Like a certain 1970/80s sitcom, Fred Squared is moving on up. We’ve joined forces with Celia and Ben Dyer at TechDrawl. After many months of kicking each other’s tires, we inked the deal on January 1st, 2010. In short, my partners and I are now part of an incredible co-founder team of diverse talent and passion. And candidly, I’ve never been more excited for a new adventure…
Celia is a marvel to behold. Her zest and natural instincts have turned TechDrawl into a leading voice for technology entrepreneurship in the South. I am continually surprised by her unlimited compassion for startups and the real people behind them. She understands a community is only as good as the support it gives. Equally important, Celia has earned the right to be critical of the ecosystem she loves. Through truth, wit and fearless tenacity, she actually has a grander plan for us all. Impressive.
Ben is a legend — literally, he’s the 14th member of Georgia’s Technology Hall of Fame. Authentic to the core, he’s the real deal (technology entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and investment banker). It’s seldom in any career to have the opportunity to partner with an industry pioneer — founded Peachtree Software in 1977 — and for that alone, we’re honored. Yet the best news is that only scratches the surface. I’ve now firsthand witnessed what makes Ben tick. He knows the biggest vision requires the smallest details, and leadership means you inspire the smallest details by having a damn BIG vision. His ability to evolve and scale to the situation is jaw-dropping to watch. Ben has a timeless relevancy that’s lacking in many of today’s business leaders. Needless to say, I have much to learn.
So, why TechDrawl? The answer requires I share the highlights of our new plan. (Hint: we’ve been working on a major redesign since December.) We’re evolving TechDrawl to take an expanded look at technology and geekery in the South. Our intent is for the South to become the story — meaning you, your companies and the tech community will be pushed, pulled and positioned on the world stage. More on that with the upcoming launch…
We too plan to become the story. Expect BIG things to come from TD51.
The other important piece to our plan is TechDrawl will be incubating technology companies, with most being our own startups. It was important for us to keep our IP-equity flames burning. And as it turns out, Ben had been wanting to jump back into the tech entrepreneurship game for sometime. The outcome is TD51 (the super-secret commercial wing of TechDrawl). We previewed our first company, Mediasode, at the superbly hosted 2010 Startup Riot. For the full vibe, visit TD51.
All of which brings us to Fred Squared… F2 is transforming into a holding company, where we plan to manage our equity stakes in TechDrawl and other IP. All future work will be under the expanding TechDrawl flags. I’ve assumed the role of TechDrawl’s CEO and Ben is now the Chairman. Randy, Dave and Celia also have key executive roles, but the reality is we’re all co-founders doing whatever is needed to succeed.
With grace, time and hard work, our long-term vision is to leverage Fred Squared as a vehicle to invest in the community we love. Until then, we wish the best for everyone. I hope you do the same for TechDrawl…
Enjoy! (And for the record, Disney-Pixar’s UP was the best film of 2009.)
