The Metro Atlanta Chamber has launched a new program designed to help advanced-stage startups connect with the resources they need to continue to grow and create jobs. The first Backed By ATL cohort of companies was announced yesterday: Nolan Transportation Group, Patientco, Pindrop, SalesLoft, Springbot, TruRating and Urjanet.
These seven companies were chosen from 100 nominations. There was no financial requirement to enter, but Jennifer Sherer, MAC’s Vice President of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, says they looked for companies that are financially stable but not above a certain threshold.
Leadership will be able to connect with C-suite decision-makers of many of the large enterprises based in Atlanta, investors and potential customers, receive help with talent attraction and recruiting, and get counsel on sales, marketing, recruitment, funding, public policy and public relations.
The initiative is the second such program in the region to focus on more advanced startups. Endeavor, the global entrepreneur-focused organization that launched an Atlanta chapter this year, also favors a personalized, tailored experience to provide each selected company with access to what they need. Both programs also help create a community for these entrepreneurs and company leaders.
“The ultimate goal is to not have to reinvent the wheel, and share common experiences,” said David Cummings of Atlanta Tech Village and Atlanta Ventures, in a press conference. Cummings served on the Task Force to select the Backed By ATL companies and is also on the board of Endeavor.
“The old adage ‘it’s lonely at the top’ still rings true, even if the top is a 50-person company,” Cummings said.
The Chamber and Task Force focused on companies in industries where Atlanta is traditionally strong, like fintech, supply chain, and health IT. There is no set period of time for companies to “graduate” from the program — Sherer says it will finish when the companies have reaped all that they needed to gain upon entering.
Backed By ATL is launching at a high-growth time for Atlanta’s technology sector. It aims to elevate the business profile of the city as a whole, perhaps even attracting additional capital from investors in Silicon Valley and beyond.
“Metro Atlanta’s innovation ecosystem is teeming with the kind of growth that can only be driven by the collaboration and cooperation of our entire business community,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “We’re working to maintain this remarkable momentum as we elevate the brands that are redefining the way the world is doing business.”
