Kim Mackenzie

Neighborhood Studios partners with tenacious founders to build hyperlocal startups from the ground up. We are a venture studio based in Atlanta, GA with a deep expertise in local startups. We have created a repeatable process to identify unique insights to hyperlocal problems, develop novel product entry points, de-risk our product approach, recruit exceptional founders / CEOs, and ultimately launch a few hyperlocal startups per year.

Socium Ventures is a venture and growth investment firm focused on investing in durable and compounding companies. We pursue private investment opportunities for Series A to Growth Stage with a focus in the following industries: B2B marketplaces, enterprise software, fintech, govtech, healthcare services, sustainable technology and tech-enabled services. Socium offers permanent capital with no specific liquidity timeline, as well as direct access to seasoned leaders who have the strategic, operational and technical expertise to help founders scale their businesses. Our unique operating model, experienced team and vision for a better future empowers forward-thinking founders to unlock their full potential. Socium Ventures is a fund from Cox Enterprises: a global, family-owned company that has been pioneering innovation for more than 125 years. Cox Enterprises is $23 billion holding company for Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, as well as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cox Cleantech, Axios and more. Cox has a rich legacy of disrupting industries, challenging the status quo and addressing the most pressing issues of our time. With Socium Ventures, Cox continues to serve as a strong and trusted catalyst that empowers forward-thinking founders to make their mark.

PadSplit is the nations largest coliving marketplace, connecting renters seeking affordable housing with thousands of furnished rooms in shared residential properties across the U.S. The platform transforms how people access housing by eliminating traditional rental barriers—no long-term leases, minimum credit scores, or large upfront costs required. Members enjoy all-inclusive weekly payments that cover rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, and furniture, allowing for move-ins within 48 hours. This flexible approach makes housing accessible to essential workers, students, and anyone navigating todays challenging rental market. For property owners and investors, PadSplit maximizes rental income by converting underutilized spaces into private rooms within managed coliving environments. The platform provides a turnkey solution that generates higher returns while addressing the housing affordability crisis—creating value for both sides of the marketplace.

A pioneer in K–12 education since 2000, Amplify is leading the way in next-generation curriculum and formative assessment. Our captivating core and supplemental programs in ELA, math, and science engage all students in rigorous learning and inspire them to think deeply, creatively, and for themselves. Our formative assessment and intervention products turn data into practical instructional support to help students at every skill level build a strong foundation in early reading and math. All of our programs provide teachers with powerful tools that help them understand and respond to the needs of their students. Today, Amplify serves more than 10 million students in all 50 states.

Neighborhood Studios partners with tenacious founders to build hyperlocal startups from the ground up. We are a venture studio based in Atlanta, GA with a deep expertise in local startups. We have created a repeatable process to identify unique insights to hyperlocal problems, develop novel product entry points, de-risk our product approach, recruit exceptional founders / CEOs, and ultimately launch a few hyperlocal startups per year.

Socium Ventures is a venture and growth investment firm focused on investing in durable and compounding companies. We pursue private investment opportunities for Series A to Growth Stage with a focus in the following industries: B2B marketplaces, enterprise software, fintech, govtech, healthcare services, sustainable technology and tech-enabled services. Socium offers permanent capital with no specific liquidity timeline, as well as direct access to seasoned leaders who have the strategic, operational and technical expertise to help founders scale their businesses. Our unique operating model, experienced team and vision for a better future empowers forward-thinking founders to unlock their full potential. Socium Ventures is a fund from Cox Enterprises: a global, family-owned company that has been pioneering innovation for more than 125 years. Cox Enterprises is $23 billion holding company for Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, as well as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cox Cleantech, Axios and more. Cox has a rich legacy of disrupting industries, challenging the status quo and addressing the most pressing issues of our time. With Socium Ventures, Cox continues to serve as a strong and trusted catalyst that empowers forward-thinking founders to make their mark.

PadSplit is the nations largest coliving marketplace, connecting renters seeking affordable housing with thousands of furnished rooms in shared residential properties across the U.S. The platform transforms how people access housing by eliminating traditional rental barriers—no long-term leases, minimum credit scores, or large upfront costs required. Members enjoy all-inclusive weekly payments that cover rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, and furniture, allowing for move-ins within 48 hours. This flexible approach makes housing accessible to essential workers, students, and anyone navigating todays challenging rental market. For property owners and investors, PadSplit maximizes rental income by converting underutilized spaces into private rooms within managed coliving environments. The platform provides a turnkey solution that generates higher returns while addressing the housing affordability crisis—creating value for both sides of the marketplace.

Techstars helps founders scale their startups into world-changing businesses. Founded in 2006, Techstars is on a mission to invest in startups to enable more capital to flow to more entrepreneurs around the world in order to deliver exceptional returns to our investors. We do this by operating accelerator programs and venture capital funds, as well as by connecting startups, investors, corporations, and cities to help build thriving startup communities. Our results show why Techstars is Better for Founders than any other global accelerator: On average, 74.5% of Techstars companies will raise money within 3 years of their program; 18.5% of Techstars portfolio companies have exited 5 years after their program and 31.1% after eight years. (PitchBook June 2023)