02 May, 2023
There has been a decade-long U.S. tech talent growth trend, with the U.S. adding 136,000 tech talent jobs last year, coming to a staggering national total of 5.5 million. One of the critical U.S. tech hubs is Atlanta, Georgia, which has been experiencing considerable growth. Atlanta has a 5.6% concentration for tech talent, ranking 7th for tech talent concentration by industry, with a large number of those with tech skills working in the tech industry in the region. A key marker for Atlanta’s tech scene, however, is its diversity. The city itself is known for its diverse racial makeup, with 48.2% of the population being Black or African American , 41.0% White, 5.0% Asian, and 3.7% identifying as two or more races. Additionally, the city has a relatively young population, with a median age of 34.7 years, which is another key marker of the city’s overall diversity. But how is Atlanta setting the standard for diversity in tech? The outlook The foundation for Atlanta’s diverse tech scene can be summed up by its colleges, culture, and support network for tech businesses. For example, Georgia Tech is one of the top engineering schools in the country, spearheading initiatives for underrepresented populations such as Georgia Tech’s Center for Education Integrating Science, Mathematics, and Computing (CEISMC). Georgia Tech also has prominent research programs in areas such as computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence. Another example of a strong academic presence contributing to Atlanta’s tech scene is Georgia State University which has a business school offering a program in information systems to prepare students for tech careers. Atlanta also has the second-highest number of black-owned businesses in the U.S. and has been named the number 1 hub in the U.S. for Black-owned businesses, with a high number of these startups concentrated in the tech industry, in part due to the thriving startup culture in the city. Many of the successful startups in Atlanta are led by women, such as Aquagenuity, created by Founder and CEO Doll Avant to leverage AI to help people and cities protect and monitor their water quality. But which areas are Atlanta thriving in when it comes to diversity in tech that are setting the standard? Initiatives and support for tech Atlanta isn’t simply resting on being a diverse city, it’s actively encouraging a number of underrepresented communities to become involved in tech through various programs, initiatives, and other forms of support. When it comes to gender diversity in tech alone, there are the following organisations supporting women in the tech industry and helping to promote greater gender diversity: Women Who Code Atlanta Women in Technology (WIT) Atlanta Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (AWE) For LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, there is the Atlanta Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (AGLCC), providing networking opportunities and mentorship programs. Another significant support system for diversity and inclusion in tech is the Atlanta Tech Village’s Diversity and Inclusion Council, which is a group within Atlanta’s tech village that focuses on creating a more diverse and inclusive tech ecosystem in the city. For underrepresented entrepreneurs, TechSquare Labs is a startup incubator and venture capital firm that focuses on support through mentorship, funding, and other resources. In short, Atlanta is abundant with support systems for underrepresented groups in tech that are changing the landscape of the industry in the city. It’s full of opportunity There’s a reason why the likes of Apple, Microsoft and Visa have opened offices in Atlanta… There’s a wealth of opportunity in the city because of its diverse tech talent. The strong academic links (as outlined earlier) also play a key role – Georgia Tech, based in Atlanta, produces the most technology graduates per year in the U.S., according to CBRE Research . Add in the resources that businesses have at their disposal to grow and continue developing a more diverse and inclusive environment, and it’s clear that Atlanta’s diversity is the underlying trait of its success. Another key marker of Atlanta’s success is its status as a hub for multiple tech disciplines, including FinTech, cybersecurity, and digital media, from startups to the largest and most renowned companies. For perspective, 70% of all U.S. transactions are handled by payment processing firms located in Atlanta, aptly nicknamed ‘Transaction Alley’, within a sector containing over 200+ FinTech companies and employing over 42,000+ professionals in the state of Georgia. Atlanta is also considered to be one of the burgeoning capitals in the U.S. for high-paying cybersecurity careers, with high growth potential in the sector for professionals and businesses alike. A thriving startup culture As mentioned earlier, there’s no shortage of tech incubators and accelerators for businesses to benefit from, and many of these are geared specifically towards tech startups. Digitalundivided (DID), for example, is one of the first programs in the U.S. that is dedicated to funding and developing startups founded by Black and Latino women called the BIG incubator, with the BIG Innovation Center being opened in Atlanta back in 2016. To date, $25 million in investments were raised and 52 companies have been built. Atlanta Tech Village is perhaps one of the most well-known successes of Atlanta, being launched back in 2012 and continuing to be a hub for entrepreneurial success and founder networking. The #ItTakesAVillage initiative is Atlanta Tech Village’s way of emphasising diversity inclusion, in terms of supporting diverse perspectives and inclusive work environments, in technology. These are just two examples of the support offered to startups that emphasises diversity and inclusion from the offset. There are many more initiatives and programs, from pre-accelerators like Goodie Nation to incubators like TechSquare Labs BuiltxWomen Initiative , further emphasising the culture of support that attracts so many founders and businesses to Atlanta. It’s only going to continue growing As more businesses and professionals flock to Atlanta for its thriving and diverse tech scene, the industry will continue to adapt and grow. The success of the city isn’t accidental – as many businesses and professionals weigh up the costs and benefits of more traditional tech hubs and locations, it is only likely that the likes of Atlanta and other up-and-coming hubs will be viewed as a more viable, attractive option. For tech companies looking for a region bursting with diverse talent and a wealth of support and innovation at their fingertips, Atlanta is the key to growth. Get in touch At Remit Resources, we use our approach to recruitment to fill the gap between a traditional agency and consultancy by focusing on development, infrastructure and infosec. We can identify your talent needs and provide you with recruitment solutions through our global network – if you’ve got ambitious growth plans for your business, we could be the perfect recruitment partner for you. Get in touch today to find out more.