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Startup Incubators In Georgia - 2024

Discover innovative growth with our comprehensive List Of Startup Incubators In Georgia – your guide to entrepreneurial success in the Peach State.

Lisa Shmulyan
Founder 101
February 15, 2024

Georgia has become a buzzing center for tech startups. It offers a strong ecosystem that boosts innovation and business creation. This state has a wide range of incubators and accelerators. They help tech and other kinds of startups at different stages. Startups get help like mentorship, investment opportunities, networking, and special knowledge.

The startup incubators in Georgia cover a broad spectrum. The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) stands out with 146 investments in tech startups since 19801. Techstars Atlanta, collaborating with Cox Enterprises, has funded 17 startups. This shows their commitment to helping companies grow1. In Atlanta, there are 14 startup accelerators and incubators. They support various industries and business stages, offering investments from $5,000 up to $5 million2.

These incubators and accelerators have a big impact. They offer growth programs for startups in Georgia, aligning with the state's goal to boost business success. They create a supportive environment that helps Georgia's entrepreneur support systems flourish. This leads to a lively and growing business climate in Georgia.

Key Takeaways

  • Georgia is a prime location for entrepreneurial activities, supported by a strong network of incubators and accelerators.
  • ATDC has been a pioneering force, making 146 investments in technology startups.
  • Techstars Atlanta, partnered with Cox Enterprises, has made notable investments in 17 startups.
  • Investment sizes offered in Atlanta range from $5,000 to $5 million, catering to various business stages.
  • Georgia's startup ecosystem provides comprehensive support through mentorship, networking, and financial resources.

ATDC: Advanced Technology Development Center

Since 1980, the Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) at Georgia Tech has been key in boosting innovation among Georgia's tech startups. Known for its emphasis on tech development, the ATDC incubator has made itself vital in Georgia's entrepreneur scene, helping tech leaders grow their companies.

Overview

For over 40 years, the ATDC has supported startups in many fields like HealthTech, FinTech, and more. By 2020, it helped more than 185 companies reach major goals like hitting $1 million in yearly sales. A standout success is Greenlight, a FinTech star that, after graduating in 2018, is now worth over $2 billion3.

Key Details

ATDC stands out thanks to its full-scale support and access to Georgia's top entrepreneurial tools. It offers customized courses, personal coaching, and solid mentorship. This incubator has enabled startups to gain over $3 billion in financing and make more than $12 billion in Georgia revenue. Sponsors like Mailchimp boost what ATDC can do for startups45.

The ATDC keeps growing by staying updated with the tech world's changes and the diverse needs of its startups. An example is Fyve By Corp., new to the ATDC’s Accelerate program. They're innovating with smart tech to cut down on aircraft ground damage—a big issue costing the aviation industry about $2.8 billion yearly5. ATDC’s wealth of resources, advice, and networking is why it’s vital in nurturing Georgia's tech startups and advancing tech enterprise development.

Techstars Atlanta

Techstars Atlanta, powered by Cox Enterprises, is a big player in the Southeast U.S. startup scene. Since 2006, it has provided an array of resources and chances to network. It welcomes startups across various sectors, using its global network to push growth and spark innovation.

Overview

The program in Atlanta runs for 14 weeks and is quite intense. It's different from many in Georgia because it doesn't limit itself to certain industries. With Cox Enterprises backing it, startups get extra funds, infrastructure, and the mentorship they really need. It's based in a hot spot for startups, helping them grow efficiently67.

Key Details

Being part of Techstars Atlanta means connecting to an awesome global network. Startups tap into a deep well of knowledge and resources, setting them on a path of rapid growth. It's made a lot of investments since starting, leading to many success stories.

The program also brings top-notch mentoring, standing out in the region. Its connections and support are big pluses for startups aiming high in the Southeast7.

For anyone wanting to learn more about Atlanta's tech scene or other accelerator programs in Georgia, check out this detailed guide by AltexSoft6.

Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator

The Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is a key part of Georgia's growing startup scene. It focuses on helping tech-based social projects. Entrepreneurs in Georgia can join a detailed 13-week course. This plan strongly supports using tech to make big social differences.

