NWA's New Startup Playground 🚀 + MidCon Summit Recap 🔥 + When Chance Meetings = Major Customers Wins 🪄

May 22, 2024

Hello and welcome back to the StartupNWA Release Notes! The excitement from Cortado's MidCon VC Summit is still buzzing, energizing us about everything happening in the Northwest Arkansas startup ecosystem 🚀✨

An exciting opportunity for NWA founders and funders: A dedicated startup and VC coworking space is launching in Downtown Bentonville! If you're interested in becoming a part of this vibrant hub, submit an interest form to join the community. Our goal is to build a culture where startups have ample access to the best mentors, tools, and resources needed to scale.

Earlier this month at MidCon, our team facilitated more than 50 one-on-one pitch meetings and over 100 introductions. If you're fundraising this year and haven't joined our network yet, please sign up for our database today.

Read up on the latest news and product milestones from LIVSN, Ox, and Bastazo below.

As always, stay tuned for more exciting updates and opportunities to connect, grow, and innovate together 🤝🔗.

Inside This Issue:

Spotlight on Innovation: Cyber Security Wins
Featured Event: Female Founders & Fundraising
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
A Founder's Perspective: Andy Olson

🌟 LIVSN Debuts New Prototype

The company’s new product aims to enhance outdoor experiences with sustainable and high-performance apparel

📈 Ox Welcomes New COO

Ox has appointed Chris Halkyard as their Chief Operations Officer

🚀 Bastazo Wins Award from NREL

Bastazo will be partnering with National Renewable Energy Laboratory to provide cybersecurity tools to partner organizations and companies

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

EMAIL US

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May 29

Founders & Fundraising: Finding Funding Success

Join local entrepreneurs Murielle Gaither, CEO of Venku, and Natalie Shew, CEO of EmployWell, for a panel discussion designed to equip entrepreneurs, founders, and startups with practical advice and strategies for successful fundraising.

Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights, network with peers, and advance your fundraising journey!

Registration is free but required.

REGISTER FOR EVENT

May 22

1 Million Cups

Where local entrepreneurs gather to share their stories, ideas, and challenges over a cup of coffee.

June 6

From Interest to Investment: Insights from VCs

Learn from venture capitalists about the strategies and best practices for building an investment portfolio.

June 9

NWA Female Founders Meet Up

Monthly meet up of Female Founders and Business Owners in Northwest Arkansas. Locations rotate - always at a woman owned business.

May 30

Fieldbook Studio Launch Party

Join High Alpha Innovation, Cartwheel Startup Studio, VentureWell, Walton Family Foundation, and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) as they celebrate the launch of their new venture studio. Fieldbook is investing in entrepreneurs and creating advantaged startups that drive economic impact in our state.

Andy Olson: Finding Funding the Unconventional Way

In the thriving entrepreneurial landscape of Northwest Arkansas (NWA), sharing the real-world experiences of local entrepreneurs can provide invaluable guidance to others looking to make their mark. Andy, co-founder of Path Fertility, sheds light on the strategic maneuvers and community interactions that have shaped his company’s journey in the health tech space.

His story includes:
👣 The Path to Bentonville
🔍 Leveraging Local Resources
🛤️ Navigating Business Challenges
💡 Strategic Alliances and Partnerships

Andy Olson (Path Fertility)

READ ANDY'S FULL STORY

✏️ A special note to our startups: We're eager to support your journey—whether it's connecting with customers, accessing vital resources, or scaling your operations in NWA. Drop us a line to tell us about your upcoming raise or if there are customer connections that we can assist with. We’re here to help!

Startup NWA is part of the Northwest Arkansas Council—a private, nonprofit organization working to advance job opportunities, talent recruitment, physical infrastructure, health care, and quality of life.