Ten startups. One Sacramento Regional winner. A chance to compete for a $1 million investment prize in San Francisco.
The finalists have been selected for the Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional, happening Tuesday, October 20, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State.
Produced by StartupSac, Traction Lab, the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, as part of the inaugural Sac Tech Week, the Sacramento Regional will bring 10 companies to the stage to pitch their businesses before a panel of judges and a live audience. One will be selected to represent the Sacramento region at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, taking place November 4 through 6.
If you want to see what founders across our region are building, connect with Sacramento’s startup community, and watch the competition unfold live, register now to join us on October 20.
Meet the 10 Finalists
This year’s finalists represent a wide range of industries and technologies, from biotechnology and agriculture to clean energy, financial technology, and advanced materials.
Demotu
A coaching platform that uses smartphone-based 3D movement analysis to help trainers assess how clients move and manage the coaching relationship.
Elven Technologies, Inc.
Develops lightweight, flexible fire-protection solutions for lithium-ion batteries and other high-risk applications.
Forager Fuels
Turns forest waste into low-carbon hydrogen and biochar using relocatable refineries, creating a potential revenue stream from wildfire prevention efforts.
Invasive Species Corporation
Develops environmentally friendly biological solutions designed to control invasive species.
Krokos Bio
Grows high-value botanical ingredients from plant cells, beginning with saffron, to provide manufacturers with a more reliable year-round supply.
Lilypay
Developing a payment platform for the deathcare industry, beginning with financing options for families who cannot pay funeral expenses upfront.
Matrubials Inc.
Developing milk-inspired solutions for infectious diseases, beginning with women’s health.
Pheronym, Inc.
Uses pheromones to improve biological pest control and help beneficial nematodes fight agricultural pests in the soil.
Spin Energy Systems Inc.
Developing an energy platform combining software with chemistry-free energy storage, backup power, power conversion, and conditioning for critical infrastructure.
Yeast Bay Bio
Developing an RNA-based insecticide designed to target pests while remaining safer for people, pets, and the environment.
Leading up to pitch night, the finalists will work with Traction Lab advisors to strengthen their pitches and the evidence behind their businesses.
Meet the Judges
The finalists will pitch before a panel of investors and startup ecosystem leaders. The judging panel includes:
- Cheryl Beninga, Managing Partner, Wai Mohala Ventures
- David Campbell, Partner, Witan Law Group
- Mariah Lichtenstern, Founding Partner, DiverseCity Ventures
- John Peters, Chairman, Sacramento Angels
- One additional judge will be announced as they are confirmed.
Competing for a Spot on the Global Stage
The Sacramento Regional is an opportunity for founders, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators, and members of the broader business community to come together and see some of the technologies and companies being developed across the region.
There is a lot at stake for the startups.
The Sacramento Regional winner will advance to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, where companies will compete for a $1 million investment prize.
The regional winner will also receive a $10,000 non-dilutive award from the Carlsen Center and a $10,000 in-kind legal package from Witan Law Group.
Join Us on October 20
You do not have to be pitching to be part of the Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional.
Come meet founders, connect with Sacramento’s startup and innovation community, and watch 10 companies compete for the opportunity to represent the region on a global stage.
Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional
Tuesday, October 20
5:30 PM to 8:00 PM
Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State
Register today and join us to find out which startup will represent the Sacramento Region at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale.
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