Atlanta is a hub for startup accelerators like Atlanta Tech Village, TechSquare ATL, and Startup Atlanta. It's an ideal place for creating ventures that matter8. In such a supportive setting, the Cox Enterprises accelerator gives more than advice. It offers important tools and chances to connect, which are vital for a startup’s growth in Georgia.

Startups in the Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator get mentoring and funds. They also gain access to a wide network of industry contacts. One major perk is meeting big players and possible backers. Atlanta’s strong support network, which includes Invest Atlanta and the Technology Association of Georgia, provides a solid base for these startups8.

For those ready to dive into Georgia’s tech scene, this program is a boost. The city's economic setup, along with a lively community of innovators, makes the Cox Enterprises accelerator even more effective8.

CREATE-X Program

The CREATE-X Program at Georgia Tech has become a key player in nurturing entrepreneurial talent. It started in 2014, thanks to Chris Klaus and Raghupathy Sivakumar. Their effort has helped Georgia Tech student startups flourish and significantly impacted startup business growth at GA Tech.

Overview

CREATE-X offers a full entrepreneurial education. Its goal is to help students turn new ideas into successful businesses. It includes three main programs—LEARN, MAKE, and LAUNCH. These meet the needs of students at all levels, as well as Georgia Tech faculty, researchers, and alumni. They guide participants from having an idea to developing and launching their startups.

Key Details

  1. LEARN: This program introduces students to startup concepts and evidence-based entrepreneurship. It's a risk-free environment for exploring startup ideas. It's perfect for those new to entrepreneurship.
  2. MAKE: This part focuses on breaking tech barriers. It offers classes, grants, credit, and mentoring for turning ideas into products ready for the market.
  3. LAUNCH: This phase supports real startups with seed funding, services, mentoring, and IP protection9. It includes everything from legal help to coaching and visibility.

The CREATE-X Program also presents Startup Summer, a 12-week boot camp offering $20,000 to help startups fully launch10. This method helps any startup, no matter the industry, get specialized support. It's key to boosting startup business growth at GA Tech10.

Since its kickoff, CREATE-X has made Georgia Tech a top spot for entrepreneur education and startup success. By 2024, it will have been boosting innovation for a decade. This effort places GT VentureLab as the #2 global university startup incubator. This ranks it high for launching successful companies from top-tier research9.

Atlanta Ventures

Founded in 2012 by David Cummings entrepreneur, Atlanta Ventures is a top player in Atlanta's business incubation world. It offers vital support and mentorship for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. The focus is primarily on SaaS and healthcare startups, aiding their growth significantly.

The firm adopts a team approach. This ensures that startups get financing support from the start. Amounts range from $250K to $5 million.

Atlanta Ventures provides a wide array of startup tools Georgia entrepreneurs can use. This includes help with sales, marketing, branding, and hiring. This support is key in building a strong startup environment. The focus on SaaS and healthcare has led to major growth in these fields.

The Atlanta business incubation scene has gotten more startup funding lately11. Events like Venture Atlanta bring together about 1500 attendees and many investors. These events offer great chances for networking11. They highlight Atlanta Ventures' dedication to growing the local startup scene.

ShelterTech: Innovation in Real Estate

ShelterTech started in 2017 under Habitat for Humanity's wing. It aims to spark new ideas in real estate. As an incubator, it supports housing startups to change the sector. Thanks to ShelterTech, many startups in Georgia now get help tailored to the real estate industry. This support helps them grow and tackle market challenges.

Overview

ShelterTech is an incubator promoting new solutions in real estate. It helps startups with technology focus to bring fresh ideas. This assistance attracts investors and opens doors for small teams. Many real estate tech startups, started after 2010, have 1-10 workers. This trend shows how new companies stay small and emphasize software and technology12.

Key Details

Since starting, ShelterTech has made significant progress. It has supported 16 startups, with one managing to exit successfully1. This success shows how well it helps new ventures to grow. It offers focused guidance and resources in Georgia. With this help, startups can find investors and introduce new ideas to the market.

Flashpoint at Georgia Tech

Flashpoint at Georgia Tech was created in 2010 by Merrick Furst. It's a leading accelerator for technology startups. It provides a special program that helps startups grow by learning together and pushing for innovation and excellence.

