GFX 2023: Sacramento's Startup Ecosystem Premier Event
GFX 2023: The Epicenter of Sacramento's Startup Ecosystem
On October 5th, the Roebbelen Center @TheGrounds in Roseville will be buzzing with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit as it hosts the second annual GFX (Growth Factory Expo) 2023. This year, the event aims to not only showcase Sacramento's burgeoning startup ecosystem but also to attract investors from the Bay Area and beyond.
Elevating Sacramento's Business Landscape
Rick Spencer, the managing partner of GF Ventures, a venture fund closely aligned with the Growth Factory, stated,
"We want to elevate Sacramento as a region that is building some great businesses with great talent and great innovation."
The Growth Factory, founded in 2021 by serial entrepreneur Mark Haney, serves as a startup accelerator and is instrumental in fostering local talent.
A Star-Studded Speaker Lineup
The event will feature an impressive roster of speakers, including board members from industry giants like Tesla Inc. (Nasdaq: TSLA) and Google's parent company, Alphabet Inc. (Nasdaq: GOOG). Their participation underscores the event's significance in the startup community.
The Backyard Advantage
GF Ventures is known for its "backyard advantage" strategy, which involves investing in locally-based companies. The firm believes in the power of a supportive local ecosystem comprising entrepreneurs, investors, and companies to propel startups to success. GFX 2023 aims to extend this backyard advantage by introducing local startups to Bay Area investors.
Building on Past Success
In its inaugural year, GFX attracted 600 attendees, primarily from the Sacramento region. "In the first year, we were making it good for Sacramento. Now we want to make it good for anywhere. We want to draw investors from the Bay Area and from out of state," added Spencer.
More Than Just a Showcase
GFX 2023 is not just a platform for startups; it's also a testament to the robust support system available in the region. Organizations like StartupSac, AgStart, CleanStart, the Carlsen Center for Entrepreneurship, and the FourthWave accelerator for women-led startups will be present.
A Portfolio Worth Watching
The event will also spotlight GFX Ventures' portfolio, which consists of 45 promising companies. These companies represent a cross-section of industries and are all set to make their mark.
Networking Opportunities Galore
GFX 2023 serves as a fertile ground for networking with local startup funders. Attendees can expect to interact with venture capital firms like GF Ventures, Moneta Ventures of Folsom, Black Star Fund of Sacramento, and Impact Venture Capital, which has headquarters in both the Bay Area and Sacramento. Roseville's boutique private equity firm, DCA Capital Partners, will also be participating.
Multi-Faceted Event
The event will feature a main stage, a breakout stage, and multiple breakout sessions. These sessions will be moderated by local entrepreneurs and will cover a range of topics from technology and social media to fintech and medical technology.
Final Thoughts
GFX 2023 is more than just an event; it's a catalyst for change in the Sacramento startup ecosystem. By connecting local startups with Bay Area investors, the event aims to create a ripple effect that will benefit the entire region. Don't miss this opportunity to be part of something transformative.
Date: October 5, 2023
Location: Roebbelen Center, 700 Event Center Dr, Roseville, CA 95678
Cost: $129 - $199
Register: Growth Factory
About Rich Foreman
Rich Foreman is the founder of KidneyLuv which develops solutions for patients with Chronic Kidney Disease Patients (CKD). He is also the COO of IGH Naturals. Previously, 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.
