Amidst a world frequently captivated by grandiose headlines and global achievements, we, StartupSac, had the privilege of being present at the GFX2023 Backyard Awards Luncheon. Organized by the Growth Factory and powered by Stoel Rives, this inaugural event allowed us to emphasize that greatness often resides within our own communities. It was an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes of Greater Sacramento, recognizing those who had dedicated themselves tirelessly to fostering positive change right in our very own backyard.

At the event, StartupSac hosted a table that brought together our board members and sponsors, adding to the sense of community and collaboration that permeated the awards luncheon. This gathering underscored our commitment to supporting local innovation and entrepreneurship.

The Backyard Awards: Celebrating Local Heroes

The Backyard Awards were designed to honor individuals, organizations, and companies that shaped progress and drove change in the Greater Sacramento region. These awards didn’t just focus on success but also acknowledged the unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact on our community. From inspiring startup founders to dedicated mentors, innovators, and ecosystem builders, the Backyard Awards celebrated those who had worked tirelessly to create a brighter future for our region.

What Made the Backyard Awards Different?

The Backyard Awards were not just an industry event; they were a celebration of our local achievements, and StartupSac was honored to be a part of it. The nomination process allowed anyone to put forward the names of deserving individuals and organizations, and it closed on August 25, 2023. The response was overwhelming, with numerous nominations pouring in, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication in our region.

And the Winner is…

Now, without further ado, let’s reveal the winners of the 2023 Backyard Awards:

Individual Category

  • Golden Gear (aka Backyard Love)
    • Winner: Rachel Zilner, Clutch
    • Finalists: Mac Clemmens, Streamline; Brandon Robinson, Tipsy Putt
  • Sage Award
    • Winner: Sonny Mayugba
    • Finalists: Kim Box; D.J. Stephan

Companies and Organizations Category

  • Corporate Innovation
    • Winner: Sacramento Kings
    • Finalists: SMUD; Placer Waste Management
  • Ecosystem Builder Award
    • Winner: Ansync Labs
    • Finalists: City of Roseville; City of Sacramento

Investor Category

  • Investor of the Year
    • Winner: Steve Mills, DCA Capital
    • Finalists: Venkata Nuli; Mike Barreiro

Startup Category

  • Breakthrough Innovation
    • Winner: Origin Materials
    • Finalists: Ariz Precision Medicine; Advanced Farm
  • Early Stage
    • Winner: App Orchid
    • Finalists: Onsight; Eyerate
  • Growth Stage
    • Winner: Sibros
    • Finalists: Reviver; Nivagen Pharmaceuticals
  • Exit of the Year
    • Winner: Aumni

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2023 Backyard Awards. Your dedication, hard work, and contributions to our community were truly commendable. These awards served as a reminder that greatness could indeed be found in our own backyard.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the nomination process, attended the awards luncheon, and made this celebration of local achievements possible. We especially want to extend our gratiftude to Stoel Rives and the Growth Factory for making the Backyard Awards possible. Let’s continue to support and celebrate those who made a positive impact in Greater Sacramento, for they were the true heroes of our community.

For more information on each category’s description as well as the awards criteria, refer to our August 11 blog post.