Techstars is a global network that helps entrepeneurs succeed.
A curated source for everything entrepreneurial in your community.
Startup Week: Celebrating entrepreneurs is communities across the globe.
Start building your future in just 54 hours. Learn, Network, Startup.
Learn More
- Overview
- Schedule
- Speakers
- Judges
- Coaches and Mentors
- Sponsors
- Organizing Team
- Blog
Techstars Global Startup Weekend Sustainable Revolution - Sacramento Edition
Friday, June 21 - 23, 2019
Event Alerts and Updates
Get the latest on Techstars Startup Weekend, Sacramento, and other local events through Techstars Startup Digest.
Techstars Global Startup Weekend Sustainable Revolution - Sacramento Edition
Friday, June 21 - 23, 2019
Friday, June 21 - 23, 2019
Event starts at 6:00 pm
The Atrium
7300 Folsom Blvd
Sacramento,
CA
95826
Buy Tickets
54 hours to create and develop startup ideas that will boost sustainability around the world!
- đĄ What is Startup Weekend?
Do you have an idea you'd like to pursue or a problem you'd like to solve but don't know where to start or who to start with? Startup Weekend is the place to look for a team, create a prototype of your idea, validate your business idea, and receive feedback from experienced entrepreneurs, all in one weekend. The last decade, weâve organized more than 4,000 in over 150 countries, consolidating Startup Weekend as the biggest incubator for the world! - đââď¸ An event open for all ages, experience levels and backgrounds, of motivated people with ideas or willing to join other teams and improve the sustainability of their communities and the world. If youâre looking for a team, co-founder, mentors or an idea to leave your mark in the world, Startup Weekend is the event for you.
đł This edition will be part of the Global Startup Weekend Sustainable Revolution, a global initiative led by volunteers in order to put sustainable development at the forefront of the world stage. Here in Sacramento the Startup Weekend will take place on June 21-23. At the same time, more than 50 cities around the world will organize their own Startup Weekend on sustainability! After that, a final round online will be held where each local winner will pitch its idea in a one minute video. The 5 best projects elected by the public will get special prizes to help them launch their startups in real life!
đ Why a Startup Weekend on sustainability ?đż Because environmental sustainability is one of the biggest challenges humanity is facing, itâs our duty to help entrepreneurs find the best solutions to overcome it.
â The challenges of entrepreneurship in sustainability you can work in during this weekend are diverse:- Build eco-conceived products & reverse planned obsolescence
- Upcycle
- Substitute the disposable by the sustainable
- Reduce food waste
- Foster local production and local distribution
- Build a sustainable agriculture and a sustainable food industry
- Build highly energy efficient products and systems
- Produce sustainable energy
- (Re)Build sustainable buildings
- Design resilient, smart and inclusive cities
- Design Fintech for inclusive sustainable finance and markets
- Build the future of sustainable transportation
- Foster education on sustainability
đ¤ What do you need to bring?
âĄď¸ Lots of energy! You'll pitch your own idea or listen to others, then vote on the most interesting ideas and form teams with diverse skill sets. You can come with friends, but youâll get the full experience if you participate in separate teams. Remember, itâs all about the team.
đYour idea should be something you have not previously worked on and needs to be related with sustainability.Over the course of the weekend you'll be challenged to create a prototype of your MVP, or minimum viable product, that fits the needs of your target customer. You'll get feedback, iterate, build a viable business model and likely pivot your approach entirely!
âď¸Important: You cannot have worked previously on your idea.
How to participate ?đ Startup Weekend is a full weekend long experience.
Your ticket includes:- Hands-on chance to learn the process for going from concept to creation.
- Opportunity to meet experienced, talented, and passionate entrepreneurs in your city.
- 7 full (and delicious) meals over the course of the weekend.
- Benefits and discounts from our global partners.
- One-on-one time with amazing mentors.
- Focused time to learn and practice new skills to take back to your job or to take your own idea from concept to creation.
- A new network of developers, designers, and entrepreneurs eager, like you, to change the world.
- All the internet and coffee you can consume.
- Time to present your final pitch to a select panel of judges and investors.
- A LOT OF FUN!
Watch the video below to see what you can expect, and if youâre feeling inspired click on the âBuy Ticketâ button now!
