Ideas, stories, and
lessons from the ecosystem.
Writing from David, Kathryn, A.T., and the team — three perspectives on building companies, investing early, and growing the Atlanta ecosystem. One feed.
Fall in Love With the Problem, Not the Solution
There’s a phrase in startup land that really resonates with me: stay close to the problem. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to become enamored with ideas, visions, and what could…
Read the post →Fall in Love With the Problem, Not the Solution
There’s a phrase in startup land that really resonates with me: stay close to the problem. As an entrepreneur, it’s easy to become enamored with ideas, visions, and what could…
Read the post →Founder Favorites: Your Ultimate Customer Success Guide
20+ blogs with lessons and tactics for amazing customer retention
Read the post →Who is your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile)?
A common question I ask entrepreneurs is who is their ICP? Some entrepreneurs have a very broad answer (everyone) while others have a more nuanced answer. How do you figure…
Read the post →Recent Articles
Fall in Love With the Problem, Not the Solution
There’s a phrase in startup land that really resonates with me: stay close to the problem. As an entrepreneur, it’s…
Who is your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile)?
A common question I ask entrepreneurs is who is their ICP? Some entrepreneurs have a very broad answer (everyone) while…
Founder Favorites: Your Ultimate Customer Success Guide
20+ blogs with lessons and tactics for amazing customer retention
The Personal AI Brain
Recently, I was talking to an entrepreneur who shared that one of his side projects was building a personal AI…
Founder Favorites: How To Turn Procrastination Into Your Superpower
One brilliant article that changed my life.
Why Great Founders Keep Selling
One of the recurring debates I have encountered is around the role of founder-led sales. Founder-led sales is the idea…
Startups are hard
I was recently speaking with an entrepreneur about how hard startups can be on the founder.
The Real Return Standard for Most Venture Investors
If you read the startup blogs and listen to the most popular startup podcasts, it is easy to think that…
Use downtime to recharge and clarify your thinking
With the 4th of July holiday approaching, here is a past blog I have written about the importance of using…
Blasts From The Past: Favorite Startup Photos!
It’s a holiday week. So here's some fun photos.
Right to win Competitive Positioning
I’ve always enjoyed learning about different business best practices, strategy documents, and ways of thinking through a company game plan.…
Failure makes you stronger
Continuing with the key principles from Make Your Bed, another principle important for entrepreneurs is failure can make you stronger.
So You Want to Be an Angel Investor (Here’s What to Know First)
5 considerations for your angel investing journey!
Combine a National VC with a Regional VC
Last month, I was talking to an entrepreneur about his upcoming fundraising round, and he shared an approach that I…
Find your team
Continuing with the key principles from Make Your Bed, the next principle is you can’t go it alone.
4 Things My Dad Taught Me (That Snuck Into Life & Business)
In honor of Father’s Day, shout out to my dad!
Non-Horror Story Lessons from Pitching VCs
Over the last week, I’ve enjoyed reading some of the different VC horror stories sparked by Greg Isenberg’s tweet. There’s…
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Becoming a Working Mom
A decade ago, shit got real.
Make your bed
During the summer, my wife and I make a summer reading list for our boys.
The Backend-Loaded Nature of Startup Value Creation
Recently, I saw a headline in The Wall Street Journal that said, “$3.6 Million an Hour and Other Ways to…
Investor cold outreach red flags
We have an inbound contact form where entrepreneurs can submit questions and requests for funding.
5 Habits of Ridiculously Successful Founders
What I see on the front lines
Are you a giver or taker?
I was recently speaking with an entrepreneur and the topic of givers and takers came up (as it relates to…
What I Wish Someone Had Told Me Before I Started Posting
7 lessons (good and bad) I learned the hard way.
The Hypomanic Edge in Entrepreneurship
Last week, I was meeting with an entrepreneur, and after we finished the conversation, I reflected on how fully he…
Beyond the Buzzword: What “Traction” Actually Looks Like (and How to Prove It)
As an entrepreneur, “traction” is the word you’ll use most and perhaps understand the least.
What I Tell Consultants Trying to Sell Into VC Firms
2 strategies (plus an email) that work!
The Entrepreneur’s Shift From Yes to No
One of the areas where I’ve had to improve is saying no to things. For many years, I defaulted to…
The Entrepreneur’s Edge: Why You Need to Get “In the Flow”
I was recently at a Plug In Ventures event in Atlanta, watching the high-decibel exchange between ambitious founders and local…
4 Cold Outreaches That Actually Worked on Me (with screenshots!)
No warm intro? Try these.
The Multi-Startup Founder Conundrum
Last week, I spoke with an entrepreneur who shared his vision, his journey to date, and a compelling story. Toward…
The Shared Skills of Founders and Investors
I recently sat in on a Georgia Tech Venture Capital Club event where students presented investment theses on various startups.
Do’s and Don’ts of AI Implementation (From an Expert)
I got to pick the brain of an AI expert. Here are the 7 takeaways.
The Shift to AI-Enhanced Employees
One of the hottest topics right now is whether AI will increase demand for employees in laptop-based jobs or decimate…
Relationships Over Transactions: When to Reach Out to Investors
One of the most frequent questions we hear during our monthly Office Hours is: “When (and how) should I contact…
ICYMI: What Founders Need To Know About Raising Capital in 2026
The secrets I shared last week 😉
The Rory Effect: Why Success is Never a Straight Line
Watching Rory McIlroy clinch back-to-back Masters wins was a masterclass in resilience.
5 Lessons From 5 Years at Atlanta Ventures
Time flies when you’re having fun.
Is pitching different ideas to VCs good or bad?
During our monthly Office Hours, we got a great question.
Founder Favorites: Looking For a COO? 3 Startup Hires To Make
Don't hire a COO, says the COO.
The First Five Questions to Ask After a Startup Pitch
Last week, I met with an entrepreneur to hear his pitch for the first time. This wasn’t a fundraising pitch.…
My digital twin
During Office Hours we often get asked many similar topics.
Your Spring Lineup: Conferences, Jogs, Fundraising Advice, and Free Coffee
(Plus monthly meetups to bookmark!)
The Second Time Around: Why Founders Come Back
Last week, I spoke with two different second-round entrepreneurs. Second-round entrepreneurs are founders who built a business in a given…
Do I need a novel idea?
I was recently at a Georgia Tech event, and one of the students asked a great question: “Do I need…
Should You Talk To VCs Who Are Not A Fit?
A founder’s time is valuable.
8 Moats for Sustainable Software Companies
With all the continued talk about the SaaS apocalypse and the challenges facing software in the age of AI and…
Should I raise money or keep bootstrapping?
Another common Office Hours question we get is should I fundraise or keep bootstrapping?
4 Lessons I Learned From Student Entrepreneurs
I had the honor of serving as a judge for InVenture Prize last week.
Product Value vs Product Distribution in the Early Days
Last week I was talking to an entrepreneur who is going all in on a new idea. Halfway through the…
How do I know if I have product-market fit?
Another common question we get during Office Hours is how do I know if I have product-market fit (PMF)?
From Founder to CEO: How to Make the Shift
Your company is growing!
Every Bit of Effort Helps
Recently, I was meeting with an entrepreneur who lamented that they weren’t making much progress in their startup. My immediate…
How important is market timing for a startup idea?
Another common question we get in Office Hours is about market timing.
The Top David Cummings Blogs Every Founder Should Read
Best of the best. Here's what I forward to founders every week.
15 Angel Investments and All Failures
Last week, I gave a talk at a conference. After the event, a gentleman came up to me and started…
Should I pivot my idea or keep going?
Another common question we get at Office Hours is should I pivot my idea or keep going?
5 Money Lessons I Teach My Kids as a VC Mom!
Like I’ve said before, I’m a parenting expert 😂
Atlanta Healthcare Entrepreneur Meetup – how to catch market timing while bootstrapped
We recently held another Atlanta Healthcare Entrepreneur Meetup and I had the privilege of interviewing Chris Spears on his journey…
4 Startup Lessons I Learned as an Ironman Athlete
How to be a 10 year overnight success.
AI Is a Super Power—Start Treating It Like One
AI—and how to get real value from it—is one of the hottest topics in startup land right now. Entrepreneurs have…
How do you get your first customers to pay?
Another common question we get from entrepreneurs during Office Hours is how do I get my first customers to pay?
The Real Pros & Cons of a High Valuation
What news headlines don't tell you.
Seven Reasons SaaS Valuations Are Crumbling in the Age of AI
One of the most talked-about trends right now is the rapid decline in software-as-a-service valuations. Public markets in the sector…
How do you find potential customers for discovery?
Another common question we get at Office Hours is how do I find potential customers for discovery? Let’s assume you…
Your Dream Job Here: Startups That Are Hiring + 15 Open Roles
AI has *NOT* taken all the jobs 😉
Pick a North Star Metric (Not Revenue)
Last week I had a great conversation with a group of entrepreneurs, and our first topic was identifying each startup’s…
Using consulting to fund your startup and iterate effectively
External resource: Using consulting to fund your startup and iterate effectively
The Mom Test
The Mom Test is a practical, no-fluff guide to customer discovery. Its core message is simple: if you ask people…
Implementing OKRs: aligning goals and measuring success in startups
External resource: Implementing OKRs
How to scale a sales team
External resource: How to scale a sales team
How an ideal first customer drives iteration and growth
External resource: How an ideal first customer drives iteration and growth
Defining the ideal customer profile
External resource: Defining the ideal customer profile
Do I need a co-founder?
