TAG Invest Connect: Meet, Pitch, & Partner

On October 23rd, 2025, TAG Invest Connect: Meet, Pitch, & Partner was held at Comcast Central HQ for a dynamic one-day event in which Georgia’s technology entrepreneurs connected with corporate procurement leaders and investors for an unparalleled opportunity to learn, network, and compete.

The Problem

Seed and early-stage funding has seen significant declines, with investors prioritizing established companies with proven track records.

Our Solution

TAG has developed programs that provide access to both capital and customer acquisition.

Networking Success: This event is highly successful in facilitating networking opportunities, with 80% of entrepreneurs reporting successful interactions with investors.
Barrier Elimination: 87% of entrepreneurial participants felt that the event helped eliminate barriers to connecting with investors, indicating the event’s effectiveness in fostering meaningful connections.
Business Growth: The event had tangible business outcomes for some participating companies, with 63% of responding entrepreneurs gaining more employees and 38% of respondents receiving investments, and 63% scheduled appointments.

Procurement Pathways Panel

Attendees have the unique opportunity to participate in a panel discussion led by corporate and government procurement leaders. These leaders share insights into their strategic initiatives, problem statements, technology interests, and what they require to offer vendor contract opportunities. Entrepreneurs also engage directly with the procurement professionals by asking questions, fostering a deeper understanding of procurement expectations and alignment opportunities.

Meet the Procurement Pathways Panelists

Ezeomo Akhirome

Deputy Director - Georgia Department of Community Health

Julian Bailey

Small Business and Supplier Diversity Manager - Georgia Department of Administrative Services

Guenther Huber

Vice President & CFO - Honeywell

George Olepere

Vice President - BlackRock

Russell Pugh

Director of Finance & Business Development - Comcast

Maria Roux

Chief Procurement Officer - Georgia Department of Transportation

Geri Williams

Assistant General Counsel - The Home Depot

Pitch for Capital Competition

Presenting entrepreneurs will showcase their innovations in front of a panel of top-tier investors and an audience specifically tailored for impact! The audience will consist of investors actively seeking B2B and B2C technology-based innovations. Presenting entrepreneurs will compete for a $10,000 first-place prize and $5,000 second-place prize in a high-stakes environment and will receive private coaching sessions and mentorship from experienced investors.

Pitch Applications Closed

Pitch for Capital Competition Prizes:

$10,000 First Place Prize

$5,000 Second Place Prize

Pitch for Capital Competition Judges:

Allyson Eman

CEO - Venture Atlanta Conference

Junior Gaspard

Principal - Fulcrum Equity Partners

Aaron Hurst

Founder - Dogwood Ventures

Scott Lopano

Partner - Tech Square Ventures

Sig Mosley

Managing Partner - Mosley Ventures, LLC

Shachar Oren

Founder & Managing Partner - Sound Media Ventures

Catina Wilson

Head of Strategy Operations and Enablement - Optum

TAG Invest Connect & TAG Connect Board Members

Marcelo Bernal

President & CRO of Buckzy Payments

Avoilan Bingham

General Manager, Drive Capital

Dr. Loretta Daniels

Executive Director, TAG-Ed

Louis Gump

Partner, TechCXO

Roy Hadley

Special Counsel, Morris, Manning, & Martin, LLP

Richard Makerson

CEO, BlueFletch

Larry McHugh

Invest Connect Chair, Angel Investor

Shila Nieves Burney

Managing Partner, Zane Venture Fund

Joe Radest

Managing Partner, Radest Ventures Inc.

Networking Session

End the day with a dedicated networking session where corporate leaders, investors, and fellow entrepreneurs come together. This invaluable opportunity allows attendees to forge connections, explore collaborations, and strengthen ties within Georgia’s thriving tech ecosystem.