The Atlanta chapter of TiE, or the Indus Entrepreneurs, which supports local entrepreneurship, is expanding its meetings to include speakers from the biotechnology, financial services and real estate fields.
TiE promotes entrepreneurship through mentoring programs and monthly networking meetings, which feature accomplished business professionals as guest speakers.

Opening in Atlanta in the late 1990s, the organization has been traditionally focused on developing the information technology sector.

But this year, in response to its members’ requests, TiE is looking to promote entrepreneurship in a broader cross-section of industries, according to Harish Mamtani, the organization’s new president who spoke with GlobalAtlanta in a recent interview.

Mr. Mamtani, who is managing director of SYS Ventures LLC, a financial management company in Atlanta, became president of TiE earlier this year.

He took over the position from Chand Akkineni, who has recently been elected to TiE’s global board of trustees. Mr. Akkineni is founder and CEO of internet solutions company, World Online Inc. and IT solutions company, SoftPros Inc.

Mr. Mamtani explained that the organization’s change in focus has shifted since many of its members who had previously been involved in the IT sector started investing in real estate or other ventures whenever the IT industry would lag.

As a result, more members wanted to learn about the challenges and successes of launching start-ups in different industries, he said.

The organization is also seeking to diversify and grow its member base, Mr. Mamtani said, adding that he wanted more female and student members.

Mr. Mamtani, who also headed up the Atlanta High-Tech CEO Council, a networking association for high-tech company executives, is joined on the management team of TiE by President-elect Nandan Sheth. Mr. Sheth is COO of Harbor Payments, a provider of electronic billing, invoice and payment technology that was acquired by American Express Co. last year.

Rajen Sheth, managing director of Insight Capital Management LLC and managing partner of real estate investment fund, Pinnacle Real Estate Partners LLC, is TiE’s treasurer. Susan Stottlemeyer of Association Planners of Georgia is the organization’s executive director.

Some 25 mentors, or experienced entrepreneurs who offer guidance to TiE’s up-and-coming business leaders, also assist in the organization’s direction.

Founded in 1992 in Silicon Valley, Calif., by businessmen of Indian origin, TiE works to foster entrepreneurship, provide networking platforms and help its members integrate with the mainstream community. It is open to individuals from all nationalities.

The next TiE meeting is Wednesday, Feb. 28, and is scheduled to feature Jeff Hoffman, managing partner of Smith-Hoffman Capital LLC and co-founder of www.priceline.com. Cost for non-members to attend is $25 and students $5. Membership to join the organization for one year is $100.0.

Story Contacts, Links and Related Stories
SYS Ventures LLC – Harish Mamtani

TiE – www.tie-atlanta.org