Atlanta is a vibrant and progressive innovation economy. Throughout October, the region draws people from across the Southeast and beyond with events like Venture Atlanta, the largest venture capital conference on the East Coast, and ATLUnlocked, an initiative from the Metro Atlanta Chamber to connect innovation centers across the city. Preparation is the key to making the most of these opportunities to connect, celebrate, and advance the innovation community.
Over the past few months, we've been fortunate to host some of the most influential figures in the Atlanta innovation ecosystem on the Extraordinary Pursuits podcast. This collection of their most useful tips will help you prepare and make the most of the upcoming opportunities to grow your network and business.
Allyson Eman, CEO of Venture Atlanta, emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between time connecting startups with capital through pitches and organic, freeform networking. Venture Atlanta's mission is to bridge the gap between entrepreneurs and the resources they need to grow. Registered attendees should come to the event ready to meet new people. Peruse the attendee list, learn about them before the event, know who you're looking for, and arrive prepared to make meaningful connections.
"Venture Atlanta is not about endless keynotes and panels. We focus on company pitches because that's where the value is." (Allyson Eman)
Alex Gonzalez, the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) 's chief innovation and marketing officer, believes that Atlanta's collaborative spirit fuels entrepreneurs' growth and the impact of the region's investment community.Initiatives like ATL Unlocked create a platform for founders in different sectors, at different phases in their startup maturity, and from different innovation hubs to learn from each other. Collaboration is how entrepreneurs can leverage expertise, find new resources, and reach investors they may not yet know. In short, it's how the Atlanta innovation economy fosters growth and national leadership.
"Our superpower in Metro Atlanta is how we collaborate." (Alex Gonzalez)
Dr. Malcolm Muhammed, VP of Data and Impact at the Russell Innovation Center, stressed why it's crucial for entrepreneurs to try to sustain a healthy mindset and remain open-minded. The advice is particularly relevant when the stakes are high—like when startup founders are trying to meet, build relationships with, and pitch investors. In the innovation economy, adaptability can be a competitive advantage for founders. At events like Venture Atlanta and ATLUnlocked, the ability to listen, connect, and stay open-minded can shape outcomes.
"Challenge your assumptions, even the deep-rooted ones, and be ready to pivot when necessary." (Dr. Malcolm Muhammed)
Donnie Beamer, Senior Technology Officer for the City of Atlanta, encourages Atlanta startups to maximize the capital they earn. Historically, Atlanta companies have had less access to capital than companies in other innovation markets. That limitation has made Atlanta startups more focused on revenue and customer acquisition than fundraising. It's created a disciplined growth environment that produces resourceful, resilient businesses and a nationally ranked innovation region.
"We might not be in the top five in terms of volume of deals, but in terms of effectiveness per dollar invested, Atlanta's at the top of the list." (Donnie Beamer)
If you're attending the startup and investment events this October, keep this post handy. Whether you're there to pitch, network, or learn, show up prepared, open, and ready to be part of the collaborative energy that makes Atlanta the place to grow. Check out all of these (and other) voices of experience and leadership on the Extraordinary Pursuits podcast.
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