Entrepreneurs looking to quickly search, review, and connect with prequalified service providers can now turn to Atlas Providers, which launched a free, digital marketplace at atlasproviders.com on Monday to better connect emerging companies and Madison-area service providers.
By offering transparency into a service provider’s compensation model, key services, and expert insight, Atlas Providers gives entrepreneurs one location to pinpoint, research, and connect with local experts in insurance, legal services, commercial real estate, wealth management, technology, accounting, digital marketing, and human resources.
Founded in February 2015 by Derek Notman, Nick Lombardino, and Ryan Waite, the first iteration of Atlas Providers was much different than it is today, notes Lombardino.
“Originally, we were trying to find a way for area service providers to holistically and collaboratively work together for the benefit of an emerging company. This idea, although exciting, presented several logistical challenges, but allowed us to zero in on a major issue that startups face: selecting the right service provider in a fast, cost-effective manner.”
According to Lombardino, Atlas Providers is a network of local services providers who are passionate about entrepreneurship and have a proven track record of working with emerging companies.
“We have created the first digital platform where startups can easily search, review, and connect with prequalified service providers in a transparent and simplified manner,” explains Lombardino.
As a measure of trust, entrepreneurs want to work with service providers who have experience working with startups, Lombardino says. That’s why Atlas vets providers to make sure they specialize in working with emerging companies and offer services that align with an entrepreneur’s unique needs.
Service providers affiliated with the Atlas Providers Network are required to go through an initial qualification process that includes, but is not limited to: interviews, reference checks, entrepreneurial givebacks (mentorship, volunteering, free consultations), and evaluation of compensation model (hourly wage, commission-based, etc.).
“When entrepreneurs identify that they need to engage a service provider, they typically need that service yesterday,” Lombardino says. “They usually don’t have the time and energy to properly research, qualify, and shop service providers. We take that burden away by bringing the area’s premiere startup service providers under one roof.”
The service is already working to connect entreprenuer with provider. “With Atlas Providers, I have a one-stop shop to connect with service providers that focus on working with emerging companies and understand my unique entrepreneurial needs,” notes Brian Jensen, CEO of Fishidy, a Madison-based company that allows local anglers to be alerted about the latest fishing activity, log their catches on interactive fishing maps, and find tips to help them catch more fish.
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Entrepreneurs can use the full Atlas Providers website free of charge. Its three owners currently fund the company, but as a marketing vehicle for the service providers the company plans to monetize by charging the providers a monthly or annual fee.
Service providers interested in being added to Atlas’ database can fill out an application by visiting www.atlasproviders.com/application.
To best serve Madison’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, Atlas Providers is partnering with several local organizations, including the Wisconsin Technology Council, that cater to emerging companies.
“We are thrilled to have a strategic relationship with Atlas Providers,” Tom Still, president of the Tech Council President said in a news release. “Through our partnership, we are able to offer our members a local ‘one-stop shop’ for highly experienced industry experts.”
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