For local startups, journey is bumpy but worth it

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.