Four Georgia Startups To Compete for $250,000 in Cash, Services
Four startups will compete for $100,000 in cash and another $150,000 in professional services on May 18 in the finals of the New Business Launch Competition in Georgia.
The finalists emerged from a group of 12 semifinalists in the event, which is co-sponsored by the
Technology Association of Georgia
and the
Georgia Research Alliance
. The competition began with a total of 50 entries.
The finalists are:
A panel of judges will review the finalists' business plans. The winning company must agree to remain in Georgia for at least three years or the prize money must be repaid - with interest.
"The quality of submissions for the competition has been incredible," said GRA President C. Michael Cassidy. "This contest embodies the entrepreneurial spirit in Georgia, and we look forward to many successful competitions in the future."
The final round will take place at Georgia Public Broadcasting in Atlanta.
"Response and support from the technology sector in Georgia for this project has been outstanding," said TAG President Tino Mantella. "The caliber of submissions in this inaugural year has completely exceeded our expectations and has proven the need for a program like this in our technology-rich state."
Judging the finals will be: Garry Betty, chairman and CEO, EarthLink; Dallas Clement, senior vice president, Cox Communications; Tom Crotty, general partner, Battery Ventures; Mike Eckert, CEO, Pathfire; Marc Fleury, founder and CEO, JBoss; Sig Mosley, president, Imlay Investments; Tom Noonan, president and CEO, Internet Security Systems; and Bill Smith, chief technology officer, BellSouth Corp.