Atlanta offices are being opened by major tech companies in an effort to tap into the local talent, particularly Black.

Silicon Valley-based AppleGoogle parent AlphabetRedmond, Washington is also available MicrosoftIn the recent past, they all opened shops in Atlanta.

Payments giant, headquartered near San Francisco VisaThe company will also open a new Atlanta office later in the year. Its chief diversity officer, which focuses on building relationships with start-ups, workers, and other organizations, will be located there.

CNBC’s Michelle Gethers Clark, Visa’s Diversity Chief, stated that “We are aware of the fact that all our customers include the Black community at every level and we aren’t shy about wanting them in our workforce.”

Georgia Tech, based in Atlanta, produces the highest number of technology graduates each year in the United States. according to research firm CBREAccording to, Atlanta was ranked eighth in the best city to source tech talent according to a report from 2021.

Over the past five years, Atlanta has seen 15% growth in tech jobs, comparable with other notable tech cities — 16% for the San Francisco Bay Area and 10% for Austin, Texas, according to CBRE.

Nakia Melecio, who is a start-up catalyst in Atlanta said that “Atlanta stands out as a unique place to reinvent what tech should look.” iDesignprojectThe office is in the center of the city. We have such an inviting and robust ecosystem that Black tech talent can come in knowing who their competitors are. They also know the resources available. This allows them to grow.

In the Greater Atlanta region, there are many tech incubators, accelerators, and innovation centers that offer support, mentoring, and networking opportunities to start-ups. Atlanta Tech Village, Atlanta Tech ParkPlease see the following: PropelAn HBCU technology hub that is supported and funded by Apple and an Atlanta-based power house Southern Co.

Over a dozen Atlanta-based companies have seen their valuations rise to $1 billion over the last decade, which is the threshold that allows them to be considered “unicorn” status.

Digital asset marketplaces are one of them. BakktThe company went public in 2021. Small business data provider Kabbage was purchased by American Express last. Calendly scheduling platform, now valued at more than $3B, is also available.

Tope Awotona (Black founder of Calendly) said that the start-up’s success and those of others prove tech can flourish in Atlanta.

CNBC’s Awotona stated that “we have definitely seen more investors come out to Atlanta to source businesses.” CNBC reported that they have seen “a lot of activity” with Atlanta’s start-ups.

He added, “It’s been so exciting to watch that.”