By Sydney Tyler
Atlanta Inno’s “50 on Fire” is an annual list that introduces the media outlet’s picks of the most innovative entrepreneurs and companies the city has to offer. Last year, Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute’s (ENI) very own, Jackie Davis, was included among the few in the inaugural list of innovators in the “Government, Advocacy & Education” category, which you can read more about here.
This year, ENI is proud to announce that five fellow Georgia State alumni were included in this outstanding group of people. “50 on Fire” separates companies into categories including: B2B Technology and Software; B2C/C2C; AI and Security; Health; FinTech; Marketing, Advertising, and Design; Food on Fire; Firestarter; and Hotspaces.
#1: Kevin O’Conner – 11 Ten Innovation Partners
Featured in the B2B Technology and Software category, 11Ten Innovation Partners is a management consulting firm that was founded by Kevin O’Connor (MBA ’01) in 2017, who also serves as the President. The company is rooted in helping business grow in such a way that prepares them for their future endeavors, by providing a variety of resources that minimizes innovation risk and sets businesses up for lasting success.
#2: Morgan Drake – Fanboard
Fanboard is transforming the sports experience as a B2C/C2C company, by integrating AR and VR technology to create new and immersive adventures for teams and fans alike. Morgan Drake (B.S. ’10) founded Fanboard in 2017, with the goal of strengthening engagement with fans that would ultimately increase revenue and attendance.
#3: Christian Zimmerman – Qoins
Christian Zimmerman (BBA ’15) is the co-founder and CEO of Qoins, featured in the FinTech category. This mobile app helps users learn the importance of financial literacy, while helping them pay off debts quicker by using spare change. So far, the company has assisted in over $10,000,000 million paid off debts and continues to expand their mission.
#4: Melanie Wade – Golda Kombucha
Kombucha is a fermented probiotic tea that possesses many health benefits, including aiding digestion and offering immune support. Founded by Melanie Wade (B.A. ’12) in 2011, Golda Kombucha provides a refreshing kombucha, brewed using a family recipe passed down through generations. Golda Kombucha serves as the only kombucha company in Atlanta, and the first in the state of Georgia—a true representation of Food on Fire.
#5: Ted Bradford – Constellations
Included with other Hotspaces, Constellations is a modern professional workspace, located in the 110-year-old Southern School Book Building on the historical Auburn Avenue. Ted Bradford (M.S. ’10) is a partner and the Director of Operations of the space that encourages innovation and creativity among the many businessowners that use the environment to make their dreams become a reality. Constellations hopes to instill social and civic consciousness, while nurturing creativity in the process.
ENI is incredibly proud of all the aforementioned businessmen and businesswomen, as they continue to innovate the atmosphere of Atlanta with their creative ventures.