Venture Atlanta, the premier tech conference in the Southeast, is right around the corner. The conference is returning to The Woodruff Arts Center and Atlanta Symphony Hall on September 27 & 28. As we gear up for an even bigger and better experience in 2023, we’d like to share some tips and insights to help attendees maximize their participation. Whether you’re a presenter, an investor, or a tech enthusiast, there’s something in this year’s conference for everyone.
Why This Year’s Venture Atlanta Conference is a Must-Attend Event
The Venture Atlanta Conference has always been a game-changer in the tech space. Ask Car360, a Venture Atlanta alumni, that was later acquired by Carvana in 2018 for $22 million, thanks to a connection made at our conference. But it’s not just about getting the big break. It’s an opportunity to knock out what could potentially be months’ worth of meetings in just a couple of days and get your brand seen by hundreds of investors at once.
Even if you’re not actively raising or ready to pitch, the conference offers immense benefits. Listening to pitches, networking with other tech professionals, and getting insights from seasoned investors and successful entrepreneurs can be invaluable for your growth journey.
Preparation is Key
In the words of our CEO, Allyson Eman, “Do your homework!” We provide a full attendee list well in advance, and we encourage you to research the attendees. Make a list of those who you want to meet and set meetings in advance using the app (NOTE: The app is only available to registered attendees. Click here to register.).
Experience It All
This year, we’ve packed our schedule with a plethora of events and opportunities. Get the most out of the experience by attending all that you can! Especially for entrepreneurs — keep in mind that everyone at the event is there to support YOU. Don’t just seek out investors. Our service providers, sponsors, and committee members can be great connections for you. Attend all the sessions, listen to the companies pitch, and attend the cocktail parties and breakfasts. We work hard on content to ensure you get the best experience possible.
In addition to the regular pitches and networking sessions, we have some exciting new features at this year’s Venture Atlanta Conference:
Startup Showcase Live
During the Startup Showcase Live, pre-seed and seed-stage companies will pitch on our stage for a chance to win a whopping $500k investment prize.
Pitch Competition
In addition to the Startup Showcase Live, selected early-stage and growth-stage companies will get exposure in front of a panel of investor judges in our first-of-its-kind pitch competition.
Business Hike and Breakfast at Piedmont Park
Network and exercise at the same time with a morning hike through beautiful Piedmont Park on Day 2 of the conference.
Alumni Hall of Fame
We are inducting three past presenters from our illustrious list of Venture Atlanta alumni into our inaugural Hall of Fame class.
Pickleball Experience
Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newbie, we’ve got lessons, open play, and a round-robin tournament for you (NOTE: This event is for investors only).
We hope you’ll take advantage of some of the new opportunities we’re offering this year. We’re proud to level up the Venture Atlanta Conference every year, so don’t expect that to change this time around!
A Note for Investors
Mark your calendars for our biggest announcement of the year! On September 1, we’ll be releasing the list of selected companies presenting at Venture Atlanta 2023. This includes information about each company’s stage, sector, and founder. Sign up for our newsletter to be sure that you’re on the distribution list, and start your due diligence early.
Get Ready for a Venture Atlanta Conference Like You’ve Never Seen Before
Venture Atlanta 2023 is more than a conference—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity to learn, connect, grow, and perhaps even find your next big investment or opportunity. Don’t just attend—participate actively and make the most of every moment.
So what are you waiting for? Register for Venture Atlanta 2023 now: Register
Frequently Asked Questions
To better assist attendees and prospective attendees, here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
I am not pitching or looking for investment. Is there still value in attending the Venture Atlanta Conference?
Absolutely! Venture Atlanta isn’t just about fundraising. It’s a chance to learn about emerging trends, network with other tech professionals, and gain insights from successful entrepreneurs and seasoned investors. Additionally, past attendees have made connections at Venture Atlanta who went on to become customers, employees, or advisors for their company, so the conference is not just about investment opportunities!
How can I make the most of the networking opportunities at the conference?
Start by doing your homework. We provide a full attendee list in advance, so identify who you would like to meet and reach out to them through LinkedIn or our event app. Participate actively in the sessions, attend networking events, and don’t shy away from initiating conversations.
What’s new at Venture Atlanta 2023?
This year, we have introduced several new features such as Startup Showcase Live, a Pitch Competition, a Business Hike and Breakfast at Piedmont Park, the Alumni Hall of Fame, and a Pickleball Experience for investors. Each of these has been designed to offer unique experiences and opportunities.
How can investors benefit from attending 2023’s Venture Atlanta Conference?
~500 tech startups from across the entire region apply to pitch at Venture Atlanta, and only ~100 get selected, so you truly get to see the best of the best. All selected companies are coached and mentored prior to the pitch which ensures that every pitch is polished and worth your time. You’re able to accomplish months worth of research and meetings in just 2 days. To put it simply, our investors like Venture Altanta because work gets done. In addition, we also provide lots of opportunities for investors to connect with each other during our investor-only events: The Venture Crawl, the Pickleball Experience, and the Women in Capital Breakfast.
