I’ve spent most of my career building companies across very different industries. I’ve experienced the highs that come with growth and momentum, and I’ve also lived through the quieter, harder moments: businesses under pressure, uncertainty around payroll, personal loss, and the loneliness that can come with carrying responsibility for others. Those experiences have shaped how I see entrepreneurship and, more importantly, how I think we should support the people who choose to build.

HatchBridge exists because entrepreneurship is hard, and it doesn’t have to be done alone.

Over the past few years, HatchBridge has supported more than 200 companies through programming designed to help entrepreneurs tell their story more clearly, reach customers more effectively, and grow in sustainable ways. Collectively, those companies have raised over $29 million in capital. But beyond the numbers, what matters most is the community that has formed around shared learning, honest conversation, and real support.

As Interim Director, my focus is on expanding that support more deeply and more broadly across Kennesaw State University. That means increasing access for faculty who are exploring how their research and ideas can reach the world. It means continuing to support community entrepreneurs who are navigating growth, change, and uncertainty. And it means building thoughtful programming that helps people come up to speed on emerging technologies, including AI, in a way that is practical, responsible, and human.

We’ll continue to grow our residency offerings, fellow programs, advisor and coach community, and hands-on events that create space for learning and connection. Above all, we’ll stay grounded in what has always mattered most at HatchBridge: meeting people where they are and helping them move forward with clarity and confidence.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve in this role and excited about what we’ll build together.

Mark Feinberg
^{Interim Director
HatchBridge Incubator}

Are you a pre-product, pre-revenue, or pre-seed founder trying to figure out what comes next?

Join HatchBridge on Friday, February 6 at 12:00 PM for this month’s Slice & Advice, featuring Justin McLeod, Founder & Executive Director of Square One Startup School.

Justin will talk about Square One’s upcoming tuition-free capital readiness pre-accelerator, a 10-week, fully remote program helping early-stage founders validate ideas, build no-code MVPs, and connect with angel investors across the region.

Whether you’re refining an idea or figuring out your next step, this session will give you a clear look at what capital readiness really means at the earliest stages.

February 6th 12:00 - 2:30 PM | 📍 HatchBridge Incubator (1111 Chastain NW)

RSVP now to save your spot!

On Wednesday, February 18th, HatchBridge will be holding our Resident Roundtable session made by founders, for founders. This month, the program will allow our Student Fellows to meet with founders and innovators and work interactively for the purpose of fellows helping to execute entrepreneurs’ visions on their early-stage projects. This is designed for founders to collaborate with, share their expertise and challenges, and become a real-world application for the students, while the students can bring fresh, supportive perspectives and valuable skills to their business.

Resident Roundtable is open to all active residents. To learn more, click the button below to read about the program and become a member at HatchBridge.

February 18th 12:00 - 1:30 PM | 📍 HatchBridge Incubator (1111 Chastain NW)

Come join HatchBridge on Friday, February 27th, for our brand new "HatchBridge Hangout”, where startup founders and innovators are encouraged to gather to get connected and visit local businesses.

Our first meetup will be at Daily Grind in Marietta, GA.

HatchBridge Hangout is open to everyone in the Atlanta startup ecosystem. This gathering welcomes meaningful conversations while in a relaxed and engaged setting.

See you there!

February 27th 9:00 - 10:30 AM | 📍3960 Mary Eliza Trace NW, Marietta, GA 30064

As the U.S. celebrates the 140th anniversary of Groundhog Day, many residents of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania gather in an annual ceremony where Groundhog Day’s mascot, Punxsutawney Phil, is presented with news of an early spring (if he doesn’t see his shadow), or 6 more weeks of winter (if he does). Although it is said that Phil has a 40% accuracy rate of what really ends up happening with the weather, the holiday is still seen as a fun tradition where thousands of Americans dress up, have baked goods, and get involved in their communities!

So, did Phil see his shadow? According to the official website for the holiday (groundhog.org), Phil did indeed see his shadow, indicating that there will be 6 more weeks of winter! So with Phil’s claim, will we actually continue to stay bundled up, or can we leave the house in our short sleeves soon? Only time will tell!

~Have a great February!~

Contact: Marie Northington, Operations Manager - [email protected]

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