Illustration by Israel G. Vargas
When new tech companies emerge, they often join incubators to learn from others, develop business strategies, and hone their ideas into viable products. Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center is one of Atlanta’s oldest and consistently ranks among the nation’s top launchpads.
Founded in 1980, ATDC has constantly evolved to be at the forefront of startup incubation, acceleration, and success. They’ve helped to grow some of Atlanta’s well-known tech companies including NueMD, KontrolFreek, SalesLoft, Pindrop Security, and GroundFloor. “What we’ve created here is a community,” explains Jane McCracken, ATDC’s Interim Director. And that’s not just for Georgia Tech. ATDC sponsors activities in Athens, Augusta, Columbus, and Warner Robbins. “It is economic development,” McCracken says. “The better the companies we grow, the better our city and state will be.”
ATDC develops programs around five Cs: Commons, a well-equipped, state-of-the-art workspace; Coaching, advice from experienced staff and entrepreneurs; Connections, access to financing, industry professionals, and resources; Classes, or educational resources; and, of course, Community, guiding startups to grow together, share ideas, and form new bonds to benefit Atlanta’s tech sector well into the future.
Recently, they’ve launched ATDC Choice, inviting alumni founders and companies to share wisdom. “It enables the people who have graduated from our program to stay connected and to give back,” McCracken says. Around a half dozen companies have already joined.
This article originally appeared in our November 2018 issue.
