When it comes to the innovation economy, fintech touches us all and is leading that way.
To that end, TAG this week hosted Fintech South. This year’s virtual program brought together hundreds of the best and brightest fintech leaders from around the world. More than 300 speakers shared their time and expertise during three days of content, connections and experiences. I trust everyone who joined was as inspired as I was by the spirit of friendly collaboration and positive energy throughout the sessions.
Now that the program is behind us, I want to congratulate all the members of our TAG Fintech Society, and especially the chair of the Society, Sean Banks, Partner at TTV Capital. Sean has been a tremendous leader for our fintech community. Thanks to his creativity and vision, the Fintech Society provides tremendous value to TAG members.
I also want to recognize our Fintech South 2021 co-chairs, Kristin Slink and Chip Harden, and Executive Director, Andrew Morris. Their energy and dedication made this year’s event truly special. Thank you for a job well done!
Another TAG Fintech Society triumph this past week was the 2021 Fintech Ecosystem Report, which was published June 23. A special thanks to Don Campbell and Glen Savardy for their continued leadership producing this important report. It shows how fintech businesses in Georgia innovated and overcame the challenges of the past 18 months. It’s remarkable how, even as we fought off COVID-19, our fintech community accelerated the move toward contactless payments and further removed friction points from our financial systems.
As the economy adjusted to the lockdown, the number of fintech firms in Georgia rose to more than 200 in 2021. Fintech companies employed more than 39,000 people providing a significant boost to the state’s economy. At the same time, fintech venture capital funding kept flowing and this year is on pace to exceed last year’s total of nearly $1 billion.
If anyone wonders why TAG is such a dynamic organization, the Fintech Society and its leadership provide an excellent example of innovative and outstanding leadership.
Larry K. Williams
President and CEO, Technology Association of Georgia (TAG)