ChooseATL Hosts First Entrepreneur Invitational to Connect Startups to Big Brands

The event will directly connect startups with executives from Cox Enterprises, Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot and Roadie

ATLANTA, Feb. 28, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ChooseATL, a movement dedicated to attracting and retaining top talent to metro Atlanta, today announced that it will host an Entrepreneur Invitational event in Austin, while there for South by Southwest (SXSW), to link global entrepreneurs with some of Atlanta's premier brands. The event will provide a group of entrepreneurs the chance to connect with C-suite executives for one-on-one, 10-minute sessions to discuss their company, explore opportunities and seek input from these experienced executives.  Entrepreneurs interested in securing a time slot for these powerful and unique networking sessions should submit their executive summaries for consideration on or before Monday, March 6, 2017.

The Entrepreneur Invitational is an extension of the "Big Brands Driving Innovation Panel," powered by the Metro Atlanta Chamber's Innovation Connect program.  A selection committee will decide which companies will receive meetings with the panelists. The names of those securing meetings will be announced during the panel, which will take place on March 13 at 1 p.m. CST at the "ChooseATL House," located at Maggie Mae's on Sixth Street in Austin, TX. Moderated by Metro Atlanta Chamber President and CEO Hala Moddelmog, the panel will feature:

• Matt Carey, executive vice president and CIO, Home Depot
• Duncan O'Brien, senior vice president and general manager of Corporate Strategy and Investments, Cox Enterprises
• Marc Gorlin, founder and CEO, Roadie
• Rahul Samant, senior vice president and CIO, Delta Air Lines

Entrepreneur Invitational meetings will take place after the panel discussion, beginning promptly at 2:30 p.m. CST. Executives will be paired with startups based on the best match to add value for both parties and the motivation of the entrepreneur. Company representatives must be present during the panel to participate in a meeting.

Metro Atlanta has the nation's third highest density of Fortune 500 headquarters – more than double that of San Francisco. These corporations are often the first, and most loyal, customers that startups benefit from.

"Atlanta's big brands are ready and willing to serve as powerful revenue streams, partner and credibility drivers for young companies of all types," said Kate Atwood, executive director of ChooseATL.  "We're proud to launch the Entrepreneur Invitational, so the world's startups can experience our vibrant tech ecosystem firsthand."

Innovation Connect brings together top Atlanta executives to discuss how their corporations are leaders in innovative thinking and the role startups play in fueling innovation. The program is designed to connect the region's largest and most influential corporations with each other and the broader innovation community. It is purpose-driven with the desire to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and make Atlanta a leading and sought after global innovation hub by increasing engagement of top corporations with the growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.

"Through Innovation Connect, we are working to amplify efforts that increase engagement between the entrepreneurial and corporate communities to drive innovation-based company growth," said Jennifer Sherer, Ph.D., vice president of Innovation and Entrepreneurship for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. "We're excited to offer this opportunity to burgeoning entrepreneurs that could potentially help them scale their businesses."

To learn more about ChooseATL's 2017 SXSW events, visit chooseatl.com/sxsw.

About ChooseATL

ChooseATL is a movement focused on telling a comprehensive story about Atlanta to attract and retain top talent to intentionally grow the region's prosperity in the global economy. The initiative highlights the abundant opportunity for career growth across the 29-county region, as well as the unique culture and lifestyle offered in Atlanta. To join the movement, visit www.chooseatl.com or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and LinkedIn.

About The Metro Atlanta Chamber

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. To advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta's quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing and recruiting companies to the 29-county metro Atlanta region. The Chamber is also focused on expanding the region's innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta's innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate and telling Atlanta's story. For more information, visit www.MetroAtlantaChamber.com.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises

For further information: Anna Ruth Williams, 855-300-8209