Continuing with my list of most common questions we get during Office Hours, the next question is around co-founders.
5 Wild Ways To Pre-Sell Your Product
Fund your product before you build it!
The Real Threat to SaaS Valuations Isn’t AI—It’s a Million New Startups
Software-as-a-service valuations have been in the doldrums for several years. After the peak hype of 2020–2021 and the COVID-fueled pull-forward…
What traits do you look for in a founder?
We have been getting a lot of great questions from entrepreneurs at our monthly Atlanta Ventures Office Hours events.
A Founder’s Guide to the Startup Events Worth Attending (Spring 2026)
9+ Events You Don't Want To Miss This Spring 2026
90/10 or 10/90 Entrepreneur
Last week I was talking with a board member about how to be helpful to an entrepreneur we both know.…
The Flip Side of Entrepreneur Traits
I was speaking with an entrepreneur recently and they mentioned their greatest strength can also become their greatest weakness in…
How The Best Startups are Using AI in 2026
Top 4 strategies (including fave tools) from a startup CRO and AI expert.
Intentional Story Teller
Last week I was catching up with an entrepreneur who told one amazing story after another. When I left the…
Looking back, then moving forward
The end of the year is always a great time to look back on the previous year and reflect on…
How To Get Your Team Onboard with Changes in 2026
Simple, straightforward ways to build alignment
#1 Advice for an Entrepreneur in the New Year
With the new year upon us, it is a great time to reflect on last year’s accomplishments and set new…
The Power of Writing Before You Speak
A couple of months ago, I was speaking at a conference when it came time for the Q&A. Several people…
Ten Reflections on 2025
As another year comes to a close, here is my annual list of reflections on the past year.
O’Daily’s Top #5 Hits of 2025
Founder faves and most helpful advice.
Use Adjacent Markets to Shape Better Products
Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with a group of entrepreneurs building sports-related technology. They’ve created impressive tools…
I told you so
I recently heard an “I told you so.” We all know how frustrating this can be from both sides.
2026 Startup Annual Planning In Less Than 1 Hour
Manageable planning for busy founders
Uncomfortable as an Entrepreneur
Last week, I was catching up with a group of entrepreneurs when one of them asked, “When was the last…
AgeTech Connect Summit – key takeaways
I recently attended the first AgeTech Connect Summit at Atlanta Tech Village.
8 Signs You’ve Got Authentic Demand (& 10 Signs You Don’t!)
ICYMI: At Atlanta Ventures…WE LOVE AUTHENTIC DEMAND!!!!!!!
Value-First Reimagining of a Market
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak at the Deloitte 500 event at the Atlanta Tech…
10 Things All Founders Are Extremely Grateful For
Gratitude is a superpower for startups and life.
Tech Trends at Local Startup Hubs
Last week, I was at Atlanta Tech Village delivering short opening remarks for a large AgeTech Connect conference. AgeTech, as…
Customer experiences: The good, the bad, and the ugly
I am fascinated by how different companies handle customer experiences.
Not All VCs Are Built the Same (Here’s Why)
6 major differences among investors
Where to Start Evaluating an Angel Investment
Last week, a friend reached out asking for help evaluating a startup investment from the perspective of someone who hadn’t…
Healthcare Entrepreneur Meetup – 3 takeaways
We recently hosted Khrish Chopra, founder of NPHub at our latest Atlanta Healthcare Entrepreneur Meetup. He shared many great stories…
20 Founder-Approved Gifts Your Customers Will Actually Like
I wore a sweater last week which can only mean one thing...holiday season!
Align Ambition with Startup Idea
Last week, I was talking with an entrepreneur who’s built an incredible business. Later in the conversation, I asked if…
Three Scary Things for Entrepreneurs
There are many things that are difficult and challenging as an entrepreneur.
Why a Weekly Update Can 10x Your Startup Progress
6 ways it will accelerate your company plus 8 key components to any update.
The Power of an Annual User Conference
A couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to attend AdPipe’s annual user conference and hear a number of…
Three Coffee Chat Entrepreneur Takeaways
I recently spoke at a morning Coffee Chat about entrepreneurship and fundraising hosted by Khadijah Robinson and Charles Robinson. It…
Trick-or-Treat Yourself: 10 Low Cost, Low Sugar Founder Indulgences
Give yourself a little boost — no sugar, money, or days off required!
From Grow, Grow, Grow to Grow, Margin, Burn
Last week, I had the opportunity to talk with a successful tech entrepreneur about his journey. Deep into the conversation,…
Should you have usage based pricing?
I was speaking with an entrepreneur recently about usage based pricing.
Authentic Demand: Why We Love It In Our Studio
What, Why, and How To Find It
Conversation Questions for Growth Stage Entrepreneurs
Last week, I had the opportunity to moderate a MAC panel of growth-stage entrepreneurs as part of Venture Atlanta. Whenever…
How to handle early revenue in a pitch deck
I had a couple recent conversations with entrepreneurs discussing how to best show early revenue in a pitch deck.
Moving Forward After Your First Startup Fails
You made the hard decision to shut things down. What next?
Focus on Building a Great Business, Not an Exit
Last week, I was talking with an entrepreneur about ensuring a business is set up for an exit. After a…
Getting the most out of advising programs
I was recently speaking with some entrepreneurs about the Atlanta Tech Village Advisor program. I am a huge fan of…
4 Proven Ways to Attract Top-Tier Event Attendees
How do you get important people to your events? Here's the step-by-step strategies.
Control Your Controllables
Last week, I had the opportunity to spend time with a group of executives working on a regional project. One…
What you need to know about data rooms
I was recently on a panel at Atlanta Tech Village speaking about data rooms.
Simple Fundraising Formulas Every Founder Should Know
2 back-of-the-napkin calculations to make before you raise!
AdPipe’s $12M Raise Fuels Growth and Innovation
AdPipe just raised $12M to transform enterprise video! Backed by top investors and rooted in South Downtown Atlanta, AdPipe is…
When Potential Investors Don’t Like the Market
Last week, I was catching up with an entrepreneur who was lamenting how potential investors didn’t like his market. It…
Start in a niche
I often hear entrepreneurs speak about the billion/trillion dollar market they have chosen.
3 Red Flags VCs Look For In Your Pitch
Watch out for these & how to fix them!
Plugging into the Local Startup Community
Once or twice a month, I’m introduced to someone who wants to plug into the local startup community. Sometimes it’s…
The Big Beautiful Bill and What It Means for Startups
What if your next exit could be 50% bigger, 2 years faster, and (mostly) tax-free?
Raise Institutional Capital or Make Do Without
Last week I was talking to an entrepreneur who had built a solid business, growing modestly with plenty of room…
Pilots – should they be free or paid?
I often hear of entrepreneurs who are running pilots. Many are free and some are paid. But which is the…
6 Subtle Signs It’s Time To Quit Your Startup
Should you persevere or wind it down? Here's how to know.
What to Look for in an Entrepreneur
Last week I was catching up with an entrepreneur who was thinking about doing some angel investing, and he asked…
One thing you wish more founders understood about working with VCs
We recently had our monthly Office Hours event where entrepreneurs can join our team and ask any questions.
The Working Parent’s Guide (Yes, Even At A Startup)
25+ strategies and specific recommendations for getting it done at work and home.
When Competitors Raise Large Rounds
Last week, I was talking to an entrepreneur who is building a new business. The company has some decent traction,…
The Hidden Game
There are many industries where a hidden game is going on.
5 Bad Reasons Founders Raise Money
Should you raise capital for your startup? Here's 5 traps to watch out for!
Customer Value Financing Part 2
Last week I was talking with an entrepreneur about financing options and the current fundraising climate. One of the topics…
Sales and Churn: leading vs. lagging indicators
I was speaking with an entrepreneur recently about key metrics for their business.
5 Sneaky Time Wasters That Slow Down Founders
The most valuable resource at a startup is not money.
Beyond Hyper Growth
Last week, I spoke with an entrepreneur whose company is growing at a pace that goes beyond even traditional hypergrowth…
Three lessons learned from starting Studio companies
We have been launching companies out of our Studio for the past seven years.
4 Things We’ve Learned In The Atlanta Ventures Studio
We love starting companies from scratch -- here's the unexpected strategies that work!
Robots Everywhere
As I look out my window this morning, I can’t help but smile watching my robotic lawnmower carve pictures and…
The Power of LEGOs
During a recent trip we bought my kids a children’s autobiography on Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the founder of LEGO.
What Investors Ask, According to AI (and Me, a Real Investor)
30+ Common Investor Questions & What They Actually Mean
Foosball and the Startup Journey
As we’re dreaming up amenities and experiences for entrepreneurs in South Downtown Atlanta, I’m reminded of the early years, when…
Should you use AI for investor outreach in fundraising?
It is amazing to see how AI continues to help make old processes faster and more efficient across many use…
7 Ways To Authentically Embrace Your Core Values (w/Photo Examples!)
Real stories from my time at Rigor :)
KPI Definitions in Board Decks
A question I get from entrepreneurs from time to time is to look at past board decks from other startups.…
Use Advanced Prompts for More AI Value
Last week I was at dinner with a group of executives, and of course, the topic of ChatGPT and AI…
Why competition is a good thing for early stage founders
I sometimes meet with entrepreneurs who tell me they have no competition and are the only ones doing their idea.
