Techstars Atlanta Names Entrepreneur Michael Cohn as Managing Director
Cohn known for successfully scaling Cloud Sherpas from basement concept to global technology powerhouse
ATLANTA, March 29, 2016 /3BL Media/ Techstars Atlanta announced Michael Cohn as the program’s managing director. The startup accelerator program is entering its inaugural year in Atlanta and is presented in partnership between Techstars and Cox Enterprises.
“Michael is the ultimate example of both an entrepreneur and a mentor,” said Techstars' Co-Founder and Managing Partner David Brown. “He’s worked for both large and small corporations, and through his passion, Michael grew a concept into a successful company and acquisition. He knows Atlanta’s startup community and will help boost the region’s entrepreneurial spirit.”
Cohn will set the strategic direction of the program and is responsible for recruiting and selecting companies, working with stakeholders across the Techstars network and long-term community development around the program.
He co-founded Cloud Sherpas in 2008. He remained a member of the senior leadership team running global marketing as the business scaled to more than 1,100 employees before exiting to Accenture in 2015. Prior to Cloud Sherpas, he held marketing leadership roles at IBM and Optimus Solutions. He also co-founded Logicept.
Cohn serves as a mentor at Atlanta Tech Village and advises several startups, including Terminus, Groundfloor and Storj. He is on the board of directors at Rural Sourcing and Venture Atlanta and is an advisor to the Emory Impact Investing Group. Cohn received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Binghamton University and a master’s degree in marketing from the Goizueta Business School at Emory University.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Techstars team and honored to be leading the program in Atlanta,” said Cohn. “I look forward to coaching founders coming to the program from around the globe, and connecting them with our vibrant, Atlanta mentor network and the greater Techstars ecosystem.”
Located at Ponce City Market, Techstars Atlanta annually selects a group of 10 startups to participate in a three-month program that provides expertise, funding and office space to accelerate their businesses. To help achieve that vision, the three-month Techstars program culminates with Demo Day, where approximately 100-200 angel investors and venture capitalists learn about the participants' businesses.
Techstars Atlanta is seeking applicants that are focused on social media platforms, cloud-based data, predictive analytics and cybersecurity that will drive positive change in this interconnected world. Applications will be accepted through May 8, 2016 at http://www.techstars.com/programs/atlanta-program/. The first program will take place in Summer 2016.
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About Cox Enterprises:
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues of $18 billion and approximately 55,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed Internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, Manheim, Savings.com and Valpak. To learn more about Cox's commitment to people, sustainability and our communities, please visit CoxCSRReport.com.
About Techstars:
Techstars is a global ecosystem that empowers entrepreneurs to bring new technologies to market wherever they choose to live. With dozens of mentorship-driven accelerator programs and thousands of community programs worldwide, Techstars exists to support the world's most promising entrepreneurs throughout their lifelong journey, from inspiration to IPO. Techstars provides access to tens of thousands of community leaders, founders, mentors, investors, and corporate partners, allowing entrepreneurs to accelerate the pace of innovation and do more faster. Techstars supports every stage of the entrepreneurial journey – from early stage grassroots community development to more formal opportunities that provide education, experience, acceleration, funding, and beyond.
