The Sacramento Kings, known for their on-court plays, are reaching out to the local entrepreneurial community with the tenth annual Capitalize: Technology contest. It's a chance for local startups to step into the spotlight, get mentored by industry pros, and possibly secure a cool $10,000 to fuel their business ventures. The competition, a partnership including the City of Sacramento’s Office of Innovation and Economic Development, Reviver, and Fidium Fiber, is staking its claim as the NBA's very first crowdsourced startup contest with a global audience.
Applications for the contest just opened, and startups based within a 70-mile radius of Golden 1 Center are encouraged to apply. The deadline for submissions is sneaking up on the calendar, with the cutoff at 11:59 p.m., February 7. Aubree Taylor, the City’s Development Project Manager spoke on the city's support, "For eight seasons, the City has been proud to support this competition, which continues to spotlight Sacramento’s entrepreneurial talent," according to a statement obtained by the Sacramento City Express.
Those selected will not only get a once-over on their pitch skills but also receive mentorship and coaching gearing up for Pitch Day. This is when the entrepreneurial hopefuls have their ideas sized up by a panel that knows a thing or two about success. We're talking executives, investors, and leaders who have been where these startups are aiming to go. The four who make the cut will not just sit back and hope for the best – they'll create videos showcasing their startups, which fans will vote on starting March 17.
Fans will have their say until the buzzer at halftime during the Kings vs. Nuggets game on April 9. Imagine, as these athletes battle it out on the court, a startup dream might just be getting its big break. The winner's announcement will be made in-game, showering them with not just $10,000, but also the kind of attention you can't put a price on. Those with an idea that just needs a little help to get off the bench, should head over to Kings.com/Capitalize in Sacramento City Express website to learn more and throw their hat in the ring.
