Arkansas’ Premier Founder-Funder Event Goes Statewide with Onward FX Expansion

Arkansas Economic Development Commission partners with Northwest Arkansas Council to debut statewide event in Little Rock, connecting startups with top investors

LITTLE ROCK and BENTONVILLE, Ark. (Aug. 21, 2025) – The Arkansas Economic Development Commission and the Northwest Arkansas Council are partnering to bring Onward FX to Little Rock on Oct. 30, giving founders from Arkansas and across the country direct access to one-on-one meetings with top-tier venture capital firms.

Formerly known as VC Immersions, Onward FX (Founder/Funder Exchange) connects high-potential startups with leading investors through curated, one-on-one meetings. Driven by founder and investor feedback, the rebrand gives Arkansas’ startup ecosystem a clear, memorable identity that aims to attract national investors and showcase the state as a competitive place to build and scale.

Since its launch, Onward FX has facilitated more than 500 curated founder-investor meetings, and 25% of past participants have received term sheets, with dozens more advancing conversations with investors.

“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.”

“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 fall event will feature 24 confirmed firms representing $4 billion in assets under management, including Alpha Edison (Los Angeles), Cortado Ventures (Oklahoma City), HealthX Ventures (Madison, Wisc.), Plains Ventures (Oklahoma City), Redbud VC (Columbia, Mo.) and Tech Square Ventures (Atlanta). The event will bring many of these investors to Arkansas for the first time, creating a rare chance for founders to connect face-to-face with decision-makers who can fund their growth, while also broadening their networks and learning from experienced investors.

“Our team has invested in two startups we met through previous cycles,” said Matt Hickman, principal at Plains Ventures. “Onward FX delivers meaningful outcomes for both founders and investors, and we look forward to continuing to find exceptional companies in Arkansas.”

Applications are now open at onward.nwacouncil.org/fx. All applicants are added to the Northwest Arkansas Council’s deal database, which is shared with more than 180 institutional investors nationwide. They are also invited to networking events with founders and funders, where they can build relationships, exchange insights and strengthen their understanding of today’s venture landscape. The program is open to startups nationwide, and companies do not need to be based in Arkansas to participate.

Program momentum:

• $4 billion in combined assets under management represented by participating VC firms.
• 24 firms confirmed for fall, including Blumberg Capital (San Francisco), Flyover Capital (Kansas City, Mo.), Lightship Capital (Cincinnati), Mercury Fund (Houston), Plug and Play Ventures (Silicon Valley), Signal Peak Ventures (Salt Lake City, Utah), TMV (New York and Miami) and Tyson Ventures (Springdale, Ark.).
• More than 500 curated founder-investor meetings have been facilitated since the program's launch.
• More than 200 participating companies across prior events.
• 25% of companies in a previous cycle have received term sheets, with dozens more advancing investor conversations.
  

Onward FX builds on the success of earlier Northwest Arkansas events, which have helped secure millions in early-stage financing for startups while raising the state’s visibility among national venture investors. Those events were made possible with support from the Walton Family Foundation, providing education and resources for startups while helping establish Northwest Arkansas as a nationally recognized hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.

How to apply

Founders can apply at onward.nwacouncil.org/fx by Sept. 8. Applications are open to startups nationwide, and companies do not need to be based in Arkansas to participate.

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About the Arkansas Economic Development Commission

At AEDC, we know economic advancement doesn’t 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.