Apply to Compete at Flywheel
Turn Your Pitch Into Investment
The Flywheel Investment Conference is where startups meet investors, mentors, and community champions who believe in helping great ideas grow. Each spring, accredited investors from across Washington review startup applications, select finalists to pitch live on stage, and invest in one or more companies at the end of the conference.
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Since 2018, Flywheel has invested more than $1.5 million in twelve Washington-based startups. Many founders—whether they competed or simply attended—have gone on to secure additional funding and build valuable partnerships. For founders, Flywheel is an opportunity to gain visibility, refine your pitch, and connect with people who can move your business forward.
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APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 FLYWHEEL INVESTMENT CONFERENCE WILL OPEN IN DECEMBER 2025.
Why Founders Apply
Put your company in front of accredited investors actively looking to fund early-stage startups.
Gain valuable feedback through investor Q&A and due diligence conversations.
Build relationships that lead to mentorship, follow-on funding, and new partnerships.
Join a statewide network of founders, investors, and innovation leaders.
Who Can Apply
The competition is open to early-stage companies that meet the following criteria:
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Washington-based company
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Raised less than $2 million in capital (grant and non-dilutive funding do not count towards eligibility)
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Venture-scale company in any industry
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Must be available for virtual interviews and due diligence in April and May
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Finalists must be able to attend the conference in person in Wenatchee
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​It is free to apply, with no fees at any time in the process.
What You Could Win
Flywheel provides visibility, resources, and valuable connections for early-stage companies seeking funding.
Every year, the Top Six Finalists compete for awards, including:​
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$150,000+ investment
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$50,000 relocation offer
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$5,000 cash prize
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All finalists receive free conference tickets, free exhibitor booth, hotel stay, and more.
All companies who submit a completed application receive 50% off conference tickets and recognition in event materials.
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The Process
1. Create Your Gust Profile
Set up a free company profile on Gust.com, an online platform for us to securely and privately collect your company information, business plan, and due diligence information.
3. Submit by the Deadline
Closes January 31, 2026
Submit your completed application by 11:59pm on January 31, 2026. There is no fee to apply.
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5. Interviews & Due Diligence
April - May, 2026
Finalists participate in virtual interviews and due diligence meetings with Flywheel investors leading up to the conference. This process helps investors better understand each company’s opportunity and readiness for investment.
2. Complete the Application
Opens December 2025
Tell your story. Share what makes your company innovative, your traction so far, and how investment will help you grow.
4. Review & Finalist Selection
February - March, 2026
Flywheel investors carefully review all applications to evaluate investment readiness and potential. Based on this review, the top six companies are selected to compete live at the Flywheel Investment Conference.
6. Compete Live at Flywheel
May 20-21, 2026
Finalists take the stage before investors, business leaders, and community members. Following the competition, Flywheel Fund investors deliberate and announce investment awards and prizes during the awards party.
Conference Details for Founders
Whether you're selected as a finalist or not, applying to Flywheel connects you with Washington's startup ecosystem.
All applicants receive discounted tickets and recognition, and many founders find value in attending the conference even if they don't compete on stage.
Review the competition terms and perks below to see what to expect.
Competition Terms
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It is free to apply, with no fees at any time in the process.
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Open to any Washington-based early-stage company that has raised less than $2 million in investment (grants and other non-dilutive funding do not count toward this total).
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Open to any venture-scale company across all industries.
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All applicants must be available for virtual interviews and due diligence with investors during April and May.
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The Top Six finalists will compete live on stage before an audience of investors, business leaders, and community members during the Flywheel Investment Conference in Wenatchee, Washington.
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All finalists must attend in person for the full conference. The 2026 Conference will be May 20-21, 2026.
Following the live pitches, investors deliberate and select the winner(s) who will receive an investment offer, typically in the form of a convertible note. If the winner is already raising capital, investors may invest under existing round terms.
Perks for Startups
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All completed applicants receive 50% off Flywheel Conference tickets.
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All applicants are recognized in the conference program.
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Finalists receive premier visibility during the conference and continued exposure across Flywheel’s network long after the event.
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Finalists receive four free conference tickets, free exhibitor booth, and a two-night hotel stay.
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Finalists enjoy complimentary tours and networking experiences across North Central Washington.
Ready to take the stage?
Flywheel is where startups gain visibility, build investor relationships, and secure real investment to fuel their next stage of growth. Whether you’re preparing to apply this year or planning ahead for the next cycle, we’d love to hear from you.
Questions?
Contact us at info@flywheelconference.com
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Not ready to apply but want to learn more?
Attend the 2026 conference to see the competition live and connect with investors, founders, professional service providers, and community members.