REGISTER HERE: https://events.tie.org/TiEAtlantasFebruaryMonthlyMeeting-CapitalRaisingClimateForScalingStartups
February Monthly Meeting: Capital Raising Climate for Startups
February 11, 2026
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: AC Hotel at Atlanta Perimeter
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join TiE Atlanta for our February Monthly Meeting focused on the current environment for capital raising. Whether you are at the idea stage or looking to scale toward an exit, understanding the different avenues of funding is critical to long-term success.
The evening will begin with a keynote presentation from our recent global pitch competition winner, followed by a panel discussion featuring perspectives from venture capital and community-owned financial institutions.
PROGRAMMING
Keynote Presentation: Starr Douglas will share her journey from the Atlanta startup scene to the global stage, providing insights into the preparation and strategy required to stand out to international investors.
Expert Panel Discussion: A conversation between early-stage investors and community financial leaders on the various paths to capital available to entrepreneurs in 2026.
Networking: Structured and open networking with the Atlanta business community, mentors, and fellow founders.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Starr Douglas - CEO & Founder, FrontHouz
Starr Douglas is the CEO of FrontHouz, a technology-enabled platform revolutionizing hospitality staffing through AI-driven solutions and proprietary remote training technology. Starr recently represented TiE Atlanta at the 2026 TiE Global Summit in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where she placed 2nd in the world out of 3,000 startups.
Don Milich - Senior Vice President Investments, Raymond James
Don is a 40-year veteran of Wall Street and the capital markets, bringing deep institutional knowledge to the panel. He serves as a senior partner in a wealth management advisory practice designed to provide research-based, Bespoke Capital Advisory Services. Don provides the "long-view" on what institutional investors and family offices require from founders as they scale toward major financial milestones.
Steve Hasty - Principal, Circadian Ventures
Steve Hasty is a Principal at Circadian Ventures, an Atlanta-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage tech and tech-enabled businesses. Steve has a background in automation software and innovation from KPMG and holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs to build enduring, scalable businesses.
Kabir Laiwalla - CEO, Platinum Federal Credit Union
Kabir Laiwalla is the CEO of Platinum Federal Credit Union, a $360M+ member-owned financial institution. A CPA with an MBA from Georgia Tech, Kabir has over 24 years of experience in the banking and credit union industry. He is dedicated to "financially elevating the community" through innovative financial products and services that support entrepreneurship and member growth.
REGISTER HERE: https://events.tie.org/TiEAtlantasFebruaryMonthlyMeeting-CapitalRaisingClimateForScalingStartups
February Monthly Meeting: Capital Raising Climate for Startups
February 11, 2026
6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: AC Hotel at Atlanta Perimeter
ABOUT THE EVENT
Join TiE Atlanta for our February Monthly Meeting focused on the current environment for capital raising. Whether you are at the idea stage or looking to scale toward an exit, understanding the different avenues of funding is critical to long-term success.
The evening will begin with a keynote presentation from our recent global pitch competition winner, followed by a panel discussion featuring perspectives from venture capital and community-owned financial institutions.
PROGRAMMING
Keynote Presentation: Starr Douglas will share her journey from the Atlanta startup scene to the global stage, providing insights into the preparation and strategy required to stand out to international investors.
Expert Panel Discussion: A conversation between early-stage investors and community financial leaders on the various paths to capital available to entrepreneurs in 2026.
Networking: Structured and open networking with the Atlanta business community, mentors, and fellow founders.
FEATURED SPEAKERS
Starr Douglas - CEO & Founder, FrontHouz
Starr Douglas is the CEO of FrontHouz, a technology-enabled platform revolutionizing hospitality staffing through AI-driven solutions and proprietary remote training technology. Starr recently represented TiE Atlanta at the 2026 TiE Global Summit in Jaipur, Rajasthan, where she placed 2nd in the world out of 3,000 startups.
Don Milich - Senior Vice President Investments, Raymond James
Don is a 40-year veteran of Wall Street and the capital markets, bringing deep institutional knowledge to the panel. He serves as a senior partner in a wealth management advisory practice designed to provide research-based, Bespoke Capital Advisory Services. Don provides the "long-view" on what institutional investors and family offices require from founders as they scale toward major financial milestones.
Steve Hasty - Principal, Circadian Ventures
Steve Hasty is a Principal at Circadian Ventures, an Atlanta-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage tech and tech-enabled businesses. Steve has a background in automation software and innovation from KPMG and holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs to build enduring, scalable businesses.
Kabir Laiwalla - CEO, Platinum Federal Credit Union
Kabir Laiwalla is the CEO of Platinum Federal Credit Union, a $360M+ member-owned financial institution. A CPA with an MBA from Georgia Tech, Kabir has over 24 years of experience in the banking and credit union industry. He is dedicated to "financially elevating the community" through innovative financial products and services that support entrepreneurship and member growth.