If you’re working full-time on your business, you should apply for the Fellowship. If you’re still part-time or in an earlier stage of building, the Pathfinder program is likely the best fit.

Not sure where you land? You’re welcome to apply to both, and our team will help ensure you’re placed in the right track.

At Pipeline, we are proudly founder-first which is why we don’t take equity in your company. Many of the entrepreneurs we work with are serial founders, and our model is designed to support you across ventures, not stake a claim in them.

The only cost associated with the Fellowship year is a $2,500 logistics fee, which helps offset expenses such as travel, lodging, and other program-related costs throughout the year.

If you have any questions about this fee or available payment options, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@pipelineentrepreneurs.com.

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

As a Pipeline Fellow, you’ll gain access to an incredible range of resources—but it’s up to you to maximize the experience. Throughout the year, you’ll participate in four mandatory modules that blend venture growth, peer mentoring, and deep network-building.

Your Fellowship journey culminates at The Innovators, our annual capstone event, where you’ll pitch in front of a national panel of judges alongside your cohort.

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—in-person attendance at all four modules is a required and essential part of both the Fellowship and Pathfinder experience. We intentionally rotate locations across the Midwest to connect Fellows and Pathfinders with the broader regional ecosystem.

For Fellows, travel and lodging costs for modules are covered by Pipeline, which is why we charge a one-time $2,500 logistics fee.

For Pathfinders, travel and lodging are also covered—but there is no fee to participate in the program.

We strongly encourage all applicants to review the 2026 module dates in advance and ensure they can commit to attending each session in person.

Pipeline is proudly industry agnostic. Our entrepreneurs lead ventures across a wide range of sectors, from technology and bioscience to consumer products and beyond. While many of our companies are tech-enabled, we welcome founders from diverse industries.

The common thread? Every Fellow and Pathfinder is building a high-growth company with the potential to shape the future of the Midwest economy. We are looking for bold, scalable ventures, regardless of industry.

Modules are immersive, in-person learning and networking experiences designed to accelerate your growth as an entrepreneur. They take place across our three-state region: Kansas, Nebraska, and Missouri, allowing you to engage with the broader Midwest innovation community.

For Fellows, each module is a three-day intensive session focused on scaling your business. For Pathfinders, modules are two-day intensive sessions designed to help you gain traction and work toward going full-time on your venture.

Across both tracks, you’ll be paired with a dedicated one-on-one mentor who will support you throughout your Fellowship or Pathfinder year. Programming is led by national experts in entrepreneurship, technology, and investing, alongside regional leaders who bring deep insight into local ecosystems. You’ll work directly with mentors, coaches, and peers who have helped build and scale high-growth companies.

We’ve also built in intentional overlap between our Fellows, Pathfinders, and alumni Members. All three groups participate in modules at the same time, allowing you to build meaningful relationships across stages, from those just starting out to those who have already exited or scaled. This structure creates a powerful environment for peer learning, connection, and long-term community.

And your journey doesn’t end after your Fellowship year. Pipeline offers ongoing Master Class programming for our Members, many of whom continue to show up, give back, and grow with us long after their Fellowship year ends.

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 an essential part of the Pipeline experience.

For Pathfinders, the long-term goal is often to grow their venture to a point where they’re working full-time and ready to apply for the Fellowship program. While many make that leap after their first year, we provide additional resources for our Pathfinders after their initial year for those who do not immediately move forward into the Fellowship program.

For Fellows, completing the Fellowship year opens the door to become part of our Membership program - a thriving community of alumni who have access to workshops, elite speakers, curated networking, and Peer-to-Peer Groups that support both business and personal growth.

Applications Open: August 7

• Applications Close: November 21

• Pathfinder Interviews (Virtual): December 3-4, 2025

• Fellow Semi-Final Interviews (Virtual): December 10-11, 2025

• Fellow Final Round Interviews (In-Person in Kansas City): January 7-8, 2026

Pipeline Fellowship:

Orientation: January 29, 2026

Module 1: February 25-27, 2026

Module 2: June 3-5, 2026

Module 3: September 9-11, 2026

Module 4: November 11-13, 2026

Innovators: TBD

Orientation: January 29, 2026

Module 1: February 25-27, 2026

Module 2: June 4-5, 2026

Module 3: September 10-11, 2026

Module 4: November 12-13, 2026

Innovators: TBD