Meet Pipeline’s 2025 Cohort: The Next Wave of Midwest Builders and Game-Changers

Pipeline isn’t just about building businesses—it’s about building founders. The kind who don’t wait for permission, who grind through setbacks, and who believe that success isn’t just about raising capital but about actually making something that lasts. It’s not an accelerator, and it’s not a club—it’s a family of builders who push each other to go harder, think bigger, and execute smarter.

The Midwest Mentality: No Handouts, Just Hustle

Unlike the startup scenes on the coasts, where capital flows freely and buzz can carry a company further than it should, the Midwest is different. Here, you don’t survive on hype—you survive on results. Pipeline entrepreneurs know that no one is coming to save them, and that’s exactly why they thrive. They build with intention, focus on traction, and rely on a network of like-minded founders who hold them accountable.

This is what makes Pipeline special. It’s not about ‘startup culture’—it’s about real businesses solving real problems. Whether it’s in tech, e-commerce, food, healthcare, or beyond, Pipeline founders come from different backgrounds but share one thing: they don’t quit.

Welcoming the 2025 Fellowship & Pathfinder Cohorts

This year’s Pipeline Fellowship and Pathfinder cohorts are stepping into an ecosystem that demands growth, resilience, and execution. The Fellowship program brings together high-growth entrepreneurs ready to scale their companies, while the Pathfinder program supports early-stage founders from underrepresented communities as they take their first steps in business.

The impact of these cohorts extends far beyond their businesses. Pipeline entrepreneurs create jobs, solve pressing problems, and fuel the next wave of Midwest innovation. The 2025 Fellows are tackling industries ranging from healthtech to sustainability to consumer goods, proving that high-impact startups aren’t just found in Silicon Valley—they’re being built right here.

On the other side, the Pathfinder cohort is investing in the next generation of Midwest founders. These entrepreneurs are balancing full-time jobs while building their businesses, proving that Pipeline’s mission isn’t just about scaling companies—it’s about creating access, opportunity, and a stronger startup ecosystem for everyone.

Learning by Doing, Not Just Talking

Pipeline doesn’t do fluff. There’s no room for founders who just want to sit in a room and swap ideas without executing. If you’re in, you’re expected to show up, put in the work, and apply what you learn in real-time.

That’s what separates Pipeline from other entrepreneur networks. It’s not about who can pitch the best—it’s about who can build the best. Pipeline pushes founders to test their ideas, refine their business models, and scale smartly, with the kind of guidance that only comes from people who’ve actually done it before.

The Power of Community

Ask any Pipeline Fellow or Pathfinder, and they’ll tell you the same thing: this isn’t just a program—it’s a crew. It’s a tight-knit group of founders who are in the trenches together, swapping war stories, celebrating wins, and pulling each other up when things get tough.

That’s why Pipeline doesn’t just disappear after a year. The alumni network is stacked with founders who keep giving back, mentoring new cohorts, and investing in the next wave of Midwest entrepreneurs. Because when one of us wins, we all win.

Why Pipeline? Because It’s More Than Just Business

Pipeline is about ownership—not just in the sense of equity, but in the sense of owning your story, your vision, and your impact. The 2025 Fellowship and Pathfinder cohorts are full of builders who aren’t waiting for someone to give them an opportunity—they’re making their own.

If you’re looking for a shortcut, Pipeline isn’t for you. But if you’re serious about building something real, about putting in the work, and about surrounding yourself with people who won’t let you settle, then welcome to the family.

This is Pipeline. Built on hustle, community, and the belief that the best founders don’t just talk about it—they get it done.