Startup ecosystems thrive on the collaboration of investors, technologists, entrepreneurs, advisors, acquirers, and customers. Each stakeholder plays a crucial role in a startup’s journey from inception to maturity.

While startups can build this “village” through networking and effort, having a pre-established ecosystem significantly boosts their chances of success.

When HIGHWAY Ventures chose Northwest Arkansas as our headquarters, we discovered such a village. Though smaller than major startup hubs, Northwest Arkansas boasts a growing community of essential stakeholders.

A key feature of this village is its accessibility and willingness to engage. Here, people genuinely want to help, whether through advice, connections, or resources. Stakeholders in this region are deeply invested in its success.

Corporate Support

At the top end, leading corporates like JB Hunt, Walmart, Tyson Foods, and ArcBest anchor the ecosystem, attracting talented individuals to the area. These professionals bring vital skills in management, software, and finance, making them valuable early startup employees.

In addition, these corporates often become early customers and investors, providing crucial case studies and revenue, reinforcing their role as essential pillars of the village.

Investor Backing

Northwest Arkansas capital is focused on building, relocating, and scaling businesses in the region. 

Entrepreneurial grants from the Walton Family Foundation supported the establishment of incubators and startup studios, including our own and High Alpha Innovation’s new studio, Fieldbook. These efforts aim to reduce risks in the earliest stages of ecosystem development.

From these early stages, right through to series A or B, there is access to capital. Check out this ecosystem map by High Street Equity Partners for more details on the capital partners in the region. 

Expert Advisors

Networking events at venues like Blake Street, the Ledger, the Record, and Momentary provide ample opportunities to meet brilliant people in Northwest Arkansas. This region has deep experts in cybersecurity, retail, software, sales, logistics, supply chain - to name a few. 

These experts are curious, successful in their own right and willing to give their time and knowledge. They are the life of the village that makes connections and provides both wisdom and guidance to startups - verifying problems and helping you avoid mistakes.

Village Call to Action

As the region’s startup ecosystem grows, it is vital that we keep this village mentality alive. Each individual company or fund win is a win for the whole ecosystem. HIGHWAY Ventures has greatly benefited from the relationships and friendships we’ve formed here and look forward to growing together.

If you would like to learn more or collaborate with HIGHWAY, email us at hello@highwayventures.com