Chris Klaus Empowers Georgia Tech Graduates to Launch Startups

In a bold move to inspire Georgia Tech graduates, Chris Klaus announced he will cover incorporation costs for aspiring student entrepreneurs during his Commencement speech. This initiative aims to bolster Atlanta’s startup ecosystem and aligns with the city’s goal of becoming a leading U.S. tech hub, according to Mayor Andre Dickens.

In a striking initiative to jumpstart Atlanta’s entrepreneurial scene, Christopher W. Klaus, a prominent Georgia Tech alum and tech visionary, made a notable announcement at the Georgia Tech Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 2. He revealed an impressive offer: he will cover the incorporation fees for any student graduating who wishes to launch a startup.

Klaus emphasized that this gesture transcends just financing. “This is about more than just covering fees — it’s about lighting a spark,” he explained passionately. “Every founder needs someone to believe in them early. Through this gift, we’re offering that belief and giving graduates the chance to start building with purpose and confidence.”

Originating from his connection to Georgia Tech, Klaus has made his mark on Atlanta’s tech scene. While still a student, he founded Internet Security Systems—a company that eventually went public and caught IBM’s eye for an acquisition deal close to $2 billion. Today, he heads Fusen, a startup accelerator that helps students find mentors, investors, and funding. His previous contributions include a $15 million donation in 2000 for the innovative Klaus Advanced Computing Building. He even co-founded CREATE-X, the university’s flagship entrepreneurship program that marked ten years in 2024 and has successfully launched over 500 startups.

Georgia Tech President Ángel Cabrera praised Klaus during his speech, pointing out, “We invited Chris Klaus to speak at Commencement because he embodies the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that has defined Georgia Tech for 140 years.” Cabrera will also honor Klaus with an honorary Ph.D. at the ceremony, reflecting Klaus’s impact on generations of aspiring innovators.

Klaus’s initiative also ties in with broader city goals to strengthen Atlanta as a tech powerhouse. Mayor Andre Dickens is pursuing an objective to make Atlanta a top five U.S. tech hub. To get there, the city needs about 2,000 startups each year until 2027 to catch the attention of venture capitalists, boost job creation, and enhance the city’s reputation as an innovation leader.

As Mayor Dickens stated, “Chris Klaus’ generosity and vision will help further Atlanta’s position as one of the country’s leading tech hubs. His support for emerging entrepreneurs exemplifies our city’s group project and what is needed to equip the next generation of job creators for success.” This promise from Klaus isn’t just an offering to aspiring founders; it’s a beacon of hope for the future of Georgia’s tech industry.

Christopher Klaus’s generous offer to fund startup incorporation costs for Georgia Tech graduates marks a significant moment in Atlanta’s entrepreneurial landscape. His dedication to empowering young innovators blends seamlessly with the city’s ambitions of bolstering its tech ecosystem. The enthusiastic support echoed by Mayor Dickens further underscores the collaborative efforts needed to propel Atlanta into a leading tech hub status. Klaus’s initiative is a clear message: investing in the next generation of entrepreneurs paves the way for a brighter future in tech.

Original Source: news.gatech.edu