STARTUP FOLSOM LAUNCHES

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

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.

Fireside Chats / Workshops

We also plan to conduct lunch time educational events that will consists of fireside chats with successful entrepreneurs or educational workshops.