Atlanta’s startup strengths sit at the intersection of culture and tech

It seems like every city is searching for its niche as the “Silicon Valley of…” But what cities may not immediately realize is that rather than trying to emulate the very specific and unique Silicon Valley culture, they might be better served to use what they’re already good at to bolster their tech cred.

Take Atlanta. The “City Too Busy to Hate” has deep roots in civil rights, Southern food, and in not just following or amplifying, but creating contemporary pop culture. It’s probably best known as a center of innovation for classic and modern hip-hop. Its history as an Olympic host city also lends itself to a rich sports legacy, and the brand-new Atlanta United soccer club quieted detractors when the team broke Major League Soccer records for highest average season attendance.