Foreman Jr.’s Involvement in Sacramento Area Strengthens Accelerator Linkages to Major Sports Entertainment and Healthcare Industries
Sacramento, August 1, 2018 — On the heels of announcing strategic collaborations with the Sacramento Kings, McClatchy New Ventures Lab, Clark Pacific, Moneta Ventures and HaneyBiz, representatives of the Capital Region AR VR Accelerator further announced today that George Foreman Jr. joined the Accelerator team as a Venture Partner. As a Founding Managing Partner of IYC Capital, George has advised many companies in the past, both startups and established businesses on growth opportunities, innovation and funding. George Jr. is a huge believer in the oncoming mainstream emergence of augmented reality and virtual reality, particularly within the sports entertainment and healthcare industries where Mr. Foreman possesses numerous key strategic relationships.
When asked about joining the Capital Region AR VR Accelerator, Foreman stated “By being part of a platform such as Capital Region AR VR Accelerator, I look forward to helping more entrepreneurs realize their dreams and continue to push the next frontier for innovation, competition and progress. Capital Region AR VR Accelerator is the future and Sacramento is the new hub for technology, innovation and entrepreneurship.”
Having grown up in Sacramento, and attending Kennedy High School, George Jr. shares the Capital Region AR VR Accelerator’s vision to help strengthen the environment and pathway for success for start-up and early-stage AR and VR companies who consider locating to or establishing a presence in the Capital region.
George was an executive with Salton (George Foreman Grill), where he leveraged all of his consumer product marketing expertise in live shopping (QVC, HSN) and e-commerce. George formed Foreman Boys Promotions with legendary boxing promoter Bob Arum and George Foreman Sr. where George promoted 20 World Title Fights,10 HBO World Title Fights, 3 HBO PPV Fights including 3 Co-Promoted Manny Pacquiao Fights. George’s experience with boxing promotions allowed him to understand live events, technology, broadcasting, casino gaming and hospitality as a business on a global stage.
George has extensive knowledge in media and television having served as Executive Producer on various television programs including American Inventor (ABC), Family Foreman (TV Land) and the Foreman Documentary that was distributed through EPIX Networks, Universal and Hulu.
ION360 is a portfolio company of IYC Capital where Foreman oversees creating, executing, and sustaining strategic initiatives. In his continued effort to bring new business to Sacramento, ION360 was an official partner of the Sacramento Kings Draft Party and California Classic Summer League.
George Jr. will be an active participant in the upcoming 2018 AR/VR Pitch-Fest, occurring on August 29th at the Sacramento King’s Golden One Center in downtown Sacramento. The event is part of the recruitment process for a Fall 2018 Accelerator cohort that will include between 5 and 10 start-up and early-stage AR and VR companies.
About the 2018 AR/VR Pitch-Fest
The 2018 AR/VR Pitch-Fest will feature presentations by up to 20 start-up and early-stage augmented reality or virtual reality companies to panels of judges representing angel investors, venture capitalists, regional and major corporations, health care institutions and governmental entities who have an interest in the AR/VR industry space in a variety of industry verticals. The top presenting company will gain entry into the 2018 cohort of the Capital Region AR VR Accelerator and be featured at the home opener of the Sacramento Kings 2018 season. Companies featured at the Pitch-Fest will learn more about the details of the Summer Accelerator and have the ability to interact with members of the Selection Committee, investors and mentor teams and advisors which will give them a leg up on the selection process. In addition to George Jr., representatives from the Sacramento Kings, McClatchy New Ventures Lab, Clark Pacific and Moneta Ventures will serve as panelists and judges at Pitchfest I and be part of the Selection Committee for the Capital Region AR VR Accelerator.
How to be a Presenting Company
AR and VR start-up companies interested in being considered to be a presenting company at the AR VR Pitch-Fest should submit an executive summary and/or fundraising deck via email to jcgregory48@gmail.com or fill out the online application for the Accelerator at the web address previously noted.
Register to Attend the 2018 AR VR Pitch-Fest
Individuals interested in attending the 2018 AR VR Pitch-Fest should email jcgregory48@gmail.com as seating is limited so early registration is highly encouraged.
