Startups vying for spots in accelerators already prepare as though for a beauty pageant, putting on their best face and preening for partners.

Velocity Venture Capital’s Entrepreneurs Showcase. Velocity Venture Capital/via Instagram But a Sacramento venture firm is taking the pitching to the next level–having a group of potential accelerator startups make their pitches to the public for voting à la “American Idol.”

Image: Velocity Venture Capital’s Entrepreneurs Showcase. Velocity Venture Capital/via Instagram