Presented by StartUP Columbus and D. Abbott Turner College of Business and Technology at Columbus State University.
Mark your calendars for Thursday, October 23rd as StartUP Columbus brings you a bold new era of entrepreneurship in the Chattahoochee Valley area. Experience the debut of LaunchCon, a one-day conference packed with keynote speakers, hands-on panels, and a live BizPitch competition awarding $40,000 in prizes.
Created by StartUP Columbus, LaunchCon is the next evolution of the city’s acclaimed BizPitch event, now reimagined to spotlight innovation, funding, and founder-focused programming.
What to Expect
•Expert-led panels on funding, growth & innovation
• Live pitch competition with $40K in prizes
• Networking with founders, funders & business leaders
• Actionable insights you can use right away
Event Details
Date: October 23, 2025
Time: 9AM - 8PM
Location: The Columbus Convention and Trade Center
Tickets on sale soon
PITCH Competition
$40,000 in prizes. Two categories. One shot to launch your dream.
Have a business idea or growing startup? The LaunchCon Pitch Competition is your chance to win a share of $40,000 and gain the visibility, support, and momentum to take your venture to the next level.
💡 Who Should Apply?
We’re looking for bold founders, dreamers, and builders from across the Chattahoochee Valley and beyond. Whether you’re just starting or already earning revenue, there’s a spot for you.
Choose your track:
Pre-Revenue Track: For early-stage startups or ideas not yet generating consistent revenue
Post-Revenue Track: For businesses earning at least $25,000 annually from sales, subscriptions, or other revenue sources
🏆 What You’ll Get:
A chance to win a share of $40,000 in funding
One-on-one pitch coaching from startup experts
Exposure to investors, mentors, and local business leaders
A live stage to showcase your business during LaunchCon
📝 How to Apply:
Complete the online application
Deadline to apply: July 30th
Finalists will be selected and notified by Mid-August
📍 Live Pitch Day:
Date: At LaunchCon on Thursday, Oct. 23rd 5-8PM
Location: Columbus Convention & Trade Center, Open to Public
Format: “Shark Tank” style live pitch to a panel of expert judges
📣 Don’t Miss This Opportunity
You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. Apply now and take the first step toward launching something big.
Important Pitch
Competition Dates
June 20 - Applications Open
July 30 - Applications Close
August 15 - Applicants notified of status from Round 1 Selection. Top 25 companies advance to Round 2.
August 30 – Round 2 applications deadline (midnight Easter Standard Time)
September 7 – Applicants notified of status from Round 2 Selection. Top 8 companies advance to Round 3.
September 26 – Top 4 Finalists will be notified if they will advance as finalist in the pitch competition.
October 23 - 2025 LaunchCon Winners and Runner-ups are selected from 5-judge panel.
Congratulations to our 2024 BizPitch Columbus winners!
Post-Revenue Category Winner
Garrett Stigall of Pool Protection Technologies
Meet Garrett Stigal, a recent graduate of the University of Georgia with a degree in engineering. He brings over a decade of hands-on experience in the pool industry, having started at age 11. A Georgia native, Stigall’s Pool Protection Technologies offers sustainable, practical solutions to common pool maintenance challenges, exemplifying his deep industry knowledge and commitment to innovation.
Pre-Revenue Category Winner:
Thomas Lester of The Earlybird Co.
Meet Thomas Lester, a Senior at Auburn University studying Industrial & Systems Engineering with a minor in Business Engineering Technology, founded The Earlybird Co. LLC and Heatstream Solutions. His ventures focus on self-heating technology, reflecting his innovative spirit and technical expertise. Outside of his entrepreneurial pursuits, Lester is a Thomas Walter Fellow, a Phi Gamma Delta Brother, and an avid golfer who enjoys cooking and family time.
