One of the Atlanta innovation ecosystem’s first in-person events honored 14 startups that are set for high growth, according to the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
The chamber welcomed those startups into its Backed by ATL program, which helps middle-market companies with mentorship and networking connections.
The program started in 2017 and now has 34 Backed by ATL companies. This class is the largest yet. Alex Gonzalez, chief innovation officer at the chamber, says the large class shows the strength of Atlanta’s innovation ecosystem right now.
The companies range between $2 million to $100 million in revenue. Gonzalez said this cohort showcases the diversity of the city’s industries — from food and fashion to software and security.
The event was held at The Gathering Spot, another Backed by ATL company, and included a live stream.
The Gathering Spot CEO Ryan Wilson moderated a panel discussion among some past and current Backed by ATL founders, where they pointed to the city’s known strengths — it’s collaborative spirit, robust university system and affordable living costs.
Here are the 14 startups in the Backed by ATL program:
Banyan Hills Technology: This Duluth-based internet of things startup helps retail, financial, healthcare and entertainment companies manage and maintain kiosks and vending machines. CEO Steve Latham founded the startup in 2013.
brrr°: Founded in 2014 by CEO Mary-Cathryn Kolb, brrr° creates cooling fabrics. The startup has patents on yarns and manufacturing techniques that make a “Triple Chill Effect” for cooling sensations within the fabric.
CallRail: This marketing analytics firm provides businesses with insight into where a phone call-based sales lead is coming from and which marketing campaigns are affected. Founded by CEO Andy Powell in 2011, the startup raised $56 million last year.
Chime Solutions: Companies can outsource customer service to the Morrow, Ga.-based startup, which also has offices in Dallas and Charlotte.
DataSeers: Launched in 2017 in the Tech Alpharetta incubator, this fintech startup solves data issues faced by financial institutions in areas of reconciliation, compliance, fraud and analytics using artificial intelligence. CEO Adwait Joshi founded the startup in 2017.
Flock Safety: This neighborhood watch startup works with neighborhoods and police departments to provide video evidence to help solve nonviolent property crimes. The startup provides solar-powered camera systems to read license plates and car details. Founded by CEO Garrett Langley in 2017, the startup raised $47 million last year.
Goodr: This social impact startup is tackling food waste and insecurity by picking up surplus food from organizations and delivering them to communities. Companies get tax credits for their donations and lower their environmental harms, while people in need get food. CEO Jasmine Crowe says food insecurity is a logistics issue.
Hairbrella: CEO Tracey Pickett designed a fashionable hat to keep people’s hair protected from the rain. She initially funded the product through a Kickstarter campaign in 2016 and received seed investment from Atlanta’s Collab Capital.
Porter Logistics: This on-demand logistics and warehousing company offers businesses flexible space and services to fit their needs. CEO Robert Crump leads the company, which was founded in 2015.
PuffCuff: Developed in 2013 by founder Ceata E. Lash, this Marietta-based company provides hair-styling tools for those with thick, curly or textured hair. Lash runs the business with her husband Garrett Lash, CEO.
Summit Packaging Solutions: This Alpharetta-based manufacturer, owned by 127 Summit Holdings, provides packaging for brands. CEO Adam Walker leads the company, which was founded in 1984.
The Slutty Vegan ATL: This fast-food restaurant serves completely vegan burgers. Pinky Cole is planning her fifth location in Birmingham, Ala. She’s also opening Bar Vegan on the second floor of Ponce City Market’s Central food Hall.
Vital4: This Marietta-based cloud software startup uses artificial intelligence to identify people or companies involved in financial crimes, terrorism or corruption, alerting their clients before they work with them. CEO Kristin Stafford founded the startup in 2016, which is backed by Atlanta’s Valor Ventures.
We Are Rosie: Founded by Stephanie Nadi Olson in 2018, We Are Rosie is an on-demand marketplace of freelance marketing and media experts. The platform includes more than 6,500 independent professionals.