Finding Your Startup’s Core Values (aka Your Secret Superpower)
Culture is a scaling secret weapon that starts with Core Values.
Investor Responsiveness as #1 Value
Last month, I was talking to an entrepreneur about his experience with a variety of investors over multiple rounds of…
What Assumptions Matter in Forecasting your Business
I was speaking with a couple entrepreneurs recently about their financial modeling as they were trying to forecast what their…
6 Ways To Avoid The #1 Preventable Mistake In Fundraising
Here’s the mistake I see good founders make when fundraising.
Starting Over as an Entrepreneur
Recently, I was asked what I would do if I could start over as an entrepreneur. This question prompted me…
How to handle (and not handle) customer interactions
I am always fascinated by how certain companies do a great job of training employees in customer service to go…
Transitioning Away From Founder-Led Sales? (Read This First!)
5 key learnings to smooth the way!
Ask for the Startup Office Tour
Whenever I visit a founder at their office, I always ask for a tour. Naturally, the entrepreneur perks up, eager…
Share your startup ideas
I love brainstorming on startup ideas with other founders.
How To Start Your Founder LinkedIn Journey
7 easy strategies used by top founders on LinkedIn.
Three Quick Questions After Hearing a Founder’s Story
Last week, I caught up with a very successful local entrepreneur. While I knew parts of his story, I hadn’t…
The biggest failures entrepreneurs should avoid
At a recent Office Hours event, I was asked a great question about what failures entrepreneurs should avoid.
6 Strategies For A Successful Acquisition
What the experts know...and now you can too!
The Preemptive Funding Offer
Last week, I caught up with an entrepreneur, and we discussed a preemptive funding offer. The startup is thriving, growing…
What you can learn from a VC’s term sheet
I have spoken with several entrepreneurs recently who were going through the term sheet process of fundraising. As I have…
5 Practices To Help Working Parents Stay Sane
Like most parents, I have it all figured out.
Matching Funding with Entrepreneur Ambitions
Last week, I caught up with an entrepreneur who shared an update on his company’s progress. The business has been…
What makes good weekly updates
I am a huge fan of weekly updates and receive many of them from entrepreneurs.
7 Events Atlanta-preneurs Need On Their Calendars
Don't miss these!
Find the Community Super Connector
Last week, I attended a startup event and met with various entrepreneurs. One of my favorite questions to ask is,…
Three non verbal actions to improve communication and relationships
I was recently listening to Cues by Vanessa Van Edwards where she gives research based examples of how to portray…
5 Green Flags Investors Look For In Founders
Why VCs think about canoes during pitch meetings.
The Power of Transferring Belief
Last week, I listened to an entrepreneur deliver his pitch, and by the end, I was struck by how deeply…
What should you look for in a VC (besides the standard things)?
Entrepreneurs who are looking to fundraise will meet with a lot of VCs.
What They Don’t Tell You About Startup Metrics (Until It’s Too Late)
Most startups measure the wrong thing. Here's how to fix it, starting today!
Everything Compounds
Last week, an entrepreneur asked me what I appreciate now, after 25 years as an entrepreneur, that I didn’t fully…
Do not launch an idea without talking to (potential) customers
I was recently speaking with an entrepreneur who had a very interesting idea.
4 Ways Founders Can Maintain a Healthy & Fun Lifestyle!
How do you build a billion dollar company? Bring a lot of energy and momentum for days, weeks, and years.…
The Rise of AI-Powered Vertical SaaS
Over the past few weeks, I’ve spoken with several entrepreneurs who are developing all-in-one, AI-powered vertical SaaS applications and making…
Questions that make you think
I love asking entrepreneurs questions as it helps me better understand their business as well as how they process information.
3 Strategies To Influence A Stubborn Founder (or Boss!)
Brilliant founder getting in their own way? Try these 3 things today.
Entrepreneurs Selling Equity in a Financing Round
Last week, I caught up with an entrepreneur who shared his plans to raise a round of capital. Toward the…
The power of community when getting your idea going
I had several conversations recently where the power of community has come up.
Market A or B for a Startup
Last week, I spoke with an entrepreneur who shared his elevator pitch. I then asked a few questions and learned…
How long should it take to find my idea?
I was recently speaking with an entrepreneur who was looking into new ideas and asked me how long it should…
Ultimate Guide To Finding A Startup Job + Open Roles!
Step-by-step instructions plus current job openings at great startups.
From Speed Alone to Speed + Quality
Most beginning entrepreneurs suffer from the same problem: chasing too many shiny objects. With a clean slate or in the…
Be careful pitching the entire meeting
I regularly meet with founders in the context of an advisor or someone trying to raise money.
Building Your Dream Team?! 4 Unexpected Strategies For Startup Hiring
Here are some wild and crazy hiring strategies that top startups use.
Entrepreneur Updates as Leading Indicator of Success
Last week, a fellow entrepreneur said something to me that really stuck in my mind: “I knew he’d be successful…
How to maximize return on effort in fundraising
I am a big fan of return on effort and being as efficient as possible with your time.
5 Essential Strategies For Women Founders Building Bada$$ Businesses
If you’re a woman who is thinking about starting a company, here’s my top advice!
Why you should start by doing things that don’t scale
Many in the startup world have probably heard the advice of early on in the business, do things that don’t…
5 Ways To Get Better At Talking About Money
Money is the language of business. Here's how to have a not-awkward conversation about it!
Unforgettable Tech Magic Moments
There I was in the eighth grade, riding with my friend to our baseball game in his dad’s new Infiniti.…
Have a plan (Part 2) – be ready to adjust
I recently wrote about the importance of having a plan. Thank you Richard Simms for commenting on the great Mike…
6 Considerations For Startup Parental Leave (That Doesn’t Suck)
Your startup is your baby. Here's how to plan for human babies at your startup too!
Recruiting on Non-Recruiting Work Trips
Recently, I was catching up with a friend, and she shared a story that stuck in my mind. A friend…
Why you want products in the customer’s workflow
I speak a lot with entrepreneurs discussing if they are building a “must-have” or “nice-to-have” product.
Need To Hire But Don’t Have Funding? 8 Scrappy Ways To Get S**t Done!
Real strategies used by founders that are low cost or free!
Double Revenue With No Additional Employees
For the first 10+ years of my entrepreneurial journey, I was too focused on the number of employees as a…
Introducing “Startup Strategies” and “Startup 101”: Your Essential Guide to Building Great Companies
A Roadmap for First-Time Founders (with links)
Want To Get Ahead? Talk About Money!
5 reasons money conversations are essential to grow your startup and career!
Round-Two Entrepreneurs
Last week, I was catching up with an entrepreneur who was working on his second serious startup. His previous startup…
Be careful trying to please everyone when making tough decisions
I have recently spoken with a couple entrepreneurs making tough decisions.
Find True (Investor) Love: 5 Ways Fundraising Is Like Dating
Love (and money) is in the air!
The Entrepreneur’s Passion
Last week, I was talking to an entrepreneur, and one of the things that stood out was the passion in…
Have a Plan
You know the different types of people: some go through life winging everything and reacting; others (like me) try and…
8 Ways To Workout When You’re Building A Company
Here’s 8 ways to make workouts enjoyable and manageable when you’re building a company!
Why We Invested in The Perlant: Elevating Atlanta’s Wine Community
Located in the heart of Buckhead, The Perlant is redefining what it means to create a community.
Incredibly Narrow to Start
Last week, I was catching up with some entrepreneurs who are off to a fast start. They’ve cobbled together a…
Pioneering Proactive Security Technology
Why We Invested in Undaunted
Making Financial Advice Accessible for Everyone
We recently invested in Habits, a company that helps make it easier for the younger generation to find and connect…
Ten Reflections on 2024
In this blog, A.T. reflects on his top 10 lessons from the past year in the startup world.
Two Ears and One Mouth
Discover why listening is a startup founder's superpower, from understanding customers' needs to fostering team collaboration.
Own It
This blog highlights the importance of entrepreneurs owning the room and being experts in their field to confidently shape their…
Should You Make Money With Your Early Customers?
This blog explores strategies for acquiring and learning from early customers and emphasizes the importance of paid validation.
Do Competitive Moats Matter?
Building a competitive edge means focusing on unique insights, smart differentiation, and strong customer relationships.
Maintaining Optionality Early In A Startup
Keeping options open with lean funding early on can give startups the flexibility to find product-market fit.
Startups Are Hard…But Worth It
Starting a business is tough but with the right strategy it can be an incredibly rewarding journey.
Should You Have Multiple Products As An Early Stage Company?
Early-stage entrepreneurs should focus on developing one product successfully before expanding into multiple products.
What Is Real Versus Theoretical In a Pitch Deck?
Focus your pitch deck on real customer insights and tangible results, rather than theoretical projections, to better validate your business.
Why Terms Also Matter in Addition to Valuation
This blog breaks down the key elements of a term sheet beyond just valuation, including share preferences, control rights, and…
I’m Stuck – I Need Money to Build the Product Everyone Wants
Stuck with a product but no funds? In this post we explore validating demand, offering manual services, and more.
