Four entrepreneurs. One stage. $40,000 in prizes. On October 23, LaunchCon will bring the Chattahoochee Valley together to celebrate innovation and give founders the chance to turn bold ideas into thriving businesses.
Created by Startup Columbus, the event features a shark-tank style pitch competition with a $20,000 grant for the winner. Each founder will have one chance to prove their vision can become reality.
FINSYNC is proud to help present this milestone event and stand alongside founders with the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to succeed long after the competition ends.
What It Takes to Win
One of the judges, Jason Whitney, Executive Director of Financial Networks at FINSYNC, has spent years helping entrepreneurs move from idea to execution. He knows what separates a good pitch from a winning one.
“It isn’t always just the strongest business idea that wins in these situations, but the founder who is able to articulate a clear path to success, instilling confidence in the judges in their ability to execute on a plan.”
That perspective is why FINSYNC was eager to support every semi-finalist in the weeks leading up to LaunchCon. The team provided hands-on programming and offered each founder a trial membership to the FINSYNC platform and Funding Navigator, helping them build the financial foundation essential for their success. Just as important, the FINSYNC Financial Network provides entrepreneurs with an ongoing connection to investors and lenders. It extends the opportunities they experienced at LaunchCon into lasting investor relationships for growth.
As he explained, FINSYNC equips founders not just with tools, but with timely connections:
“FINSYNC helps founders set a solid financial plan and provides them with access to an ever-growing network of supporting organizations. It is about connecting with partners at the right time to maximize every opportunity.”
This preparation sets the stage for what LaunchCon is truly about.
More Than a Pitch
LaunchCon is more than a single night of competition. It is a celebration of the entrepreneurs driving growth across the Chattahoochee Valley. The event allows founders to showcase their ideas, gain visibility, and connect with supporters who can help them take the next step.
For FINSYNC, being part of LaunchCon means standing alongside Startup Columbus, community leaders, and investment partners who share the same vision: helping small businesses simplify their planning, funding, and growth. That includes our Financial Network partner Homegrown, which continues to champion entrepreneurs in the region. Together, we are proud to support a stronger ecosystem that enables founders to thrive.
Event Details
LaunchCon 2025
Columbus Convention & Trade Center
Thursday, October 23, 2025
Attire: Business Casual
Conference (Ticketed): 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Pitch Competition (Free and Open to the Public): 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Four finalists. Five judges. $40,000 in prizes. One chance to launch a dream.
Join us at LaunchCon 2025 and witness bold ideas that become real businesses. FINSYNC is honored to support entrepreneurs with the vision, tools, and partnerships they need to succeed.