Every November since 2007 I have organized Atlanta Startup Weekend. After some deep thought on the matter I have decided to no longer led Atlanta Startup Weekend. The decision was both complex and difficult but it is the right thing to do. Atlanta Startup Weekend accomplished what I intended. It built a stronger technology startup community in Atlanta and beyond. It was one of the sparks to ignite a new generation of entrepreneurs across the South. People that met at Atlanta Startup Weekend are forming companies together. In a few weeks Twitpay, a company that came out of Atlanta Startup Weekend in 2008, will be on the stage at Venture Atlanta pitching for a $5 million Series A. 

I have gotten to know entrepreneurs across the country as a result of Startup Weekend. I really enjoy the excitement and pressure of the weekend. But it is time for me to move on. Jason Ardell and I have been having discussions and I believe he and other Atlanta Startup Weekend veterans will be moving forward with the concept. I love that some young smart folks have gotten enough value out of past weekends that they are stepping up to lead the effort going forward. The weekend always belonged to the participants and now a few of them are going to be running it. One of the magical parts of Startup Weekend is watching who steps up to be a leader and make things happen. It is great to see that happening in Atlanta with the event itself.