Atlanta Welcomes Back Tech Veteran Jennifer Bonnett
There’s a buzz in Atlanta these days, and it’s not just the sound of traffic or the chatter at local coffee shops. The tech scene here is feeling reinvigorated, and a big reason is the return of a beloved figure, Jennifer Bonnett. This seasoned tech professional has come back to the city after a six-year stint in Savannah, and she’s stepping into an important role as the Vice President of Technology and Entrepreneurship at Invest Atlanta.
From Savannah to Atlanta
Jennifer’s return has sparked excitement among many in the Atlanta tech community. People have been sharing, “Did you hear who’s coming back?” It’s safe to say the answer is mostly met with cheers for Bonnett’s impressive background. Her career journey is nothing short of remarkable, as she has held various roles ranging from technologist and founder to C-suite executive and community builder.
Bonnett’s career kicked off with her roots in coding and consulting at Fortune 1000 companies. Fast forward to 1997, when she made the jump into the startup world as the founding VP of Technology for a company called eTour, which was acquired by Ask.com in 2001. “Back in those days, the startup scene was kind of scattered,” she shares, reminiscing about a time where collaboration was limited and resources felt scarce.
Activating the Community
However, everything changed in 2008, a pivotal year for both Bonnett and Atlanta’s tech scene. After seeing a mentor move to California due to local funding challenges, she felt compelled to take action. “That was my wake-up call to help activate the startup community,” she recalls. Her focus was clear: “How do we make Atlanta a better place for startups?”
This drive led her to establish StartupChicks in 2009, which aimed to connect and support women entrepreneurs. The initiative boomed, eventually growing to a membership of over 10,000! Her efforts did not stop there; she went on to work at Georgia Tech’s ATDC (Advanced Technology Development Center) where she further developed educational programs and outreach initiatives.
A New Chapter
In 2018, Jennifer made the move to coastal Georgia for family reasons, becoming the executive director of The Creative Coast in Savannah. Yet, as fate would have it, her heart was still tied to Atlanta. When the opportunity at Invest Atlanta presented itself, the stars aligned. “I was on a break, but people kept suggesting I look at this role,” Bonnett says. And it didn’t take long for her to realize it was the perfect match for her experience and passion.
One big reason for her decision to return was the growing consensus in Atlanta that it aims to be a top-five tech hub. “There’s this unifying agreement from everyone—community leaders and policymakers alike—that this is the direction we want to head,” she emphasizes.
Setting Goals and Moving Forward
In her new role, Bonnett has set ambitious goals. Her focus will be on three major areas: revitalizing the Women’s Entrepreneurship Initiative (WEI), attracting and retaining high-quality tech jobs, and ultimately cementing Atlanta’s status as a top tech hub in the United States. She’s already teaming up with key players like Donnie Beamer from the City’s Office of Innovation and Technology, ensuring they have a coordinated approach through shared key performance indicators.
As she settles into her role, Bonnett is prioritizing relationship-building through a “listening tour”. She’s eager to connect—or reconnect—with individuals and organizations playing significant roles in Atlanta’s startup ecosystem. “It feels like a natural extension of my journey. I was there at the beginning, and now I want to help steer what’s next for the city,” she expressed.
A Bright Future
Atlanta’s tech scene is on the verge of something exciting, and Bonnett’s presence is a testament to that. “There will be challenges ahead,” she admits. “But I’m thrilled to contribute to this exciting time. I’ve seen the start, and I’m ready to be a part of what’s next.”
