2026 Atlanta Startup Awards
THE FINALISTS
ARE IN.
Meet the founders, innovators, investors, mentors, and community leaders being recognized for moving Atlanta's startup ecosystem forward. The winners will be revealed live on October 12.
October 12, 2026
5:00–8:30 PM
The Biltmore Ballrooms
Atlanta's next chapter is being built now.
Across nine award categories, the Atlanta Startup Awards celebrate the people and companies turning bold ideas into real impact. Meet the 2026 finalists — then join Atlanta's startup community for the moment the winners are announced.
01 / 09
Mentor of the Year
Recognizes an individual who has made an exceptional and sustained commitment to guiding founders and operators in the Atlanta startup ecosystem through hands-on, high-impact mentorship.
02 / 09
Community Builder of the Year
Honors an individual or organization that has made a measurable impact in building, connecting, and strengthening the Atlanta startup community.
03 / 09
Pivot of the Year
Celebrates a startup or founder that demonstrated exceptional strategic agility by making a bold, well-executed pivot and came out stronger for it.
04 / 09
Best Market Breakthrough
The startups that found a smarter way to break through.
One night. Atlanta's startup community.
Meet the finalists. Stay for the winners.
Be in the room when the 2026 Atlanta Startup Award winners are announced live.
05 / 09
Best Technical Breakthrough
Honors a startup that achieved a significant technical innovation, patent, product capability, or engineering milestone that advances their industry or demonstrates exceptional technical differentiation.
06 / 09
VC of the Year
Recognizes a venture capital firm or institutional investor that has made exceptional, high-quality investments in Atlanta-area startups and demonstrated meaningful ecosystem commitment beyond writing checks.
07 / 09
Angel of the Year
Celebrates an individual angel investor who has gone above and beyond in supporting early-stage Atlanta startups — not just financially, but through hands-on involvement, introductions, and continued support post-investment.
08 / 09
Best New Deal of the Year
Celebrating the most compelling new investment, partnership, acquisition, or commercial deal involving an Atlanta startup — evaluated on strategic significance, deal structure, and potential impact on the ecosystem.
09 / 09
Pay-It-Forward
Honors a post-exit or experienced individual who has selflessly reinvested their time, capital, and knowledge back into the Atlanta startup community — whether as a mentor, investor, or customer.
October 12 · The Biltmore Ballrooms
Their names are on the list. On October 12, we'll find out whose names are on the trophies.
Join Atlanta's founders, investors, innovators, and startup community for the 2026 Atlanta Startup Awards — an evening celebrating the people and companies moving our city forward.
Get Your Tickets →