Atlanta CEOs are invited to take the pledge to support Atlanta-based startups
ATLANTA (Aug. 14, 2015) – Startup Atlanta, a community nonprofit organization focused on growing and connecting the local startup ecosystem, recently launched a new campaign to help strengthen the ties between corporate and startup leaders. The Startup Atlanta CEO Pledge is an initiative to encourage Atlanta-based CEOs and Presidents to support the local startups.
CEOs who take the pledge promise that their companies or organizations will evaluate at least one new product or service from an Atlanta-based startup in the next 90 days, and at least one of their senior executives will seek to join a board of advisors of a local startup within the next 12 months.
“The Startup Pledge is a way for business leaders at established companies to help strengthen the Atlanta startup ecosystem,” said Adam Harrell, Executive Director of Startup Atlanta. “The two biggest things a new startup needs are new customers and access to business networks that will help them grow. This pledge helps on both fronts.”
Established companies and organizations throughout the metro Atlanta region can get involved in this pledge. CEOs from a variety of local companies have already signed on – including Paul Bowers from Georgia Power, Jim Hannan from Georgia Pacific, Larry Gellerstedt from Cousins Property, Kat Cole from Focus Brands and Hala Moddelmog from the Metro Atlanta Chamber.
“Advising startups and early stage companies is not only an incredible way to philanthropically pay it forward, but has the unique possibility of creating social impact and community wealth, particularly as it relates to serving entrepreneurs from under-represented communities. Atlanta’s entrepreneurial community is starving for more decision makers, advisors and mentors that are doing it, have done it and/or investing in those that are,” said Rodney Sampson, Founder & CEO of Opportunity Hub.
Mayor Kasim Reed has also signed on to the effort to demonstrate that government can also take steps to support the ecosystem.
“As the Chief Executive of the City of Atlanta, I am proud to take this pledge to support entrepreneurship and innovation in our city,” said Mayor Reed. “I urge other executives around the region to follow suit and join us.”
Georgia Power CEO Paul Bowers added, “As CEOs, we are in a position to make a valuable impact on our local community. This pledge is a way to make a real and immediate difference.”
To learn more about Startup Atlanta and how to get involved with the CEO Pledge, please visit thestartuppledge.com.
