Onward FX Selects 173 Startups for Fall Program
The program brings hundreds of startups to Arkansas to connect with major investors and corporate partners.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Startups
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Onward FX has selected 173 startups from nearly 800 applicants to participate in its 2026 fall program. The cohort will convene in Little Rock on October 27, 2026, for curated investor meetings.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to accelerate venture capital activity within high-growth sectors, including energy, defense, industrial technology, and aerospace. Connecting founders with major capital providers seeks to fuel rapid commercial development.
The cohort features nine Arkansas-based startups and includes 44 participating investor firms. Since its 2024 launch, the program has facilitated a total of 1,000 founder-funder meetings.
The players
Chevron Technology Ventures
This organization serves as the venture capital arm of Chevron and invests in innovative energy technology startups.
ExxonMobil
This multinational oil and gas corporation invests in emerging technologies to support its long-term energy transition goals.
Northwest Arkansas Council
This regional nonprofit organization leads economic and community development efforts across Northwest Arkansas.
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
This state agency is responsible for promoting economic growth and business investment throughout Arkansas.
In-Q-Tel
This non-profit venture capital firm invests in cutting-edge technologies to support the United States intelligence community.
The details
Selected companies participate in themed small-group conversations and curated one-on-one sessions with investors like Chevron Technology Ventures, ExxonMobil, Eclipse, and In-Q-Tel. The initiative is led by the Northwest Arkansas Council and the Arkansas Economic Development Commission.
Timeline
Onward FX launched its startup program in 2024.
The program expanded across Arkansas in 2025.
An invitation-only VIP Salon Dinner is scheduled for October 26, 2026.
Startups and investors meet in Little Rock on October 27, 2026.
Market Landscape
The program reflects a broader trend of bridging regional innovation ecosystems with national capital heavyweights. Historically, one in four participating startups has secured a term sheet after engaging with the program's network.
Local Arkansas founders gain direct access to global venture capital firms, potentially increasing the availability of funding for regional projects. These networking opportunities can lead to significant capital injection into the local business community.
The takeaway
Founders participating in the program should arrive prepared for highly curated interactions designed to result in term sheets. The concentration of investors suggests that success in this program often depends on alignment with specialized industrial and defense-focused criteria.
What happens next
The 173 selected startups will attend an invitation-only VIP Salon Dinner on October 26, 2026, followed by formal investor meetings in Little Rock on October 27, 2026.
Further reading
Find more insights on the regional startup ecosystem by visiting our Startups section.
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