🙋🏼‍♀️ Let's Talk About What Atlanta Tech Is Missing

Today we're diving into:

a new crop of social, "IRL" (in real life) tech startups
A digital marketplace for collectors
the "big" question Atlantans are asking

So turn up your favorite Dolly song and let's get reading...

This edition of Hypepotamus is brought to you by Live Oak Bank.

The big headline: AI is making software easier to build. So founders are looking for a different kind of moat with real world connection. Across the Southeast, a new crop of startups is using technology to bring people together in person, and investors are paying attention. Is "IRL tech" having a moment? We explore here.

Startup To Watch: Not a Pokemon card collector? There is still a big reason you should be looking at Double Holo, a trading card analytics and marketplace platform building out of Chattanooga. We dive into why the startup, founded by Georgia Tech graduate Kacy Lombard, sees big opportunities in the collectibles space. Meet the startup here.

Community Thoughts: Atlanta has the talent, universities, founders, customers, and startup programs. So why do so many companies still struggle to scale here? At The Atlanta Question, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders got candid about the city’s missing middle of capital, tougher competition for tech talent...and why Atlanta founders may need to get better at selling the big vision. Get the full recap.

Live Oak Bank's (NYSE: LOB) Venture Banking team provides non-dilutive growth financing that complements equity, along with tailored banking solutions, for venture-backed B2B software and healthcare companies at every stage of their financing journey. We understand entrepreneurs because we are entrepreneurs. Member FDIC.