There’s a lot of discussion on Twitter, Quora, blogs, et al. about whether we’re in another Internet bubble. Steve Blank makes a compelling case for a bubble; while we see no errors in his reasoning it’s a red herring for those of us in Atlanta.

This phenomena is occurring outside of the Southeast. Deal flow is better than in years past but it hasn’t approached levels reached during the dot-com bubble. A few investors looking to add startup investing for portfolio have returned to real estate lured by the ease of credit and firesale of certain asset classes. Competition for seed funding and series A is still very high e.g. Toomah and ScoutMob. There just isn’t any evidence to support a bubble in Atlanta.

None of this should make you change your plans. Of the many different things you need to think about, this isn’t one of them. Keep your head down and focus on execution. The fundamentals of the startup game haven’t changed. Your goal is to build a business and generate profit for your shareholders.

Whatever all of us are doing is working. The startup ecosystem is very strong; we can’t emphasize that point enough. We have a solid base of knowledgable, experienced entrepreneurs. We have a groundswell of young entrepreneurs. We have a wealth of people across industries who are donating their time to startups. Investors are returning because they’re seeing good businesses with good teams. Innovation is happening here. Right now.

We’ll be at Taco Mac Perimeter on Jan. 20 from 4-7pm to answer your questions and get NFL playoff picks from Mike who vanquished the competition in his fantasy football league.

We’ll be at Taco Mac Perimeter next Tuesday, December 21 from 4-7pm to answer your questions. Grab a beer and let’s talk about what you’re doing.

If you’ve been wondering how you can get to the big technology buyers in Atlanta, you may get your chance.  In collaboration with the GA Department for Economic Development, the Technology Association of Georgia, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Advanced Technology Development Center, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, and Venture Atlanta, we are organizing a special event to put those big guys in a room with you.  They’re not there to invest, but to tell you what their needs are and what they might be interested in buying.  They want to hear what you’re working on. Attending companies include:

• Ariba
• AT&T
• Fiserv
• GE Infrastructure
• Internap
• Manhattan Associates
• Microsoft
• Scientific Games
• Siemens
• Sony Ericsson
• Southern Company
• Turner Broadcasting System

This event is on December 6 from 11:30 – 1:30; location will be provided to approved attendees. The deadline for applications is December 1.

The format is simple:

• 5-minute pitch
• 10 slides or less
• no demos

To be considered, provide a 1-2 page executive summary (send to josh@startuplounge.com) and:

• be a Georgia-based company.
• own the technology behind your product.
• your product is released.
• you’re looking for customers, partners, or distribution channels.

Lunch is provided and Wi-Fi is available.

Apply to attend by clicking the link to the left in our "Upcoming Events".

Hosted by:

Though we don’t have a StartupLounge Atlanta event this quarter, we’re bringing the action all over Atlanta in the next few weeks.

StartupLounge Festivus
Tue, Nov 30 7-9pm @ 151 Locust

• registration is required (free) → Go to http://www.meetup.com/151locust/calendar/15414492/ for registration, latest details, and directions.

In what has become something of a tradition, we’re working with our friends Ed and Wendy at 151 Locust in Avondale Estates to bring you another rock ‘em sock ‘em “live” StartupLounge podcast this holiday season. Our guest will be Joe Gruca of Toomah, an Atlanta startup and winners of the TAG/GRE Business Launch contest. Joe has an interesting story and we’re excited to talk to him about his startup and his journeys. 151 Locust is providing refreshments (thanks Ed!) so come and enjoy Festivus with the rest of us. (feats of strength TBA)

Mike’s Office Hours
Tue, Nov 23 4-7pm @ Taco Mac Perimeter

Grab a beverage and let’s talk about what you’re doing.

UGA – TI:GER Pitch-Off
Mon, Nov 29 4:30-7:30pm @ Hodges Room at the ATDC

• registration is required (free) → please email Margi Berbari (margi.berbari@mgt.gatehc.edu) to sign up. Go to http://atdc.org for directions.

Can’t make it to the Georgia – Georgia Tech football game? Well, you have an opportunity to cheer your favorite “pitch” to victory (and cash prizes) at the UGA – TI:GER Pitch-Off on Mon, Nov 29 5-7:30pm @ the Hodges Room at the ATDC. Hear students from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business Entrepreneurship Program and TI:GER (Georgia Tech and Emory University’s collaborative entrepreneur program) pitch their businesses. Each presenter has 3 minutes to present their product or business in front of a panel of judges (Mike Blake, Scott Burkett, and Jerry Recht). The winners get $1500 in cash prizes donated by StartupLounge and Jerry Recht. Good field research for those applying to StartupRiot early next year.