Startup Folsom Launches with 2 Inaugural Events: Beers & Geeks and Fireside Chat with Kevin Nagle

Folsom has been the home of several successful startups that have had successful exits including Meridian Systems, Sparta Consulting,  Pondera Solutions, and PowerSchool. However for new startups, Folsom lacks many of the components of a thriving ecosystem.

To have a thriving ecosystem, there are several components that are needed including:

  • Talent
  • Education
  • Location and Events
  • Mentorship
  • Incubators and Accelerators
  • Funding

Talent

Folsom definitely has the talent with several tech companies located there including Intel, Micron, StemExpress, RetailPro, Trimble, and PowerSchool to name a few.

Education

In terms of education, Folsom is the home of Folsom Lake College, has a DeVry University Campus, and Sacramento State University is nearby.

Location

In terms of locations, Granite City Coworking and Northern California Innovation District have facilities where entrepreneurs and innovators can meet.

The Missing Components

However, for the other elements, mentorship, incubators and accelerators, and funding, Folsom startups depend on other resources including StartupSac, the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Roseville Venture Lab, Invest Elk Grove, and the City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation and Economic and Development.  Folsom itself doesn’t have any programs that include mentorship, accelerators, or funding for early stage startups.

The City of Elk Grove and the City of Roseville have made significant investments in their startup ecosystem.  As a member the Sacramento Region’s Startup Community and a resident of Folsom, I’m frustrated that the City of Folsom has not invested in its own ecosystem.  I’ve made a a proposal to address the missing elements to a Folsom City Council member and he’s interested in supporting it, but it’s a very slow moving train.

So, I’m going to do what I can, and that’s to help build the Folsom Startup and Entrepreneurial Community. To that end, I’m launching Startup Folsom.  In partnership with Granite City Coworking, we plan to have two monthly events.

Beer & Geeks

Beer & Geeks

Beers & Geeks is a free casual networking event. If you love startups or have a startup idea, then come mingle with like minded people. Make a connection and this could be the seeds for the next big thing. The first two have already been scheduled:

Fireside Chats

We also plan to conduct lunch time educational events that will consists of fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs or educational workshops.  Our inaugural fireside chat will feature the Sacramento Republic Owner, Kevin Nagle.  Here’s his brief bio:

Kevin Nagle was co-founder and CEO of Envision Pharmaceuticals which has reached annual revenue of $4 B and sold for 2.3 B. He is a co-owner of the Sacramento Kings and Chairman and owner of Sacramento Republic FC. In addition, Kevin is on the investment board of Moneta Ventures, the region’s largest early stage venture fund and has numerous business investments of all types. He was recognized as Sacramento Executive of the Year by the Sacramento Business Journal, Humanitarian of the Year by UCP and numerous other philanthropic and charitable organizations.

The event will be on October 27 at the Granite City Coworking at 11 am and includes lunch.  To register, tap here.

To see all the upcoming Startup Folsom Events click here.

So, come join us as we build Folsom’s Startup Ecosystem!