Pay-to-pitch may be a controversial concept for some start-up businesses, but dont tell that to Tarby Bryant, former CEO of the Atlanta Economic Development Corporation. Next month, Bryant celebrates the 11th anniversary of his Atlanta-based Gathering of Angels which is having one of the best years in its history.
The Atlanta Gathering of Angels is a twice-monthly meeting that hosts needy start-up companies and potential investors. It is credited with funding more than 375 early stage companies in a variety of industries. Seed investments by Gathering investors have ranged from $ 25,000 to $ 12.5 million while helping to create potentially thousands of new jobs along the way.
With a degree in economics from Davison College and an MBA with high honors in finance from Georgia State University, Bryant served as a U.S. Army Intelligence Officer in Vietnam. Prior to founding the Atlanta Gathering in 1996, he enjoyed successful careers in real estate, auto club management, as a partner in a venture capital fund and with the AEDC. He currently operates a private angel capital and merchant banking company and serves as an adjunct professor teaching Corporate Finance and Entrepreneurial Survival Skills at the University of New Mexico, University of Phoenix and The College of Santa Fe.
Twice a month, we feature four to six young companies seeking seed and early stage capital. We coach and mentor them in advance and help them prepare their 20-minute presentations at The Ravinia Club in north Atlanta. Each presenter pays a presentation fee and we take nothing from any capital raised. Our audiences are comprised of accredited angel investors, venture capitalists and investment bankers who make their investments as individuals on their own. Everyone is treated to a light supper and assorted beverages, Bryant explained. We always can make room for more participants. Interested presenters and potential Angel investors are invited to contact me at 404/606-2193, he added.
Bryants Angel group is on a roll. In 2009, the Gathering facilitated 12 capital fundings ranging from $ 50,000 to $ 2 million. Last year, they helped eight companies find capital ranging from $ 22,000 to $ 2.2 million. Year to date in 2011, the Gathering has facilitated at least six capital fundings.
In these days of recession and tight money, our Gathering becomes an even more viable alternative for small, young companies to find investment capital to help grow their respective businesses, he said.
Bryant recently announced formation of the Alpharetta Accelerator, a small business incubator on steroids as he says. The Accelerator is located in downtown Alpharetta, Georgia. Clients have access to office space and furniture, conference room, free parking and staff support, more than 75 members of the Accelerators Board of Advisors, a $ 10 million Alpharetta Seed Capital fund now in formation, and priority access to the Atlanta Gathering of Angels.
More information may be found at http://www.gatheringofangels.com and http://www.alpharettaaccelerator.com.
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