Simplifying Complex Pricing and Packaging for Tech Companies
Atlanta Ventures invested in Schematic because they simplify complex pricing and packaging for tech companies, saving resources and driving revenue…
Infinite Giving Secures $2 Million Seed Round to Transform Nonprofit Finance
In addition to the investment, the leading fintech platform for nonprofits was accepted to Morgan Stanley’s Inclusive Ventures Lab and…
Churn – Why It Is So Important
Churn reveals the health of your value proposition and impacts economic efficiency. Monitor churn to assess and refine customer value.
Feature to Traction Ratio
Focus on 1 customer, 1 problem, and 1 feature set. Avoid overbuilding early on—check your "feature to traction ratio" to…
Build the Perfect Tech Stack for Your Startup
Discover the essential tech tools every startup needs to streamline operations, boost productivity, and drive growth.
Do I Have a Good Idea or Not?
Is your idea worth pursuing? Don't rely on opinions. Test with potential customers: ask, observe, & measure engagement.
The Flip Side of Building Positive Habits: Avoiding Bad Habits
Avoid these bad habits as an entrepreneur: focus on things you can control, process over results, and seek honest feedback.
What Makes a Good Design Partner?
Turn early customers into paying partners. Get valuable feedback, fast growth, & early revenue.
The Power of Small Habits
Atomic Habits for Entrepreneurs: Small daily habits can lead to big business growth.
How to Optimize Business Equations in Your Startup
Cracking the Startup Equation: Is it time to rewrite your business formula? Discover how optimizing can drive growth.
How to Understand Dilution for Founders
While calculating dilution seems straightforward, there are hidden factors to consider.
Key Considerations for Launching Your First Website
A guide that covers key steps for a great, revenue-generating site, focusing on SEO, analytics, and legal compliance.
Direct Feedback vs. Supportive Feedback
Knowing when to provide direct feedback and when to offer supportive listening is crucial for entrepreneurs.
Feedback – Who Really Wants It?
Seeking feedback earnestly accelerates growth. Some embrace it eagerly, others treat it as a formality, and some dismiss it entirely.
Why Stealth Mode Can Hurt Startups
In most cases, sharing your ideas for feedback helps you quickly create must-have solutions and find authentic demand.
Mistakes Happen, What Do You Do About It?
Mistakes are inevitable in startups. Good entrepreneurs acknowledge and learn from them, while struggling ones blame others.
Considering an Acquisition? Here Are the Challenges for Startups
Startups face many challenges in acquisitions like info-fishing, loss of focus, and tricky negotiations by experienced buyers.
Basic Startup Sales Funnel Challenges
There are many versions of sales funnels, here are the key components at each stage.
Sustainable Customer Discovery
Entrepreneurs need time for effective customer discovery. Create a sustainable model to fund exploration while seeking authentic demand.
Be careful having lots of “good meetings”
Push for clear next steps and tangible commitments to truly gauge interest and progress.
Employee equity – What to consider
Make sure you understand the impact to your organization and to your employees.
Using NPS for Actionable Insights
How likely are you to recommend our product to a friend or colleague?
Good Questions Versus Bad Questions
A good question can show your depth of preparation and thinking; a bad question might be better off not asked.
Run Your Startup With The Purpose Playbook™
For startup success prioritize trust, team motivation, clear goals, and rewards. Learn from experience to guide your journey effectively.
Speak With People Who Think Differently
Encountering individuals who unanimously support your idea hampers constructive criticism and growth. Embrace diverse perspectives.
How to Iterate Through an Idea
Steps to help evaluate and iterate through business ideas.
Selection Sunday for entrepreneurs
The importance of selection: Select the right team, customers, and funding path for your startup; rejection doesn't define success.
How to Begin Exploring Startup Ideas
Discover startup ideas by aligning with passion, researching problems, validating demand with mockups, ensuring authentic opportunities.
What is Your Superpower?
Everyone has a superpower. Be sure to discover yours and lean into it along with others to build a great…
Common Startup Perceptions and Their True Realities
Debunking Common Myths: Venture funding isn't always necessary, ideas aren't always unique, and sales reps aren't the sole saviors.
Focus On What Customers Do, Not What They Say
Why you should place more value in what customers do verses what they say, a warning against biased feedback.
Unaffiliated, Passionate, Paying Customers
Early investments should seek unaffiliated, passionate, paying customers. They validate sales, ensure retention, and drive growth.
Keep It Simple
The importance of simplicity in communication, analysis, and value proposition within a company
Three Must-haves to Vet Your Startup Idea
Crucial Steps for Validating Your Startup Concept
What Path to Choose: Navigating the B2C vs. B2B Launch Decision
Should I go B2C or B2B?
Why We Invested In AdPipe
We recently led a Seed investment into AdPipe – a fast follow to our investment in June 2023. Here’s why…
Why you should be talking to investors before you need to raise money
Building relationships is crucial in various aspects of life, and the same applies to interactions with investors.
When is the ideal age to be a founder?
Successful founders span various ages, but the optimal age is when passion-driven energy aligns with acquired wisdom.
A Yearly Reflection That Will Make You Rethink Your Activities And The People In Your Life
Hannah Carver walks us through her annual year in review - a step by step guide to planning a purposeful…
Why We Invested in InpharmD
We are excited to announce our latest investment in InpharmD
Ten Reflections on 2023 from Atlanta Ventures
As we wrap up 2023, here are some of my key reflections from the year as we move into 2024.
Atlanta Ventures and South Downtown – The Heart of Atlanta
We have been working tirelessly to ensure South Downtown maintains and accelerates the momentum gained in the past decade.
The Dangers of Building “Really Cool” Tech
Why Focusing on Customer Needs and Value Propositions Matters More Than Cool Tech
The Art of Decision-Making in Your Startup
Three things that can help you make the best decision
Showing Traction in Your Startup Pitch Deck at Every Stage
A Guide to Demonstrating Traction and Success in Your Pitch Deck
Social Media Marketing for Early-Stage Ventures Companies: Getting Started
How to streamline your social media strategy and reach your target audience online
Time to pivot your startup, or time to move on?
Navigating the Startup Crossroads of when to Persist and when to Pivot
3 Questions to Ask Yourself When your Customer Discovery has Stalled
Successful customer discovery depends on finding engaged potential customers who genuinely care about the problem or idea.
If I only had [blank] my startup would take off
Many founders believe one key element will boost their startup, but real success stems from addressing a genuine, in-demand problem.
How To Focus Your Company, Target Customer, and Product
Mastering Focus: Strategies for Startup Success
Metro Atlanta Chamber Unveils Atlanta Growth Collective for Growth-Stage Founders and CEOs
Introducing the Atlanta Growth Collective, an exclusive community for founders & CEOs of high-growth, mid-market companies.
Should I Invest in Product Development and Sales & Marketing at the Same Time?
Three factors influencing the decision to invest heavily in both product and sales/marketing concurrently.
Should you Spend Money with Market Readiness Uncertain?
Questions to ask yourself to solidify your product roadmap, your team, and your customers.
Two Big Takeaways From Our Latest Atlanta Healthcare Entrepreneur Meetup
Sell the vision - Focus on what matters!
Considerations When Looking For Early Team Members To Join Your Startup
When building a startup team, it's crucial to prioritize individuals with diverse skill sets and that align with core values.
What Have I Learned Today?
As an entrepreneur you may not have all the answers, but continuous learners find people who can help.
More Important: Novel Idea or Execution
While having a unique idea is important, successful startup outcomes primarily hinge on effective execution.
Considerations if you Want to Join a Startup
Obtain guidance on how to identify the best startup opportunity for you based on your role, stage, and other considerations.
Questions a VC Might Ask
Gear up for successful VC meetings by treating them like well-prepared interviews
Questions to ask an investor in a meeting
Flipping the Investor Meeting Dynamic: Key Questions Entrepreneurs Should Ask
Just Get Started
Embarking on Entrepreneurial Ventures: The Significance of Taking the Initial Leap
Customers are right about problems, not solutions
Unveiling the Crucial Distinction: Customer-Driven Problem Identification vs. Solution Generation in Entrepreneurship.
Pricing Complexities
Unveiling the Art of Pricing: Strategies to Overcome Challenges and Maximize Customer Value
Building a Thriving Company Culture: Lessons from Successful Startups
Discover the transformative power of company culture in startups: cultivating engagement, collaboration, and growth for ultimate success.
Different types of pivots
Understanding different types of pivots in the startup journey and how to navigate them for success.
Building Too Much, Too Soon, Can Backfire: Here’s How to Avoid It
Prioritize customer discovery and authentic demand before building an MVP to ensure a must-have product.
Financial Mastery: Fueling Startup Success with Strategic Principles
Empower your startup's success with financial mastery: Cash flow, data-driven decisions, & investor relations pave the way to lasting growth
Unlock Your Creativity and Productivity: Discover the Power of Thinking Time
Harnessing the Power of Reflection: Balancing Business and Life through Purposeful Thinking.
Setting up Scalable Technical Infrastructure for Your Startup
Building a solid foundation for seamless scaling: Strategies for driving startup growth through scalable technical infrastructure.
Spotting Pitch Deck Red Flags and Overcoming Them with Confidence
Winning Pitch Decks: Navigating Red Flags, Inspiring Investors, and Unleashing Early-Stage Potential
Atlanta Startup Events: June 2023
Webflow + Ai Workshop, Atlanta Tech Village 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, June 22 Get Certified, Win & Grow,…
Responding to Emails with Investors
Enhancing Investor Engagement: Crafting Effective Email Correspondence
Standing Out in the Digital Age: Unconventional Tactics for Explosive Sales Growth
Unconventional strategies for startup sales: disrupt, curate, engage, succeed, thrive.
