‘Tis the season for Pitch Competitions! Last week, the Sacramento Kings announced that applications are open for the 7th Annual Kings Capitalize crowdsource startup contest. Capitalize offers local entrepreneurs a chance to gain publicity, receive mentorship and secure funding for their business. In addition, Capitalize extends the Kings commitment to providing opportunities for up-and-coming innovators, providing the platform to showcase new products and services on the NBA’s global stage.
Applications for this year’s contest are open now and close on Friday, February 25 at 11:59 p.m. Startups located within 75 miles of Sacramento are eligible to apply. On April 3, as the Kings take on the Golden State Warriors during Tech Night, the winner will be announced and awarded a $10,000 cash prize towards the development of their startup, 3 years of access to Dialpad communication services and six months of free marketing services from 3STEPS4WARD. In addition, a prize of $3,000 and $1,500 will be awarded to the second place and third place companies, respectively.
Applicants will be narrowed down to the “Sweet 16” on Monday, February 28. The Kings will then host a Pitch Workshop from Thursday, March 3 to Friday, March 4 to select the “Elite 8.” The Elite 8 will be announced on Saturday, March 5 and will receive additional coaching as they prepare for Capitalize Pitch Day on Monday, March 21. At Pitch Day, a panel of successful entrepreneurs, executives and investors will judge the eight semifinalists’ pitches and select the “Final Four” to move on to the Capitalize Finals.
So founders, don’t procrastinate! You might as well kill two birds with one stone (so to speak) and apply to both Capitalize and Pitch Elk Grove if you qualify. Here’s the key info:
Pitch Competitions Information
- Pitch Elk Grove Applications close Feb 18, in person pitch event on March 31, $17,500 in total prize money (3 awards)
- Kings Capitalize, Applications close Feb 25, winner announced at Kings vs Lakers game on Apr 3, $14,500 in total prize money (3 awards)
There’s a lot going on this week for entrepreneurs in our region! I’ve highlighted some of the Best Bets below and be sure to check out this week’s Startup Digest for a full listing (plus you can sign up to get the digest weekly in your inbox while you’re there!).
This Week’s Best Bets
Startup Grind Sacramento Presents Getting It Built: Moving from Prototype to Production, Tue Feb 15, 5 PM. Ansync Labs Founder and CEO, Sam Miller, will discussed taking your prototype to production including the best practices and pitfalls of overseas sourcing. Online
Being Deal Ready: Preparing Your Startup for Funding, Merger or Acquisition, Thu Feb 17, 11:30 AM. It’s never too early to get your house in order to optimize future deal value and outcomes for your startup. There are steps you can take now, no matter what stage you are at, to prepare yourself for future deals. Online
Bitcoin Day Sacramento, Sat Feb 19, all day. Bitcoin Day is a chance for the local community, business professionals, newbies, and cryptocurrency leaders to gather under one roof to inspire, socialize, and learn from each other. Whatever your current level of understanding and involvement, we want you to walk away inspired to buy more Bitcoin, or launch that product you’ve been dreaming about. In person at the Grounds in Roseville. Tickets $150
Plan Ahead
Using Crowdfunding to Fund New Innovations or Small Businesses, Tue Feb 22, 10 AM. Over the past few years, crowdfunding has become an increasingly popular and effective way to fund new innovations and businesses. The goal of this webinar is to understand how crowdfunding can be used as an alternative form for financing and how it can be complementary to more traditional forms of funding. Online
Startup Happy Hour & AMA, Tue Feb 22 at 5 PM. Meet Matrubials co-founder/CEO Ishita Shah. Matrubials is developing novel milk-derived antibacterial therapeutics to address infectious diseases. Matrubials completed Y Combinator and is a member of FourthWave and the Growth Factory. Online
Connect
Looking to connect with other entrepreneurs?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.
Looking for an advisor? Mentor Sacramento is a great place to connect with an experienced advisor who through their experience, can help you advance your business. It’s free to participate. Check it out here.
