Startup Atlanta Introduces Interim Executive Director, David Duncan

Startup Atlanta recently named Atlanta native and entrepreneur David Duncan as the interim executive director for Startup Atlanta. Duncan, a founding board member of Startup Atlanta, will replace Bess Weyandt later this month.

Prior to his work with Startup Atlanta, Duncan was the co-owner of Paddywax, a candle manufacturing company that he co-founded in 1996. At Paddywax, Duncan oversaw the strategic planning and operations of the businesses’ sales, digital marketing, accounting and finance departments. Duncan holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Georgia State University.

“David has deep roots in the City’s entrepreneurial community and brings a wealth of business knowledge to the role,” said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, director of business development at Invest Atlanta and Chairman of the Board for Startup Atlanta. “We are very excited to have him serve as interim Executive Director.”

In his new role, Duncan will oversee the organization’s day-to-day activities and provide leadership to the City’s growing community of startup businesses.

“Startup Atlanta is in the unique position of being an independent nonprofit organization at the intersection of Atlanta's private sector, public corporate community, government and thriving university system. I am excited and honored to be working with a board of directors comprised of some of Atlanta’s most successful entrepreneurs and leaders who all are well established contributors and supporters of Atlanta’s entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem ” said Duncan. “My vision is to collaborate with all parties to help foster a healthy and sustainable ecosystem in the Atlanta region.”

A champion of entrepreneurial business, Duncan has held various leadership roles at the local, regional, and global levels for the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global association of entrepreneurs, with a vision of building the world’s most influential community of entrepreneurs. He recently served as the Atlanta chapter’s president.

Startup Atlanta is a nonprofit organization created and incubated by Invest Atlanta, The Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce, the Atlanta Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, and the Atlanta Technology Angels, to help the startup community engage, interact and create new businesses and jobs.