Northwest Arkansas to Host Onward FX Venture Capital Program This Spring

This spring, Northwest Arkansas is set to become a hub for innovation and investment as more than 30 venture capital firms gather for the Onward FX program. Recognized by the Milken Institute as the nation’s top-ranked large metropolitan area, Bentonville will host this unique event aimed at facilitating essential connections between founders and investors.

The Onward FX initiative is designed to streamline the process for startups seeking investment, compressing what typically takes months into focused one-on-one meetings. With over $7 billion in assets represented by these participating firms, the opportunities available to entrepreneurs are substantial. In previous cycles of Onward FX, about one in four founders left with secured term sheets, underscoring the effectiveness of this focused approach.

The Role of Northwest Arkansas

Home to global giants such as Walmart, Tyson Foods, and J.B. Hunt, Northwest Arkansas is not just a leader in retail and logistics; it's rapidly expanding its technological and startup ecosystem. With the aim of supporting early-stage founders, the Onward FX program offers curated meetings to enhance opportunities for obtaining investment and scaling businesses.

Scheduled for April 20 and 21, this iteration of Onward FX marks another crucial phase in a broader statewide strategy to boost Arkansas’ innovation economy. Participants are invited from across the United States to engage with investors who specialize in various sectors including health tech, fintech, and climate technology, while not being restricted to businesses based in Arkansas.

Event Access and Impact

Applications for startups are open until February 23, allowing time for crucial submissions that will then be shared with over 200 institutional investors—extending the value of participation beyond the immediate event. Each selected participant will also benefit from networking opportunities designed to foster long-term relationships with both peers and funders.

Since its inception, Onward FX has facilitated over 500 curated founder-investor meetings, resulting in more than $22 million in investment capital raised by participants. This initiative reflects Arkansas' growing appeal as an investment destination within the Heartland, often juxtaposed to more traditional coastal hubs of venture activity.

With remarks from figures like Serafina Lalany, executive director of StartupNWA, it’s clear that Onward FX is viewed as a crucial effort not just for Arkansas, but for the greater entrepreneurial landscape. The program exemplifies how strategic efforts in economical advancement do not happen by coincidence but through methods that connect creators with capital effectively.

Future Programming

As the event draws closer, additional details surrounding public sessions and featured speakers will be announced. This further highlights the commitment of the Northwest Arkansas Council and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to bolster economic opportunities through programs that connect entrepreneurs with the resources required to successfully launch and expand businesses.

StartupNWA continues to pave the way for Arkansas’s startup ecosystem, ensuring that the path to investment is as accessible and efficient as possible. With dedicated support from organizations such as the Walton Family Foundation, the region is poised to become a powerhouse for innovation and entrepreneurial growth. For founders looking to scale their ventures, Onward FX represents an invaluable step forward in their entrepreneurial journeys.