FAQs

American Tamil Entrepreneur Association (ATEA) is a business focused non-profit 501(c)(3) organization with the vision of creating and providing a platform for networking, exchanging business ideas, seeking mentorship, investments, making connections, and creating an atmosphere for entrepreneurial thinking among NRIs and Americans of Tamil origin. ATEA is for entrepreneurs in all industries at all stages, enables to learn and grow, leading to greater success in business and beyond.

ATEA’s mission of “Link, Learn and Lead” is to provide a dynamic entrepreneurial environment that helps entrepreneurs and business leaders to be inspired, to create connections (Link), and to share knowledge (Learn) that leads to business growth and success (Lead) that benefit the community.

ATEA chapters organize meetups, seminars and conferences for the benefit of the members. Startup education, idea validation, networking, mentoring, and fundraising guidance / assistance are some the key objectives of the organization.

ATEA is focused on Tamil Youth and Tamil Women budding entrepreneurs. The seeds for the need for ATEA were sown at TEFcon in San Jose in July 2015. When we put together a platform of successful Tamil Entrepreneurs and professionals for TEF, we realized (perhaps for the first time) the opportunity to promote and foster entrepreneurship among Tamil speaking youth and women. We were encouraged by the reception the idea received. The idea resonated well not just with the mentees that received feedback, but also with the mentors in that they felt a sense of inclusion and connection with the up and coming entrepreneurs.

The concept grew further strength at TEFcon in New Jersey in July 2016. The realization grew that the need was not just in Silicon Valley, but in the East Coast and entire USA. 

ATEA was founded by a group of successful entrepreneurs, corporate executives, investors and academicians with a goal of giving back to their community by sharing their knowledge and expertise with the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Above all, numbers show that the Tamil community is a business-shy community. Now is the time to utilize the worldwide opportunities to launch startups and innovative businesses. ATEA will disseminate relevant information targeted to the community.

No, ATEA is not a cultural or religious organization. It is a professional business networking and educational organization focused on promoting and fostering entrepreneurship.

No, ATEA is not a cultural or religious organization. It is a professional business networking and educational organization focused on promoting and fostering entrepreneurship.

No, ATEA is not a cultural or religious organization. It is a professional business networking and educational organization focused on promoting and fostering entrepreneurship.

We recommend becoming an annual member of ATEA, though non-members can attend the events. Regular events such as meetups are free for members. Members also get discounts for ATEA conferences and other programs offered by ATEA.

Any member of the community interested in entrepreneurship – current entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs, high school and college students interested in entrepreneurship, women entrepreneurs, executives, etc.

Yes. Any type of business can become a member. Startup businesses are welcome and can become members of ATEA. See membership section for details.

We will be defining a process to apply for the funding. More importantly, ATEA has access to numerous investors and VCs. We will be able to introduce budding youth and women entrepreneurs to the right investor – based on the domain.

ATEA is currently operating in a “virtual” mode. It does not have an incubation space. All members of the ATEA Board and Executive Members are working full time in their respective ventures. So, the question of providing an office space for other startups does not arise. However, ATEA can provide assistance in determining the right location for your startup.

ATEA started as a national and central organization headquartered in Silicon Valley. There has been a tremendous demand to open chapters in various states of the USA to cater to the local need more towards meetups, mixers, networking and being connected. 

Chapters already established in the following states in the USA: Silicon Valley, NY/NJ, PA/DE Valley, DC, Chicago and LA

Following chapters are in progress: Dallas, Atlanta, St Louis,Boston, Florida and Chennai, India

All current Tamil community organizations focus on culture, literature, religion, etc. Hence ATEA, exclusively focused on entrepreneurship, will work with other organizations to benefit the members of the community at large.

Please become an annual member in order to support ATEA. Businesses can welcome to become annual sponsors or event sponsors. Above all, ATEA is a volunteer run organization. We need your support as volunteers for various events as well as ongoing operations.

Please reach out to ATEA chapter in your region. Can also contact us in any of social media channels. 

ATEA is headquartered in the Silicon Valley (San Francisco Bay Area) in USA.

GTEN and TEFCON both are registered trademarks of ATEA for events that it organizes.