Congratulations to the winners of the 2021 UC Davis Big Bang! Business competition! The grand prize, $20,000 went to Los Angeles–based NurLabs, who has developed a novel liquid biopsy using materials science and machine learning for early cancer screening. You can learn more about all the winning startups here. Winners of $10,000 special prizes were: FarmX is increasing farmers’ access to ecommerce technologies and channels to sell their products (People’s Choice). AutoMat aims to reduce the stress with a new retractable, nonslip mat that makes the stainless steel examination table a more secure place. Expert IEP helps special needs students achieve their goals by providing quality tracking and predictive analytics of a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). INN>CHRG is an online marketplace where homes and businesses list their level-2 chargers, generating income—and providing EV drivers access to a local charge. Nutrible is fighting food deserts and health disparities through the use of medical nutritional therapy. Seguros Medical Products created RAIVES, a non invasive medical device that standardizes the organization of equipment such as IVs, cables, and respiratory tubing. Zaminka is developing Cocoboard, which diverts coconut husk waste from already-overflowing landfills in India and uses it to make an engineered wood alternative.
In recognition of Pride Month, General Assembly is holding Pride Summit this week. It’s a weeklong festival of free workshops, speaker sessions and panel discussions focused on looking at the world through a more inclusive lens with a spotlight on queer creators, founders, and organizers. I’ve included one of the events in Best Bets below but you can check out the entire Pride Summit schedule here.
DEADLINE EXTENDED! Calling All Black Entrepreneurs! Apply to pitch your early-stage business to a panel of judges at the June 18th NorCal SBDC Global Diversity and Investment Summit (held virtually). If you want to to compete in the pitch competition, apply by Tuesday, June 8 for consideration. Eligibility requirements and details here. (it says pre-revenue but some revenue is ok — they’re tweaking the final requirements now). There will be a prize — cash + more. Prize details will be announced soon. More details about the Summit are below in the event listings.
This Week’s Best Bet
The Changing Landscape of Identity: LGBTQIA+ Identities & Experiences in 2021, Wed Jun 9 at 9 AM: How are people using and experiencing sexual orientation and gender in 2021? What do you need to know to be culturally competent in this area? Bring your questions, and an open mind. General Assembly will define common terms, explore simple steps to move your workplace to a more inclusive atmosphere, and dig into the results of creating a welcoming environment. This is an open and safe space to ask questions.
Blue Ocean Strategy Workshop: Create a Leap in Value for Your Customers, Fri Jun 11 at Noon: In this workshop, led by Sac State Carlsen Center Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dr. Brian Gladden, you will learn about the difference between competing in a Red Ocean vs. creating new market demand through a Blue Ocean. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to learn tools such as the As-Is Canvas and Reverse Assumptions to explore how to create a leap in value for your customers.
Plan Ahead
How To Tell Your Startup’s Story In Your Pitch Deck, Wed Jun 16 at 4 PM: Does your pitch deck tell investors a compelling story? Learn how to use storytelling in your investor pitch deck to secure funding. Taught by Monique Brown, co-founder and managing director of the Growth Factory.
StartupSac Office Hours: User Experience (UX) Best Practices, Thu Jun 17 at 11:30 AM: Learn UX best practices and practical steps you as a Founder can take to encourage customer-centered growth for your early stage startup.
There’s a lot going on in Sacramento’s startup community this week –check out the details in this week’s Startup Digest. While you’re there, consider subscribing. For even more startup information, happenings and resources, check out what’s available on the StartupSac Website.
Looking to connect with other founders? Find your peers when you 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.
Find an Advisor with Mentor Sacramento: Mentor Sacramento is a free online business mentoring platform that connects early stage startup founders and small business owners to volunteer business mentors. Learn more here.
