A majority of venture capital is placed in software and Internet ventures. Many startups also receive funding through private placements, corporate investment and bank loans. Dell Computer and its top executives are also joining a chorus of other business angels and corporate investors who have invested heavily in local startups. ATI's contribution to the local economy is significant. Heightened awareness and international image are additional benefits ATI has created for Austin entrepreneurship.
Venture capitalists aim to invest even more money in Austin.
This underscores a more competitive environment among venture capital firms and a recognition that their success will become ever more dependent on the relationships they create through early stage investments. Venture capital will become the engine for local economic growth throughout 2002 creating an exciting environment for entrepreneurs, new innovations, IPOs and new wealth. Future IPOs will likely include Agere, Agillion, GlobeSet, Applied Science Fiction, Collective Technologies, BroadJump, and SigmaTel. Dell accounts for a majority of the 40,000 workers employed at regional computer companies. Dell's manufacturing facility in Tennessee became operational in 62 days and has been shipping product since August 1999.