Tiger 21, a peer-to-peer learning and networking organization for high-net-worth investors in North America, is opening a new group in Atlanta, bringing the number of cities with a Tiger 21 presence to 16.

Tiger 21was founded in New York in 1999 and now has more than 240 members, who manage over $22 billion in total assets, according to the organization. In addition to several groups in New York, it has U.S. groups in Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, Palm Beach, Fla., San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tysons Corner, Va., and Washington, DC, as well as Canadian groups in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver. 

Like other Tiger 21 groups, the Atlanta group will pool intelligence of high-net-worth investors, who meet monthly to exchange investment ideas and share personal experiences on wealth-related issues. In addition to serving as a professional networking and educational platform, Tiger 21 offers members access to investment opportunities, including private equity, real estate and hedge funds, as well as participation in other alternative investments.

Leaders of the Atlanta group are Klaas Baks, who will serve as chair, and Steve Freedman, who is a founding member.

Baks is the executive director of the Emory Center for Alternative Investments and an associate professor of finance at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.

Freedman founded Getmembers.com, a direct marketing agency. He is now the CEO of Beach Ball Capital, which focuses on short- and long-term alternative investments in commercial and residential real estate, service hotels, distressed and senior secured debt, private equity, and venture and select operating companies.