Warm-Up Pitch Applications Now Open!

We’re excited to announce that applications for the May 2024 StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch cohort are now open! If you’re a startup based in Sacramento or its surrounding counties with a scalable business model and aspirations for investment, this is your golden opportunity to refine your pitch and connect with potential investors.

Program Details

This cohort is part of an ongoing series of events made possible by an Innovation Grant from the City of Sacramento. StartupSac is dedicated to empowering local startups and fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Sacramento region. This May 2024 cohort is just the beginning, with two more opportunities to join a cohort before the end of 2024.

Requirements to Participate

Your company (or one of its founders) must reside within Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, Sutter, Yolo, or Yuba County.
Preference will be given to companies or founders residing within the City of Sacramento.
Your company should be scalable, such as SaaS, CPG, deep tech, etc. Service and “mainstreet” businesses are typically not considered scalable.
Your company must be investible (venture-backable) and interested in raising investment capital in the near future.

Important Dates

Application Deadline: April 22
Notification of Selection: April 24
Workshop Dates:
- #1 May 8, 5:30-7:30 pm at Bloom Workspaces in Sacramento
- #2 May 15, 5:30-7:30 pm at Bloom Workspaces in Sacramento
- #3 May 22, 5:30-7:30 pm at Bloom Workspaces in Sacramento
Warm-Up Pitch Mock Investor Salon Competition: May 28 in Sacramento

Get Ready for a Transformative Journey

Selected candidates will embark on an immersive journey at Bloom Workspaces, refining pitch decks and presentation prowess. Culminating in the Warm-Up Pitch Mock Investor Salon Competition, finalists compete for non-cash prizes, including an exclusive meeting with Moneta Ventures, and invaluable networking opportunities. Elevate your pitch and fundraising prospects with direct access to seasoned investors and mentors. Seize this chance to refine your pitch, network effectively, and position your startup for success.

Prizes!

Winning at the Warm-Up Pitch competition not only opens doors to investment opportunities but also unlocks a range of valuable prizes for the top performers. The first-place winner will have the opportunity to pitch directly to venture capital firm Moneta Ventures. But that’s not all—both first and second place winners will be invited to a 90-minute Group Sales Coaching Call with Scott Sambucci, founder of SalesQualia. With over 25 years of enterprise sales, marketing, and product management experience, including successful stints at three startups and two publicly-traded companies, Scott brings a wealth of practical wisdom to the table. Furthermore, winners will receive two months of free coworking at Bloom Workspaces, conveniently situated in the heart of Midtown Sacramento. These prizes are designed to propel startups toward further success, providing them with the tools and resources needed to thrive in today’s competitive market.

How to Apply

Ready to elevate your startup? Submit your application by April 22 for consideration. Don’t miss this chance to take your venture to the next level! If accepted, there is a nominal fee of $49 to participated.

Apply Now!

EyeRate, now Edge, co-founders Michael Arredondo and Ray Weisberg, at StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch in 2019.

Success Stories: From Pitch to Funding

Discover the success stories that have emerged from our program, showcasing the tangible impact of the Warm-Up Pitch initiative. Eyerate, now known as Edge, stands out with an impressive $5.8 million in funding secured, highlighting the program’s effectiveness in fostering growth and investment. Joining them are fellow alumni such as JAPA, PairAnything, Modern Football Technology, Core Impact, and more, each carving their paths to success through strategic networking and refined pitching skills.