s premier
innovation event, Venture Atlanta. The
region’s largest investor showcase
connects entrepreneurs, venture
capitalists, bankers, and angel investors
who can help raise capital needed to
grown businesses. To date, Venture
Atlanta has helped raise over $1.6 billion
dollars.
ventureatlanta.org
3 4

6. GROUPS
& EVENTS
EVENTS
Atlanta Startup Battle
Atlanta Startup Battle is the freshest and
most unique pitch competition in Atlanta.
With 100+ ideas and 2 days of
competition, the top participants develop
their ideas with seasoned mentors and
present to investor judges, real VCs from
Atlanta and Silicon Valley, all in an effort to
help Atlanta build, scale, and fund the next
generation of outstanding tech
companies.
atlantastartupbattle.com
Georgia Technology Summit
The Georgia Technology Summit
reinforces the significance of innovation
and recognizes leaders in technology.
TAG’s goal is to build, connect and enable;
people, company and community. GTS
draws over 1,500 attendees from across
Georgia that includes CEOs, CIOs, CTOs,
technology entrepreneurs. In addition to
the great speakers and networking we
recognize the Top 40 most Innovative
Companies in Georgia.
tagonline.org/events/georgia-technology
-summit/
Entrepreneurs’ Night @ATDC
Entrepreneur's Night is a fun, informal
event held every 3rd Thursday at ATDC in
the Community Room. It is a night filled
with some of the best networking for
Georgia’s technology startup
entrepreneurs, complete with food and
drinks.
members.atdc.org/page/
EntrepreneursNight
SuperNova South
SuperNova South is the Southeast’s
largest & longest-running tech conference.
For five full days, attendees have access to
ten content-rich tracks, evening events,
keynotes, exclusive opportunities with
community partners, and opportunities for
both structured and unstructured
networking every day.
supernovasouth.org
Startup Runway
Startup Runway is a pitch series by Valor
Ventures and The Gathering Spot.
Showcasing the top 10% of women and
minority led startups in the Southeast and
connecting them w/ sophisticated
investors who understand early stage
companies.
startuprunway.co
TEDxPeachtree
TEDxPeachtree is one of the most
established TEDx groups in the state of
Georgia and one of 10,000 TEDx groups
across the globe. At our annual show, we
seek to bring a TED-like experience
through live speakers from Georgia and
beyond, and recorded TED Talks.
tedxpeachtree.com
RAISE Forum
The RAISE Forum introduces the best
companies to interested and active
investors in a concise and efficient day of
formal presentations and informal
consultations. Candidates also receive
mentoring from professors and local
business professionals.
raiseforum.com
Big Nerd Ranch
If IQ points were worth an ounce of gold,
Big Nerd Ranch would be Fort Knox. The
Big Nerd Ranch functions as a
development agency providing
end-to-end mobile solutions for a range of
app development projects and they also
offer two types of programming classes:
public bootcamps and private corporate
training.
bignerdranch.com
Digital Crafts
DigitalCrafts is a top-rated coding
bootcamp with campuses in Atlanta, GA
and Houston, TX. Their Immersive
Program is a 16-week intensive classroom
experience designed to transform
beginners into full-stack software
engineers with cutting edge skill sets,
polished portfolios, interview training, and
career support. They also offer rotating,
evening electives for current students and
alumni as an additional perk of joining
their network.
digitalcrafts.com
General Assembly
General Assembly transforms thinkers into
creators through education and
opportunities in technology, business, and
design. They offer full-time courses,
part-time courses, and workshops in
coding, data science, design, digital
marketing, and product management.
Many of the courses are taught be
industry leaders from within the Atlanta
business community.
generalassemb.ly/atlanta
DESIGN & CODING
SCHOOLS
CODING
Black Men Code
Black Men Code is a fiscally sponsored,
non-profit, social benefit organization. Our
mission is to provide free and low-cost
training in computer programming that
inspires and motivates Black men to: (1)
pursue education in STEM fields and (2)
participate in the innovation economy
through entrepreneurship.
blackmencode.org
New York Code + Design Academy
The New York Code + Design Academy
offers full-time daytime courses and
part-time evening courses designed to
train both beginner and dedicated
developers with hands-on, intensive
workshops in web and mobile app
development. You won’t just learn HTML,
CSS, JavaScript, and Ruby— you’ll learn
how to use these languages to build
functional apps from day one. Their
fast-paced curriculum is taught by
industry professionals that work with the
same tools you do.
