Tracing the roots of some of the most influential companies in the world may not lead where many people would expect. Resting in the heart of the Deep South, Atlanta has developed a tradition for nurturing innovative organizations, including the renowned Coca-Cola Company. This thriving business environment has garnered attention through the years, leading some to call Atlanta “The Silicon Valley of The South.” The city has done more than enough to earn its reputation, hosting companies that continue to expand their reach far beyond local and national boundaries. When it comes to delivering goods and services across the globe, there’s a high chance that countries are depending on an organization in Atlanta to follow through. As a result, ambitious tech professionals are making this Southern city their newest hub.
The rich history of Atlanta has blossomed into a diverse work scene, resulting in a mixture of established brands and budding startups. Whether it’s the automotive industry or the fintech sector, employees have a slate of options to choose from. There’s no limit to the areas Atlantans can explore and the impact they can have on those thousands of miles away. Take a closer look at the companies solidifying Atlanta as one of the most promising tech meccas of tomorrow.
Top Companies in Atlanta to Know
- The Coca-Cola Company
- Delta Air Lines
- UPS
- Cox Enterprises
- Georgia-Pacific
- NCR Corporation
- The Home Depot
- Equifax
- Twilio
- Infosys
Founded: 2005
Number of employees: 1,001 - 5,000
Simply Business functions as an online insurance broker for small businesses, selling products and policies ranging from workers’ compensation to professional liability coverage. Its business model is streamlining the insurance shopping and purchasing process such that its clients can choose rom an optimized list of algorithmically selected products to compare.
Founded: 2009
Number of employees: 1,000+
PagerDuty is a global cloud computing company that specializes in SaaS incident response for IT. The company refers to itself as “the central nervous system for a company’s digital operations.” Founded in Silicon Valley, the company has grown its presence in Atlanta since 2019. PagerDuty also regularly brings together members of its fully remote workforce to Atlanta for company gatherings. Employees come from London, Toronto, Sydney, Santiago and more.
Founded: 1908
Number of employees: 10,000+
What they do: General Motors is an American automobile manufacturer, designing and making passenger vehicles. It also operates the General Motors Financial Company, which provides financing for vehicle buyers. In Atlanta, GM maintains a research and development center that serves as a global hub for automotive IT.
Founded: 1952
Number of employees: 6,000+
What they do: Making a first impression and managing relationships is key for the success of a business, so Edelman offers an umbrella of services to protect companies’ brands. Because relationships can’t form without a degree of trust, Edelman provides guidance on business marketing, data security, crisis management, and other areas that contribute to the overall perception of an organization.
Founded: 1947
Number of employees: 67,000+
What they do: Sustainability is at the heart of the Jacobs mission, which has left an impact on a variety of industries. The company has taken on the world’s most pressing challenges, addressing water security, building infrastructure, renewable energy, and other issues. Developing an interconnected and adaptable world is crucial more than ever, so Jacobs is prepared to provide the necessary knowledge and technology.
Founded: 1847
Number of employees: 290,000+
What they do: While some companies prefer to specialize in a certain field, Siemens has taken a much different route. The organization has become a leader in various sectors, producing cutting-edge thinking and technology to propel the economies of tomorrow. Secure building designs, efficient energy products, and thoughtful investments are just a few achievements that fall under the diverse portfolio of Siemens.
Founded: 1984
Number of employees: 19,000
What they do: Staying true to its roots as a local organization, Centene Corporation remains committed to providing a holistic healthcare experience for each patient. Not only does the company address the physical and emotional health of individuals, but it also develops programs to give back to the communities it serves. Healthy living requires plenty of nurturing, so Centene Corporation provides the tools and attention to detail that patients need to achieve an enjoyable state of being.
Founded: 2011
Number of employees: 38,000+
What they do: XPO Logistics, Inc., is fueling more efficient shipping on a local and global scale, thanks to a dynamic mix of machine learning and data analysis. Companies now gain real-time updates on their orders, automate smaller tasks, and access more resources on a cloud-based digital freight marketplace. With advanced AI technology, businesses can remain in control of their loads every step of the way.
