Patent Attorney and Founder
Hey inventors, entrepreneurs, and makers in Sacramento, welcome to Bold Patents.
If you’re building something new, it can feel like you’re out on an island. I get it. I’ve worked with inventors for over a decade, and one thing I hear all the time is: “I don’t know where to go or who to talk to.”
That’s why I made this list.
Below are five solid resources, local programs that can help you meet others, test your idea, get funding, and grow your business.
Let’s jump in:
1. CleanStart
This one’s for clean tech inventors.
CleanStart is a Sacramento-based program that helps early-stage energy startups. If your idea helps the planet, this is where you want to be.
What they offer:
- Seed funding
- Mentorship
- Industry connections
But you’ll need a real plan to apply, no walk-ins.
💡 Example: ZMO.ai started here and just raised $8M for their AI-powered clean energy tech.
2. FourthWave
If you’re a woman founder in tech, this one’s for you.
FourthWave supports women-led startups through accelerator programs built around access, equity, and real business growth.
What you’ll get:
- Expert coaching
- Capital readiness support
- Strong founder community
💡 Example: Aenda Health, a graduate, just raised $19.3M for their health tech platform.
Before applying, consider a legal check-in with us, especially if you need help with patents or trademarks.
3. Sacramento Entrepreneurship Academy
This is a strong all-around program for new founders, men and women, who want real-world experience and local connections.
What to expect:
- Workshops and speaker series
- Business mentorship
- Peer networking
It’s a great place to meet other innovators and see what’s working for them.
4. I/O Labs
Think of this as part coworking space, part startup launcher.
They host workshops, trainings, and accelerator programs designed to help you go from idea to execution, fast.
What they offer:
- Business growth mentorship
- Community support
- Optional accelerator (some with equity terms)
💡 Rhombus Systems came out of I/O Labs and recently raised $45M in Series C funding.
If equity is part of the deal, talk with a business attorney first. Know what you’re trading before you say yes.
5. Founder Academy
Founder Academy is kind of like a grassroots MBA. You’ll learn what it takes to go from inventor to entrepreneur.
You’ll explore:
- Team building
- Product marketing
- Business structure and planning
💡 Grin, a local data analytics startup, started here, and now they’re helping put Sacramento on the tech map.
Bottom line?
Sacramento isn’t short on support; you just need to plug in.
And before you pitch or launch, let’s chat about your invention. A free discovery call with us can help you figure out whether your idea is patentable and how to protect it.
I’m JD Houvener, patent attorney and founder of Bold Patents.
Go big. Go bold.