The Flashpoint accelerator at Georgia Tech helps startups get ready for the big leagues. It guides them to find the right market and scale up their operations. The accelerator helps startups grow fast, thanks to Merrick Furst's advice.

This program connects to Georgia Tech's strong entrepreneurial network. Georgia Tech is ranked among the top five engineering schools in the U.S. every year13. Flashpoint uses this network to access new technologies and research, helping startups succeed.

Georgia Tech Venture Lab has launched many startups, raising over $1.5 billion14. Flashpoint participants get to tap into this rich pool of knowledge and resources. The program focuses on thorough training, funding chances, and advice from experts. Flashpoint at Georgia Tech is a key player in the tech startup world.

The Points of Light Civic Accelerator

In 2014, Ayesha Khanna started the Points of Light Civic Accelerator. It helps young social ventures tackle big societal and environmental issues. This civic tech initiative gives startups in Georgia investment and resources. They can then make a big impact in their communities.

Overview

The Points of Light accelerator stands out by mixing money support with community involvement. It creates a space where startups can grow by solving important social problems. The program welcomes all kinds of civic tech startups in Georgia. This way, many can get the support and guidance they need.

Key Details

The Points of Light Civic Accelerator has a unique way of helping civic tech startups in Georgia. It offers them funding opportunities. The accelerator’s approach includes support from private sources like venture capital and philanthropy. This makes it stand out from other local incubators that have a narrow focus15.

It also connects startups with leaders and potential investors. This is similar to the Atlanta CEO Council that helps CEOs find opportunities and resources16. Plus, the program encourages helping the community, like Code for Atlanta does by bringing people together to better the city16.

The program is known for its custom support for startups focused on social good. This kind of support is also found in the Ayesha Khanna entrepreneurship program. Points of Light is unique for its diverse financial backing. This highlights its focus on creating a big positive impact.

If you're looking for more incubators and accelerators, including Points of Light, check out this list here.

Goodie Nation

Since 2014, Goodie Nation has become a key player in the tech startup community in Atlanta. It's a relationship-building accelerator that helps founders often overlooked, like women, minorities, and veterans. They offer mentorship, resources, and connections with big players and companies to help these founders grow.

Through efforts like the Intentionally Good program, Goodie Nation has made a huge impact. Starting with just 10 founders in Atlanta, it now aids over 350, mainly black founders, in over 30 states and 9 countries. Their work has pushed more than $35 million into these businesses.[source]17

50 Latinx-led startups recently joined the Goodie Nation family. They got $100,000 in funding, coaching, and introductions to investors, showing Goodie Nation's dedication to diversity17.

A $100,000 grant from the Tech Done Right Challenge17 is helping Goodie Nation further its cause. They support over 400 founders nationally, focusing on building relationships and aiding growth. About 40% of these interactions are face-to-face, highlighting their commitment to direct support.

Goodie Nation aims to positively impact 1 billion people by 203918. They back ventures that drive major social change, staying true to their goal of supporting tech entrepreneurs. Check out their LinkedIn article for more information18.

Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech

Comcast NBCUniversal accelerator makes a big difference in sports tech startups. It helps change the way sports are played and watched. Their 26-week program offers lots of help, like mentorship and the chance to work with industry leaders.

Overview

This program helps sports tech startups in Georgia get noticed by big names in sports. It combines partnerships and support to push new sports tech. They've made 144 investments and led 15 of them19.

Key Details

Diversity is key for the Comcast NBCUniversal accelerator, with 3 special diversity investments19. Startups can get funding and learn a lot about the market. For example, in the 2024 group, there’s nVenue which attracted the NBA and got an investment19. Read more here.

This program doesn’t just innovate in sports media. It really helps sports tech companies grow. With 21 successful exits and 21 companies in its portfolio19, it proves how effective it is in advancing sports technology.

Knowcap Exchange

Knowcap Exchange by KnowCap Interactive is a key place for people with bright business ideas. It's for founders making less than $3,000,000 a year, especially those earning under $1 million20.

Overview

It's a special program that lasts 26 weeks. It helps entrepreneurs from any field to grow fast. Everyone gets the tools and connections they need to make their business dreams real.