nycda.com/atlanta
The Iron Yard
The Iron Yard’s mission is to connect with
people pursuing the craft and lifelong
adventure of technology and help equip
them with the skills they need to both get
started and progress throughout their
careers. The Iron Yard offers courses in
back end and front end engineering, and
mobile engineering and each Iron Yard
location also offers free code classes for
kids.
theironyard.com
5 6

7. DESIGN & CODING
SCHOOLS
CODING/DESIGN
Art Institute of Atlanta
Pursuing a career in creativity is not for
the faint of heart. The Art Institute of
Atlanta offers degree programs in the
areas of Design, Media Arts, Fashion, and
Culinary in order to help you focus your
creative talents and explore what you’re
passionate about. In their collaborative
environment, the instructors guide and
mentor their students as they help them
build the skills they need to start a
creative career.
artinstitutes.edu/atlanta
Creative Circus
The Creative Circus mission is to graduate
the best-prepared, most avidly
sought-after creatives in the marketing
communications industry. The Creative
Circus offers a range of intensive full-time
and part-time programs in Art Direction,
Copywriting, Design, Photography, and
Interactive Development. Conveniently
located in the heart of Atlanta, their
building is a colorful converted warehouse
equipped with the latest versions of
Adobe Creative Cloud and 27" iMacs. The
campus is dog friendly too!
creativecircus.edu
SCAD
SCAD offers degrees in more than 40
areas of study, as well as minors in more
than 60 disciplines. In addition to their
library, dining hall, fitness center, galleries
and digital labs, students have access to
the SCADshow theater, a world-famous
sculpture studio, a cultural arts and writing
center, and an expansive digital media
center.
scad.edu
Portfolio Center
Portfolio Center is a 2-year, full-time
graduate level program which offers
tracks in Art Direction, Copywriting,
Graphic Design, Illustration, Photography
and Web Design. Founded in 1977, it was
the first school of its kind and it is
constantly evolving to stay ahead of a
dynamic industry driven by cultural shifts
and technological innovation. With a
placement rate near 100%, their graduates
work for some of the most successful
firms, agencies, and corporations on the
planet, spanning six continents.
portfoliocenter.edu
Tech Talent South
Tech Talent South is a southern-based
tech education company that offers
programs ranging from 8-week, full-time
code immersion bootcamps to 2-day data
analysis workshops. Whether you're
looking to jump start your journey into the
tech industry or you’re an entrepreneur
ready to take the tech side of your
business to the next level, they’ve got you
covered. The Full Time Code Immersion
Class meets four mornings a week and
includes office hours with instructors and
full access to shared working spaces. The
Part Time class meets two nights a week
and is perfect for those currently working
Full Time.
techtalentsouth.com
Tech Opportunity Fund
The Tech Opportunity Fund is an initiative
to increase diversity in the tech industry
by removing financial barriers and
increasing access to tech education for all.
The initiative created in partnership by
The Iron Yard, Code Fellows, and
Operation HOPE aims to award $100
million in full-tuition diversity scholarships
to participating code school programs
over the next five years. In addition to
technical skills training, nonprofits and
governmental agencies will provide
financial literacy education and support
services to propel students through their
transition into tech careers.
techopportunityfund.org
TechHire Initiative
The ATL TechHire initiative, is a program
led by the Atlanta Workforce
Development Agency, in partnership with
The Iron Yard and TechSquare Labs.
Participants in the ATL TechHire initiative
will be enrolled in TechSquare Labs’
innovative culture fit, corporate innovation
and career readiness programs, as well as
fast-track training with one of The Iron
Yard’s coding bootcamps. Participants will
train for jobs in front- and back-end
engineering, mobile engineering, data
science, and design.
techhire.org/community/atlanta
DESIGN & CODING
SCHOOLS
DESIGN/SCHOLARSHIPS
7 8

8. FUNDING
CROWDFUNDING/
ANGELFUNDING
Reward-based
Indiegogo
Indiegogo is where entrepreneurial
projects come to life – amplified by a
community of backers who believe the
world benefits when every idea gets an
equal shot at success.
