In Tough Times, Startups Hit The Golf Course

Entrepreneurial Drive Connects Entrepreneurs, Investors

EL DORADO HILLS, Calif. For entrepreneurs, this economic environment is especially difficult, but there is one event that can turn that all around in one day – the Entrepreneurial Drive Golf Tournament. The tournament brings investors and startups’ executives together for what could be a lot more than a great day of golf.

“We hope that our investor pitch will attract some investors that have the ability to add value beyond capital,” said Rajiv Donde, President of Laru, a financial services software company. “There are so many investors all in one place, we’re hopeful that we’ll inspire a couple of them.”

Investors see it the same way. As they play the tournament, they hear quick pitches from startups at the tee. “It’s one-stop shopping,” says Tim Coxen, a local businessowner and investor, “and a great way to get caught up on the new tech companies in the region, and network with colleagues and partners.”

Bringing investors and entrepreneurs together attracted top sponsors and 120 golfers last year, raising $10,000 for groups that support entrepreneurship.

“Those unique tee-box pitches paid off for EmTRAiN last year,” said Janine Yancey, CEO of EmTRAiN, an online training and delivery platform service. “It was a busy day of real work out there on the course, believe me, but it was good for us.”

The Entrepreneurial Drive was the vision of Jack Crawford, Jr., of Velocity Venture Capital, an investor in seed and early-stage technology companies.

“This region is quickly becoming a national leader in clean energy with its quickly maturing technology sector – we’ve got all of the ingredients: a strong academic infrastructure, a talented workforce, plenty of incubating companies, a cache of great entrepreneurs and a bunch of experienced investors,” Crawford said.

This year, Velocity is partnering with Entrepreneurs’ Organization of Sacramento and will give successful entrepreneurs, investors and budding entrepreneurs a chance to interact.

“I played in the tournament last year and I was really impressed with the caliber of the participants, and the tee-box pitches were great,” said John Finegan, past president and Board member of the Sacramento chapter of EO.

The tournament begins with a trade-show luncheon at 10:30 a.m., July 20, at Serrano in El Dorado Hills. For more information, visit www.entrepreneurialdrive.com.

Source: Velocity Venture Capital