Still have questions, feel free to reach us at sacramentosus@startupweekend.org
This event is organized by volunteers, teams are coached by professional mentors, and all is possible with the support of great partners âĽ
âď¸ Still have questions? Feel free to reach us at sacramento@startupweekend.org.
đĽ Donât wait any longer and join the Startup Weekend movement! No talk, all action!
* Be careful: participating in a Startup Weekend presents a risk of resigning on Monday morning to set up your Startup, live your dreams and make the world a better place!
âď¸ Still have questions? Feel free to reach us at sacramento@startupweekend.org.
đĽ Donât wait any longer and join the Startup Weekend movement! No talk, all action!
* Be careful: participating in a Startup Weekend presents a risk of resigning on Monday morning to set up your Startup, live your dreams and make the world a better place!
Related Events
Setup for Success Before/After Startup Weekend
EVENT SCHEDULE
Friday June 21st
6:00 pm
Registration
Arrive at the venue and get checked in
6:30 pm
Dinner & Networking
Eat food, share ideas, practice pitches, get to know fellow participants
7:00 pm
Welcome & Speakers
Review agenda for the weekend and introduce speakers, coaches, and community leaders
7:45 pm
Pitches Start
Optionally line up to give your pitch
8:45 pm
Voting
Attendees vote for the top pitches
9:15 pm
Form Teams
Teams start forming and discussing ideas
9:30 pm
Begin Work
Start to formalize teams and take an inventory of skills. Be honest, and direct about what resources and skills are needed for the weekend. You may stay and work as late as the venue will allow
11:00 pm
Venue Closes
Finished for the day. Go home and get some sleep!
Saturday June 22nd
7:00 am
Doors Open
8:30 am
Breakfast
Continental style with coffee and tea
8:45 am
Begin Work
Set up your workspace for the weekend and get busy!
10:30 am
Morning Coaching Meetings
Coaches help teams one-on-one. They are here to help! This session goes until 2:00 pm.
12:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 pm
Check-In
After-lunch check-in, status reports, call for help
3:30 pm
Afternoon Coach Meetings
Coaches help teams one-on-one. They are here to help! This session goes until 6:00 pm.
6:30 pm
Dinner
7:30 pm
Check-In
After-dinner check-in, status reports, call for help
11:00 pm
Venue Closes
Finished for the day. Go get some sleep!
Sunday June 23rd
7:00 am
Doors Open
8:30 am
Breakfast
Continental style with coffee and tea
9:00 am
Check-In
10:30 am
Coach meetings
Coaches are here from 10:30 am -2:00 pm
12:00 pm
Lunch
1:00 pm
Pitch Coaching
Teams will get 15 min time slots to practice their pitch and get final feedback between 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
3:00 pm
Presentation Prep & Tech Check
Final hours of worktime should be focused on perfecting your presentation, tech-check for final presentations also takes place
4:00 pm
Dinner
5:00 pm
Final Presentations
7:30 pm
Judging Deliberation
8:00 pm
Winners Announced
8:30 pm
Wrap-Up
9:00 pm
Go Home!
Speakers
Julia Burrows
Special Assistant to the Mayor, City of Sacramento
Julia is the Senior Policy Advisor to the City of Sacramento's Mayor Steinberg. Her portfolio includes climate, housing, transportation, diversity & inclusion, and the Chongqing, China trade office. Julia's career spans three decades in government, economic development and sustainability. She most recently served as the director of the Governing Institute, a think tank and affiliate of Governing magazine, with a mission to advance innovation, alliances and ideas among state and local governments nationwide. Prior to joining Governing, Julia was President & CEO of Greenwise Joint Venture and senior adviser to Mayor Kevin Johnson for sustainability and investment in Sacramentoâs green economy. She previously served 22 years with the City of Roseville in various roles, including Deputy City Manager and Economic Development Director. Julia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Policy Analysis & Planning from the University of California, Davis.
Event Judges
John Bissell
CEO & Co-founder, Origin Materials
John co-founded Origin Materials in 2009. Origin Materials is a chemical technology firm that converts biomass into both conventional petrochemicals and new chemical intermediates. John is an inventor on two dozen issued and pending patents, was on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2014, and was listed as one of Goldman Sachs 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs in 2014. John received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the UC Davis. John raised $90 million in venture capital between 2008 and 2017, and has experience negotiating and structuring venture equity financings and complex commercial off-take agreements.