Founded: 2007
Number of employees: 2,000+
What they do: With the proliferation of data has come an increase in digital thieves looking to steal information, so it’s essential to have a security system in place. Tanium restores peace of mind to companies across a range of industries by providing a platform that unites IT and security departments. Now teams can locate vulnerabilities quickly, contain issues, and provide a resolution to keep sensitive data secure.
Founded: 1986
Number of employees: 8,000+
What they do: The healthcare industry can be a puzzling environment to navigate, but Allscripts is determined to rewrite this narrative. With a slate of connectivity solutions, the company makes it convenient for organizations to create complete patient profiles, conduct conversations through a mobile app, and manage bills and finances afterward. Every step of the process becomes simplified with the technology of Allscripts, creating a more satisfying experience for hospitals and their patients.
Founded: 1911
Number of employees: 500,000+
What they do: IBM centers its solutions around a cloud platform and AI technology that allow businesses to create more efficient and effective connections. Whether a company is looking to respond to customer inquiries or sift through data, IBM provides the tools to automate tasks and eliminate unnecessary work. Organizations can now deliver the kind of service customers have come to expect in a digital setting.
Founded: 1997
Number of employees: 1,000+
What they do: CapTech is ready to help companies take their strategy to the next level by investing in the power of data. The organization works with partners to structure their data in ways that let them swiftly conduct analyses and glean valuable insights. Whether a business is focused on energy or life sciences, CapTech can craft solutions around a company’s needs to create a more seamless transition.
Founded: 2000
Number of employees: 1,000
What they do: As a partner of Google, SADA provides cutting-edge technologies that create a competitive advantage for businesses looking to improve their day-to-day performance. Google Cloud delivers more effective ways to connect employees, store data, and protect company resources. Plus, a team of AI experts is always available to guide organizations through the next phase of their digital development.
Founded: 1952
Number of employees: 13,000+
What they do: Whether it’s a business jet or a defense craft, there’s a good chance the aircraft carries the label of General Dynamics. The company has developed an all-around set of products in the aviation industry, producing planes that serve countless purposes while offering a high level of craftsmanship. Teams of expert engineers and reliable customer representatives add further peace of mind during each flight.
Founded: 1981
Number of employees: 200,000+
What they do: No business is immune to change, so Infosys has crafted an innovative approach to help companies adapt to an increasingly digitized environment. Infosys offers AI technologies and other resources that place businesses in a position to thrive within an even more interconnected world. As demands for faster customer service and more high-tech solutions grow, organizations will be able to rise to the occasion.
Founded: 2008
Number of employees: 6,000+
What they do: Twilio is placing valuable communication tools in the hands of companies that want to build stronger relationships with their customers. Businesses now have the resources to personalize their interactions with clients through text, email, WhatsApp, Facebook, and more. Additionally, chatbots and other AI features address customer inquiries while leaders focus on growing their organization.
Founded: 1899
Number of employees: 12,000+
What they do: Equifax is a global data, analytics and technology company dedicated to delivering insights that power decisions to move people forward. The company helps people gain financial independence by increasing access to capital for small businesses and provides young adults entering university with financial education tools. This allows the organization to address challenges related to social welfare, community relations and financial education for underprivileged youth. Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries spanning North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region.
Founded: 1891
Number of employees: 17,000+
What they do: Currently operating under the name Truist, SunTrust is one of the nation’s largest financial services holding companies. The company offers a wide range of financial products and services such as small business and commercial banking, asset management, investments and retirement, commercial real estate, corporate and institutional banking, capital markets, and insurance. SunTrust serves approximately 10 million households nationwide.
Founded: 1898
Number of employees: 55,000+
What they do: Established by James M. Cox, Cox Enterprises is a global conglomerate that serves as the holding company for Cox Communications, Cox Automotive and Cox Media Group. Spanning the media, automotive and telecommunications sectors, the organization owns several national brands such as AutoTrader and Kelley Blue Book. Since its humble beginnings as a local newspaper business, Cox Enterprises has spread its operations across Asia, Europe, Australia and Latin America.
