This interactive workshop gives participants a deep dive into AI, machine learning, and related emerging technologies, through the lens of Design Thinking. The Design Thinking approach provides individuals & teams a unique, repeatable and scalable approach that can be applied to building better AI-enabled solutions. The program is intended for those tasked with or interested in bringing disruptive digital products & services to market. Participants will walk away with a set of practical tools, methods & frameworks focused on applying these technologies to the customer and organizational problems.

***Note**This is not part of the Cyber FinTech Global Challenge

Growth Capital – The Who, What, When, Where and Why and What to do to Prepare

Why raise capital?

When to raise capital?

How to raise capital?

Who to approach?

What to expect?

What to do early on for future preparation for a Growth Capital Raise?

Hosted by Nichols Cauley & Associates, LLC

Atlanta Seed Company

Jamie Hamilton is the Managing Director of Atlanta Seed Company, where he is responsible for the formulation and implementation of the investment strategy, including the review of potential investments, the monitoring of existing investments, and the formulation of disposition strategies.  He has an extensive background in alternative investments, with a focus on early-stage technology. Mr. Hamilton began his career with Capital Investments, Inc. (Member FINRA / SIPC) where he focused exclusively on private placements of equity for high net worth individuals. He has been a prolific early-stage investor in Atlanta and while at Hamilton Ventures he invested in companies such as BrightWhistle, Pindrop Security, and PlayON! Sports.  Most recently, Jamie was a Managing Director of the BIP Capital Early Stage Fund. Mr. Hamilton graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology, is a Board of Trustees Member for Wesleyan School in Norcross, GA, is a Board Member for the Georgia Tech Alexander-Tharpe Fund and is a member of the inaugural Mentor program for Techstars Atlanta.

Connor Davidson is a Junior Partner at Atlanta Seed Company and assists with all aspects of the investment process. These responsibilities include sourcing, evaluating, and conducting due diligence on companies which meet our investment criteria, as well as monitoring and assisting existing portfolio companies. Mr. Davidson previously worked for True Wealth Ventures in Austin, Texas, and has an extensive background in financial analysis and asset management. Mr. Davidson received both a BBA and BS from Southern Methodist University in 2011 and more recently received an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. He is actively involved in the community through Skyland Trail, and as part of the Southern Capital Forum.

William Sammons, CPA, CIA, CFP is the Atlanta Managing Member of Nichols Cauley & Associates, LLC.  He has been serving clients throughout the Southeast in technology, financial services, construction, manufacturing, warehouse/ distribution.  He has assisted clients with startup activities, accounting processes, and systems setups, capital transactions – finance, mergers and acquisitions, forecasting and more typical accounting roles such as audits, reviews, compilations, and tax consulting and preparation.  He is a 1988 graduate of Georgia Southern University.  The firm has eight offices in the Southeast to service its existing client base.  The firm is also a partner at Atlanta Tech Park.

Presented by Atlanta Seed Company and Nichols Cauley & Associates, join us for a funding discussion.

Funding Overview and Mechanics –

• Who – Who is a good partner? Is it a Bank, Family or Friend or Private Equity?
• What – What will funding look like and what are typical terms? Is it debt or equity or both?
• When – When should you start the capital raise process?
• How – How do you affect a successful raise?

Before, During and After Funding –

• What Entity Structure is best?
• Tax Planning and Available GA tax credits
• Accounting and Reporting – Clarity on the past, insight for the future
• How to combine in-house talent and third-party vendors to achieve your goals is both a timely and efficient manner.
• Leverage technology.