Big Thinkr

Atlanta is the Best Place for My Startup

Posted on February 3rd, 2007 by David Cummings.

If you’re considering cities to build a company, technology or otherwise, Atlanta should be evaluated. You need to ask yourself these questions:

• Do I need a small amount of capital to be successful?

• Do I need access to smart, young professionals?

• Is cost of living important?

• Does the business model necessitate many in-person meetings/work out of town?

If you had a resounding yes, or even a mild yes, to each of these questions, Atlanta is the place for you; It is for me.

Let’s take a look at each of these questions.

Do I need a small amount of capital to be successful?

Atlanta has plenty of angel investors, just not venture capitalists, suitable for small amounts of capital. Most technology companies don’t need much capital to build a sustainable business, especially in this Web 2.0 world. If you’re creating an entirely new market, that is capital intensive, and, has a “be first or go home” business model, Atlanta isn’t the place for you. The next Google is unlikely to come from Atlanta but plenty of successful, profitable technology companies will. Atlanta is a mecca for small-to-mid-sized technology companies.

Do I need access to smart, young professionals?

Several reports over the past year have come out detailing how successful Atlanta has been with attracting young, educated professionals that are restless, yet excited about the future. These are the perfect team members with which to build a company. Emory, Georgia Tech, and Georgia State also maintain a steady flow of smart, new graduates.

Is cost of living important?

The cost of living in Atlanta is dramatically lower than other major cities. There is an over supply of condos and apartments whereby you can get a nice, new one bedroom apartment in-town for $650 per month. Yes, you read that right. For 1/3 to 1/2 the cost of other major cities, you can live in a higher quality place that is new. For those that have a family, or desire more space, an ITP town house can be purchased for $200,000. An in-town house can be purchased for $350,000, and, no, it isn’t a tear down.

Beyond just housing costs, other major factors like food, entertainment, etc are equally as affordable. Atlanta is unmatched in providing big city benefits with a low cost of living.

Does the business model necessitate many in-person meetings/out of town work?

You probably know where this question is going: Atlanta has the world’s busiest airport. This translates into direct flights anywhere in the world (except China), even last minute, at a reasonable price (thanks Airtran!). Access to the northeast is just as easy as the mid-west and the west coast. It really is a competitive advantage when compared to other locations.

Atlanta Wins for Startups

So, let’s re-cap. If the business can get to cash flow break-even with a small amount of capital, needs young professionals, benefits from a low cost of living, and can take advantage of direct flights, Atlanta wins. The confluence of these aspects of Atlanta make it uniquely suited for small-to-mid-sized companies and a greater chance of success for startups.

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