Sacramento Kings Capitalize Elite Eight Announced
Image Courtesy of Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings have launched their annual Kings Capitalize contest, a March Madness-style tournament for local startups, with the introduction of the Sweet 16. From over 100 applicants, the Kings have narrowed it down to the final eight companies, each competing for a top prize of $10,000.
The Elite Eight
The eight companies in the running this year are:
3D Organic Polymer Silk, a Davis-based company that uses spider silk as glue for medical purposes
Adload Technologies Inc., a Sacramento-based company that sells digital screen advertising on big rigs
AppOrchid, a San Ramon and Folsom-based company that uses AI and machine learning to build apps for enterprise energy and utility customers
Bekonix Inc., a Sacramento-based company that developed a no-code platform for building IoT systems
Ferreter Inc., a Santa Monica-based developer of an app for conducting business due diligence
HuLoop Automation Inc., an Auburn-based company that uses AI to help clients automate business processes and software tests
Ravata Solutions, a Davis-based company with technology to improve in vitro fertilization success
Shared Vision, a Rocklin-based company that offers online affiliate link marketing management
Coaching and Pitch Day
The final eight companies will receive additional coaching leading up to a pitch day on March 1. The four finalists will then create pitch videos, which will be judged by a panel of experts and fans' votes at the Kings' home game against the Phoenix Suns on March 24.
Previous Winner and New Additions
Last year's winner was Edge (formally EyeRate), an online review startup based in Elk Grove that has since grown to over 40 employees. This year, the Kings are adding two new contests: "Capitalize: Food" and "Capitalize: Innovation", which will launch later in the year with strategic goals set by the Kings.
Presentation and Partnership
The contest is presented by the Kings and their partner Dialpad Inc., a communications technology company based in San Ramon. The winner will receive three years of access to Dialpad technology in addition to the $10,000 cash prize.
A Longstanding Tradition
Now in its eighth year, the Kings Capitalize contest was launched by Chairman and CEO Vivek Ranadivé, a technology industry veteran. The contest has become a staple for local startups in the Sacramento area, providing opportunities for growth and recognition.
The excitement for this year's contest has already begun, with the final eight companies eagerly awaiting their chance to pitch and potentially take home the top prize. The Kings Capitalize contest continues to drive innovation and support the local startup community.
About Rich Foreman
As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy.
Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac.com. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber.
