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 anAtlanta-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,” saidAdam 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.
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,” Mayor Reed said. “A startup company’s first pitch or first order can be the breakthrough they need to move forward. I urge executives around the region to follow suit and join us in helping further grow Atlanta’s robust startup sector.”
Paul Bowers, Georgia Power Chairman President and CEO, added, “As corporate citizens, we have the responsibility to make the communities we serve a better place because we are here. This pledge is a way to make a tangible and immediate difference through support of one of our city’s most exciting avenues for growth.”
To learn more about Startup Atlanta and how to get involved with the CEO Pledge, please visit thestartuppledge.com.
About Startup Atlanta:
Startup Atlanta is a community nonprofit focused on growing and connecting the local startup ecosystem. We host events, bring startup and regional leaders together, support policies friendly to innovation and promote our local startup community. Visithttp://www.startupatlanta.com for more information.
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