We’re still in the midst of the holiday slow down of startup focused events. Things pick up again next week. For the full rundown of what’s happening next week, check out this week’s Startup Digest. While you’re there, be sure to subscribe to get it in your inbox every Monday morning!
This Week
Startup Funding AMA & FI Info Session with Jonathan Greechan
Tue, Dec 30, 10 – 11 AM, Online
Learn about pre-seed startup funding and the Founder Institute program in this live, interactive session with Jonathan Greechan, Cofounder & CEO of Founder Institute and GP at Founder Capital. The event includes a brief overview of fundraising and FI, followed by an open AMA where you can ask candid questions about funding, accelerators, and the early-stage founder journey. Ideal for idea-stage and pre-seed startups. Read more.
Plan Ahead
Folsom AI Meetup with Patent Attorney Ken Murray
Tue, Jan 6, 6 – 8 PM, Granite City Workspaces in Folsom
Join Startup Folsom, Startup Grind Sacramento, and Granite City Coworking for a relaxed, hands-on AI meetup with pizza and practical conversation. This month features patent attorney Ken Murray with a founder-friendly “Patent Law 101,” covering what startups can (and can’t) patent, how IP works, and what to know when protecting AI-related projects—no legal fluff, just the essentials. Read more.
1 Million Cups Sacramento with EcoPress Sacramento and Cater AI
Wed, Jan 7, 9 – 10 AM, Online
Join this weekly Zoom meetup where early-stage founders present their businesses and get feedback from fellow entrepreneurs. This week features EcoPress Sacramento, an upcycling art studio turning plastic waste into functional art and community workshops, and Cater AI, an AI voice agent helping restaurants handle orders, reservations, and customer questions by phone. Networking opens at 8:45 AM; program starts promptly at 9 AM. Read more.
Big Bang! Workshop: Legal Foundations—Understanding IP and Venture Law
Thu, Jan 8, 12 – 1:30 PM, Online
Get a practical introduction to intellectual property and venture law in this workshop for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Startup attorney Vicky Lee of DLA Piper will cover patents, trade secrets, venture structures, and contracts—foundational knowledge for building a new venture or preparing for the UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition (and beyond). Read more.
MIX: Monthly Innovation Exchange
Thu, Jan 8, 5 – 7 PM, Connect Labs by Wexford in Sacramento
Kick off 2026 with MIX’s January theme, Powering Sacramento: Clean & Affordable Energy Futures. Join founders, policymakers, researchers, and community leaders for lightning talks, roundtable conversations, and networking focused on advancing equitable, sustainable energy solutions across the region. Read more.
Startup-Tech Connect
Mon, Jan 12, 5:30 – 7:30 PM, Hop Gardens in Sacramento
Connect with founders, technologists, and innovators at this casual networking event where startups and tech collide. Enjoy genuine conversations, meet potential collaborators, and tap into Sacramento’s tech community over pizza and beer. Read more.
Applications
NSF I-Corps Customer Discovery Course
Multiple Sessions – Ongoing, Online
Validate your startup idea inNorthwest Region NSF I-Corps Hub courses. Use Lean LaunchPad to explore customers and value. Eligible teams may qualify for a $50K NSF grant and $5K in AWS credits. Learn more.
UC Law SF Startup Legal Garage
Apply Now for Free Legal Assistance!
The Startup Legal Garage is accepting applications for its Spring 2026 cohort. Spots are limited and filled on a rolling basis—apply early. Visit Startup Legal Garage to learn more and apply.
Traction Lab Venture Accelerator
Applications Open Now
Fast-track your startup’s growth! This accelerator, powered by The Right Box and the Carlsen Center, helps pre-seed and seed-stage founders in tech-enabled sectors reach product-market fit and get funding-ready—twice as fast. Read more.
Connect
Looking to connect with others? Join the StartupSac Community Facebook Group! Startup founders and those who support the growth of our startup community connect and exchange ideas in this private moderated group.
Resources
Check out the StartupSac Website for information on resources available to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. Also check out the NorCal Entrepreneur Hub. From capital to connections and training to talent, find the resources you need to build your business in NorCal.
