Startup World Cup Sacramento
Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional 2026
Ten Sacramento startups pitch live for a seat at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale and a shot at a $1 million investment prize. Free to attend. Part of Sacramento Tech Week.
About the event
Startup World Cup is a global pitch competition run by Pegasus Tech Ventures, with regional rounds in more than 100 cities. Each regional champion earns a place at the Grand Finale in San Francisco, Nov. 4–6, where the winner takes home a $1 million investment prize.
This is Sacramento's round. Ten finalists, selected from applications across the region, pitch live before a panel of investors and operators. One leaves as Sacramento's 2026 regional champion.
What the winner takes home
A seat at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco, Nov. 4–6, and a shot at the $1 million investment prize.
$10,000 in non-dilutive funding from the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State.
$10,000 in general counsel services from Witan Law Group.
Founders: how to apply
Applications are open to startups in the greater Sacramento region, at any stage, with no application fee. Applications close Friday, Sept. 25 at 11:59 pm PT, and finalists will be announced the week of Sept. 27.
Every finalist works with Traction Lab advisors ahead of pitch night, so the preparation pays off whether or not you take the top spot.
Who should attend
Founders, investors, operators, students, and anyone who wants to see what the region's strongest early-stage companies look like when they're put on the spot. Free and open to the public. Registration is required and capacity is limited.
Venue
The Carlsen Center at Sacramento State
Partners
Startup World Cup Sacramento Regional is presented by Pegasus Tech Ventures and produced by Traction Lab, the Carlsen Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Sacramento State, and StartupSac.
Prize partner: Witan Law Group.
Part of Sacramento Tech Week, Oct. 19–24.
Sponsors
Accessibility: If any special accommodations are needed please let us know at least two weeks in advance to secure the needed accommodations.