From Student Project to Scalable Startup
JAPA, short for Just A Parking App, began as a student-led solution to a common problem finding a place to park. While studying computer science at UC Davis, Mathew Magno experienced the daily challenge of locating open parking on campus. That frustration led to an idea that would grow into a smart parking platform now helping drivers and cities alike.
Co-founded by Mathew Magno and Charles Chen, JAPA uses sensor technology and real-time data to help drivers find available parking while providing valuable analytics to parking lot managers. Today, JAPA’s platform is being used by universities, hospitals, municipalities, and event venues to improve traffic flow, efficiency, and sustainability.
Local Ecosystem Support Sparked Growth
JAPA’s progress is rooted in the support of the Sacramento region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The company first gained traction by winning the UC Davis Big Bang Business Competition in 2018. That win marked a turning point, helping the team gain visibility and confidence to pursue the business full-time.
Mathew continued to stay connected to local programs and events, using them as platforms to grow and refine the company. JAPA was selected to participate in 1 Million Cups, AngelCon, and pitched in the StartupSac Warm-Up Pitch Competition, where they took second place and were named the audience favorite. They went on to win the Sacramento Regional Startup World Cup in 2022, advancing to the Semi-Finals in San Francisco and earning a spot among the top 10 finalists in the global competition. Most recently, JAPA placed third at the 2024 Pitch Elk Grove Competition, earning recognition and connecting with fellow founders, mentors, and local investors.
These events did more than offer visibility—they provided valuable feedback, sharpened JAPA’s business model, and opened doors to community partnerships. As Mathew puts it:
“Winning the UC Davis Big Bang really lit the fuse for JAPA, but the real transformation came from support from 1 Million Cups, AngelCon, StartupSac, and the Sacramento community. Every time I stepped on those stages, we refined the business, met mentors who challenged us, and unlocked customers and capital we never could’ve reached alone. I’m deeply thankful that those programs didn’t just shape JAPA; they shaped me into the entrepreneur I strive to be.”
Lean Beginnings and Smart Pivots
Mathew’s early days as a founder were marked by persistence and creativity. To test the concept and get real-world feedback, he and his team went to extremes including dressing as oversized parking cones to attract attention and spark conversations with potential users.
Originally built as a mobile app for individual users, JAPA eventually pivoted to a business-to-business model, focusing on institutions that manage large parking lots. This strategic shift helped the company gain traction and deliver measurable value to customers through parking analytics and data-driven management tools.
A Local Startup with National Reach
Today, JAPA is growing quickly. The company recently raised $1.3 million from Sacramento-based investors to expand its team and scale across new markets. With this funding, JAPA aims to continue developing its IoT-enabled parking sensors and expand its presence in cities across the country.
The platform not only improves the parking experience but also supports larger goals around urban mobility and sustainability by helping reduce congestion and emissions from circling traffic.
Lessons for Local Entrepreneurs
Mathew’s journey offers powerful takeaways for other startup founders. He built his business by staying lean, staying connected to the local startup community, and being unafraid to test, pivot, and refine. Programs like pitch competitions, entrepreneurship meetups, and mentorship sessions played a major role in helping JAPA move from idea to implementation.
For early-stage entrepreneurs in the Sacramento region, JAPA’s story is a reminder that you do not have to go it alone. The local ecosystem is full of resources, opportunities, and people ready to support the next big idea.
Wrap-Up
JAPA’s success is proof that innovative ideas, when paired with persistence and community support, can thrive and scale. From local competitions to regional funding, the Sacramento startup ecosystem has played a key role in helping Mathew Magno and his team grow their company. As JAPA continues to expand its reach and impact, it stands as an inspiring example of what’s possible for other entrepreneurs building their ventures right here in the region.
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