![Renee Joneck, far right, tried using Kickstarter to launch a wine bar in Arden Arcade, but didn’t meet her $50,000 goal. (Photo by Carmen Ross, courtesy of Renee Joneck)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0724_blog_crowdfunding_lead.png?1721749860)
Should Businesses Crowdfund?
Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns have financed a number of Capital Region businesses and creators, but it’s easier said than done
Ever thought about launching a Kickstarter campaign? Here’s what local businesses have to say about crowdfunding.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0724-startup-lead-template.png?1720198311)
Startup of the Month: Strived.io
Education platform integrates academic and behavioral insights with AI
When a student is struggling with a concept, the reasons may go beyond the teaching. Other factors, such as social needs and learning styles, could play a role. But educators need science to identify and diagnose these issues, which may be happening anecdotally, according to Shweta Gandhi.
Sponsored
![Pictured (L-R): Ryan Schmidt, Associate Civil Engineer; Emily Hoffman, Public Information Officer; Pedro Gamez, Scalehouse Supervisor; Adam Lindsey, Engineering Technician; Heather Wilden, Senior Administrative Clerk; Stephanie Ulmer, Environmental Resources Specialist; Eric Oddo, Program Manager; Sara Lyon, Environmental Resources Specialist; Scott Scholz, General Manager; Will Scheffler, Operations Superintendent](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/canon_1604-edit.jpg?1719610800)
WESTERN PLACER WASTE MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY
LEADING PLACER COUNTY INTO A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
One of Placer County’s most reliable resources since 1978, the Western Placer Waste Management Authority (WPWMA), is firmly focused on the future. The agency continues to evolve to better serve nearly a half-million residents and businesses from Roseville up to Foresthill in the western county.
Sponsored
![Pictured [L-R]: Jamie Burton, Airport Operations Officer; Ron Reichel, Airport Safety and Risk Manager; Cindy Martinez, Safety Technician; Jennifer Cowell, Safety Specialist](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_8784_0.png?1719601633)
SACRAMENTO COUNTY AIRPORT SYSTEM
COLLABORATIVE TEAM ENSURES THE SAFEST AIRPORT EXPERIENCE
The Sacramento County Department of Airports leads the nation in implementing safety measures and policies, guided by its four-member Airport Safety and Risk team. The team oversees the FAA’s Safety Management System (SMS) requirements and federal and state OSHA requirements, among other duties, to ensure the safest environment possible for all airport users.
![Leo Zlimen is CEO of Ladris, a startup that provides AI-based software for emergency management. (Photos by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/zlimen.png?1717630738)
Young Professionals: Leo Zlimen
Meet the emerging leaders who envision a bright future for the Capital Region
Leo Zlimen, 25, is CEO of Ladris, a fast-growing startup based in Nevada City that provides AI-based software for emergency management.
![Vidhu Shekhar is government strategy leader at Microsoft. (Photos by Terence Duffy)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/sekhar.png?1717630672)
Young Professionals: Vidhu Shekhar
Meet the emerging leaders who envision a bright future for the Capital Region
Vidhu Shekhar is government strategy leader at Microsoft. He is directing the mega-company’s mission to help state and local authorities improve their effectiveness through generative AI.
![](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/0624-startup-lead-template.png?1717701362)
Startup of the Month: Unstructured
Company helps businesses turn raw data into AI-friendly formats
Think about a global company where each department has its own unique jargon, and employees speak different languages. To thrive, this company would need a way to keep valuable information from getting lost in translation.
Sponsored
![Pictured [L-R]: Sacramento County Office of Education Cabinet Members: Wende Watson, Shanine Coats, Jacqueline White, Brent Malicote, Dr. Nancy Herota, Jerry Jones, Nick Schweizer, Dr. Channa Pitt, Michael Kast, Rachel Perry, Darrien Johnson, Kristin Wright, Elizabeth Linton, Xanthi Soriano;](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/_mg_2363_edited_v4.jpg?1717430432)
SACRAMENTO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION
A STRONGHOLD FOR PROGRESS AND INCLUSIVITY
In a world where education is the cornerstone of personal and societal growth, the Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) stands as a stronghold for progress and inclusivity.
![Chris Johnson got national attention when his Rapid Ramen Cooker appeared on “Shark Tank.” He now runs The Johnson Group, which uses AI to identify and connect job candidates with employers. (Photos by Gabriel Teague)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/gtp_8368.png?1716570318)
Dare to Dream
Entrepreneurship runs on resiliency
For many entrepreneurs, the past few years have served as something of a litmus test. From lockdowns and layoffs to a tumultuous economy, business owners have had to take a hard look at themselves and ask: How badly do I want to do this?
![Ripe cabernet sauvignon grapes grow in Napa. It’s standard practice to graft cabernet sauvignon and other European grape varieties to North American rootstock. (Shutterstock photo by Karen Wibbs)](https://www.comstocksmag.com/sites/main/files/imagecache/tile/main-images/shutterstock_465686666_1.png?1715809614)
Putting North American Grapes on the (Genetic) Map
UC Davis research on native grapes may help winegrowers adapt to climate change
UC Davis researchers have created the first ever comprehensive pangenome for North American grapes, a blueprint that will allow breeders to select rootstock by its genetic propensity for specific desired traits — say, drought tolerance or heat resistance.