Arkansas bets on startups to accelerate the Heartland economy

Onward FX signals that venture is flowing beyond the coasts as Arkansas emerges as a destination for entrepreneurship; applications open nationwide through Sept. 15

BENTONVILLE, Ark., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A state long known for big-box retail and agriculture is now drawing the attention of Silicon Valley and Wall Street. On Oct. 30, 24 venture capital firms representing $4 billion in assets under management will converge in Little Rock, Ark., for Onward FX, the Heartland's premier founder-funder exchange. Qualified startups nationwide are invited to apply by Sept. 15.

The move marks the first statewide expansion of Onward FX, a Bentonville-born program that has already facilitated more than 500 curated startup-investor meetings. Unlike a typical demo day, the model is built for outcomes: one in four startups in past cycles secured a term sheet, with dozens more advancing into diligence.

"Onward FX gives founders direct access to investors who can change the trajectory of their company," said Serafina Lalany, executive director of the Northwest Arkansas Council's entrepreneurship program. "These are high-value conversations with decision-makers who understand your business and are ready to explore real opportunities."

The statewide expansion comes at a pivotal moment. Nearly one-third of all early-stage venture deals in the United States are now happening in the Heartland, evidence that capital is flowing beyond traditional hubs like Silicon Valley and New York. Concurrently, industrial tech startups are transforming legacy industries that form the backbone of Arkansas' economy, from manufacturing and logistics to agriculture and retail.

The Oct. 30 convening will host funds from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Miami, Houston, Salt Lake City, Madison and beyond. Firms include Alpha Edison, Blumberg Capital, Plug and Play Ventures, Mercury Fund, Signal Peak Ventures, TMV, Flyover Capital, Lightship Capital, Tech Square Ventures and corporate venture arms such as Tyson Ventures.

For many venture capitalists, it will be their first trip to Arkansas. For founders, whether based in Little Rock, Kansas City, Los Angeles or New York, it will be a rare chance to connect directly with decision-makers in an environment built for real dealmaking.

The high-touch approach taken by Onward FX, launched last year as VC Immersions, has demonstrated results:

• $4 billion in combined assets under management represented by participating VC firms
• More than 500 curated founder–investor meetings facilitated since launch
• More than 200 participating companies across prior events
• One in four startups in a previous cycle received term sheets, with dozens more advancing conversations with investors

"Our team has invested in two startups we met through previous cycles," said Matt Hickman, Principal at Plains Ventures, whose firm has already invested in two startups discovered through earlier Onward FX events. "Onward FX delivers meaningful outcomes for both founders and investors, and we look forward to continuing to find exceptional companies in Arkansas."

Onward FX is a partnership between Northwest Arkansas Council and Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The program builds on earlier events supported by the Walton Family Foundation focused on delivering education and resources for startups while raising the region's profile as an entrepreneurial destination. Together, the partners are betting that a curated exchange of capital and ideas can help advance Arkansas as a destination for founders and funders alike.

"Arkansas is proving to be a place where founders can build, scale and thrive," said Esperanza Massana Crane, director of AEDC's Small Business and Entrepreneurship Development Division. "The new statewide Onward FX initiative will create opportunities for our entrepreneurs to connect directly with top-tier investors while also showcasing Arkansas' growing innovation economy. This partnership highlights our commitment to supporting startups at every stage and ensuring they have the capital, mentorship and resources needed to succeed."

How to apply and attend
Founders can apply at onward.nwacouncil.org/fx by Sept. 15. Applications are open to startups nationwide, and companies do not need to be based in Arkansas to participate. While the highly-coveted private meeting spots are limited, Onward FX also features networking opportunities for a broader set of participants to engage in meaningful conversations and catalyze powerful relationships. Review and register for consideration at luma.com/onwardfx.

About Onward FX
Onward FX is the Heartland's premier founder-funder exchange, designed to accelerate venture capital activity outside traditional coastal hubs. Since its launch in 2024, the program has facilitated over 500 curated investor-founder meetings and helped secure millions in early-stage financings for startups nationwide.

About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission
At AEDC, we know economic advancement does not happen by accident. We work strategically with businesses and communities to create strong economic opportunities, making Arkansas the natural choice for success. AEDC is a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce. To learn more, visit ArkansasEDC.com.

About the Northwest Arkansas Council
Founded in 1990 by Sam Walton, J.B. Hunt, Don Tyson and other business leaders, the Northwest Arkansas Council serves as a regional convener for economic and community initiatives. The Council works to advance quality of life, attract talent, improve the workforce, create job opportunities and upgrade infrastructure across the region. Learn more at nwacouncil.org.

Contacts:
Nate Green, Communications Director
Northwest Arkansas Council
[email protected]
501-650-4653

Amanda Horn, Communications
Northwest Arkansas Council
[email protected]
775.636.2567

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SOURCE Northwest Arkansas Council