Capital Factory launches Station NWA in Bentonville

Austin, Texas-based investment firm Capital Factory recently established Station NWA, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit hub to support innovation in supply chain, logistics and manufacturing in Northwest Arkansas.

The Walton Family Foundation provided a $1.5 million grant to Station NWA to begin building leadership, programs and connections.

This is the second Station that Capital Factory has launched and aims to connect Arkansas to major venture capital and innovation hubs, starting with Texas and Washington, D.C.

“With Station NWA, we’re helping Northwest Arkansas plug directly into the national innovation grid,” said Joshua Baer, CEO of Capital Factory. “This region knows supply chain and manufacturing better than almost anywhere in the country. Our job is to bring the network, the mentorship, and the deal flow that helps founders and executives turn that strength into new companies and new technologies.”

Station NWA is looking to hire an executive director to lead the development of the hub in Bentonville and build a digital community to support entrepreneurs working on supply chain, logistics and manufacturing technologies. Some of the planned activities include startup mentorship, educational academies, investor engagement and national-level event programs.

“Station NWA’s founding team brings deep expertise in building strong entrepreneurial ecosystems,” said Tom Walton, chair of the Walton Family Foundation’s Home Region Program Committee. “Their network of investors and mentors will be a valuable asset to the region and help drive the next generation of innovation.”