Venture Atlanta, Georgia’s premiere event connecting technology innovation and investment capital, today issued a call for presenters at its annual investor event to be held October 17-18, 2012 at the Georgia Aquarium. As the region’s largest venture conference, presenting companies and event attendees will have the opportunity to network with both regional and national VCs and angel investors.

During its 11-year tenure, Venture Atlanta and its earlier iterations have matched hundreds of companies with over $900 million in capital by creating an invaluable conference for entrepreneurs. This year, the event looks to break $1 billion in investments. By coupling national investor exposure and excellent mentoring from community executives, Georgia companies are given an unparalleled opportunity to increase funding dollars. Past presenters have labeled the mentoring aspect of the event vital in honing their message and a key benefit of the conference.

“Venture Atlanta’s coaching sessions helped us, as a presenting company, put our best foot forward,” said Mike Stashak, vice president of marketing of Wahoo Fitness. “Venture Atlanta helps put Georgia companies like us on the map. We had the opportunity to really connect with the Atlanta investment and entrepreneurial communities AND the national investment community. Not only could we present to our peers, but we also had the opportunity to meet outside influencers and investors from across the country.”

According to past presenters, the Venture Atlanta conference provides Atlanta with a vehicle to outshine other top investment cities, and gives Georgia entrepreneurs, and those looking for a place to call home, a boost through in-person contact with investors rather than simple phone introductions and other less effective means. “Georgia companies have the opportunity to shake hands with high profile investors from areas such as Boston, Silicon Valley and North Carolina,” said Michael Zeto, CEO and founding partner of Proximus Mobility. “This event gives investors the confidence and much needed face time with entrepreneurs, because really, investors are making an investment in the people as much as the technology.”

Venture Atlanta will select 40 presenters from the following industry segments:

• Communication technology
• Consumer products
• Financial technology
• Health IT
• Information security
• Mobile

The two-day conference will highlight Georgia’s entrepreneurial companies and showcase innovation in the local community in both the early and later stages. Presenting companies will have the opportunity to present their business plan on stage in front of a large audience of venture capitalists, angel investors, local executives, entrepreneurs and event sponsors. All companies looking to raise capital are encouraged to apply. There are no fees to apply and presenting companies attend Venture Atlanta free of charge.

“As a Georgia entrepreneur, make sure you get involved with Venture Atlanta even if you just attend the conference,” continued Proximus Mobility’s Zeto. “Venture Atlanta is the Southeast’s best networking event in that the organization brings together national investors and local entrepreneurs of all stages. If you are nominated to present, regardless of stage, if you take the opportunity seriously - it will open countless doors for you.”