indiegogo.org
Kickstarter
Kickstarter is the world's largest funding
platform for creative projects
kickstarter.com
Equity-based
AngelList
Where the world meets startups
angel.co
CircleUp
CircleUp is marketplace investing for
emerging consumer product and retail
companies
circleup.com
Indiegogo + MicroVenture
Indiegogo's new equity crowdfunding
service in partnership
with MicorVentures
equity.indiegogo.com
Sparkmarket
Sparkmarket is a new software tool that
alloes is a new software tool that
allows dreamers and doers to borrow
capital from your network in your
community on your terms.
sparkmarket.com
FUNDING
VENTURE CAPITAL
Angel Funding
Atlanta Tech Angels
Group of accredited angel investors that
provides early-stage, technology
entrepreneurs with more than funding
angelatlanta.com
First Monday's Investment Group
First Monday's bring angel investors,
venture capitalists and young people with
good ideas together
firstmondayatlanta@gmail.com
Gathering of Angels
At Gathering of Angels you will find
mature and seasoned Angel Investors and
Investment Bankers who listen to with
high interest to your presentation pitch for
capital, and if interested will write a check
to your new venture 1-30 days after your
first presentation at GOA
gatheringofangels.com
Southeast Investor Group
Southeast investor group is a peer to peer
membership composed of partners from
30 of the Venture Capital Funds in the
Southeast, five corporate venture funds,
and 25 individual investors (highly
successful tech executives who have built
and exited sizable companies)
southeastinvestorgroup.com
The Ritz Group
The premier networking group connecting
Entrepreneurs and Investors, dedicated to
growing new businesses,creating new
jobs, and positioning Georgia as the leader
in economic growth
ritzgroup.org
Local Accelerators
BIG Accelerator
Finds, trains and supports exceptional
women of color founders of tech
companies
angel.co/digitalundivided
The Bridge
The Bridge is a unique Commercialization
Program for startups, acting as a bridge
between the entrepreneurial community
and major global markets including the
US, Europe, Africa/Eurasia and the Pacific
thebridgebycocacola.com
CyberLaunch
CyberLaunch is the leading accelerator for
information security and machine learning
startups
cyberlaunch.vc
Engage
Engage, in partnership with 10 leading
global companies and Georgia Tech, is a
startup accelerator focused on helping
entrepreneurs open doors, access
markets, and reach customers.
engage.vc
Flashpoint
Flashpoint works closely with founders to
enable them to think clearly about their
businesses
flashpoint.gatech.edu
NueroLaunch
NeuroLaunch is the leading accelerator
program for neuroscience startup
companies
neurolaunch.com
Techstars Atlanta
Techstars Atlanta, in partnership with Cox
Enterprises, focuses on technologies
driving positive change in an
interconnected world
techstarsatlanta.com
Tech Square Ventures
Tech Square Ventures is a seed &
early-stage venture fund that investing in
cloud, internet of things, and university
spin-outs
techsquareventures.com
Women's Entrepreneurship Initiative
WEI serves to provide unprecedented
access to the human, educational and
financial capital critical to empowering
early stage company-building
entrepreneurs, who just so happen to be
women
weiatlanta.com
9 10

9. FUNDING
VENTURE CAPITAL
FUNDING
VENTURE CAPITAL
Seed Stage
Atlanta Ventures
Atlanta Ventures invests in technology
companies that put culture first, provide a
great service, and love what they do
atlantaventures.com
Buckhead Investment Partners
BIP Capital is recognized as one of the
most active venture investors in the
Southeast, areas of focus include software,
healthcare IT, digital media, franchise, and
Ed tech
bip-capital.com
BLH Ventures
Early stage investment firm focused on
funding innovation
blhventures.com
GRA Venture Fund
The GRA Venture Fund, LLC is a private
investment fund created to help finance
promising companies emerging from
Georgia's universities
graventurefund.org
RAISE Forum
The RAISE Forum is creating local funding
for in-revenue companies that need an
investment round between $1MM and
$5MM (with a healthcare bias).
