WELCOME
DES MOINES FOUNDERS
EVENT DETAILS
August 5-7, 2026
at Hotel Fort, Des Moines, IA
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Hotel Fort
What's the dress code?
We’re advocates for wearing whatever makes you feel your best. But generally, our attendees stick to business casual.
What do I need to bring?
Aside from yourself (and a few ice-breakers), we recommend that you bring a company one-pager for each of the Funders and Special Guests to reference during your time with them.
Should I promote the event?
For the sake of confidentiality, we don’t share which Founders join us until after the event. While we appreciate the enthusiasm, we ask that you do the same and refrain from sharing until we wrap up.
When will I get my hotel confirmation?
Vanessa will be in touch throughout the first couple weeks of July regarding your hotel accommodations. We’ll reserve your room* on your behalf. All you need to do is provide a credit card at check-in. Our negotiated group rate is $225/night.
Where is dinner after the Preview Mixer?
We like to leave this night up to you. We always encourage syncing up with your fellow founders and exploring some local spots on your own, so we do not have a set reservation for the first night.
How do I connect with Funders after the event?
We’ve got you covered! Not only are you very busy, but our Frunders and Special Guests are too. So, our job is to make the connections and ensure all parties have a smooth transition from the event.
TFC collects interest from the Funders and is helpful in scheduling the first post-event webinar with interested parties for you.
When will I know when I'll present?
The order of Founders’ one-hour time slots with our Funders and Special Guests will be set and shared during the Founder Prep Webinar #1 on Wednesday, July 8th.
Xuejun “XT” Tao
Lauren Clough
Nicholas Bowman
Kelly Baird
Richard Allaway
Tyrone Ross
RETURNING FOUNDER
Santhosh Kumaran
Joe Ramos
ARCHITECT
Farron Blanc
Anne Marie Davis
ARCHITECT
Xuejun “XT” Tao
Lauren Clough
Nicholas Bowman
Kelly Baird
Richard Allaway
Tyrone Ross
RETURNING FOUNDER
Anne Marie Davis
ARCHITECT
Santhosh Kumaran
Joe Ramos
ARCHITECT
Farron Blanc
Important Dates
Des Moines Founder Presentation Prep
Our Presentation Prep meetings are 1:1 Zoom calls with James and Stephen to help Founders fine-tune their presentations and prepare for big day.
Event Schedule
Day ONE
4-6 PM
Hotel Fort
Preview Mixer
Kick things off with a casual evening of conversation and connection. The Preview Mixer sets the tone for the week—bringing together Founders, Funders, and special guests in a relaxed setting before the pitch day intensity begins.
6:30 PM-Midnight
Proudfoot & Bird
Free Time & Regroup
While the Funders break off for a separate dinner, Founders are encouraged to get to know one another, explore the town, or spend time catching up on emails. Interested attendees are encouraged to meet up at the hotel bar, Proudfoot & Bird, for a nightcap.
Day TWO
8:30 AM – 5 PM
Hotel Fort Reading Room
Founder Presentations
The heart of The Founder’s Chair experience…it’s showtime! Each Founder will be assigned a one-hour time slot between 8:30 AM and 5 PM. James and Stephen will be working with you to finalize your presentations and get you prepared for your time with us.
6:30 – 10 PM
Fresko
Group Dinner
A lively, casual dinner with all attendees. Some of the next conversations happen here. It’s a chance to strengthen the relationships sparked throughout the event in a warm, collaborative atmosphere.
10 PM – Midnight
In Confidence
Nightcap & Send Off
Head back to the hotel’s speakeasy, In Confidence, for a nightcap and send-off to all attendees. This is your time to button up conversations before departure.
Day THREE
Departure
Day three is set aside for our Funder debrief, which means our Founders are free to head home and get a head start on your weekend (or get to work on the next big thing).
The Lounge Sample Page
The screenshot below is a sample of what your company page will look like in The Lounge once you complete the intake form.
Travel
Des Moines International Airport
~10-minute drive to Hotel Fort Des Moines
Hotel Fort Des Moines
Downtown Des Moines
UPCOMING EVENTS
Des Moines Founder Presentation Prep
Des Moines Founder Presentation Prep
Our Presentation Prep meetings are 1:1 Zoom calls with James and Stephen to help Founders fine-tune their presentations and prepare for big day.
TFC Des Moines Debrief Docs Sent
TFC Des Moines Debrief Docs Sent
Our team will provide you with a follow-up plan and custom Founder Debrief Document.