SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Each year, Pipeline Entrepreneurs convenes the Midwest’s most ambitious founders, investors, and business leaders for the Innovators Gala—our signature annual celebration of entrepreneurship and innovation. Taking place on June 5, 2026, the Gala serves as both a moment of recognition and a powerful convening of the leaders shaping the region’s future.
For nearly two decades, Pipeline Entrepreneurs has supported hundreds of high-growth founders across Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. Pipeline alumni companies have generated more than $2.9 billion in revenue, raised over $900 million in capital, and contributed more than $1 billion in wages to the regional economy. Today, these founders lead many of the Midwest’s most influential companies, driving innovation, job creation, and long-term economic impact.
The Innovators Gala brings this dynamic community together in one room. It is where entrepreneurial achievement is celebrated, relationships are strengthened, and meaningful connections are formed among founders, investors, and corporate leaders united by a shared commitment to growth and innovation.
Sponsorship of the Innovators Gala offers more than event visibility. It provides direct access to a highly curated audience of decision-makers, alignment with Pipeline’s founder-first mission, and the opportunity to engage alongside the entrepreneurs and leaders advancing the Midwest’s economy. The following pages outline a range of customizable sponsorship opportunities designed to support diverse organizational objectives—from thought leadership and executive engagement to brand visibility and ecosystem investment.
INNOVATORS GALA
GALA PRESENTING SPONSOR
$20,000
(Limited Availability: 1 Sponsorship)
The Gala Presenting Sponsor is exclusively aligned with the full Innovators Gala experience, positioning your organization at the center of Pipeline’s most visible and impactful annual event. This premier sponsorship is intentionally limited to one
organization, creating unmatched visibility and association with the evening’s highest-profile moments.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Premier Brand Visibility
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Logo featured on all printed, on-screen, and digital materials associated with the Innovators Gala
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Prominent logo placement on TV screens at the Gala entrance
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Stage recognition as Presenting Sponsor during the Innovator of the Year award presentation
Fireside Chat Access
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Six (6) tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Fireside Chat, offering curated access to founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders
High-Touch Engagement
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Opportunity to host a future hybrid session with Pipeline Members, Fellows, and Pathfinders to showcase your company and leadership
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Two (2) dedicated email blasts to Pipeline Members and Network prior to the Gala
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One (1) post-event “Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor” email
VIP Gala Experience
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Premier table placement for ten (10) guests at the Innovators Gala
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Ten (10) passes to the Innovators Cocktail Hour
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Overnight Accommodation: Enjoy a complimentary overnight stay at the luxurious Westin Hotel in Kansas City from June 5th to June 6th, 2026, ensuring a comfortable and seamless gala experience.
INNOVATORS GALA
PITCH SHOWCASE
PRESENTING SPONSOR
$15,000
(Limited Availability)
The Pitch Showcase Presenting Sponsor is exclusively aligned with Pipeline’s daytime Pitch Showcase, where Fellows and Pathfinders deliver high-stakes, investor-ready presentations. This sponsorship is intentionally limited to create strong visibility and association with the Best Pitch Awards (announced later in the day at the Innovators Gala) and one of the most pivotal moments in the Pipeline experience.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Exclusive Pitch Showcase Branding
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Naming rights as the official sponsor of the Pitch Showcase (A full daytime event ahead of the Innovators Gala)
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Two (2) dedicated email blasts to Pipeline Members and Network prior to the Gala
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One (1) post-event “Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor” email
Fireside Chat Access
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Six (6) tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Fireside Chat, offering curated access to founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders
Event Recognition
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Live stage acknowledgment during the Pitch Showcase
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Logo included on all printed, on-screen, and digital event materials
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Prominent signage throughout the Cocktail Hour space
Market & Visibility
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Inclusion in Pipeline social media promotion of the Gala and Cocktail Hour
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One (1) dedicated email blast recognizing your sponsorship
VIP Gala Experience
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Preferred table placement for ten (10) guests at the Innovators Gala
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Overnight Accommodation: Enjoy a complimentary overnight stay at the luxurious Westin Hotel in Kansas City from June 5th to June 6th, 2026, ensuring a comfortable and seamless gala experience.
