Google for Startups announced one of Atlanta’s most successful entrepreneurs and community leaders has partnered with the tech giant to cultivate new startups.
Jewel Burks Solomon was named the Head of Google for Startups in the U.S. last week. Solomon will be working out of Google’s office in Atlanta, where she'll be responsible for how the organization engages with existing partners across the country and its continued expansion in 2020.
Google for Startups seeks to level the playing field for startup founders and communities to succeed, connecting them with the best of Google’s products, connections and best practices.
"The mission of Google for Startups is to level the playing field for underrepresented startups," Soloman said. "That resonates strongly with me. It’s a goal that I’ve been pursuing in many ways through my work to this point. In this role, I have the opportunity to help bring the best of this company to founders of different backgrounds and geographies — not just the ones in Silicon Valley. I’m looking forward to the challenge."
Solomon, who once worked for Google and quit to launch her startup Partpic in Atlanta, said she was excited to rejoin her former employer. Solomon sold Partpic in 2016 to Amazon for an undisclosed amount.
"Google has grown as a company since I was last here and there are certainly differences, but it’s been exciting to reconnect with many former colleagues and friends and to have so much support for my mission and work," she said.
Despite her new role, Solomon will continue to serve as a managing partner at Collab Capital, an investment fund designed to connect black founders to the financial and social capital they need to build profitable businesses.
"My main priority in this role is helping startups grow — particularly startups founded by underrepresented entrepreneurs," she said. "At the top of my list will be meeting with startup founders, locally and across the U.S., to understand the needs of their businesses and how I can best help them succeed with Google’s support, expertise and resources."
Solomon said her new position grants her the opportunity to highlight the work of startups in Atlanta and other markets that have historically been under-resourced.
"Google has called Atlanta home for nearly two decades, so we know firsthand that Atlanta already is, and will continue to be, a stronghold for innovative entrepreneurs," she said. "There's a true spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in this community that attracts tech talent and companies. As a Googler and as an entrepreneur, I'm proud to be a part of the thriving tech ecosystem here."