raiseforum.com
The Seraph Group
Seraph is building a diversified portfolio of
early-stage companies in high-growth
sectors
seraphgroup.net
Early Stage
Accuitive Medical Ventures
Accuitive Medical Ventures (AMV) is a
medical device venture capital firm
amvpartners.com
BLH Ventures
Early stage investment firm focused on
funding innovation
blhventures.com
Cedar Ventures
Financial advisory/consulting and
investment banking firm that raises
debt and equity capital for companies
cedarventures.com
CTW Venture Partners
CTW Venture Partners is changing the
world by investing in companies that are
creating products that will change the way
the world operates
ctwvp.com
Forte Ventures
Forte Venture invest across a diversified
set of industry sectors including: IT,
mobility, digital media, fintech, and
industrial technology
forteventures.com
Gray Ghost Ventures
GGV seeks to eliminate poverty and
strengthen communities through catalytic,
early-stage investments in the developing
world
grayghostventures.com
GRA Venture Fund
The GRA Venture Fund, LLC is a private
investment fund created to help finance
promising companies emerging from
Georgia's universities
graventurefund.org
Leaders Fund
Helping entrepreneurs build storied SaaS
companies
leaders-fund.com
Mosley Ventures
Venture capital fund investing in early
stage technology startups in Atlanta and
the Southeast
mosleyventures.com
Propeller Investments
Private equity firm focused on making
investments within the aerospace and
transportation fields
propellerinvestments.com
Tech Operators
Early stage venture capital firm investing
in emerging software companies with high
growth potential
techoperators.com
TTV Capital
TTV invests in fintech businesses that
serve the widely varying needs of the
financial services sector and the
consumers of financial products
ttvcapital.com
Valor Ventures
Venture capital for SaaS startups
valor.vc
Series Rounds
Buckhead Investment Partners
BIP Capital is recognized as one of the
most active venture investors in the
Southeast, areas of focus include software,
healthcare IT, digital media, franchise, and
Ed tech
bip-capital.com
Croft & Bender Capital
Croft & Bender is a provider of superior
M&A, capital raising, and financial advisory
services to middle market and emerging
growth companies
croft-bender.com
Georgia Oak Partners
Georgia Oak Partners invest growth equity
into companies positioned for topline
acceleration
georgiaoakpartners.com
Gray Ghost Ventures
GGV seeks to eliminate poverty and
strengthen communities through catalytic,
early-stage investments in the developing
world
grayghostventures.com
Noro-Mosley Partners
NMP provides leading entrepreneurs with
energy, connections and expertise to build
world-class companies
noromoseley.com
11 12

10. MEDIA
BLOG/NEWS
INCENTIVES
FOR BUSINESS
Invest Georgia Exemption
Permits intrastate crowdfunding;
aggregate amount Georgia-based
companies can raise in a year increased
from $1 to $5 million.
sos.ga.gov/admin/files/Invest_Georgia_
Exemption_-_Form_GA-1.pdf
Startup Tax Exemption
Provides a tax exemption for new and
emerging technology businesses. Provides
an exemption for businesses from paying
the City’s license.
investatlanta.com/opportunities/atlanta-
startup-tax-exemption/
Investment Tax Credit
Income tax credit available to existing
manufacturing or telecommunications
businesses that have operated a facility in
Georgia for three years prior with a
qualifying investment of $50,000 or more,
and can be from 1-5% on new investment.
georgia.org/competitive-advantages/tax-
credits/investment/
Angel Investor Tax Credit
The law provides an individual state tax
credit of up $50,000 on an annual basis
for individual angel investors who invest in
early stage, “qualified” Georgia companies
between 2015 and 2018.
georgia.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/0
3/Angel_Investor_Tax_Credit.pdf
Research and Development Tax Credit
Eligible R&D expenditures increasing year
over year may qualify for this tax credit
which can be claimed against payroll
withholding after corporate income tax is
exhausted.
georgia.org/competitive-advantages/tax-
credits/research-and-development/
Georgia Research Alliance Fund of 2008
Gives a 25% tax credit only to limited
partners within the fund. The GRA fund is
seeded with taxpayer funds of between
$7,000,000 and $10,000,000.
gra.org/page/1038/gra_ventures.html
Opportunity Zones
Available for new or existing businesses
that create two or more jobs which can be
taken against the business’s Georgia
income tax liability and payroll
withholding tax. The credit is available for
areas designated by DCA as an
“Opportunity Zone”.
The maximum Job Tax Credit allowed
under law - $3,500 per job created.
investatlanta.com/business/bonds-
incentives/opportunity-zones/
Atlanta Tech Blogs
Serving as the pulse for startup stories,
Atlanta Tech Blogs is a publication that
promotes all tech startup blogs in Atlanta.
