Apply to the Validation Fund

Do you have a validation-stage startup company based in Arkansas? Have you participated in Winrock’s entrepreneurial programming? Have you developed a minimum viable product?

If so, consider applying to the Validation Fund.

*Currently, only businesses based in Northwest Arkansas are eligible for Validation Fund awards. In coming years the Fund will be expanded to support businesses across the state. 

The Details

Prerequisites:

  • Northwest Arkansas-based business and entrepreneurs
  • Looking to raise $250,000 to $1,000,000 of growth capital
  • Open to equity, convertible note or SAFE agreements

Ideal Candidates:

  • Have completed their research and prototype phases
  • Have customer discovery and/or customer validation around the problem
  • Have a long-term, sustainable competitive advantage through intellectual property (IP) or similar assets
  • Have demonstrated commitment in the form of investment from friends, family, or the founder 
  • Founding management team, including technical co-founder

You May  Not a Be Good Fit If:

  • > $2,000,000 in offering
  • Single-founder team
  • The idea is an incremental improvement to an existing problem

Apply to the Validation Fund

You are now ready to submit an application. Please fill out the form below for consideration of investment in the Validation Fund.

  • Provide a brief summary of your company/product/idea. Please also contrast with competitors.
  • If your company relies on intellectual property (IP), such as patents or trademarks for its competitive advantage, please briefly specify the nature of this IP and its ownership and registration status.
  • Max. file size: 100 MB.
    Lean Canvas, Powerpoint, Customer Development Findings, Prototype Images, IP Documents, etc.