Key Details

Founders get help from experienced mentors, about 27 hours over two years20. There's also an 8-week Bootcamp. It's free, but they suggest you donate if you can20. The goal is to help startups grow to $1 million in sales quickly20.

Knowcap Exchange boosts journeys of entrepreneurs. It also strengthens Atlanta's business scene. Last year, startups in Atlanta got $1.1 billion, more than the $932.5 million before21. This growth is part of why the city is thriving, with lots of investment in tech and software21.

Conclusion

Georgia has become a thriving place for new businesses, thanks to many incubators and accelerators. These organizations, like ATDC which started in 1980, help tech startups by offering guidance, networking, and money22. TechSquare Labs also brings together over 10,000 entrepreneurs and mentors23. This makes Georgia a great place for people with new ideas.

Georgia's efforts to grow its startup scene include giving $100k in seed money from GXG for a share of the company23. There are also $10,000 grants from Emory University’s program, which helps startups, especially those run by women or minorities23. OHUB, with its big network of 600 tech mentors23, supports minority entrepreneurs, making the business world more diverse and inclusive.

Even though finding experienced entrepreneurs and investment money can be tough, Georgia is working hard to support new businesses. With educational efforts and big mentor networks, it's making good progress. The Atlanta Blockchain Center, which started in 201723, shows Georgia's forward-thinking in tech. With so many resources and support, Georgia is building a strong base for long-lasting entrepreneurial success.

FAQ

What support does Georgia offer for tech startups?

Georgia boasts a rich ecosystem for tech startups, with incubators and accelerators at its core. These centers provide mentorship, investment opportunities, and specialized resources. Networking plays a big part in the help they offer.

What is ATDC, and how does it support entrepreneurs?

The Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC) is a well-known startup incubator in Georgia. It supports tech entrepreneurs by offering a curriculum, one-on-one coaching, and mentorship. Access to Georgia Tech's resources is a major perk.

What does Techstars Atlanta provide to startups?

Techstars Atlanta runs a 14-week program for startups across various industries. It combines financial support, mentorship, and an expansive network. Backed by Cox Enterprises, it's focused on fostering success at various business stages.

What is the focus of the Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator?

The Cox Enterprises Social Impact Accelerator is keen on tech startups driving social change. It offers a 13-week program packed with resources and guidance for Georgia-based entrepreneurs.

How does CREATE-X support Georgia Tech student entrepreneurs?

CREATE-X at Georgia Tech comprises a 12-week incubation period. It not only gives $5,000 in seed funding but also mentorship and resources. This initiative helps student entrepreneurs from the idea stage to launch.

What industries does Atlanta Ventures focus on?

Atlanta Ventures targets SaaS, technology, and healthcare sectors. They provide mentorship and resources, investing from $250K to $5 million to help startups. They aim to support startups from the beginning.

What sector does ShelterTech specialize in?

ShelterTech, initiated by Habitat for Humanity, is dedicated to the real estate sector. It assists startups that offer innovative housing solutions with industry-specific guidance and resources.

What does Flashpoint at Georgia Tech offer to tech startups?

Flashpoint at Georgia Tech offers a competitive environment for promising tech startups. Its offers include investment, a tailored curriculum, and product-market fit guidance. This prepares startups for scaling their business.

What is the purpose of the Points of Light Civic Accelerator?

The Points of Light Civic Accelerator supports young ventures tackling societal and environmental issues. It offers investment and resources. The aim is to develop businesses that make a community impact.

How does Goodie Nation support diverse founders?

Goodie Nation caters to founders with diverse backgrounds like women, minorities, and veterans. It supports tech and tech-enabled businesses through mentorship, valuable resources, and connections with influencers.

What is the Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech accelerator's mission?

The Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech accelerator seeks to innovate in sports technology. It equips startups with mentorship, financial and market expertise, and strategic funding in a 12-week course.

How does Knowcap Exchange support high-growth business development?

Knowcap Exchange is a 26-week program aiming to help entrepreneurs with high-impact ideas. It gives them access to entrepreneurial resources and networks. This support is available regardless of the industry focus.

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