Mariah Lichtenstern
Founding Partner, DiverseCity Ventures
At the intersection of technology, entertainment, and venture capital, Mariah Lichtenstern addresses social, economic, and environmental equity through entrepreneurship. Mariah is the Founding Partner of DiverseCity Ventures and Managing Director of the Founder Institute, Sacramento Chapter. She is a member of UCLA Ventures, and serves as an advisor for CalSEED CleanTech Fund, Berkeley SkyDeck, and Village Capital Finance Forward US 2019. She is an alumna of UC Berkeley, USC, and UCLA.
John Peters
Chairman, Sacramento Angels
John is the Chairman of the Sacramento Angels. He is an active investor and advisor to a number of northern California startups. John is also on the selections committee for the UC Berkeley Skydeck, an accelerator based on a partnership with the Haas School of Business and College of Engineering at UC Berkeley. John built his career in the technology industry as a senior executive at Hewlett Packard, BMC Software, and Touche Ross Consulting (now Deloitte Consulting). He has been heavily involved in M&A initiatives throughout his career. John is also the Chair of the Harvard Business School Community Partner program, an organization providing pro bono strategic consulting services to non-profit organizations located throughout the valley and bay area.
Kousthub Raghavan
Senior Director of Product Management at Walmart eCommerce
Kou is a product leader who enjoys solving complex real world problems using data and technology. He is currently a Senior Director of Product Management at Walmart e-Commerce and has led teams to develop and improve online and in-store digital experiences like search, re-ordering, checkout, in-store cashierless technology and customer service. Prior to Walmart, he had entrepreneurial roles at eBay where he established consignment selling services and was part of the founding team that built the third party marketplace on Sears.com. Kou has an MBA from Purdue University and a Bachelors in Engineering from India. On the weekends Kou keeps busy with home remodeling and automation projects.
Coaches and Mentors
Katherine Cota
Executive Director, Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State
Katherine has spent 20+ years working in entrepreneurship and innovation. Now the founding Executive Director of the Carlsen Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State, Katherine came from the award-winning student program at the entrepreneurial center at the University of Northern Iowa. At UNI, she directed the entrepreneurial center, taught entrepreneurship, and was UNIâs IP and tech transfer officer. She also managed two equity funds. An entrepreneur herself, Katherine started her first business at just 12 years old.
Tamara Barthel
Entrepreneur, Investor, Coach
Tamara is a business leader with over 35 years of experience in the technology sector with specialties in
finance, marketing, and customer service. She has started and run multiple start-up businesses,
executed over $3 billion in merger transactions comprised of hundreds of sales and purchases of small,
medium and large businesses. Semi-retired, she provides professional coaching and is collaborating
with multiple research and health organizations to develop programs benefiting youth and young adults
on the autism spectrum.
Jubal DeLong
Principal Industrial Designer, JDID
With 25 years professional product design and development experience Jubal has served clients, from regional startups to global brands. DeLongâs portfolio spans a wide variety of demanding consumer and commercial product development projects, from disruptive solutions to award winning consumer electronics. Jubalâs comprehensive experiences in product development include collaboration and management of multi-faceted projects, carrying hundreds of concepts from whiteboard to mass-production while securing IP and strategic development of global design languages. JDID's work has been recognized for both design and engineering excellence.
Mang Fang, CPA
Tax Senior Manager, Moss Adams
Mang has been in public accounting since 2002 and focuses on providing tax compliance and consulting services to an array of clients primary in the Technology, Communication and Media as well as not-for-profit industries. Her technical experience also includes preparation, review, and assistance with income tax provision (ASC 740) for publicly traded and privately-held companies. Prior to joining Moss Adams, Mang worked at a Big Four firm and as a fund tax manager for a global investment firm.
Rich Foreman
CEO and Founder at Apptology
Rich Foreman is the CEO and Co-Founder of Apptology. He leads Apptology with 25 years of experience in leadership, engineering, mobile application development and sales. 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 is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom.
Mark Henwood
CEO, Henwood Associates, Inc.
