December 11, 2024
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR 2025: Impact on Atlanta and our Technology Community
The event featured an informative economic forecast from economist Roger Tutterow, Ph.D. Attendees received timely insights on macro trends shaping businesses and the Atlanta tech sector in 2025.
Topics covered included:
- Key economic indicators influencing 2025 planning
- Outlook for inflation, labor markets, and capital markets
- Expected impacts on Atlanta’s business environment
- How tech leaders should prepare for market shifts
- Insights on the regional and national economic landscape
November 19, 2024
14th Annual John Imlay Leadership Award Ceremony
The event honored Blake Patton, Founder & Managing General Partner of Tech Square Ventures, for his leadership in building Atlanta’s innovation economy. Attendees gained unique insights from one of the region’s most influential venture leaders.
Topics covered included:
- Building Atlanta’s venture and startup ecosystem
- Insights from Tech Square Ventures’ portfolio and founder network
- How capital flows and market conditions are shifting for 2025
- What founders must prepare for in the coming funding cycle
- Leadership lessons from supporting high‑growth companies
October 15, 2024
Fireside Chat with Marianne McPeak-Johnson, EVP and Chief Product Officer, Cox Automotive
The event offered a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at product innovation at scale with Cox Automotive’s Chief Product Officer. Attendees heard how a global automotive technology business builds, manages, and evolves enterprise platforms.
Topics covered included:
- How Cox Automotive prioritizes product development and innovation
- Key customer and market trends shaping automotive technology
- Insights on building high‑performing product organizations
- Approaches for scaling complex enterprise solutions
- Leadership lessons from steering product strategy across markets
September 17, 2024
“How I Built A Leading Digital Health Company": A Fireside Chat with Baha Zeidan, CEO of Azalea Health
The event featured an in‑depth discussion with the CEO of Azalea Health about building one of the Southeast’s leading digital health companies. Attendees gained insight into the unique challenges of healthtech innovation and scaling.
Topics covered included:
- How Azalea Health grew from startup to category leader
- Key product, regulatory, and customer decisions that shaped success
- How healthtech companies navigate compliance and industry complexity
- Insights on culture, talent, and leadership in a regulated space
- Advice for founders innovating in mission‑critical environments
August 20, 2024
PAYMENTS and SaaS - What every Company Needs to Know! Plus, 2024 Executive Compensation Survey Results
The event convened industry leaders to unpack the rapid evolution of payments and SaaS business models. Attendees learned how shifting technology, regulation, and customer expectations are redefining revenue strategies.
Topics covered included:
- Key trends shaping the payments ecosystem in 2024
- How SaaS companies are rethinking monetization and product strategy
- Insights into infrastructure challenges and security demands
- What investors expect from SaaS + payments‑enabled platforms
- Findings from the 2024 Executive Compensation Survey
July 16, 2024
Inside Corporate Development – What companies are looking for when on the acquisition hunt
The event featured a panel of corporate development leaders sharing how tech companies evaluate acquisition targets. Attendees gained deep insight into how strategic buyers think, what drives deal selection, and how founders can prepare.
Topics covered included:
- What corporate development teams prioritize when evaluating targets
- How valuation, strategic fit, and timing influence decision making
- Key red flags buyers encounter during diligence
- Insights into 2024 M&A market dynamics
- How to position your company for acquisition interest
June 18, 2024
Hear how PrizePicks became the largest paid daily fantasy operator in the US
The event showcased PrizePicks’ remarkable growth story, with an inside look at how the company became the largest paid daily fantasy operator in the U.S. Leaders heard directly from the CTO and CFO about innovation, operations, and scaling in a hyper‑competitive market.
Topics covered included:
- Key drivers behind PrizePicks’ rapid expansion
- How the company built and optimized its technology platform
- Strategies for navigating regulatory complexities in gaming tech
- Insights into customer acquisition and retention at scale
- Lessons on innovation, monetization, and operational excellence
May 21, 2024
AI UPDATE: Technology Landscape, Usage Trends and New Legal Considerations
The event brought together AI strategists, investors, and legal experts to discuss the rapidly shifting AI landscape. Leaders gained clarity on business applications, risks, and opportunities created by accelerating AI adoption.
Topics covered included:
- Current advancements and emerging AI capabilities
- How AI is transforming industries and solving real‑world challenges
- Where organizations are struggling with implementation and scale
- Legal and regulatory risks tied to AI’s expansion
- Practical guidance for tech leaders navigating AI responsibly
April 16, 2024
The South Downtown Project: Hear how Atlanta Ventures is revitalizing “The Heart of Atlanta” from those leading the effort.
The event featured a conversation with Atlanta Ventures leaders on their bold vision to transform South Downtown into a vibrant hub for startups, creators, and high‑growth companies. Attendees heard how historic buildings are being reimagined into thriving live‑work‑play environments.
Topics covered included:
- Strategies behind revitalizing South Downtown’s tech presence
- How new ATV locations will anchor innovation in the district
- What the Masons building and Sylvan Hotel redevelopment mean for founders
- Insights on attracting startups to emerging urban corridors
- Lessons on community‑driven development and placemaking
March 19, 2024
Atlanta Technology Legends – Hear how Atlanta became a technology hub from those who made it happen!
The event featured a distinguished panel of pioneers who shaped Atlanta’s rise as a national technology center. Through personal stories and industry insights, attendees learned how foundational companies, leaders, and innovations built today’s thriving ecosystem.
Topics covered included:
- Origins of Atlanta’s tech sector and early breakthrough moments
- Key leadership lessons from building iconic tech companies
- How mentorship, capital, and community shaped local growth
- Insights into Atlanta’s unique entrepreneurial DNA
- Advice for today’s founders navigating the next era of innovation
February 20, 2024
VENTURE CAPITAL ROUNDTABLE: Battle of the Tech Investors
The event featured a dynamic panel of leading venture investors discussing the realities of today’s competitive funding landscape. Attendees gained firsthand insights into how investors are evaluating opportunities and where capital is flowing in 2024.
Topics covered included
- Current state of venture investment and sector trends
- How investors assess early stage vs. growth stage opportunities
- Key valuation drivers for tech companies in 2024
- Strategies for attracting the right investment partners
- Insights into Atlanta’s evolving tech investment ecosystem
January 16, 2024
Critical Legal, Accounting & Tax Issues for Growing Tech Companies – What’s New in 2024 (and What You Need to do to Comply!)
The event featured a timely discussion on the most important legal, accounting, and tax changes impacting technology companies in 2024. Attendees received expert insights on new compliance requirements and regulatory developments shaping strategic planning for the year ahead.
Topics covered included:
- Key updates in 2024 tax policy and how they affect tech businesses
- Accounting changes influencing reporting, forecasting, and operations
- Risk areas for CFOs, general counsels, and executive teams
- Practical steps to ensure compliance and minimize exposure in 2024
