Applications Now Open for the November 2024 StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch Program

Are you a Sacramento-based startup with a scalable business model and plans to raise investment capital? The November 2024 cohort of StartupSac’s Warm-Up Pitch program is now accepting applications! This is your opportunity to refine your pitch, connect with experienced investors, and set your startup on the path to success.

Program Details

StartupSac’s Warm-Up Pitch is designed to empower local startups through workshops, coaching, and investor connections. Made possible by an Innovation Grant from the City of Sacramento, this program gives early-stage companies a unique chance to gain valuable feedback and insights from seasoned investors and mentors.

Selected participants will engage in three interactive workshops aimed at refining pitch decks, improving presentation skills, and preparing for investment. The program culminates in the Warm-Up Pitch Mock Investor Salon, where founders will pitch their businesses to a panel of investor judges.

Important Dates:

  • Application Deadline: October 25
  • Notification of Selection: October 28
  • Workshop Sessions:
    • November 5, 5:30-7:30 PM at Bloom Workspaces
    • November 12, 5:30-7:30 PM at Bloom Workspaces
    • December 3, 5:30-7:30 PM at Bloom Workspaces
  • Mock Investor Salon: December 12, 5:30 PM at Bloom Workspaces

Pitch Coaching and Investor Interaction

Participants will work closely with five pitch coaches—most of whom are investors—receiving tailored feedback to enhance their pitch decks and presentation skills. This direct interaction with investor-mentors is a rare opportunity to get personalized advice from experts who understand exactly what investors are looking for.

At the Mock Investor Salon on December 12, participants will pitch their startups to a panel of investor judges, receiving crucial feedback and competing for non-cash prizes that can help take their businesses to the next level. The judges are all experienced investors, giving participants a chance to make valuable connections and potentially secure future funding.

Prizes

Winners of the Mock Investor Salon will have the opportunity to pitch directly to venture capital firm Moneta Ventures. Additionally, the top two winners will be invited to a 90-minute group sales coaching call with Scott Sambucci, founder of SalesQualia, who brings over 25 years of enterprise sales and startup experience. Winners will also receive two months of free coworking space at Bloom Workspaces in Midtown Sacramento, giving them the resources and support they need to keep growing.

Success Stories: From Pitch to Funding

Past participants of the StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch program have seen tremendous success. Edge (formerly EyeRate), co-founded by Michael Arredondo and Ray Weisberg, participated in the program and went on to raise $5.8 million in funding.

Other success stories include:

  • JAPA, a smart parking solution company that refined its pitch and secured funding to scale its operations.
  • PairAnything, an AI-driven platform that used the program’s coaching and networking opportunities to attract investor interest.

These success stories highlight how impactful the Warm-Up Pitch program can be for startups looking to refine their pitch and connect with investors.

How to Apply

Ready to take your startup to the next level? Apply by October 25 to join the November 2024 StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch cohort. If selected, there is a $49 participation fee.

Apply Now!

With personalized pitch coaching, direct access to investors, and valuable prizes, this program is a game-changer for startups in Sacramento and surrounding areas. Join the ranks of successful alumni like Edge and JAPA by submitting your application today!

Apply Now!

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