Atlanta Tech Blog shares the stories of
entrepreneurs, community, and start news.
atltechblogs.com
Hypepotamus
Hypepotamus covers the latest startup
news, events, people, and companies
throughout At- lanta’s innovation
ecosystem. Startups, B2B, B2C, and
Creative companies are all recognized
throughout Hypepotamus’ supporting the
community and people bringing
innovation to Atlanta.
hypepotamus.com
Tech Square ATL
Tech Square ATL is the heart of Atlanta's
tech scene and filled with breakthrough
talent, breakthrough ideas, and
breakthrough companies.
techsquareatl.com
Atlanta Business Chronicle
Atlanta Business Chronicle provides the
latest breaking news, market trends, and
new employ- ment opportunities in print
and online. One of the best sources for
local and business news, Atlanta Business
Chronicle reports the latest business
developments within Atlanta.
bizjournals.com/atlanta/ Atlanta Tech
Atlanta Tech Edge
Atlanta’s only television show focused on
technology, Atlanta Tech Edge highlights
the latest advancements within the
technology and startup ecosystem. Check
out the behind the scenes and learn more
about Atlanta’s entrepreneurs, companies,
and investors on 11Alive News every
Sunday morning.
11alive.com/atlantatechedge
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11. Sandbox ATL
Midtown
Sandbox ATL serves as the premier
membership club for Tech Square.
Entrepreneurs, investors, and founders
come together and engage through meet
ups, events, and offers a collaborative
space. The Garage, a coworking space and
venue, is accessible to members to create
ideas build startup camaraderie.
sandboxatl.com
Switchyards
Downtown
Atlanta’s members-only consumer &
design-focused club is dedicated to
helping companies build beautiful
products. Switchyards hosts event series,
serves as an incubator, and accelerates
companies from a renovated 1920’s
building located on Ted Turner Drive.
switchyards.com
The Gathering Spot
Northyards
The innovative and modern members-only
club bringing young professionals
together caters to creative and
entrepreneurs. The Gathering Spot offers a
diverse community creating the perfect
balance of a social and work environment
in Atlanta. Members benefit from
concierge services and an abundance of
resources to reach their maximum
potential.
thegatheringspot.club
Atlanta Ventures Accelerator
Buckhead
Atlanta Ventures Accelerator (AVA) is a
year-round program for Atlanta-based
tech startups. AVA is geared towards
startup success through leveraging all of
Atlanta Tech Village’s resources. This
non-cohort based program is peer and
mentor driven fostering community,
providing coworking and expertise in all
areas of a tech startup. Acceptance to
AVA is year-round.
atlantaventures.com
Flashpoint at Georgia Tech
Midtown
Flashpoint at Georgia Tech combines
startup engineering techniques and highly
individualized mentorship to help startups
understand their customer’s and market
fit. By working with Flashpoint, startups
complete the accelerator program with
greater insight to existing and future
problems to tapping into customer based
needs and ensuring customers will default
into buying. Georgia Tech’s Startup
Engineering program has developed and
made available to Flashpoint’s cohorts.
flashpoint.gatech.edu
Forge Healthcare Accelerator
Alpharetta
Enabling startups to solve challenging
problems in healthcare, Forge connects
founders, clinicians, investors, and
mentors. Through their Founders Forum,
startups are able to launch clinical and
institutional pilots to strengthen their
investment potential. Participants have
access to networks, grants, and industry
experts to guide them throughout their
development.
forgeheatlh.org
PLACES
ACCELERATORS/CLUBS
PLACES
ACCELERATORS
Greenhouse - Green Accelerator
Alpharetta
The Greenhouse Accelerator supports
startups over a span of three years seeking
candidates whose products and services
impact positive resource use. Early stage
green business and technology startups
helps develop structure and cultivate
business opportunity for startups through
seed loans, educational and peer support,
and interactive workshops.
greencs.org/greenhouse
NeuroLaunch - Neuroscience Startup
Alpharetta
The world’s first neuroscience startup
accelerator, NeuroLaunch serves as the
most robust community of neuroscience
innovators, investors, and thought leaders.
NeuroLaunch’s 90-day curriculum exposes
startups to strategic partnerships and a
world-class network to help them launch
and scale. Depending on the stage of the
company, NeuroLaunch provides seed
funding to startups to meet their goals.
neurolaunch.com
Points of Light - Civic Accelerator
West Midtown
Points of Light is the first “civic ventures”
accelerator for startups that inspires and
mobilize people to create positive change.
