Atlanta’s technology sector is growing fast.
Many companies have been started. Early stage companies like Insightpool have raised rounds from seasoned investors. Silent stalwarts like MailChimp continue to redefine what it means to be a successful company in Atlanta.
The Atlanta Tech Village has undergone major renovations while housing 100+ startups in the most unlikely place to setup shop.
Resting on accomplishments doesn’t last long in technology…or in music as Andre eloquently states below:
you only funky as your last cut
you focus on the past your ass’ll be a has what– Andre Benjamin
The big question for anyone aspiring towards greatness is “what’s next?” The following are 6 predictions for the Atlanta technology community in 2014. In no particular order, let’s go:
1. Healthcare Companies Will Continue to Scale. Atlanta maintains a supreme fit for healthcare companies. The proverbial spine of Atlanta that we call Peachtree Street is lined with major hospitals. The lower back consists of Grady Hospital. As we move through the vertebrae containing Piedmont Hospital only to be capped off at the neck with NorthSide Hospital on Peachtree Dunwoody. These hospitals are filled with smart and ambitious youth from medical schools such as Emory and Morehouse. Top it off with hospital/healthcare’s sales cycle matching the traditional laid back reputation of the South and there’s no question steadily growing companies like QGenda, BrightWhistle, PatientCo, IngeniousMed and many more will continue to thrive in Atlanta.
2. HBCU’s Will Have a Much Greater Presence in the Community. During the Atlanta Tech Village Career Fair, I had some amazing conversations with a few Spelmanites and Men of Morehouse. As with most prestigious universities throughout the country, there’s a path of success predetermined for any accepted applicant who graduates an elite institution. Law firms, big banks, or comfortable consulting shops recruit most of the talent. However the pool of adventurous entrepreneurs in southwest Atlanta’s elite universities is growing. It’s in the city’s best interest to embrace this highly talented pool of students.
3. The Octane Coffee in the Atlanta Tech Village Will Be a Hub for Deal Making. It doesn’t open until the Spring, but the Octane Coffee will be the coffee shop to take meetings. Anyone in Buckhead who wants another option from Caribou Coffee or Starbucks will now have Octane as an option. Meetings that are now held at the Disco Kroger Starbucks — and there are a lot of them — will now happen here. Octane Coffee at the Atlanta Tech Village will be a hodgepodge of ambitious Atlantans looking to make the next deal, hire, or company.
4. More Georgia Tech Students Will Start Businesses. There’s a plethora of resources at Georgia Tech to build companies. Programs started in the last few semesters like Startup Startup have taken hold well. Successful companies like eCommHub with youthful Georgia Tech leaders are major inspirations for current students. Although relatively small, the culture of entrepreneurship is getting larger at Georgia Tech. Look for more students to start businesses.
5. More Companies Will Move/Start Intown (This is more of 1-10 year prediction): There is a generation of Atlantans that want to spend as little time as possible in a car. Many of us grew up taking 40 minutes just to get to downtown. These days are changing. Ponce City Market is leading the way with relocations of MailChimp and Cardlytics. It’s only a matter of time before more companies build their company intown. Plus, that’s where all the talent is moving.
6. Tech startups Will Gain More Mainstream Media. This prediction is not a result of Urvaksh now only writing technology stories for the Biz Chronicle. Before he did healthcare and technology. I actually thought he turned into a “PR consultant” for Tesla. As more companies gain traction and revenue, look for more billboards, traditional advertising, and greater mainstream media about them.
That’s all I got. Here’s to a great 2014!