Inclusive Entrepreneurship Forum

Entrepreneurs, civic leaders, venture capitalists and academics gathered virtually and in person May 26 for a discussion at The Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design, with a focus on inclusion in entrepreneurship. The daylong event was presented in collaboration with the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and Rise of the Rest Seed Fund.

In conversation with Georgia Tech President Angel Cabrera, Steve Case, Chairman and CEO of Revolution, stressed the importance of supporting diversity in entrepreneurship at the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Forum.

Case noted that there is a great opportunity to leverage diversity and close the disconnect between where the ideas and entrepreneurs are and where the resources are. Recent college graduates who wanted to do something entrepreneurial often go to Silicon Valley instead of considering Georgia.

“The biggest opportunity for Atlanta is to emerge as the most inclusive startup city,” he said. “It’s not about a particular sector. It’s about creating an environment where everybody has a shot. You have to be intentional about it and go out of your way to be inclusive – make it your problem and the community’s problem to be more inclusive.”

The forum included further discussions on diversity and inclusion with panels of community leaders, Tech alumni and students, young entrepreneurs, business and financial leaders, and Tech faculty and staff.