This 12-week bootcamp is dedicated to
early-stage startups and equipping them
with resources to create economic
opportunities throughout the nation. This
civic accelerator helping startups create
innovative solutions and promote civic
engagement.
cvcx.org
Start:ME
Clarkston & Eastlake
Start Micro-Entrepreneur Accelerator
Program (Start:ME) is designed for the
most promising micro-entrprenuers and
businesses managing smaller teams.
Start:ME provides focused support
through early-stage financing.
Entrepreneurs are selected to develop
their business skills through intensive
skills-based programming, community
networks, mentoring, and peer support.
startmeaccelerator.org
Techstars Atlanta
Old Fourth Ward
Techstars Atlanta, in partnership with Cox
Enterprises, enables startups that drive
positive change in a interconnected
world.Through a three month immersive
program, Techstars guides startups
through mentorship and develops
connections to investors and a global
network. Techstars develops startups into
leaders of thriving and ever-changing
industries.
techstars.com/programs/atlanta-program
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12. PLACES
WORKSPACES
Advanced Technology
Development Center
Midtown
Advanced Technology Development
Center (ATDC) is a technology business
incubator for tech companies within
Georgia. ATDC introduces entrepreneurs
to coaching, capital, customers and
resources to build and launch companies.
Since opening its doors in 1981, ATDC has
graduated nearly 170 companies from its
program.
atdc.org
Digital Undivided
Downtown
Digital Undivided (DID) fosters economic
growth through the development of high
potential women of color entrepreneurs.
By providing access to unmatched
networks, coaching, and funding, Digital
Undivided helps build and scale
companies to impact local communities.
DID excels in developing a startup toolkit
exclusive to the development and training
of entrepreneurs.
digitalundivided.com
Prototype Prime
Peachtree Corners
Prototype Prime helps early-stage
hardware and software startups launch.
With unique features such as their design
& development lab and a custom podcast
room, Prototype Prime offers
opportunities to expand education and
marketing. In partnership with ATDC,
members also are granted
membership to ATDC.
prototypeprime.com
Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative
Downtown
Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI)
produces immersive experiences for
women entrepreneurs and aspiring
business owners. Offering a supportive
environment with seasoned mentors and
consultants, a collaborative space to foster
growth and post-incubation support to
reinforce longevity, WEI excels at
community engagement for women
entrepreneurship. WEI identifies and
cultivates strong relationships for
traditional funding sources.
weiatlanta.com
IgniteHQ
IgniteHQ is north Georgia’s premier
model of a modern day startup
incubator, business accelerator and
co-working hub hybrid. We provide
everything you need to enable the
long term success and growth of new
and early stage companies by
providing physical workspace,
educational programming,
mentorship and more.
ignitehq.co
Atlanta Tech Village
Buckhead
Atlanta Tech Village (ATV) serves as a
collaborative office space for startups. The
co-working space is located in the heart of
Buckhead and provides a sense of
community within the tech ecosystem.
ATV supports and inspires entrepreneurs
to achieve success with a community of
thriving technology startups.
atlantatechvillage.com
Center for Civic Innovation
Downtown
Fostering civic solutions to inequalities
faced within metro Atlanta, Center for
Civic Innovation hosts programs for
community based social entrepreneurs.
CCI offers entrepreneurs the opportunity
to obtain operational guidance, funding,
and support.
civicatlanta.org
Digital Ignition
Alpharetta
Alpharetta tech incubator, Digital Ignition,
supports early-stage technology and
digital media companies. Digital Ignition’s
working environment is conducive to
innovation, flexibility, and growth. Tech
entrepreneurs are able to create, develop,
and network within their spacious
co-working facility.
digitalignition.com
Elevator Factory
Grant Park
Elevator Factory’s collaborative space is
made for individuals, teams, and events of
all creative backgrounds. Part or full-time
options are available and provides stability
and flexibility for entrepreneurs within
East Atlanta. Elevator Factory also
supports non-profit organizations and
selects a different organization to help
meet their goals monthly.
elevatorfactory.com
PLACES
INCUBATORS
Factory Girls
West Midtown
Factory Girls assist in the brand and
product development for apparel and
accessory designers at Strongbox West.
