Quote of the Week

"Expensive oil is going to transform the American culture as radically as cheap oil did."

David Mogavero

Entrepreneurs Wanted

ATDC is looking for a great group of young, early stage companies who can benefit from our fundraising bootcamp program, CapVenture. CapVenture’s focus is on helping companies to improve their fundraising preparation and odds of success (33% of 2007 participants raised money).  CapVenture helps entrepreneurs sharpen their strategy, raise their profile and significantly accelerate their network to reach investors.  The program is taught by ATDC’s staff but really shines because of all-star set of volunteer serial entrepreneur coaches who are dedicated to support two companies each throughout the program.   

The seven week program meets weekly starting August 19th and finishing October 7th with a forum co-hosted by Atlanta Technology Angels.  The best CapVenture companies will also have the opportunity to join ATDC in our participation in Venture Atlanta on October 15th.  All applicants to CapVenture will be invited to an investor panel to be held on August 19th.

The deadline of July 15th is rapidly approaching.  You can apply here.

Todd Merrill of Global Crypto and I recently went on the StartupLounge to talk a bit about CapVenture.  It is a good listen.

And for the record the only shoes I have ever polished are my own and I don't smoke pot.

Palantir Unshrouding

From the public comments and some personal communications it appears that I need to clarify some things regarding the "My Future" article.

My time at ATDC is not over.  When I joined the organization in October of 2006 I made a two year commitment.  I make commitments with care, and intend to fulfill this one.  So I am going to be at ATDC for at least three more months.  It could be significantly longer then that.  Because I am seeking not just any opportunity but the right opportunity and such things don't present themselves on some prescribed time frame.

As I stated in the post, I have some goals that I am focused on.  But I don't know what is next yet.  Just that there is a next and I have started to actively seek it out.  And that what is next needs to be something that I can become passionate about and effect.  A big challenge creating something unique that everyone involved in might remember for the rest of our lives. 

Atlanta's Top Technology Leaders

Dan Greenfield is putting a list of Atlanta's top 50 technology leaders.  Somehow or the other I made the Dan's initial short list.  Hop on over to Bernaise Source and let Dan know who needs to be included.

Quote of the Week

"Think about gratitude.  Gratitude for your family.  Gratitude for your friends.  Gratitude for the food on your table.  For your freedom."

Kelli Precourt

My Future

Someone suggested that I write an article about "what does the future hold" for me. 

As if I knew.  As if anybody knows.

But what I do know is this.  I have a plan.  And today is an important day in that plan as it is the day when I officially kick into the next stage of that plan.  The stage when I start actively looking for what's next.

When I joined ATDC part of the rationale for doing so is that it would enable me "to see a lot of new company concepts, and meet a bunch of geeks/investors while rounding out my overall knowledge of the world of startups."  I think I have accomplished this mission.

And while it has been a fun and productive time, it is just over a quarter away from the end of the two years that I agreed to be a part of ATDC.  So what's next?  I see one of two things happening.

First and foremost I am focused on becoming the CEO of an early stage technology company.  I know how to shape the strategy of a startup, I know how to build teams, I know how to build products, and I can execute to meet objectives.  I am confident that I can raise angel financing.  With the right concept, team, and progress, I believe I can raise a venture round as well.  Sounds like I am CEO material to me.  And that is my goal.

With that said I am also looking at opportunities to led business development and marketing for an early stage company that has already rasied their venture round.  I obviously have the experience to do this.  Something that I can have an impact in growing.  With the right concept this could be quite interesting as well.

Either way it is going to be exciting to get back in the game as opposed to coaching from the sidelines.  I am ready to play.