If you work full-time on your business, apply to be a Fellow. If you’re not, apply to be a Pathfinder. ( You can always apply for both if you’re not sure.)

Pipeline is unique in that we do not take an equity stake in the companies of our entrepreneurs. We believe in this model to attract entrepreneurs further along in their growth trajectory. The only cost associated with being in the Fellowship year is a logistics fee of $2,500 that will help cover travel/hotel/etc. during the course of the Fellowship year. If you have questions about this fee and how it can be paid, please contact info@pipelineentrepreneurs.com.

Currently, there are no fees associated with the Pathfinder Program.

As an entrepreneur in our next Fellowship class you will have an enormous variety of resources at your disposal —but it is up to you to maximize the opportunity and experience. You will, of course, attend four mandatory modules that combine work on your venture with peer mentoring and network building events. At the end of the year, you will participate in our annual entrepreneurial capstone event called The Innovators, where a national panel of judges will watch you pitch.

Pipeline takes pride in creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, even if they are not selected for the current class. We go above and beyond to ensure our judging and interviewing panels include investors, experts, and resources that enable applicants to make valuable connections, regardless of the interview outcome. Our team works diligently to connect each applicant with the right growth resources, recommend relevant investor groups (if applicable), and add them to our networking events list (for open events). This approach ensures a win-win situation for entrepreneurs. If you are not yet working in your business full-time and self-identify from an underserved community, you can apply for our Pathfinder Program.

Yes! We like to connect with all of the different regions in the Midwest during the course of the Fellowship and Pathfinder year. You will be expected to travel and attend in person Modules (4 a year). Please mark all 2025 modules on your calendar and make sure these dates fit your schedule.

Pipeline is unique in that we are industry agnostic. Pipeline entrepreneurs are leading technology and bioscience entrepreneurial ventures, with a wide variety of technology focused areas. Additionally, some of our entrepreneurs are leading consumer product companies. The common denominator is that each incoming Fellow and Pathfinder is working to build a “high-growth” company. Our entrepreneurs aspire to build the next generation of companies that are leading the Midwest economy.  

Modules are learning/networking events that have a tight focus on specific topics related to entrepreneurial success. Pipeline brings in the best national leaders in technology, entrepreneurial education, venture investing and company formation to work with you. We invite local experts to work side-by-side with our national network, so you have a team working with you for the long-term. These individuals have countless hours of experience counseling emerging and growing companies.

Investors, experts and entrepreneurs across the country take part in Pipeline programs both locally and at our national and international network building events. Numerous Pipeline Fellows and Pathfinders have enjoyed exponential success from networking with individuals within the Midwest and around the country. The Pipeline advisers also can help entrepreneurs meet the right people to make their business flourish. Networking within one’s class can lead to tremendous business collaboration and opportunity.

Yes, and it’s growing. Because Pipeline is more than 17 years old, we now have a large, established network of Pipeline Members. We have worked with our own entrepreneurs to design professional development sessions for each module, where the long-term Members join events while the Fellows and Pathfinders simultaneously work on their sessions at modules. Additionally, we have a committee of Pipeline Members who help keep communication active within the classes, as well as plan functions and events for the entire membership. The enhanced Member programming is an essential part of our work.

Applications Open: August 1

• Applications Close: November 18

• Pathfinder Interviews: December 4-5

• Fellow Semi-Final Interviews: December 11-12

• Fellow Final Round Interviews: January 9-10

• Orientation: January 30th

• Module One: February 26-28

• Module Two: June 11-13

• Module Three: September 10-12

• Module Four: November 12-14

• Orientation: January 30th

• Module One: February 27-28

• Module Two: June 12-13

• Module Three: September 11-12

• Module Four: November 13-14