StartupNWA plans VC Immersions series

StartupNWA, an initiative of the Northwest Arkansas Council, is accepting applications for its October 2024 VC Immersions, a program designed to lower the barriers for startups seeking early-stage capital. Held October 29-30, the series will connect entrepreneurs with top venture capitalists, offering access to critical funding and mentoring while building essential relationships often needed to secure investor support.

StartupNWA’s VC Immersions series is the first and only initiative of its kind in the country. Startups from across the Heartland are invited to partner with some of the nation’s top venture capital firms. These connections will help close the gap between investors and emerging startups, fostering unparalleled opportunities for innovation and growth in traditionally underserved markets.

“The VC Immersions Series is poised to change the venture capital landscape by expanding opportunity beyond traditional coastal hubs,” said Serafina Lalany, executive director of StartupNWA. “With nearly 75 percent of its venture capital concentrated in California, New York, and Massachusetts, StartupNWA aims to open up opportunities for early-stage startups in Arkansas and the Heartland.”

The series, an expansion of a successful pilot event in February, aims to build relationships by offering one-on-one pitch meetings between select startups and visiting VC firms, bridging the capital divide and helping founders build relationships critical to securing investment.

The 20 confirmed venture capital firms* span eight states and Washington, DC, including Arkansas, California, Colorado, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Oklahoma, and Texas. Together, the firms represent more than $4 billion in assets under management. Participating VC firms include:

*More VC firms may be added prior to the event.

All startups that apply will be included in StartupNWA’s deal database, which is regularly shared with a network of over 100 institutional investors nationwide, further increasing exposure to funding opportunities. In addition, applicants will be invited to networking events, including a social happy hour on October 29, where they can connect with investors and other entrepreneurs.

“This initiative supports innovation in talent-rich but historically overlooked regions, opening up new opportunities and ensuring startups have access to the resources and capital they need to grow,” Lalany added.

Key program dates include: The deadline for submitting applications is September 30and the recruitment announcement will take place in the second week of October.

More details, including a full schedule and investor list, will be announced closer to the event date.

How to apply:
Startups from across the United States are encouraged to apply, with special consideration given to those based in the Heartland. Applications are open to all startups, and entrepreneurs do not need to be based in Northwest Arkansas to participate.

Startups, click here to apply.

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