Nurturing Innovation
Cox Enterprises is carrying on the spirit of innovation we have championed for more than 125 years as a key supporter of programs designed to nurture technology startups. Through our support of programs like the Cleantech Accelerator, Techstars Atlanta, Engage Ventures, Endeavor, Startup Runway and many others, Cox is fostering Atlanta’s emergence as a global tech hub. And by empowering entrepreneurs, we are making a lasting impact upon our economy by creating jobs and building a growing network of smart, successful mentors who will pay it forward for the next generation of innovators.
Techstars Powered by Cox
Techstars is an internationally recognized startup accelerator that helps entrepreneurs boost their early-stage businesses and product development efforts through education and funding.
For 90 days, 10 startups work in a creative space in the heart of midtown Atlanta, receiving expert counsel and support from a network of more than 100 local mentors — including dozens of Cox employees. The programs conclude with a Demo Day presentation, during which the companies pitch their business ideas to Cox executives and a crowd of potential investors from around the world. Cox Enterprises was a founding sponsor of Techstars Atlanta and has remained the presenting sponsor since 2016. In addition, Techstars Social Impact powered by Cox Enterprises was launched in 2020 to support startups addressing social and environmental challenges.
Engage
Cox Enterprises, Georgia Tech and the Atlanta Committee for Progress were responsible for bringing 10 forward-thinking companies together to establish Engage. Engage is a mentorship-driven accelerator program that provides funding, support and market access for innovative technology startups.
The 10 corporations have committed a total of $15 million to the venture fund and will actively support the accelerator through mentoring, education and collaboration.
Other Programs
Endeavor Atlanta is a nonprofit program that drives job creation, sustained economic growth and a culture of paying it forward to future generations of startup founders. It is part of a global community of entrepreneurs who have created more than 600,000 jobs and provided mentorship and investment in a new generation of founders. Cox Enterprises provided seed funding to bring the program to Atlanta and our CFO Dallas Clement sits on the Board of Directors.
Startup Runway hosts the largest pitch event for women- and minority-led startups in the country and provides a cash grant prize to winners selected by qualified seed stage investors. Finalists have raised over $18 million in just two years. Cox is proud to be the presenting sponsor.
