Flywheel Fund is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups. The fund focuses on supporting founders and connecting them with a network of investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders.

Flywheel Fund

Flywheel Fund is a member-managed capital fund based in Bloomington, Indiana. We invest in early-stage and high-potential startups. Flywheel Fund is committed to investing a minimum of 13% of our fund to Black founders and teams. 

In-person office hours at The Mill: Thursdays, 9:30-11:30

We screen companies continuously to find the one that will be considered for investment every other month. The three main criteria we look for are:​
1. Team
2. Market
3. Product

Because we invest in early, team is extremely important. And in particular for software and technology, we’re looking for capital-efficient companies.

Got an Indiana-based early-stage startup? Getting ready to raise? Flywheel Fund wants to hear from you! Learn about our investment  thesis, make an appointment to meet with our Venture Partner, or pitch us! https://lnkd.in/ghRN7cpT

Y'all ready to RALLY?

The next stop on the Midwest House Summer Tour is the Rally Innovation Conference in Indianapolis, IN this August 27th & 28th, and man oh man do we have some cool things in the works. 

So grab your Rally badge (use the code RALLYxMidwest for a nice lil discount) at the link below and keep your eyes on this space for a number of big announcements over the coming weeks!!!

Indy, here we come!!!

https://lnkd.in/eYuUUhUq

Joshua Kline Dev Mendenhall Christopher (Toph) Day Erica Schweyer, MBA Brighid King Muhammad Yasin Kevin Martin Nicole McCarthy Elle Ramel Belvin Liles III Caleb Conley Corey Hart Adam Berk Hiền Lâm Wolf Starr James Edward Feagin IV Kelli N. Jones James Chapman Paul Moore Aman Brar Jeff Erickson

Elevate Ventures World Business Chicago Venture 313 ID Ventures TechTown Detroit Silicon Valley Bank Stellar Element Three Founders N' Funders Flywheel Fund TechPoint

We are hiring! Feel free to reach out to me directly or share this opportunity with your network. Thanks!

Flywheel Fund and SPARK Jackson County Raise Venture Fund to Accelerate Entrepreneurship in the Region

[Seymour, IN, July 24, 2024] – Flywheel Fund, in collaboration with SPARK Jackson County, is thrilled to announce the successful establishment of a new venture fund aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within Jackson County. This initiative marks a significant milestone in the efforts to bolster economic growth and create opportunities for local startups. The fund has successfully raised $280,000 from 11 local investors, demonstrating strong community support and commitment to the region's economic development.

SPARK Jackson County, a Jackson County Chamber initiative, is dedicated to providing support to local entrepreneurs, innovators, and remote workers, serving as an onramp to the broader ecosystem and helping transform ideas into thriving businesses. They provide this support through three key pillars: programming, coworking, and funding.

Access to funding is critical for entrepreneurs to take their ideas to the next level. The Flywheel Fund of Jackson County is helping fill this essential need, ensuring that local startups have the resources they need to succeed. Supported by both Flywheel Fund’s expertise in venture capital and SPARK Jackson County’s commitment to regional entrepreneurial development, the Flywheel Fund of Jackson County will provide critical financial resources and strategic guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage companies in the area.

"We are excited to partner with SPARK Jackson County to launch this venture fund, which will serve as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship in our community," said Eric Steele, Managing Partner of Flywheel Fund. "By combining our investment experience with SPARK’s deep local insights, we aim to empower visionary entrepreneurs and drive sustainable economic growth."

The fund will focus on supporting startups across various sectors including technology, hardtech, and more. It aims to provide not only capital but also mentorship, networking opportunities, and access to resources that are essential for scaling businesses in today’s competitive market.

"We believe that investing in local talent and innovation is crucial for the long-term prosperity of Jackson County," said Dan Robison, Executive Director of the Jackson County Chamber. "This partnership with Flywheel Fund underscores our commitment to building a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that attracts and retains talent while driving economic diversification."

About Flywheel Fund: Flywheel Fund is a venture capital firm dedicated to investing in early-stage startups and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and high growth potential. 

About SPARK Jackson County: SPARK Jackson County is a supportive ecosystem and launchpad designed to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit and foster innovation in our community. 

Learn more at https://lnkd.in/gQWpw6sA

The 2024 ITIA Annual Conference at RALLY is taking shape and we can't wait! 

Our initial speaker line up features: 

Jennifer Hallowell, ITIA Executive Director
David Becker, ITIA Board Chair and Chairman/CEO of First Internet Bank
Christopher (Toph) Day, ITIA Board Member and CEO of Elevate Ventures
Megan Casey Glover, ITIA Board Member and CEO and Co Founder of 120Water
U.S. Senator Todd Young 
State Senator Liz Brown
Sue Ellspermann, President of Ivy Tech Community College
Dennis Trinkle, SVP of Talent, Strategy & Partnerships at TechPoint
Karen Jung, President of Nextech (nonprofit)
Danielle Gilliam-Moore, Director of Global Public Policy at Salesforce
Nida Ansari, CEO of karmic partners
John Qualls, President of Eleven Fifty Academy/Blaizing Academy
Jason Tennenhouse, Owner of 10 IN HOUSE Strategy & Design
Leslie Bailey, Founder and CEO of Indy Maven
Ray Fraser, Co Founder of Vital View Technologies
Kim Lane, COO of Right to Start
Allen Shi, Director of Strategic Growth and New Business Ventures at Plug and Play Tech Center
Eric Steele, Managing Partner of the Flywheel Fund
Jake Miller, CEO of The Engineered Innovation Group

Make sure you're registered to hear from this fantastic group of leaders! 

ITIA Members get a discounted rate to attend both our Conference and Rally. Message Molly Gillaspie to get the code! 
https://lnkd.in/gBvWV2ZP

Thank you to our sponsors First Internet Bank, Salesforce, Innovation Connector, Inc. and spokenote. If you're interested in sponsoring, let us know!

I am excited to announce that Uniform Sierra Aerospace has been selected as a finalist for the RALLY IN-Prize Pitch Competition! This incredible event celebrates the power of innovation, fostering connections between companies, universities, entrepreneurs, and investors.

Our journey to the IN-Prize Pitch Competition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. We’re honored to be recognized for our innovative solutions in the HardTech category and are excited for the opportunity to compete for a share of up to $1M in investment!

Join us in Indianapolis on August 27 & 28 as we pitch our vision to the judges on the main stage. 
#RALLY2024 #RALLYhardtech

FLYW

VC:FLYWHEELFUND

Flywheel Fund