ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The city of Elk Grove successfully hosted its third annual Pitch Elk Grove competition on Sept. 19, uniting the brightest minds and most innovative startups from across the Sacramento region. 

Held at Elk Grove’s community center, District56, the event awarded $20,000 in prizes to the most promising ventures, while celebrating the collaborative spirit that drives the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

This year’s competition featured 10 cutting-edge startups representing the best of innovation in the Sacramento region. These startups presented groundbreaking ideas addressing pressing challenges and significant market opportunities. 

Each team pitched to a distinguished panel of judges, competing for this year’s top awards: $10,000 for the best startup, $5,000 for the second-best startup, $2,500 for the third-best startup and $2,500 for the best Elk Grove startup.

Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen, joined by first-place sponsor representative Jesus Tarango, Chairman of Wilton Rancheria, awarded the $10,000 grand prize to LogRx from Sacramento. Their revolutionary application, which enables first responders to track controlled substances, impressed the judges with its potential to transform the emergency healthcare system.

Vice-Mayor Rod Brewer presented the $5,000 second-place prize to HappyLadders, an El Dorado Hills startup whose early intervention platform empowers parents to maximize the potential of their children with developmental needs.

Councilmember Kevin Spease awarded the $2,500 third-place prize to Japa for their innovative B2B SaaS solution, which leverages AI and IoT sensors to automate parking management; and Councilmember Sergio Robles presented the $2,500 Best Elk Grove Startup Award to ValleyMatch, an Elk Grove-based company that redefines matchmaking with a refreshing, swipeless way to meet matches in person using AI-empowered human matchmakers.

The competition was fierce, with each finalist presenting a distinct vision that exemplified the innovation and entrepreneurial energy thriving in the Sacramento region.

“We were blown away by the caliber of startups this year,” said David Lopez, one of the event’s judges and a Sacramento angel investor. “The passion and ingenuity demonstrated by these entrepreneurs highlight the incredible potential for innovation and growth in our community.”

Engaging Audience

Beyond the main competition, Pitch Elk Grove 2024 provided a unique opportunity for audience members to share their own entrepreneurial visions during transitional periods with brief “elevator pitches.” This interactive segment offered aspiring entrepreneurs the chance to connect with potential mentors, investors and collaborators in an encouraging environment.

Collaboration Across the Region

Pitch Elk Grove is more than just a startup competition; it is a testament to the power of collaboration across the Greater Sacramento area. 

Produced by the city of Elk Grove in partnership with StartupSac, a nonprofit that supports entrepreneurial success in the region, and Explore Elk Grove, the official tourism marketing organization for the city of Elk Grove, the event brought together regional leaders, venture capitalists and industry experts, all united in their commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators. 

“We’re thrilled to see such strong participation from across the region,” said Darrell Doan, economic development director for the city of Elk Grove. “The event showcased the strength of our collaborative ecosystem and the tremendous benefits it offers to startups. 

“By working together, we’re creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive, innovate, and scale their businesses right here in the Sacramento region.”