Founded: 1884
Number of employees: 34,000+
What they do: NCR Corporation develops enterprise technology that enables transactions across the financial, retail, hospitality, travel and tech sectors. The corporation’s suite of solutions includes digital banking, ATMs, transaction and channel platforms, branch transformation, stadium and venue solutions, and digital connected services. NCR Corporation has worked with a wide range of clients including Shell, First Citizens Bank and Northgate Market.
Founded: 1892
Number of employees: 700,000+
What they do: The Coca-Cola Company is a multinational beverage corporation with a global presence spanning more than 200 countries and territories. In addition to its eponymous Coca-Cola beverage, the corporation operates a portfolio of brands including Gold Peak teas and coffees, Smartwater, Powerade sports drinks, Simply juices and Vitaminwater. Since its founding, this beverage-distributing behemoth has acquired 12 organizations such as Fairlife, Tropico and Costa Coffee.
Founded: 1912
Number of employees: 10,000+
What they do: Southern Company is one of the nation’s largest energy providers, offering customized energy solutions, fiber optics and wireless communications. With a focus on providing clean, safe, and affordable energy, Southern Company supplies energy to homes and businesses nationwide, serving about nine million customers in total.
Founded: 1977
Number of employees: 400,000+
What they do: Founded by Bernie Marcus and Arthur Blank, The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. Operating more than 2,200 stores across North America, the organization offers over 25,000 home improvement products. The Home Depot has acquired 17 organizations since its inception including Askuity, Compact Power Equipment and Interline Brands.
Founded: 1928
Number of employees: 80,000+
What they do: Operating in 53 countries across six continents, Delta Air Lines is one of the nation’s largest airlines. With a mainline fleet of more than 800 aircraft, the airline participates in a transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia, as well as one with Virgin Atlantic. Delta Air Lines offers more than 15,000 daily flights worldwide, boasting hubs and markets in places such as Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Paris, Salt Lake City and Tokyo.
Founded: 1927
Number of employees: 30,000+
What they do: Georgia-Pacific is a leading manufacturer and marketer of tissue, pulp, paper, packaging and building products. With over 180 offices located worldwide, the company oversees a portfolio of consumer products that includes Quilted Northern bath tissue, Brawny paper towels and Dixie paper cups. In addition to consumer products, Georgia-Pacific manufactures a wide range of wood products for use in residential and commercial construction such as plywood, exterior sheathing products, drywall and lumber.
Founded: 1999
Number of employees: 6,000+
What they do: Cricket Wireless is a telecommunications company that offers affordable service plans without requiring an annual contract. Operating as a subsidiary of AT&T, the company provides its prepaid wireless voice, text and data services to about 10 million subscribers across the United States. Cricket Wireless supports many of the most popular smartphone brands including Samsung, iPhone and Nokia.
Founded: 1898
Number of employees: 12,000+
What they do: Acuity Brands is a global tech manufacturer that offers a comprehensive portfolio of lighting products, controls, software and services. With the aim to transform the IoT and smart lighting landscape, the company provides a variety of indoor and outdoor brands such as Blue Box, Atrius, Cyclone and American Electric Lighting. Acuity Brands serves clients from a wide range of industries including healthcare, hospitality, retail and education.
Founded: 1907
Number of employees: 162,000+
What they do: UPS is a multinational package delivery and supply chain management company. As a worldwide leader in logistics, the company serves more than 220 countries and territories across the globe. Since its inception, this multi-billion-dollar corporation has undergone six exits and acquired 13 organizations.
Founded: 1953
Number of employees: 50,000+
What they do: Founded by Scott Ford, WestRock is a global provider of differentiated paper and end-to-end packaging solutions. Working with organizations from a variety of industries, the company offers a broad range of products including adhesive labels, quick-service cartons, countertop displays and specialty labels. With a global presence spanning several continents, WestRock boasts more than 320 manufacturing facilities, research labs, design centers and sales offices across the globe.
Founded: 1960
Number of employees: 38,000+
What they do: Randstad USA provides outsourcing, staffing, consulting and workforce solutions within a wide range of industries. With a presence in more than 38 markets worldwide, the company enables people to search for jobs in areas like engineering, IT, life sciences, healthcare, manufacturing and logistics. Randstad USA’s mission is to be a global leader in matching demand for and supply of HR and labor services.
