Capital Connections Overview

Each quarter, StartupLounge.com hosts an private networking event for early-stage entrepreneurs and investors. The event is held in Atlanta, Georgia, and is attended by fast-growth entrepreneurs based in the Southeast U.S., as well as venture capital and angel investors from around the country. You can view photos of past events here.

Our goals behind the event are simple:

• to provide an environment where early stage entrepreneurs can make connections with other like-minded entrepreneurs
• to provide the opportunity for early-stage investors to meet and mingle with early-stage entrepreneurs
• to provide an environment that is free of service-providers, brokers, consultants, job-seekers, and other such solicitations
• to play a role in boosting the entrepreneurial/startup footprint of the southeast
• to provide a centrally-located venue for attendees in the Atlanta area (perimeter, rather than downtown)
• to facilitate this event at no cost to the participants

Who may attend?

If you fall into any of the following professional categories, you may be eligible to attend the Capital Connections event. You will still need to apply online, however, in order to be considered.

• An early-stage (fast growth) entrepreneur located within the Southeastern United States (Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky). Note: this is not the same as a “small business entrepreneur.” We want people who are swinging for the fences, not starting a sandwich shop (nothing wrong with the latter, mind you, that just isn’t our focus.) Bootstrappers and holders of idea-napkins are welcome to apply as well!
• A later-stage entrepreneur seeking expansion capital or new network contacts (again, must be based in the S.E.)
• An accredited venture capitalist
• An accredited angel investor (as defined by the SEC: someone who earns over $200,000 a year for three years or for two years if they have a reasonable expectation of earning more than $200,000 in the current year or someone who has net worth in excess of $1 million.)
• An observer (e.g. media, professor, etc.)
• Some combination of the above (e.g. a successful entrepreneur looking to make an angel investment)

Please note that we define a “fast-growth” venture as one that will eventually employ between 20 and 500 people, have sales growth of at least 20 percent projected each year for four straight years, and target five-year revenue projections between $10 and $50 million. Typical industries would include (but are not limited to) information technology, healthcare, life sciences/biotech, pharmaceutical, energy/cleantech, and new media.

Who is not targeted for this event?

As the focus is on connecting entrepreneurs with other like-minded entrepreneurs and risk-focused investors, service providers, including, but not limited to, business brokers, attorneys, accountants, staffing companies, offshore service providers, marketers, IT services companies, and consultants, will not be allowed to attend. This is also not an event for job-seekers!

All investor attendees must clearly demonstrate a substantial risk component within their model (i.e. traditional venture capital, angel investing, etc.) As such, fee-based capital brokers, “pay-to-pitch” entities, debt providers (including banks), and other such organizations will not be permitted to attend.

How the Application Process Works

The process for applications is pretty straightforward (we’ve recently streamlined the process):

• You will need to complete a brief online application.
• The StartupLounge.com Steering Committee will review your application and determine your eligibility, and will issue an invitation based upon the strength of each deal. By “strength” we mean the likelihood that an investor attending our event would seriously consider the investment opportunity.
  • Things that can make a deal “strong” include early reference customers and possibly revenues, developed product ready or close to ready for sale, intellectual property protection, a strong (committed) management team, and a realistic possibility of an exit value of 20 times the invested capital.
• You will be informed of your status as soon as it has been determined.

Currently, registration for the February 6th, 2008 event is closed, as we are at capacity.  Please stay tuned for announcements for the summer event.