Endeavor Atlanta is thrilled to announce its first cohort of ScaleUp ATL: an 8-month, non-dilutive program designed to equip Atlanta’s fastest-growing, highest potential Black entrepreneurs with the resources and confidence they need to take their companies to the next level. After a competitive interview process, including panel interviews with leading entrepreneurs and mentors from Endeavor’s network, three founders leading high-growth, seed to series-A stage companies were selected for this year’s inaugural cohort:
Led by experienced technology leader Ortez Gude, Citiri is a subscription software platform that helps airports and large construction project leaders successfully implement their projects through its operational readiness software platform, purpose-built for ORAT processes (operational readiness activation & transition). Unlike traditional project management software, Citiri has assembled all the operational-specific workflows required to deliver a successful project startup. Citiri serves some of the largest airports in the world, including Atlanta’s own Hartsfield-Jackson and LAX.
“I am honored and incredibly fortunate to have been selected for Endeavor ATL’s ScaleUp program. I look forward to leveraging the power of the program’s network which is second to none in terms of its quality and reach. It’s accelerated learning and an incredible advantage. Less than a week into the program, it had already began provided value.”
Hairbrella reinvented the rain hat and helps women and men stay dry no matter the forecast. Hairbrella Founder & CEO Tracey Pickett took her own experience and turned it into the number one rain product on Amazon today. They've seen their use cases expand during COVID, including for healthcare and frontline workers, and have an opportunity to fuel further growth outside the United States and in their B2B channel.
“I am thrilled to join the Endeavor Atlanta ScaleUp program. The conversations during the selection process were some of the most eye-opening (and therapeutic) conversations I’ve had about my business in a long time. I believe this program will be a game-changer for me and my business.”
Led by entrepreneur Aaron Petty, Mitivate is an AI-driven software platform that helps healthcare providers deliver on the new value-based care contracts sweeping the industry. The platform allows healthcare institutional payers to implement cost-containment services by analyzing their financial process and validating a patient’s treatment outcomes. Mitivate is on a mission to help patients receive the highest quality care by bringing transparency into America’s complex healthcare industry.
“I’m very excited to participate in the ScaleUp program and our team looks forward to learning skills to help our company grow while also helping Atlanta implement value-based care models.”
The objective of ScaleUp ATL is to support Black founders as they scale their high-growth ventures, ultimately promoting entrepreneurship as a catalyst for inclusive economic growth in the greater Atlanta area. Endeavor’s research arm, Endeavor Insight, found only 19 percent of Black-owned businesses reach the size of 10 or more employees, on average, and only 15 percent of organizations supporting Black entrepreneurs work with them beyond the startup phase.
ScaleUp ATL participants will have access to Endeavor’s unrivaled network of successful entrepreneurs, operators, and investors to help them unlock further growth. In addition, Endeavor hired successful entrepreneur and Endeavor Northwest Arkansas Board Chairwoman Elise Mitchell to facilitate group and individual leadership coaching for the founders.
“It is a privilege to partner with Tracey, Ortez, and Aaron as they scale their exciting ventures to the next level. They are already successful entrepreneurs. Our goal is to help push them to think even bigger and provide the tactical support they need to achieve their vision.”
About Endeavor
Endeavor is the leading global community of, by, and for high-impact entrepreneurs. Endeavor exists to inspire the world’s fastest-growing entrepreneurs to dream bigger, scale up, and pay it forward. Endeavor Atlanta, an affiliate of Endeavor Global, launched in March of 2017 and now supports entrepreneurs leading 15 of the fastest growing companies in the Southeast region.