Mark is the CEO of Henwood Associates,. an owner, operator, engineer, and constructor of hydroelectric and other power facilities. In addition, Mark developed and manages Powersoft, LLC which provides a SaaS solution for managing recurring tasks, PPA settlements, and resources used by renewable generation projects. Previously Mark built Henwood Energy Services into a market leader providing enterprise software for risk management, market data, web-based analytics and mapping, and management consulting services. Since selling Henwood Energy in 2002, Mark has been heavily involved in the formation and sale of two other software companies serving the electric utility market.
Kyle Kaneshiro
Business Advisor
Kyle Kaneshiro is an experienced leader in high tech with expertise in strategic planning, product development, user experiences, new business development, and marketing. He has over 25 years of industry experience, including Director of Strategic Planning and Client Computing Group Manager at Intel Corporation. Kyle has driven strategies and provided leadership for imaging, 3D video, security, audio, voice recognition, and silicon component/platform planning. Kyleâs recent activities focused on cutting-edge technology usage efforts, including âNo Passwordâ security initiatives and 3D video experiences, which incorporated the use of LEAN methodologies and user experience (UX) testing.
Carolyn Lewis
Founder & CEO, The Lewis Group
Carolyn has spent her 30 year career building organizational capacity and strongerteams for her own and client businesses. She frequently shares lessons learned from herpersonal experience scaling companies from raising capital to marketing/productizing tosustainability. Her expertise in sales & marketing, organizational development, talentmanagement, and culture/strategy alignment has created competitive advantage as well asaccelerating results for her own companies and clients. An inspiring leader, Ms Lewis offersdeep insights into managing change and growth for fast-paced organizations.
Josh Miller
CEO
Josh David Miller is the CEO of Mindbox Studios, where he works with a diverse group of creatives, strategists, investors, and engineers to help innovators turn ideas into winning products. A serial entrepreneur with a strong passion for hypothesis testing and rapid iteration, JDM leads a team of product strategists who help organizations evaluate market opportunities, find product-market fit, and build something worth building.
Gary Simon
Chairman of the Board, CleanStart
Gary is the Chairman of CleanStart, a non-profit dedicated to accelerating the success of clean tech businesses in the Sacramento region. Gary's career spans 46 years as a senior executive with two Fortune 500 companies, a CEO of two small start-ups, a President of an international energy company, head of a corporate venture fund, worldwide energy company consultant, and government service. Most recently he was President and CEO of Atrex Energy, a manufacturer of small high-efficiency ceramic-based power generators for off-grid markets. He also was a board member for publicly-traded Capstone Turbine Corporation (CPST) and Neon Communications (NOPT), and is Chairman of SmartPower, a non-profit organization promoting clean energy use. Gary has a BA from Indiana University and an MS from the UC, Davis.
Brenda Horton
VP Business Development, Humaxa
In 2000 Brenda built a strawbale home with solar panels on 28 acres in Nevada County. Over the next ten years, her home became a regional model for sustainable home building techniques and practices. Brenda is the co-founder of two startups. She sold one (an e-commerce site) for a successful exit. Today she is working on her third startup, Humaxa Inc. as Chief Marketing Officer and VP of Sales and Business Development. She is a graduate of the inaugural Founder Institute Sacramento cohort. Brenda is also the founding organizer of SacWomenBizTech, a Meetup group for female founders in Sacramento. In 2017 and 2018 she was nominated by the Sacramento Chapter for Outstanding Woman Leader of the National Association of Women Business Owners.
Event Sponsors, and Partners
The Techstars Global Startup Weekend Sustainable Revolution - Sacramento Edition team is grateful for the support of local community partners without whom this event would not be possible.
Learn how to become a sponsor here.
Signature Sponsors
CleanStart accelerates the development of clean technology ventures in Northern California.
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Global Partners
Organizing Team
Techstars Startup Weekend Sacramento is 100% led by volunteer community leaders.
Learn how to get involved here
Facilitators
Michael Norton
Michael vagabonds around North America exploring entrepreneurial communities and facilitating Startup Weekend events. He works as a freelance business development and crowdfunding consultant, technical project manager, and social media guru. Michael is also a photographer, audio engineer, and writer.
