Why is the future bright for Atlanta’s tech community in 2021? What sets our city and state apart from others trying to attract and retain tech entrepreneurs and leading IT businesses?
Diversity on several key levels separates Atlanta from every other global city proclaiming their attractiveness to innovative and entrepreneurial businesses.
Workforce Diversity - Atlanta is one of the most diverse US cities with many leading entrepreneurs of varying educational backgrounds. The diverse workforce is a function of graduates from institutions of higher education in the state including Georgia Tech, the Atlanta University Center Consortium – Clark Atlanta, Morehouse and Spelman – and Georgia State. Importantly, many of these graduates elect to remain in Atlanta to pursue careers in technology.
Entrepreneurial Diversity - Diversity is fundamental to the growth of our entrepreneurial community. In addition to being “the city too busy to hate”, Atlanta can assert its role as a global leader of Black entrepreneurship. Fast growing tech companies like Calendly, LeaseQuery and Citiri are among the dozens of innovative businesses founded by Black entrepreneurs. This generation of diverse tech leaders is inspiring others to follow.
International Connections -- Atlanta is at the top of the list for many non-US tech companies considering expansion in North America. In addition to being home to dozens of foreign country consulates and having an acclaimed international airport, Atlanta is now the US home to hundreds of foreign tech companies. The diverse community is one of Atlanta’s leading attractions for international entrepreneurs from all parts of the globe.
Fortune 100 Support -- Ranked in the top three cities for F100 companies, Atlanta has a unique advantage over Silicon Valley and many other cities trying to attract tech business. Through the efforts of the Technology Association of Georgia, Metro Atlanta Chamber and Georgia Economic Development Authority, entrepreneurs are directly connected with F100 businesses. Invest Atlanta, Engage Ventures, Valor Ventures and local angel groups like Atlanta Technology Angels are providing investment capital to Atlanta’s diverse entrepreneurial businesses.
Broad Tech Focus -- Atlanta’s broad range of technology businesses is the direct result of our diverse entrepreneurial community. The breadth of tech companies separates Atlanta from other cities and increases the city’s attractiveness to tech investors. Our city is home to global leaders in cybersecurity, digital health, financial technology, privacy, payments, data science and analytics, digital marketing and media. Fortunately, investors now support the expansion of these companies in Atlanta given our availability of talent and entrepreneurial resources.
In 2021, Atlanta has the opportunity to enhance these unique areas of diversity and showcase the city as an example of how to build a successful community -- accepting and nourishing diversity at every level.