Providing resources to local designers,
Factory Girls develops fashion leaders
through design, branding, and production.
factorygirlsatl.com
Foster ATL
Old Fourth Ward
Foster ATL’s co-working environment
brings Atlanta’s creatives together
cultivating a strong and deep community,
education, and support of small
businesses.The “creative citizens” that
make up Foster ATL merry original ideas
with their responsibility to the community
to make Atlanta a better place.
fosteratl.com
Flatiron City
Downtown
ATL’s oldest skyscraper houses present
leading innovators in a wedge-shaped
block between Poplar Street NW, Broad
Street NW, and Peachtree Street NW.
Home to a few of Atlanta’s incubators,
Microsoft Innovation Center and Georgia
Tech’s ATDC, FlatironCity bolsters
community through such successful
incubators.
flatironcity.com
NEX Atlanta
Grant Park
NEX Atlanta offers a diverse membership
and unique method of co-working.
Creators of Burning Plan, NEX hosts
events and caters to the growth and
success of their members and the stages
of their startups. They also offer help to
individuals looking to break into the
startup ecosystem and make their mark
through organizational membership
processes.
nexatlanta.com
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13. PLACES
WORKSPACES
PLACES
WORKSPACES
Open for Business
Downtown
Open for Business embodies space,
collaboration, and girl power. Members are
also connected to OFB’s parent
organization “100 Female Entrepreneurs”
that extends resources and an extensive
global network. This female entrepreneur
focused space celebrates innovation
within the heart of Historic Auburn Avenue
District.
openforbusiness.space
Roam
Alpharetta, Buckhead, Dunwoody &
Cumberland
If you’re on the move and need a place to
meet, work, and learn Roam offers a better
way to work and develop your business.
With multiple locations in Alpharetta,
Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Cobb Galleria
you have access to all four spaces with just
one membership. Join them on their Local
Collective series highlighting
entrepreneurs and transformational
leadership.
meetatroam.com
Shared Space ATL
Dunwoody
Shared Space ATL provides support for
startups of all sizes and stages. This
Dunwoody co-working space offers
business tools, daycare, and informative
events for their members, developing a
community to help startups reach their full
potential. Shared Space provides
resources and a home base for early stage
startups.
sharedspaceatl.com
Industrious
Midtown & Old Fourth Ward
Located in Midtown’s famed Silhouette
and within Ponce City Market, Industrious’
refined co-working facility inspires
community among thriving entrepreneurs.
Industrious offers ample room for
entrepreneurs to network, learn, and grow
within the startup ecosystem.
industriousoffice.com
Strongbox West
West Midtown
Notable companies call Strongbox West
home and continues to spaces ranging
from quick drop-ins to premier private
spaces. Catering to all types of business
and entrepreneurs, Strongbox West’s
culture is funky and creative and strives to
make its members more successful. The
Atlanta co-working space has grown
significantly and even relocated to a larger
space on the west-side to call home.
strongboxwest.com
Tech Square Labs
Midtown
TechSquare Labs is located in Georgia’s
center of gravity for innovation. It operates
as an incubator and seed fund as well as
supports coworking and corporation
innovation. Corporate innovation spaces,
cutting edge research centers, and
successful startup incubators fill this
exciting co-working environment. Build
something from nothing as TechSquare
Labs supports and challenges your startup
ideas.
techsquare.co
WeWork
Buckhead
WeWork serves as workspace,
community, and provides services for a
global network of creators. The latest
Buckhead location has emerged as one of
Atlanta’s most sought after co-working
space for entrepreneurs. WeWork offers
one-on-one sessions with investors and
industry leaders to help startups build and
expand.
wework.com
19 20
Alpharetta Technology Center
The Alpharetta Technology
Commission (ATC) Innovation Center
in Alpharetta is a one of a kind
facility offering a collaborative space
for entrepreneurs and technology to
gather, work and learn. The ATC
Innovation Center is home to
startups, accelerators and host of
various technology events. The
Center is the next step forward in
making Alpharetta truly "The
Technology City of South."
