Since its earliest days, beginning in 2002 as ION Venture Forum, the annual Venture Atlanta conference has left an indelible mark on innovation and technology in Georgia. Twelve years and $1.3 billion investment dollars later, it continues to support local entrepreneurism by bringing the most promising tech companies together with the country’s top-tier investors. On Oct. 21-22 at the Georgia Aquarium, 30 companies will once again vie for the spotlight and funding at Venture Atlanta 2014.

Integral to the event’s continued success is the support of local organizations, including this year’s newly named premier event sponsor, AT&T Foundry™. With five permanent innovation centers worldwide, including one in Atlanta, AT&T Foundry is an ideal headlining sponsor as it offers a working environment for technology providers and developers that fosters collaboration and innovation. 

“Venture Atlanta showcases the strength of the local tech community and serves as a platform to encourage both the development of disruptive technologies to solve complex problems, and to secure funding that drives the success of innovative Georgia-based businesses,” said David Hartnett, interim senior vice president, Economic Development, Metro Atlanta Chamber. “With the support of organizations like AT&T Foundry and our many other collaborators, Venture Atlanta continues to play a vital role in the establishment of Metro Atlanta as a world-class hub for technology and mobility.” 

Growth in the technology sector is on the rise in Georgia, with more than 13,000 technology companies now in Metro Atlanta alone. The state continues to attract and draw attention to innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in an effort to ensure the preparedness of the next generation workforce to continue to strengthen an already robust and forward-reaching tech community.

High-growth technology companies seeking to raise capital in the next 12 to 18 months still have time to apply to present at the Venture Atlanta 2014 conference at the Georgia Aquarium, Oct. 21-22. There are no application fees, and chosen presenters will attend Venture Atlanta free of charge. Companies interested in presenting must submit a two-page executive summary by Friday, Aug. 15, 2014. For more information or to apply, visit www.ventureatlanta.org