As summer is coming to an end and school is back in session, Lexington entrepreneurs are showing no signs of slowing down. Noisemakers, delicious food, and the anticipated audience chatter could only mean one thing- another 5 Across was about to commence. The judges were ushered in with the help of an energetic audience and the pitches were ready to begin.

First up was Eddiction, an online community forum that allows for alternative advertising and sets itself apart from traditional online marketing. By gearing advertisements to niche communities, Eddiction promises to have a stronger and long-lasting impact impact on audiences. Whether it be politics or sports, advertisers will be able to give the online public more relevant advertising, as well as keep track of analytics.

Next was a fresh take on commonly used collaborative software. PlanStreet aims to fuse project management and team collaboration together in a new way. Using the combination of real-time project planning, individual and team goals, scheduling, and budget management, users are more inclined to complete tasks efficiently and on time.

The third pitch was a crowdfunding fitness app that presents charities and teams an opportunity to raise money for their own causes. The Moolathon app is able to monetize on user’s fitness for a cause. Through virtual 5Ks, individual campaigns, and easily identifiable gyms (“coined as Moolathon gyms”), users can interact with other fitness lovers while supporting their charity of choice. The next pitchwas Lucille 1, a cryptocurrency and mining investment company. They guarantee to provide the hardware and know-how to potential cryptocurrency investors that are interested, but may not have access to the overhead required in beginning mining cryptocurrency.

The last pitch tackled a new way to consume sports-related news. Inside Circle is a fresh sports publication that creates and shared original content. By recruiting their audience through college internships, events, and merchandise, Inside Circle can effectively tackle the competition. Inside Circle allows athletes and non-athletes alike to chat and discuss the latest sports news instantly.

As the pitches came to a close, the judges migrated into the conference room where a decision had to be made as to who would become the August 5 Across champion. The vast variety of ideas pulsed through the room as the audience waited, antsy to hear the verdict.

When the judges emerged, an audience drumroll filled the room and Inside Circle Sports was recognized as the AwesomeVote app winner.

With a louder drumroll and cheering from the audience, Moolathon was announced the August 5 Across winner!

Join us at the next 5 Across in October! The noisemakers will be just as loud, the food just as delicious, and the pitches will be just as innovative.