Last year, Capitalize, the NBA’s first Venture Capitalist pitch contest hosted by the Kings, created a unique opportunity for local entrepreneurs and startups within 75 miles of Sacramento to share their innovative ideas – and potentially take the next step into a global marketplace.
100 entrants — from startups to companies on the cusp – applied for the chance to pitch their idea to leading regional and global VC voices. In tournament style, companies went head-to-head selling their idea in front of a panel of judges.
From the four finalists, the Kings saw huge promise — not only in innovative ideas that could be incorporated into Golden 1 Center, but also in new partners to collaborate with for community outreach initiatives.