innovatealpharetta.com

14. NOTABLE NAMES
& TWITTER HANDLES
Allen Nance
Partner, Tech Square Labs
@AllenNance / @TechSquare
Allyson Eman
Executive Director, Venture Atlanta
@VentureAtlanta
Amy Hoover
Co-founder, Strongbox West
@tzamy / @strongboxwest
Ashish Thakur
Board Observer, Fundraiser, Investor
@thakurster
Ben Chestnut
Co-founder & CEO, MailChimp
@benchesnut / @mailchimp
Dana Barrett
TV & Radio Host, The Dana Barrett Show
@DanaHBarrett / @biz1190
Dave Payne
COO, Switchyards
@davempayne / @switchyards
David Cummings
Founder, Atlanta Tech Village
@davidcummings / @ATLTechVillage
Holly Beilin
Editor-in-Chief, Hypepotamus
@HollyBeilin / @Hypepotamus
Isabel Marques
Campus Operations Manager,
The Iron Yard
@idcmarques / @theironyard
Jacqui Chew
Co-Organizer, TEDxPEachtree
& Marketing Catalyst, ATDC
@jacquichew
Jake Hadden
Digital Crafts
@haddenjw / @digitalcrafts
Jen Bonnett
Founder, Startup Chicks &
Executive Director at ATDC
@jen_bonnett / @atdc / @startupchicks
Joey Womack
Founder, GoodieNation
@joeydigital / @goodienation
Johnson Cook
Managing Partner, Boom Ventures &
Co-founder, Atlanta Tech Village
@Johnson_Cook / @ATLTechVillage
Jon Birdsong
Organizer, Atlanta Startup Village &
CEO, Wide Angle
@jonnybird / @WideAngleHQ
Karen Houghton
Director, Atlanta Tech Village
@kc_houghton / @ATLTechVillage
Kathryn Finney
Founder, Digital Undivided
@kathrynFinney / @digundiv
KP Reddy
Serial Entrepreneur & Co-founder, The
Combine @reddy_kp / @TheCombineCo
Kyle Porter
CEO, SalesLoft
@kyleporter / @salesloft
Lance Weatherby
VP of Sails & Marketing, CallRail
@lance
Luigi Ray-Montanez
Co-organizer, Code for Atlanta
@1uigi / @codeforatlanta
Mandy Putnam
Director Community Operations
Tech Talent South
@techtalentsouth
Merrick Furst
Founder & Director,
Flashpoint at Georgia Tech
@merrickfurst / @flashpointGT
Michael Tavani
Founder, Switchyards
@tavani / @switchyards
Paul Judge
Partner, Tech Square Labs
@pauljudge / @techsquare
Peter Franconi
Regional Director, General Assembly Atl
@peterfranconi / @_GAAtlanta
Rachel Zick
Executive Director, Atlanta CEO Council
@rachel_zick / @acecouncil
Rick Myers
Co-founder, Strongbox West
@RickM / @strongboxwest
Rodney Sampson
Partner, Diversity & Inclusion
TechSquare Labs
@rodneysampson / @techsquare
Rohit Malhorta
Executive Director,
Center for Civic Innovation
@civicatlanta
Ryan Wilson
CEO & Co-founder, The Gathering Spot
@atlgathers
Sam Adams
Manager Innovation & Entrepreneurship,
Invest Atlanta
@investatlanta
Sanjay Parekh
Co-founder at Prototype Prime
@sanjay / @prototypeprime
Scott Henderson
CEO/Court Jester,
Sandbox ATL & Tech Square ATL
@scottyhendo
@sandboxatl / @TechSqAtl
Titania Jordan
Host, Atlanta Tech Edge
@titaniajordan / @atltechedge
Urvaksh Kakaria
Technology Writer,
Atlanta Business Chronicle
@urvaksh / @atlbizchron
21 22

15. THANK YOU
WE COULDN’T DO IT WITHOUT YOU
This resource would not be possible
without the time and talents of the
Startup Atlanta team and Board of
Directors. As well as the generous support
of our sponsors and partners.
Team
Charlton Cunningham
Executive Director
Board of Directors
Adam Harrell
Founder, Nebo Agency
Sam Adams
Manager, Innovation & Entrepreneurship at
Invest Atlanta
Evelyn Bolden
Manager, Corporate Development at Cox
Enterprises
Michael Maziar
Tech, Civic, and Social Innovation
Enthusiast
Rodney Strickland
President-elect of EO Atlanta
Hans Utz
Founder at The Combine ATL
Jennifer Sherer
Vice President, Innovation and
Entrepreneurship at Metro Atlanta
Chamber
Sig Mosley
Managing Partner at Mosley Ventures
Bronwyn Morgan
CEO, Subkulture Innovation
Gail Podolsky
Attorney, Carlton Fields Jorden Burt, PA
Chris Maxwell
Partner, Morris Manning & Martin, LLP
Christine White
Founder, White Legal Strategy Group
Sponsors
23 24