Two Ways to Test Innovation Based on Potential Impact
Testing the Waters with Incremental Improvements and Fundamental Shifts.
Is it harder to get to the top or stay on top?
From Reaching the Summit to Sustaining Dominance: The Challenges of Getting to the Top and Staying There
Why we invested in Zinnia
We are excited to announce our latest investment in Zinnia!
Non-linear growth for Product-Market Fit and Valuations
Unveiling the reality of non-linear growth in entrepreneurship: from product-market fit to sales and valuations.
Innovation Needs Constraints
Innovation at a startup thrives when faced with Money, People & Focus constraints, as they bring clarity and prioritize resource…
Term Sheets – What to Think About
Decoding Term Sheets: Unveiling the Path to Successful Investments
Three areas to Focus on for Successful Pilots
Launching a pilot? Here’s some things to think about!
Why I Love (and Get Frustrated with) Healthcare
A Massive Opportunity to Solve Big Problems in Healthcare
“Raising” Money Through Services
Thoughts on how to bring in revenue before you have a tech product
5 Tips on Managing and Growing a Startup Team
Building a strong team is critical to the success of any business, and as a startup founder you need to…
How to Value a Business in Today’s Environment?
General guiding principles and factors to consider in the process.
Tips for Founders Seeking Investment and How Investors Can Support Them
There are lots of options available to founders looking for investment plus ample opportunities for investors to support them.
A Startup Guide to Using Customer Love to Grow
How do you get customers who love you to say great things about you and use that to impact growth…
How to Get Ready for Due Diligence
3 tips for staying on your game during the due diligence process
Capital Conversations
An event recap of lessons learned from venture capital.
The 3 Rules to Customer Interviews from The Mom Test
Following these three rules from The Mom Test will help you get to the answers that really matter from your…
Are you task-oriented or people-oriented?
Task-oriented or people-oriented? One isn’t better than the other; in fact a team composed of both is incredibly valuable for…
Why We Invested in AdPipe
We are excited to announce our latest investment in AdPipe!
Bring solutions, not problems
Using difficult situations, to bring forward potential solutions.
What Exactly is Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR)?
Everything you need to know about ARR and why it's important.
Why We Invested in Queues
We are excited to announce our latest investment in Queues!
Brand Your Startup in 6 Quick Steps
Use the following tips to effectively and quickly brand your startup company!
Negotiating Terms with Venture Capitalists
4 tips and strategies to negotiate terms with venture capitalists when fundraising.
How to Test a Product with New Customers
When you’re testing a product with new customers, you want to start simple and build momentum.
First Impressions in the Startup World
Why first impressions matter and how you can make a great one!
Not All Revenue is the Same
One dollar of revenue does not always equal another dollar of revenue
How to Effectively Network and Build Connections as a Founder or Startup Leader
Five Actionable Ways to Expand Your Community
Simple Strategic Plan: The Essential Guide to a Successful Business Plan
The roadmap to navigate your way through the essential components of your startup.
Atlanta Ventures – 2022 Wrapped
This year, we look back at some of the many accomplishments and forwards to the future.
At-Home Elderly Caregiving
Technology is equipping families with caregiving services, health monitoring, and home security for your love one's.
The New “Remote Live” Worker
Worker shortages, shifting employee preferences, and improved technology have created a massive opportunity for new startups.
Ten Reflections on 2022
A look back on the ups and downs of the year and opportunities to grow from each experience.
Should you name valuation and terms when raising capital?
The pros and cons of naming valuation and terms when raising capital.
4 Considerations for Turning Your Passion into a Business
Four thoughts to consider if you’re an entrepreneur wanting to turn your passion into a career
Five Lessons for Early-Stage Startups
How to approach building a company and reaching out to investors.
Understanding the 3 V’s of Big Data: Volume, Velocity, Variety
Data is important for every startup to understand, start by looking for the 3 V’s of big data: Volume, Velocity,…
The Carbon Footprint Market is a Billion Dollar Opportunity
This market analysis on the carbon tracking market dives into the problems, the players in the space, and shares five…
Things to Think About as the Year Comes to a Close
As 2022 draws to a close, A.T. Gimbel shares some ideas to help wrap up the current year and position…
Questionable Advice Given to Entrepreneurs
Here are a few examples of bad advice entrepreneurs have been given.
November 2022
Accomplishments from Greenzie, Greyscale, Intown Gold Club, and more!
6 Ways to Think About Pricing for Your Startup
Here are a few things for entrepreneurs to consider regarding their pricing. Keep it simple and go!
Seeing The World Through The Eyes Of The Front Line
It can be easy to be stuck in a certain idea of how to run your business. Here’s how to…
MIdjourney the Independent Research Lab
Midjourney is the new emerging technology with the potential for some serious growth.
Pitch Must Haves for Decks On-stage or In-person
These are a few things to consider when developing (or revamping) your next pitch for an on-stage event or in-person…
Be Wary of Building More Product Features
Three thoughts you should consider before you build too much, too soon.
Building your Team with 30,60,90 Day Plan
With the 30, 60, 90 day plan, hiring and growing your team becomes easy, efficient and effective.
What is Product-Market fit and how do you know you have it?
So what exactly is product-market fit? How do we find product-market fit, and how do we measure it?
Three Startup Areas That you Want to Choose Wisely
Learn how to make better decisions within your startup by focusing on these three areas!
How to Build your Brand Story
The essential elements you need to build your brand story.
The Ins and Outs of Your Finance Software Stack
As you evaluate your tech-stack, here’s a few softwares that are helpful to support the billing/finance side of business.
2 Great Methods to Perfect Project Scope
A look into the three common problems found in project management, and two methods to prevent them.
When Should Entrepreneurs Sell Their Business?
Deciding when to sell a company depends on the entrepreneur’s vision, market conditions, and other potential options.
Startup Banking 101
The ins and out of what to ask yourself when choosing a bank for your startup
4 Different Types of Revenue Models for your Startup
From recurring to contingent to one-time, the revenue model you decide for your startup can 10x your growth.
Productivity Tips from Kathryn O’Day
Kathryn O'Day’s top three blogs for organization and productivity.
Retaining employees at a startup (beyond a competitive salary)
Four innovative ways to retain good employees at your startup that goes beyond a change in their salary.
Implementing User Experience into your Marketing Website
Having a clear and intuitive website UX is essential to any startup. Here are some helpful tips on how to…
Four takeaways from Derek Jeter’s The Captain
Here are four takeaways entrepreneurs can learn from Derek Jeter’s The Captain.
User Experience and its effect on your Startup’s Website
Having a clear and intuitive website UX is essential to any startup. However, understanding this concept can be difficult.
Fiduciary duties in a downturn
Five ways you can steward your money in an economic downturn.
Customer Success Tips from Kathryn O’Day
Kathryn O'Day’s top five blogs for understanding and implementing customer success.
Red Flags for Entrepreneurs in Early-Stage Building
Watch out for these red flags in early-stage startups.
Patents and NDAs oh my!
Entrepreneurs should consider a few things before entering into Patents and NDAs.
August 2022
New Startups join the Atlanta Venture family, raises from SingleOps, and more!
Lauren Marturano, CEO of Zinnia
Atlanta Ventures is excited to announce our most recent Studio company, Zinnia, led by co-founder and CEO, Lauren Marturano.
The Truth is in the Middle
Here are three ways to uncover the truth in the middle and make the best decisions with the information you…
Why We Invested in Carpool
We are excited to announce our recent investment with Carpool Logistics!
Q&A with CEO and Co-Founder of SingleOps
SingleOps’s Co-Founder and CEO, Sean McCormick, sits down with Evie Lutz.
The Dangers of the Silo Effect
‘Silos,’ vertical teams can cause large issues in a company. Here’s what to look out for in a silo and…
Too much work, too little time!
Three ways to manage your time and start prioritizing what matters.
Tips on Getting your First 10 Paying Customers
Three tips for discovering and obtaining your first 10 paying customers.
Wisdom of the Crowd
Here’s how, with the right conditions, crowds of customers can provide amazing insight into customer discovery and R&D.
July 2022
New hiring opportunities, Georgia Fast 40 companies, and more!
Q&A with Co-Founder of Reframe
Reframe’s Co-Founder, Ziyi Gao, sits down with Nicolas Terwindt for a quick catch-up on the Reframe journey thus far.
The Importance of Creative Rest
Two ways you can increase your creativity by practicing rest.
Q&A with CEO and Co-Founder of Gimme
Gimme’s Co-Founder and CEO, Cory Hewett, sits down with Nicolas Terwindt for a quick catch-up on the Gimme journey thus…
Three Areas to Focus on When Fundraising For Your Startup
A three step guide to the fundraising process for your startup, based on our experience helping thousands of startups raise…
Three Tips for Beginning Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Three areas to focus on when launching a startup.
Examples of Cold Outreach Emails to VCs
Read these examples and see which cold outreach emails would get a response and which ones would not.
Q&A with CEO and Co-Founder of Grayscale
Grayscale’s CEO and Co-Founder, Ty Abernethy, sits down with Nicolas Terwindt for a quick catch-up on the Grayscale journey thus…
Announcing a New Five-Minute Podcast from Atlanta Ventures: Five & Thrive
A podcast highlighting the most interesting and relevant news, companies, and entrepreneurs in the Southeast.
