Atlanta Business Chronicle - 3/31/06

Known as the Start-Up Council, it's expected to begin in April. The organizers include public relations firm Trevelino/Keller Communications Group, consultancy VentureX Group, law firm CGA Tech Counsel, consultancy The Enfuse Group, brand identity firm Brandikon and communications firm The Moreland Group.

They hope to help early-stage entrepreneurs, from giving advice on how to land venture capital to providing referrals. There will not be a charge to participate. At this point, say organizers, there should be room for up to eight companies per round table. As far as criteria, the group is looking for companies a little past the idea stage but not necessarily at the revenue stage. Organizers profit from the endeavor from potentially getting business later.

Chris Mangum, founder of VentureX, says the time is right to launch the group. Mangum, who spends nearly half his time in California, has seen indicators there of an entrepreneurial revival. In particular, he said, more venture capitalists are chasing fewer and fewer deals -- a sign that entrepreneurs are getting the funding they need. "I'm seeing the same phenomenon on the West Coast as I saw in 1998," said Mangum. "Things are really starting to happen out there."
"That will start happening here," he added.
Mangum says the Start-Up Council will be different from other groups, such as the Technology Association of Georgia and the CEO High-Tech Council, as the group will focus only on emerging startups.