Admission Process

Stage 1: Complete an inquiry form.
Complete and submit the Web based inquiry. An executive summary is required and a template is available for download. Your information is reveiwed and typically a 30-minute conversation occurs to discuss the history of the business and its potential fit with ATDC.

Stage 2: Initial Presentation to ATDC Venture Catalyst.
If the initial evaluation of the business suggests a good fit, a meeting or phone call will be arranged. The founders will be expected to discuss critical aspects of the firm’s technology and business plan. During this meeting, an assessment of the business fit is discussed, as are actions necessary for the company to proceed. Companies are encouraged to create a formal 20-minute presentation using ATDC’s presentation template.

Stage 3: Meeting with second ATDC Venture Catalyst.
If the lead venture catalyst sees a potential fit between the company and ATDC, a second venture catalyst will become involved. The concept will be further assessed and, if warranted, advanced to the next stage.

Stage 4: Internal candidate review.
The business will be presented by the lead venture catalyst and discussed among ATDC venture catalysts to determine if a presentation by the company is warranted. The staff will also discuss appropriate milestones for the company if it were to become an ATDC member.

Stage 5: Presentation to full ATDC staff.
If a company successfully passes through the first four stages of consideration, its founders will then make a presentation to the full ATDC staff, which will be followed by questions from the group. After the presentation, a final determination will be made regarding the company's admission into the incubator.

Research and due diligence.

Throughout the process, we conduct due diligence on the company, the management team and the market. ATDC maintains relations with many industry experts and community business leaders who offer expertise during the application process.

The company is generally asked to create or revise its business plan, executive summary and presentation. Venture catalysts typically help the company to create strong presentation of the business concept. Georgia Tech graduate students conduct market research, and the findings are shared with the applicant company.

Nondisclosure.

ATDC employees adhere to strict confidentiality throughout the application process. However, due to the nature of our business, we do not sign non-disclosure agreements.

Time.

The length of the application process varies depending on the company’s preparedness. The process generally takes two to three months for a well-prepared company that meets all of the admission criteria.