Funding entrepreneurship creates jobs... it's that simple. Even in the midst of what economists are calling a "sagging" economy, entrepreneurs, and the small to medium businesses they create, continue to be key in driving economic growth and job expansion. For Georgia in particular, connecting entrepreneurs and innovators with venture funding is more important than ever. To that end, Venture Atlanta, the state's largest technology investor forum, today announced the first half of the 2011 slate of companies selected to present during its annual conference to be held October 25-26 at the Georgia Aquarium.

The 20 growth-stage companies selected will present on the second day of the conference in the Venture Spotlight as part of the newly expanded conference format. Venture Atlanta has selected some of Georgia's top entrepreneurs showcasing their growing businesses in a variety of the state's strongest technology sectors including financial services, health IT, information security, new media, and cloud computing.

The companies selected to present at the 2011 conference are:

-- BrightWhistle

-- Contact At Once! LLC

-- FiPath

-- Global Takeoff, Inc.

-- Interactive Advisory Software (IAS)

-- Mobile Active Defense

-- MyDealerLot

-- NanoLumens

-- Racemi Inc.

-- Reflex Systems

-- SalesFUSION

-- SecureHealthPay

-- Skitter, Inc.

-- SimpleC

-- Snapfinger

-- Urjanet

-- Velocity Medical Solutions, LLC

-- VersionOne, Inc.

-- Vertical Acuity, Inc.

-- Wahoo Fitness

"We saw a record number of quality, innovative companies apply for this year's conference," said Glenn McGonnigle, Venture Atlanta 2011 Chairman and General Partner at TechOperators. "Our presenting companies represent well the technology sectors where Georgia entrepreneurs have consistently built world-class businesses. Technology is the bright shining star in our local economy."

For the conference agenda and full slate of presenting companies at Venture Atlanta 2011 or to register for the event, please visit www.ventureatlanta.org.