Atlanta has long been recognized as a hub of entrepreneurial energy, yet it continues to struggle with a persistent challenge: not enough investors to fund its early-stage companies. The Southeast is full of promising startups, but without a steady pipeline of investors, many struggle to secure the funding they need to grow.
This problem isn’t unique to our region. Across the country, angel investing is facing significant headwinds. According to PitchBook and the National Venture Capital Association, angel deal value in the U.S. has declined by nearly 64% since 2015. New angels are entering the market at a much slower pace. Many would-be investors are opting to sit on the sidelines or invest through funds as limited partners rather than making direct investments in individual startups.
Meanwhile, the exit environment has cooled significantly. Recent data from the Angel Capital Association (ACA) shows that the percentage of early-stage investments failing to return capital rose from 21 percent in 2022 to 26 percent in 2023. Though there was a modest rebound in 2024, most exits have remained small or distressed, making the capital they return minimal. This trend matters because angel investors depend on successful exits to reinvest. Without them, the cycle slows down, and fewer dollars flow back into new ventures.
That’s why this summer’s Southeast Investor Conference, taking place July 29–30 at Georgia Tech, couldn’t come at a more critical time. The conference, co-hosted by Keiretsu Forum South-East, Georgia Tech’s Advanced Technology Development Center (ATDC), and ACA, is designed to educate and motivate new investors.
We’re bringing together 75 to 100 accredited investors, thought leaders and fund managers to explore solutions, share strategies and connect with promising startups. Attendees will gain insight into smart portfolio construction through a workshop led by the ACA, and Ron Weissman, Vice Chair of the Board of the ACA, will deliver a keynote address on the current investing climate and its implications for angels in the Southeast.
We’re also showcasing the strength of our local startup ecosystem. Eight to ten vetted companies with full due diligence packages will pitch their businesses to investors in a Shark Tank–style session.
This is a chance for seasoned and new investors alike to come together in a focused, intentional environment free from distractions and driven by the shared goal to grow the Southeast’s investor base, support local innovation and build stronger pathways to success for both startups and angels.
The Southeast Investor Conference is free to accredited investors, and several local angel groups, including Atlanta Technology Angels, TiE Atlanta Angels, and ATL TrailblazHER Angels, are already involved. We’re also inviting investor groups from across the region to join us.
Atlanta has the talent. We have the ideas. What we need now is more active capital and more connected investors to drive the next generation of growth. To register or learn more, visit the Southeast Investor Conference website.
