Five Predictions for 2015 / Tech Investing in Atlanta: Southern Style

January 9th, 2015
MMM Tech Perspectives

by John Yates, Partner & Chair of Corporate Technology, Morris, Manning & Martin

Santa brought my mother a pillow with this embroidered truism: “Say what you want about the South – but nobody retires & lives up North!” For me, it foretells the optimistic growth of Atlanta technology investing in 2015. Venture capitalists and private equity firms will target the South in the new year, and here are five predictions for tech growth – Southern Style!

  1. VC Partners Will Recognize the South’s Special Appeal – Atlanta will be a key beneficiary as general partners of venture and private equity funds spend

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5 Key Takeaways from Venture Atlanta 2014

by John Yates, Partner at Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP.

This year’s Venture Atlanta conference once again brought together the most exciting startups and investors from Atlanta and the region. Sitting next to Beluga whales at the Georgia Aquarium, the audience was treated to six-minute pitches from companies during the 2-day event. With MMM representing 12 presenting clients this year, it was great to see these entrepreneurs showcase their companies. Following up my friend David Cummings’ takeaways, here are my insights from the event:

  1. M&A activity should continue to surge in 2015 – equity funds have cash and want

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Silicon Valley Journal – 30th Anniversary

February 25th, 2014
MMM Tech Perspectives

SILICON VALLEY JOURNAL – 30TH ANNIVERSARY

CHAPTER 1 – FEB. 25, 2014

Thirty years ago almost to the day I made my first visit to Silicon Valley.  I’m returning today on what is probably my 100th trip to the Bay Area to visit venture funds, private equity groups, clients and friends.  I’m proud today to be joined by Mayor Kasim Reed and his Invest Atlanta team.

I thought I’d share my insights on how the Valley has changed, how Atlanta has been impacted by the Valley and how technology has evolved through my 30 years of crossing

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Boston Venture Investors Attracted to Atlanta

Boston Venture Investors Attracted to Atlanta

By John C. Yates

When you’re fishing, you gravitate to the part of the lake where the fish are biting. That’s one reason Boston venture capitalists are drawn to Atlanta. Boston has one of the largest concentrations of venture capital in the world – and Atlanta has some of the most skilled and innovative tech companies in the country, who are hungry for the funds to help them grow.

I visited Boston’s venture community recently to invite several top VCs to attend a Braves v. Red Sox World Series game in Atlanta (hopefully

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Atlanta Meets Silicon Valley

June 14th, 2013
MMM Tech Perspectives

By John Yates
Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP

During my recent trip to Silicon Valley, I met with the country’s leading venture capital firms to promote Atlanta as the technology center of the Southeast.  Good news – our city is rising in stature among Valley investors as a destination point for investment.  Several promising Atlanta themes were presented during my meetings with these industry-leading VCs.

1. The Right Markets – Atlanta is viewed as having the right technology markets for expansion: mobility, healthcare, info security and financial technology.  The business-to-business markets are considered the

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