A year of Onward HQ | Updates from LexMed.ai, Coaxial Collective, and Fr8relay

Hi friend,

I can't believe it’s been one year since we opened the doors to Onward HQ .

No masterplan. Just a bet that if we built something useful and welcoming enough, founders would show up...and they did.

Since then, we’ve seen teams land pilots, students join startups, and founders grow fast enough to move into offices of their own.

To mark the milestone, I wrote a few reflections on what we’ve learned about building startup communities from the inside out.

👉💡 FYI: If you’re a founder, funder, or operator and have been thinking about joining us, we’re offering 45 days free for new hot desk members (normally $275/month).

Read the full essay here →

Become an Onward HQ member →

Inside This Issue:

Celebrations
Featured Happenings: Business Women's Conference
Upcoming Events and Opportunities

💡 Onward HQ offers Beta Tier for freelancers

Our recently-launched membership opportunity invites tech freelancers to join the local startup community. $150/month. 4 spots remain. Claim yours now!

🏢 Walmart names John Furner its next CEO

This past week, Walmart announced Doug McMillon’s retirement and the appointment of John Furner as CEO of the Fortune 1, marking a major leadership transition for one of Arkansas’ most influential companies.

🤖 LexMed.ai featured in Arkansas Business

Bentonville-based legaltech startup LexMed.ai was highlighted for its rapid growth from idea to nationwide platform serving disability attorneys.

🧼 Muckender hits the market

Congratulations to Onward HQ member Coaxial Collective for launching a new heavy-duty cleaning towel built with creators, tested on real job sites, and crafted for the hardworking.

💼 Heartland Whole Health seeks a Product Manager

A mission-driven role leading the data and technology products shaping the future of whole-health care.

🚚 FR8relay welcomes new software developer

Akshay Daundkar has joined the Bentonville-based freight tech team full-time, bringing fresh talent as they scale innovation in the future of logistics.

🤝 Cortado Ventures invests in Sober Sidekick

The OKC-based fund invested in Onward HQ member Sober Sidekick, backing its AI-powered platform supporting accountability, recovery, and long-term wellness.

🎉 Congrats to LIVSN on a successful grand opening

The Bentonville-based, founder-led outdoor apparel brand opened its new flagship HQ with an event full of music, community and trail-friendly fun.

Do you have a milestone to celebrate? Email us to be featured. We want to celebrate with you!

EMAIL US

EventPhotoFull_Business Womens Conference

DEC 9

Blueprint to Her Brilliance

Presented by Walmart, the region’s premier event for women in business returns with a full day of inspiration and connection. As part of the Entrepreneurial Strategies track, Startup NWA will host a panel featuring female founders driving Bentonville’s innovation economy. Real talk, actionable insight, and serious momentum.

As a token of gratitude to our community, enjoy 40% off tickets with promo code startupnwa. Share it with founders, entrepreneurs, or friends in your network, but hurry as quantities are limited.

REGISTER