Thirty of the most promising new companies in Georgia had a coming-out party at the recent 6th annual Startup Riot, a daylong pitchfest. Cash prizes were awarded and connections made with potential investors.

Software, IT and mobile hardware entrepreneurs laid out their dreams in three minutes flat, among them the winner, Excelegrade, and fellow top five finishers Ten Eight and deductmor.

Afterwards, the founders of those three businesses, Lauren Miller, Patrick Braswell and Kevin Sandlin talked about what it’s like to launch.

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A man makes a phone call in front of a train during Tracks of Hope, an event hosted by Norfolk Southern in support of Hope Atlanta, in Forest Park, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Norfolk Southern opened its executive vintage business train, typically reserved for company leadership and dignitaries, to the public in support of Hope Atlanta. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com

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Lt. Gov. Burt Jones — pictured at an August rally in Peachtree City that also featured Vice President JD Vance — appears to have scored another legal victory over gubernatorial rival Attorney General Chris Carr in their battle over campaign finance issues. (Arvin Temkar/AJC 2025)

Credit: Arvin Temkar / AJC