Why Athletes Make Good Entrepreneurs
A.T. Gimbel shares three characteristics of athletes and how they may help you become a successful entrepreneur.
Q&A with Founder and CEO of Voxie
Voxie’s Founder and CEO, Bogdan Constantin, sits down with Nicolas Terwindt for a quick catch-up on the Voxie journey thus…
How To Increase Your Chances of Getting VC Attention For Investment
In his latest blog, A.T. Gimbel shares tips and tricks on how to make it more likely to get a…
Q&A with CEO and Founder of Copient Health
Copient Health’s CEO and Founder, Mike Burke, sits down with Nicolas Terwindt for a quick catch-up on the Copient Health…
How to Describe Competition in a Pitch Deck
How should you describe competition in a pitch deck, and why you should focus more on how you solve your…
10x Better Solution
In his latest blog, A.T. Gimbel shares why your solution must be 10x better and expands on ways to prove…
Why We Invested In Zeto
Atlanta Ventures recently led a $600,000 raise with Zeto.
April 2022
Great progress from GreenPrint, Terminus, Grayscale, and more!
Should I Raise Money With Market Uncertainty?
With factors like Covid, the situation in Ukraine, and inflation, here are the reasons why you should or should not…
Q&A with CEO and Co-Founder of Zeto
Zeto’s CEO and Co-Founder Christian Ries sits down with Nicolas Terwindt for a quick catch-up on the journey thus far.
The Customer Is Always Right … Or Are They?
In his latest blog, A.T. Gimbel shares if customers are always right, and in which situations they might not be.
Q&A with CEO and Co-Founder of Infinite Giving
Infinite Giving’s CEO and Co-Founder Karen Houghton sits down with Nicolas Terwindt for a quick catch-up on the journey thus…
Impact on Others
A.T. Gimbel shares the importance of not only improving yourself, but also impacting others.
When To Raise a Lot, And When To Not
A.T. Gimbel shares his advice on how much money entrepreneurs should raise.
Q&A with CEO and Co-Founder of Greenzie
Greenzie’s CEO and Co-Founder CBQ sits down with Nicolas Terwindt for a quick catch-up on the Greenzie journey thus far.
Atlanta Startups That Are Hiring
We've compiled a list of Atlanta (and remote) companies that are hiring. Check them out!
Product Users vs. Buyers
A.T. Gimbel explains how to approach product users and buyers differently.
How to Get a Business Started…Legally and Beyond!
Here are the steps needed to get your business started.
How To Fund Your Business Without Raising Money
Here's three ways to make a little extra money to fund your business without raising money.
Why We Invested in Copient Health
We are excited to announce our latest investment in Copient Health!
The Five Steps For a 30 Second Pitch
Check out these five steps to refine and structure your 30 second pitch.
Atlanta Ventures – 2021 Wrapped
2021 has been a crazy year! Check out our highlights :)
Ten Reflections on 2021
A.T. Gimbel shares a few of his reflections from this past year.
Different Business Models
What business model is right for your next venture?
Christian Ries, CEO of Zeto
Atlanta Ventures is excited to introduce one of our latest studio entrepreneurs, Christian Ries. Christian joined the Atlanta Ventures team…
External Market Tailwinds
A.T. Gimbel shares how founders can capitalize on external market tailwinds and be poised for tremendous growth.
November 2021
Hazlnut, Laudable, and Grayscale joined the AV family and much more!
Why We Invested In Hazlnut
We are excited to announce our latest investment in Hazlnut!
Where To Start When Building a Financial Model?
No financial model is perfect, but these tips can give you a better direction.
Product Configuration vs. Customization
A.T. Gimbel touches on the difference between product configuration and customization.
Why We Invested in Greenzie
Greenzie just raised $4 million to deploy more robotic workers in the field for their customers.
Perfection in Product (and beyond)
Why you need to focus on the greater objective and not get stuck on the details!
Why We Invested in Grayscale
Grayscale has nailed product-market fit, flown past $1M in ARR, and now is poised to lead the text recruiting and…
September 2021
FOUR Atlanta Ventures portfolio companies made the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest growing private companies in the US.
Will Somebody Pay For Your Product?
A.T. Gimbel writes about the value of proving your customers will pay for your product.
Is Freelancing Your Ticket To Entrepreneurship?
Skip Blankley writes about why freelancing can be a great experience to becoming an entrepreneur.
How To Create & Prioritize a Product Roadmap
When struggling with conflicting priorities for a new business, use these helpful tips to figure out what should come first.
Why Working In Tech Is All The Rave!
Considering a career in tech? Here's three reasons to make the leap.
Practicing For An Investor Pitch
Three key ways to prepare for investor pitching.
Starting A Brand Ambassador Program
Here are helpful hints and advice for people considering implementing a different marketing strategy.
Carrot VS Stick Management Approaches
Should you incentivize people with positive encouragement or negative consequences?
The Value of Writing Weekly Updates
Sending out weekly updates are critical as it can align the team, help clarify your thoughts, and can allow advisors…
The Value of a Founder Email Newsletter
Update emails can be key for early stage startups to engage supporters.
July 2021
Gig Room, powered by Musical Overture, is facilitating Making Music Together Again.
How to Show Projected Revenue When You Have None
Consider these helpful tips when struggling with projections in the pre-revenue stage.
The Daunting Job Hunt. How Should You Tackle It?
We’ve compiled a few key steps you can take to simplify the job hunting process. See what you can do…
How to Show Traction Pre-Revenue
Raising money from investors can be tough as it is, but when pre-revenue it can be difficult. Here's three simple…
Best Non-Business Business Books from the Atlanta Ventures Team
What's the Atlanta Ventures team reading? Check out their favorites.
Difficult Times Bring Exponential Personal Growth
A.T. Gimbel shares insightful thoughts on growth during difficult times.
Matching Your Pitch to the Investor
A.T. Gimbel shares a few helpful tips on how best to match your pitch to the investor.
Improve Your Project Management
Kathryn O'Day shares six easy ways to improve your project management.
Planning your Future Org Chart
A.T. Gimbel shares a few tips on how you can plan ahead for your future org chart.
May 2021
Infinite Giving joined the AV family with a $500k pre-seed round.
Your First Customer Success Hire
If you’re looking to make your first customer success hire, here’s a few thoughts on where to begin.
April 2021
Reframe joined the AV family after a $1.4 Million Seed Round.
How to think about pricing
A.T. Gimbel shares a few ways to think about pricing in terms of value, constructs, and price point.
Kathryn O’Day Joins Atlanta Ventures Team
Atlanta Ventures is proud to announce the newest member of our team, Kathryn O’Day, who has signed on as a…
Offbeat Media Group is on the rise and hiring
We are excited to announce our recent investment in Atlanta-based Offbeat Media Group.
Tips on Getting Your First 10 Paying Customers
So you have a solid product and are ready to go to market, now how do you get your first…
Build your new product with development partners
Nothing beats authentic feedback from real customers. Find a development partner that can help you iterate quickly and get your…
They are reframing what it means to quit alcohol
We are pleased to announce our recent investment in Reframe.
March 2021
Terminus just raised $90M to power the future of go-to-market teams.
The power of music
Investing in a platform for musicians around the world, so they can meet, teach, learn and perform together anytime, from…
If you have to ask the question, you already know the answer
A.T. Gimbel shares three real life situations that touch on this advice: if you have to ask the question, you…
February 2021
SalesLoft and Calendly are bringing it home for Atlanta with a solid shoutout to Greenzie too.
Aligning your go-to-market strategy
A.T. Gimbel shares about one of the most important, yet difficult things to get right: your go-to-market strategy.
Finding Authentic Demand
A.T. Gimbel shares about finding authentic demand and some indicators you’re on the right path.
Why going slow in the beginning will have your customers demand you go faster
Christian Ries talks about the ideation process and how going slow early on will prepare for customer demands later.
January 2021
SalesLoft raised $100M for its digital sales platform and is now valued at $1.1B. Congrats!
Ten Reflections on 2020
To wrap up 2020, A.T. Gimbel shares ten reflections as we move into 2021.
How to write (and not write) a cold reach-out to an investor
A.T. Gimbel, Partner at Atlanta Ventures, shares some tips and tricks for how to write a good cold outreach to…
Empowering Employees
A.T. Gimbel shares a few examples of how empowering employees can lead to more customer loyalty and employee satisfaction.
Start It Up Georgia Graduation And Grant Funding Winners
Start It Up Georgia Graduation And Grant Funding Winners
The Importance of Patience
They say patience is a virtue, and in startups, that’s never been more true. A.T. Gimbel shares about the importance…
November 2020
Atlanta Ventures partner Jon Birdsong recently sat down with Intown Golf Club’s Co-Founder, Michael Williamson to hear about his entrepreneurial…
Jvion and Treks Health Announced as Winners in 2020 Georgia Healthcare Innovation Challenge
Jvion and Treks Health Announced as Winners in 2020 Georgia Healthcare Innovation Challenge
Do you have to be a C corp to get funding?
Durantae Lucas shares about what structure (Sole proprietorship, Partnership, (LP, LLP), LLC, and Corporation) could be right for you.
