INTERESTED IN Hosting TFC?
WE THOUGHT YOU
WOULD BE.

Why Host A TFC Event?

Because they’re awesome.

(And many other great reasons)

Hosting a TFC event puts your team in the room with influential IMO principals and capital partners from all over the country (and puts you on a first-name basis). Your people are welcome to mingle with attendees during breaks and receptions, and, where it makes sense, to sit in on select open sessions.

You’ll also get a front-row seat to the next wave of innovation in the space. We’re talking talented Founders actively building new companies, products, and platforms inside your marketplace. Beyond the event itself, hosting comes with lasting visibility and brand association within the TFC network, and a direct line to other IMOs already active in your market.

Our Philosophy

Our philosophy is simple: your future depends on the chair you’re sitting in; the people around you, the wisdom you tap into, and the confidence you build along the way. We empower founders to take their rightful seat at the table and chart a path toward sustainable growth and long-term success.

Our Vision

We believe that great businesses are not built alone. Too often, founders struggle with funding options that offer little strategic value or mentors who don’t understand the real challenges of launching and scaling a venture. The Founder’s Chair exists to change that narrative. Curating an environment where founders receive both capital and guidance, funders rediscover the joy of investing in meaningful opportunities.

What We Do

At The Founder’s Chair, we blend mentorship, connection, and capital into an experience that supports founders at every stage:

Startup Support

For founders building from the ground up:

One-on-one strategy coaching
Funding preparation and positioning
Practice presentations and pitch refinement
Private event with funders for feedback and potential commitments

Capital Infusion

For companies primed to scale:

Assistance securing the right kind of capital
Investor materials and positioning support
Connections with market influencers
Exclusive founder-to-funder events

Transition Planning

For founders ready to monetize or exit:

Strategic exit planning (sale, merger, transition)
Documentation and valuation advisory
Introductions to prospects and potential buyers

James giving toast at TFC detroit after party

About Your Space

Here’s an honest look at what makes a great TFC venue. If your space checks most of these, let’s talk.

Space

Main meeting room for ~25 people, boardroom or rounds-style seating
One or two breakout spaces for smaller conversations
Private dining option for hosted lunch (on-site preferred)
Outdoor or lounge area for informal networking (ideal but not required)

Tech & AV

Large screen or projection capability
Reliable, high-speed WiFi throughout
Audio setup for the main room

Logistics

Easy parking or proximity to major transit
Access for setup the evening before or morning of

Lodging and Dining

We want attendees arriving focused and leaving well-fed. Share what you can offer on-site and what you’d recommend nearby.

Catering / Dining

Can your team provide or arrange on-site catering? If so, tell us about your preferred vendors or in-house dining capabilities. If not, what are your top nearby restaurant recommendations for a group of ~35?

Lodging

What hotel options do you recommend for out-of-town guests? Are room blocks available, and if so, at what rate? Please share proximity to the venue and any preferred properties your team typically works with.

Travel / Transit

What’s the easiest way to get to your space from Des Moines International Airport? Any ground transportation recommendations or partners we should know about?

How it Works

Founders

Selected Founders don’t just present—they connect. TFC gives you direct access to strategic Funders who understand your space and want to add more than capital. Come ready to share your vision, get real-time feedback, and walk away with more than just applause.

Funders

Our Funders aren’t passive investors. They’re seasoned operators, exited Founders, and industry leaders who understand what it takes to build and scale. At TFC, they collaborate (not compete) to de-risk deals, provide strategic insight, and create lasting impact.

Deal Window

TFC isn’t a one-day handshake. After the event, each Founder enters a 30–60 day Deal Window*, where interested Funders dig deeper, ask questions, and make decisions. This is where connections evolve into capital, and pitch decks turn into signed deals.

*Depending on the terms, some deals might take a little longer to finalize

Ongoing Support

The event is just the beginning. We stay in the loop post-event to provide support, make intros, and continue pushing momentum forward because great ideas don’t grow in a vacuum. We’re committed to helping Founders build well beyond the room.