About the Flywheel Investment Conference
Washington’s Meeting Place for Entrepreneurs and Investors
Flywheel brings together founders, investors, educators, students, and community leaders to connect people, capital, and ideas that shape Washington's future. Each spring in Wenatchee, hundreds gather to share insights, fund companies, and strengthen the relationships that power Washington's innovation economy.
Through live pitches, meaningful networking, and collaborative investing, Flywheel helps founders gain visibility and access to capital while giving investors a front-row seat to Washington's most promising startups. At the same time, it creates space for community leaders, educators, students, and professionals to engage with innovation, explore ideas, and participate in building Washington's economic future.
8+
years running
350+
attendees annually, from over 100 organizations
97%
of attendees surveyed say they make valuable connections
The Pitch Competition
At the heart of Flywheel is the pitch competition, where early-stage companies step onto the stage to share their vision and compete for investment. It's both a showcase of innovation and a launchpad for growth, not just for the founders pitching, but for everyone in the room.
With over twelve startups funded and millions of dollars invested over the years, the competition has become the defining experience of the conference. Investors discover promising companies and connect with peers. Students see entrepreneurship in action. Community leaders witness what's possible in our region. Educators bring real-world innovation back to their classrooms. The competition creates value and lasting connections for everyone who participates.
$1.5M
invested in startups
500+
competition applicants and 12 investments made
60+
investors engaged through the Flywheel Angel Network and conference deal flow
Flywheel's History and Impact
Flywheel began in North Central Washington with a simple belief: innovation isn't determined by geography, because good ideas happen anywhere. What matters is how we inspire, empower, and invest in innovators.
The conference was designed to bring investors, entrepreneurs, and new ideas into the region, showcasing North Central Washington as a hub for innovation while building bridges between local and statewide ecosystems. It has grown into a statewide meeting place for entrepreneurs, investors, educators, students, and community leaders to connect, collaborate, and move ideas forward.
Today, Flywheel helps startups gain visibility, gives investors access to promising companies, and shows communities the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic growth. By bringing people, capital, and ideas together, Flywheel strengthens regional innovation and positions North Central Washington as a leader in shaping Washington's economic future.
Strengthened regional innovation ecosystem, with new incubators, meetups, and partnerships emerging
Alumni startups have gone on to raise multi-million-dollar rounds and expand nationally
Attendees from more than 30 cities and towns across Washington and the Pacific Northwest
Conference Organizer
Since 1999, NCW Tech Alliance has been the region’s nonprofit technology association, dedicated to inspiring, investing, and empowering communities through entrepreneurship, STEM education, and technology adoption.
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As part of this mission, NCW Tech Alliance hosts the annual Flywheel Investment Conference and manages the Flywheel Angel Network, creating momentum for startups and strengthening the innovation ecosystem across Washington State.
