Bentonville-based startup hub Onward HQ has two new venture capital ambassadors, Dallas-based RevTech Ventures and Houston-based Mercury Fund. Onward HQ is the home base for the Northwest Arkansas Council’s StartupNWA initiative.
Oklahoma City-based venture capital company Cortado Ventures joined Onward HQ’s VC Ambassador program in November. The program provides the following:
• Participate in Onward HQ programs to connect with startups innovating in retail, supply chain and logistics.
• Offer mentorship and guidance to entrepreneurs navigating the challenges of scaling high-growth businesses.
• Increase investment activity in the region, identifying and backing promising companies that can shape the future of retail.
“The addition of RevTech Ventures as a VC Ambassador strengthens Onward HQ’s position as the go-to destination for investors looking to tap into the immense potential of Northwest Arkansas,” said StartupNWA Executive Director Serafina Lalany.
RevTech Ventures was launched from a family office that sold Michaels to Bain Capital and Blackstone in the early 2000s. The venture capital firm invests in early-stage retail and supply chain startups and plans to offer mentorship and investment opportunities to area startups in retail, e-commerce and supply chain technology.
“We’re looking for capital-efficient startups that can raise $1 (million) and exit for $20 (million) or more,” said David Matthews at RevTech. “Northwest Arkansas has all the ingredients of a world-class innovation hub, industry expertise, an ambitious startup community and a robust support system for early-stage founders. Through our partnership with Onward HQ, we’re proud to support the next generation of companies transforming the retail value chain.”
The RevTech team is expected to attend the VC Immersions event at Ledger at 240 S. Main St. in Bentonville on May 14. The event, hosted by StartupNWA, will bring together more than 40 venture capital firms and startups. Link here to register to attend. Registration closes May 9.
Mercury Fund is an early-stage venture capital platform that invests in U.S. software startups. According to its website, it’s “created over $9 billion of value with an operationally-focused venture investment strategy helping startups achieve rapid, sustainable growth. Mercury partners with first-time entrepreneurs who require support and guidance, as well as seasoned founders seeking to leverage the assets and talent of our growth partner network.”
“We’re excited to support the momentum building in Northwest Arkansas’ innovation ecosystem,” said Heath Butler, partner at Mercury Fund. “Mercury was founded on the belief that exceptional companies can emerge from any region, and this community reflects the talent and drive we seek in founders.”
Onward HQ at 110 N.W. Second St., No. 210, offers monthly membership plans ranging from $20 to $1,888. Depending on the plan, members can attend events, access coworking, private office and conference room spaces, and receive mentorship and public relations support. Companies that call Onward HQ home include Bastazo, Ordinal and Sober Sidekick.