How to handle conflicting feedback on your idea
A.T. Gimbel sheds light on an age old question: "What do I do when I have conflicting feedback about my…
“Must-have” vs. “Nice-to-have”
A.T. Gimbel shares insight when it comes to evaluating a new business idea as a “Must-have” vs. a “Nice-to-have”.
Response to Injustice
A.T. Gimbel reflects on racial issues, injustice in our current world, and the Black Lives Matter movement.
April 2020
SingleOps raises $6M in new funding to fuel growth in the Green Industry.
Atlanta HealthIT community resources
Given the limited ability to connect in person, we wanted to help our Atlanta Healthcare entrepreneur community continue to connect.
The Atlanta Story Podcast
Our intent with The Atlanta Story is to bring insightful learnings to life while documenting a unique time in our…
Atlanta Startups that are hiring
We've compiled a list of Atlanta (and remote) companies that are hiring. Check them out!
Hope for the Best … but Plan for the Worst!
A.T. Gimbel shares thoughts on how to have a plan and be positive in times of uncertainty.
What Type of Money to Raise
A.T. Gimbel shares a high level guide to types of funding your business can raise.
David Cummings Inducted into TAG Hall of Fame
We are very proud to announce that Atlanta Ventures Founder and CEO, David Cummings, has been inducted into the Technology…
Greenzie Raises $750,000 Round to Free Humans from Repetitive Outdoor Labor
Greenzie Raises $750,000 Round to Free Humans from Repetitive Outdoor Labor
Using Jeopardy Strategies to Build Startups
A.T. Gimbel shares some lessons from Jeopardy’s “The Greatest of All Time” tournament.
Product Development and Transparency to Customers
A.T. Gimbel shares his insights on product development and disclosure of shortcomings when making early sales.
Ten Reflections on 2019
A.T. Gimbel shares 10 lessons he learned at Atlanta Ventures this year and how we’ll take them into 2020.
Truly Understanding Your Team
A.T Gimbel shares how to better understand those around you and better understand your team.
Driving Innovation by Making Mistakes
A.T. Gimbel shares how to overcome the culture challenge of feeling unable to make mistakes.
Example Customer Problem and Conversation
McKenzie Folan shares a tool to help you identify a true customer problem, the first step toward launching a successful…
What Atlanta Ventures is Thankful For
As Thanksgiving approaches, the Atlanta Ventures team has been thinking about things we are thankful for this year, & there…
Change is Imperfect
Change is an inevitable part of running a startup. A.T. Gimbel shares how to navigate changes and move forward effectively.
Recap: Healthcare Entrepreneur Meetup with Healthcare Founders Panel
This November, we hosted a Healthcare themed panel discussion with A.T. Gimbel of Atlanta Ventures, Ashish Advani , CEO of…
The Cost of Saying Yes
Having too many priorities leads to a lack of focus and makes execution difficult. A.T. Gimbel shares how to prioritize…
Do Entrepreneurs Need Coding Skills to Start a Business?
A.T. Gimbel shares three important areas to focus on when starting a business without coding skills.
Improving Decision Making Through Perspective
We all face decisions making challenges. Here are 3 ways to gain a fresh perspective & improve your decision making…
Little League Lessons for Big League Startups
A.T. Gimbel, father of 3, shares key lessons learned from his kids’ experiences with sports and how they can apply…
When Sales are Not Working: Product or Sales Fault?
A.T. Gimbel continues his advice on identifying root causes and why things happen with this deep dive on the sales…
Problem Solving: People vs. Design
Problems often occur due to a people issue, a design issue, or both. A.T. Gimbel shares how to diagnose a…
What to Look for When Hiring: Values, Abilities, Skills
A.T. Gimbel shares thoughts on values, abilities, and skills in the hiring process and how to prioritize them.
Better Business Models
Guest writer McKenzie Folan shares three examples of companies building competitive advantages based on their business model decisions.
Finding Your Differentiation Angle
Guest writer McKenzie Folan shares three insightful strategies you can use to stand out from competitors.
How to Learn from Your First Paying Customers
A.T. Gimbel shares three key things to understand when you begin targeting your first paying customers.
Different Frames of Reference on Valuation
Valuation is both an art and a science. A.T. Gimbel shares some different approaches to valuation.
How to Be More Productive at Work
Work/life balance is critical to productivity. Courtney Bond shares some ways to change your perspective and create smarter work habits.
How to respond to “No”s
A.T. Gimbel shares some helpful things to focus on when you’re faced with “No”s from potential customers, investors, or team…
Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Competition
A.T. Gimbel shares 4 key reasons not to worry about competitors as an early stage startup.
Analyzing Trends
In this high speed era, markets & industries are always changing. Luckily, there are tools available to stay ahead of…
Testing Your Hypotheses when Building a Startup
Key Strategies to Prove or Disprove Your Assumptions Before Diving into an Idea I was speaking with an entrepreneur recently…
Where to Start When Deciding What Area of the Market to Target First
The Benefits of Starting Either High-End or Low-End I was speaking with an entrepreneur recently about which part of the…
Spend Time Learning from Your Customers Before Chasing Investor Money
The best use of your time may not be raising funds Raising money is an important step for many entrepreneurs,…
Solutions to Early Stage Funding Gap for Startups
I was speaking with an entrepreneur recently who was lamenting the challenges of raising money given they are in a…
Hiring For Diverse Personalities and Skill Sets
One topic that comes up a lot recently is hiring diversity. There are many articles and research on this topic…
Contingency Pricing
I was speaking with an entrepreneur the other day about contingency pricing. On one hand it aligns both the customer…
The Power of Passion
One thing that has stood out to me in several recent meetings with entrepreneurs is the power of passion. Without…
How to Design Your Pitch Deck in the Best Way
I have seen lots of pitches in my day. One big thing I recognized isn’t always clear with entrepreneurs is…
Greenzie Raises $500,000 Round to Fuel Growth
Atlanta Ventures is proud to announce our latest funding round with Greenzie.
How to Make A Good Intro Impression (or not)
I am consistently meeting with new people every day. It is fun to meet such a diverse group and learn…
How To Optimize Pilots
We have all had the chance to go through pilots. In many cases, these can be time consuming projects that…
Keys to Financial Modeling
There are many forms of a financial model ranging from a simple spreadsheet to a complex, multi-tab model with multiple…
What Financial Info to Include in Pitch Decks
I was speaking with an early stage entrepreneur the other day about what type of financial info to include in…
How Much To Raise
One question I often get from entrepreneurs is how much should I raise? In this instance let’s assume you are…
Taking the (CEO) Hat!
Ever wonder what it’s like to transition from being a technical Co-Founder to solo Founder and CEO? Meet Luke Beard,…
The Power of Positivity
During a recent conversation with a colleague, we were discussing some of the qualities that made up the best leaders…
Countdown to Pitch Atlanta
We are one week away from Pitch Atlanta: an exclusive, invite only event connecting entrepreneurs and investors. While in preparation…
For Better Results, Pump Up the Positive
Delivering performance feedback to employees is a challenging and complex undertaking and one that most of us find awkward at…
Market Timing
One challenge for entrepreneurs is how to catch a large, growing market at the right time. With team and product…
4 Steps on How to Handle Upset Customers with Skill and Caution
Your Customer Called and She is Frustrated Calls from angry customers are absolutely the worst. I get it – you…
Sell First or Build First?
I often meet with entrepreneurs who are faced with a choice when building their company: do you prove you can…
Using Financial Modeling to Vet Ideas
We have recently been working with several of our Studio companies that have completed customer discovery and are moving from…
How To Do Company Culture
All companies try to master the “art” of company culture. Is there a best strategy? How do you ensure everyone…
Ready to promote internally? Ask yourself these questions first.
As your team grows, you’ll inevitably add more management levels. I’ve always preferred looking at an internal promotion as the…
Managing Time in Meetings
We’ve all been there before – you are in a meeting that is running long and you have another meeting…
4 Tips to Master Sales Email Outreach
At our very first University session, SDR 101, we hosted Morgan Ingram, Director of Sales Execution and Evolution at JBarrows…
Never Underestimate the Value of Celebrating
When is the last time you celebrated (and I mean really celebrated!)? Did you end the year with a bang?…
Focus on the Process
Many people start the New Year with lofty goals; some are professional, some are personal. It is an exciting time…
Best Practices when Pitching VCs
Pitching can be a tough skill. Whether you’re pitching investors, your Executive team, future clients, or future employees, there IS…
Ten Reflections on 2018
As the year comes to an end, I always enjoy reflecting back on what I learned and experienced. I am…
How to Do Quick Market Research on an Idea in Less Than a Day
So you have a great initial idea for a business (of course it is). You are ready to start building…
How to Use a Content Calendar Template, Complete With Metrics and Goals
Following Jacey Lucus’ post about how to create a social media strategy for startups, we are going to take a…
When to Talk to an Investor
I was recently at a great Startup Runway event and one of the questions from the audience was “When is…
Charles Brian Quinn
Atlanta Ventures is proud to announce one of the newest members of our Studio, Charles Brian Quinn, who joined as…
Thankfulness Goes a Long Way
What are you thankful for this season? Family, health, friends, the ability to work, the list goes on. It’s so…
Key Themes to Nail for an Investor Pitch
While raising money is not for everyone, at some point in the entrepreneurial journey it may make sense to raise…
One Mistake to Avoid with Startup Marketing: Not Having a Marketing Strategy
During the Simply SaaS University Class: Marketing Metrics 101, Asia Matos, Founder and CEO of DemandMaven brought to light a…
Healthcare Entrepreneurship in Atlanta
We have all seen many of the challenges facing the US healthcare system today: rising costs, increasing number of patients…
A Social Media Strategy Guide for Startups
You’ve just decided your name. Congrats! You made it. You have a logo and most likely have a website at…
Team Size and How it Affects Company Efficiency, and Productivity
When first starting your company or even if you just have an idea for a company, there are many things…
Understanding Product Management in a Startup
I attended a great presentation at the recent Simply SaaS event on Product Management. A product manager is central to…
How to Prioritize
In the middle of the entrepreneurial hustle, there is so much on your plate at any given time. Do you…
Three Important Areas of the Customer Discovery Process
If you are a startup, you have probably heard the words “customer discovery.” While there are lots of good resources…
Tech Giants Could Put a Dent in Society’s Traffic Problem Today
Our third Idea Chats Series post is brought to you by Christopher Travers. In this series we’ll be sharing findings…
The Benefits of Setting up a Customer Advisory Board
There are many challenges in product management: how to decide what goes on/off the roadmap; how to launch new products;…
Picking Technology When Building a Product and an Open Source Example App
I’ve been involved with many web applications through the years, and had the chance to explore different technology stacks. If…
An Opportunity to Help Content Marketers Write Faster
Our second Idea Chats Series post is brought to you by Christopher Travers. In this series we’ll be sharing findings…
The Meeting Room Solutions Industry Needs Remodeling
Our first Idea Chats Series post is brought to you by Christopher Travers. In this series we’ll be sharing findings…
Involve Engineering in the Planning Process
It’s exciting to be a founder and a business owner — you get to set your own schedule, run your…
A Guide to Building a Marketing Team for a Startup
We’ve had quite a few conversations with entrepreneurs about the path to building a high-growth company. I thought it might…
How to Create and Effectively Use a ROI Calculator
Following on my previous post on ROI, I wanted to continue the discussion on how to create and effectively use…
Calculating ROI: Three Different Types of Value
Raise your hand if you and your team talk about ROI. Do you establish your goals and values based on…
Top 5 Misconceptions about Building an MVP
Guest post by Richard Simms At Tyrannosaurus Tech, we talk to a lot of people in a given week, and…
3 More Tips on Becoming a Great Networker
Networking tips are endless — there is always more to learn, practice, and try. In this second piece about networking,…
4 Paths to Startup Growth
I’ve spoken with a few entrepreneurs recently about different paths to grow their business. There is no one “right” answer,…
5 Must-Have Qualities of your First Sales Rep
Guest post by Jesse Grossman You’ve spent countless hours talking to customers, proving Product/Market Fit, and developing and testing your…
7 Ways to Brainstorm a SaaS Startup
Sleepless nights filled with excitement from a business idea is almost a right of passage for entrepreneurs. You’re trying your…
Extracting Exactness
The chaotic nature of a startup can leave team members feeling confused or left out. Creating any body of work…
Startup Funding 101
I have spoken with over 1,000 Founders in the last 5 years and heard even more pitches. My job is…
The Value of Co-Founders
Ever wonder what it’s like to start a company!? It’s scary and nerve-wracking, but it’s also exhilarating. You may have…
Karen Houghton
Atlanta Ventures is proud to announce the newest member of our team, Karen Houghton, who has signed on as a…
9 Tips on How to Make the Most Out of Your Networking
“I like to define networking as cultivating mutually beneficial, give-and-take, win-win relationships… The end result may be to develop a…
Analysis Paralysis
Have you ever had that moment doing analysis on a certain problem, and in the middle of it you stop…
Sharing Context to Achieve Internal Alignment
When building a minimum viable product (MVP), there’s a lot to consider. If you’re an expert in the industry, it…
Avoid Grossly Overstated Revenue Projections In A Pitch Deck
Outside of in person meetings, a pitch deck is similar to a first impression, a clean snapshot of your company.…
Atlanta Ventures Launches Studio to Systematically Start Startups
Earlier this month, Atlanta Ventures Partner, David Cummings, wrote about the vision behind the Atlanta Ventures Studio. The response has…
Atlanta Ventures Launches Studio for B2B SaaS Startups
Earlier this month, Atlanta Ventures Partner, David Cummings, wrote about the vision behind the Atlanta Ventures Studio. The response has…
Marketing to Each Generation
In preparing for the next Simply SaaS University class, it got me thinking about how there are so many ways…
Understanding and Engaging Your Customer
Today, innovation and entrepreneurship are everywhere. It’s how we are going to thrive in the future. Entrepreneurship is even a…
Enterprise vs. SMB: Where to Start
In several recent meetings, the topic of which size customer segment to pursue first has been a key part of…
Burn the Ships
Sometimes, there comes a point in our journeys when we just need to “burn the ships”. We need to stop…
Valuations: What to Think About When Valuing Your Company
One of the more common themes I run across on a daily basis is how to value a company. The…
Brainstorming Best Practices
I’ve worked at a few companies in my career and in each experience, team thinking has always been a part…
Raising Prices
I’ve spoken with a few entrepreneurs recently where the topic of raising prices came up. In all cases, it was…
Startup Budgeting
Since joining Atlanta Ventures, I’ve seen a fair amount of financial forecasts from entrepreneurs. There is a huge variation in…
Finding the Company Culture You Already Have
Have you heard about company culture or Core Values but aren’t sure where to start? Or maybe you think you…
Startup Go-To-Market (GTM) Strategy
Many people often speak of “Go-To-Market” or “GTM” strategy. This moniker essentially covers the key elements of your business: sales,…
Presentations – How to Get Your Point Across
In our previous post, we focused on how to design the right content for a presentation. Here, we will focus…
Presentations – How to Design Content
We have all had to give presentations before. Some are internal to our teams/bosses, some are external to customers/investors, some…
Net Promoter Score – Why It Is So Valuable
Getting regular customer feedback should be an important part of any business. There are many methodologies, tools, and applications out…
Simplify the Product Development Life Cycle
There are many product development methodologies, each with their own strengths, weaknesses, and unique characteristics. Choosing a perfect methodology for…
How to Be Different in a Short Conversation
We’ve all been at conferences or similar events where you meet lots of people and hear about lots of different…
Simple Strategic Plans: A Tool to Create Them and Tips for The Process
In this post, take a look at the Simple Strategic Plan and how to utilize it.
3 Challenges with Tracking Metrics and How to Get it Right
Metrics are everywhere. There are plenty of articles on how to define metrics, track them, align the team, etc. Each…
Having Successful Engineering Interns
I was asked recently if engineering interns were actually useful. My unwavering stance is: Yes! I’ve had the pleasure of…
Big Ideas When Choosing Technology
Recently I’ve found myself answering a similar question: “What tech stack should I use? What’s the best programming language to…
TAM – What is it, How to Quantify, and Why it Matters
TAM – this is probably an acronym that many of you have heard before. I see TAM used in almost…
Understanding Good Product Market Fit vs. Bad Product Market Fit
Understanding Product Market Fit is a key component to building a successful SaaS business. Most entrepreneurs take over a year…
How to Proactively Get Ahead of People Challenges from an Acquisition
Here are three areas where you can be proactive to get ahead of some of the common challenges.
Putting the Customer First
Company culture always starts from the top and works its way down. Even though leadership will be pushing certain ideas,…
Going Above and Beyond to Resolve Customer Issues
Recently we had a birthday party for my son at local venue. Everyone had a good time, but when we…
Why You Need a SaaS Dashboard in Addition to Financials
I’ll be one of the first to say that financials are awesome, they’re great! A Profit and Loss Statement (P&L)…
Embracing the Vocal Customer
Once you’ve got paying (or non paying) customers, you’ll inevitably find yourself doing some support. In the early stages, before…
Sean McCormick: A True Entrepreneur With Every Single Op
Today, when many people think of the word “entrepreneur,” there is a tinge of baggage. The age-old question at a…
Use a Simple Strategic Plan as a Roadmap to Success
Why everyone should have a roadmap to success when building a business.
When Integrating Two Teams, Focus on Key Deal Drivers
In the first post of this acquisition challenges series, I discussed how challenging integration can be and some of the…
Technical Debt Jenga
Jenga is a popular tabletop game where players remove pieces from a stacked tower and stack them back on top.…
Why acquiring and integrating companies is hard, and what to do about it
With the recent announcement of Terminus acquiring BrightFunnel, this led me to think about the challenges of integrating acquired companies.…
The Real Meaning of Strategy in Startups
While setting a strategy and aligning a team to execute that strategy are critical to growing a business, strategy is…
Community is the Keystone to Success in the Startup World
We’ve all heard it before: Build good community Surround yourself with good community Get into a good community But what…
Alternatives to Avoid the Monthly Invoicing Time Suck
So you’ve started your business (preferably an LLC early on to benefit from some of the flow through tax-wise). 3…
3 Big Ideas When Launching Your MVP
Starting from scratch is hard. An entrepreneur has to figure out what to build, and resources (both time and money)…
5 “Must-Haves” When Building a SaaS Company Today
Since starting WideAngle five years ago, the SaaS landscape has changed dramatically. Competition is fierce. User experience is a must-have.…
Serving Entrepreneurs
Early on in life I was lucky to find my true passion: being an entrepreneur. Everywhere I looked there were…
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