INNOVATORS GALA
COCKTAIL HOUR SPONSOR
$15,000
(Limited Availability)
The Cocktail Hour Sponsor is aligned with the most active networking moment of the Innovators Gala, where founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders connect and conversations turn into opportunities. This sponsorship is intentionally limited, creating strong visibility and association with the Cocktail Hour experience.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Exclusive Cocktail Hour Branding
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Naming rights as the official sponsor of the Innovators Gala Cocktail Hour
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Opportunity to feature a branded signature cocktail named after your company
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Prominent logo placement at bar and lounge areas
Fireside Chat Access
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Six (6) tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Fireside Chat, offering curated access to founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders
Event Recognition
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Live stage acknowledgment during the Gala
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Logo included on all printed, on-screen, and digital event materials
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Prominent signage throughout the Cocktail Hour space
Marketing & Visibility
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Inclusion in Pipeline social media promotion of the Gala and Cocktail Hour
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One (1) dedicated email blast recognizing your sponsorship
VIP Gala Experience
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Preferred table placement for six (6) guests at the Innovators Gala
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Overnight Accommodation: Enjoy a complimentary overnight stay at the luxurious Westin Hotel in Kansas City from June 5th to June 6th, 2026, ensuring a comfortable and seamless gala experience.
INNOVATORS GALA
INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR
AWARD SPONSOR
$10,000
(Limited Availability: 1 Sponsorship)
The Innovator of the Year Sponsor is exclusively aligned with the most meaningful moment of the Innovators Gala, honoring the founder whose leadership, resilience, and impact best represent Pipeline’s graduating Fellowship class. This sponsorship is intentionally limited to a single organization, creating a deeper and more visible association with the Innovator of the Year recognition.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Exclusive Award Alignment:
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Sole recognition as the Innovator of the Year Sponsor
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Logo prominently featured during the Innovator of the Year award presentation
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Verbal acknowledgment from the stage during the award announcement
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Name and logo included in the official program and on-screen displays
Fireside Chat Access:
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Four (4) tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Fireside Chat, offering curated access to founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders
Founder Storytelling
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Brand association with the Innovator of the Year storytelling moment, reinforcing your company’s commitment to entrepreneurship, leadership, and founder success
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Verbal reference connecting your organization to the Innovator of the Year Award (e.g., “The Innovator of the Year Award, supported by…”)
Visibility & Recognition
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Logo included on printed, on-screen, and digital Innovators Gala materials
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Inclusion in Pipeline social media posts recognizing the Innovator of the Year Sponsor
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Inclusion in the post-event “Thank You to Our Sponsors” email to Pipeline Members and Network
Gala Experience
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Reserved Seating for four (4) guests at the Innovators Gala.
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Complimentary access to the Innovators Cocktail hour for all four guests
INNOVATORS GALA
PATFHINDER INSPIRATION
AWARD SPONSOR
$10,000
(Limited Availability: 1 Sponsorship)
The Pathfinder Inspiration Award is exclusively aligned with the most meaningful moment of the Innovators Gala, honoring the founder whose leadership, resilience, and impact best represent Pipeline’s graduating Pathfinder class. This sponsorship is intentionally limited to a single organization, creating a deeper and more visible association with the Pathfinder Inspiration Award recognition.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Exclusive Award Alignment:
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Sole recognition as the Pathfinder Inspiration Award Sponsor
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Logo prominently featured during the Innovator of the Year award presentation
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Verbal acknowledgment from the stage during the award announcement
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Name and logo included in the official program and on-screen displays
Founder Storytelling
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Brand association with the Pathfinder Inspiration Award storytelling moment, reinforcing your company’s commitment to entrepreneurship, leadership, and founder success
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Verbal reference connecting your organization to the Pathfinder Inspiration Award (e.g., “The Pathfinder Inspiration Award, supported by…”)
Visibility & Recognition
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Logo included on printed, on-screen, and digital Innovators Gala materials
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Inclusion in Pipeline social media posts recognizing the Innovator of the Year Sponsor
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Inclusion in the post-event “Thank You to Our Sponsors” email to Pipeline Members and Network
Gala Experience
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Reserved Seating for four (4) guests at the Innovators Gala.
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Complimentary access to the Innovators Cocktail hour for all four guests
INNOVATORS GALA
BEST PITCH
AWARD SPONSOR
$5,000
(Limited Availability: 2 Sponsorships)
The Best Pitch Awards are exclusively aligned with one of the most dynamic moments of the Innovators Gala,
recognizing founders who deliver the most compelling, investor-ready presentations from Pipeline’s graduating
Pathfinder class. This sponsorship is intentionally limited to two organizations, creating a strong and visible association
with the Best Pitch Awards recognition.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Exclusive Award Alignment:
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Recognition as the Best Pitch Award Sponsor (Pathfinder or Fellowship Best Pitch Award Sponsor)
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Logo prominently featured during the Best Pitch award presentation
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Verbal acknowledgment from the stage during the award announcement
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Name and logo included in the official program and on-screen displays
Founder Storytelling
-
Brand association with the Best Pitch award
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Verbal reference connecting your organization to the Best Pitch Award (e.g., “The Best Pitch Award, supported by…”)
Visibility & Recognition
-
Logo included on printed, on-screen, and digital Innovators Gala materials
-
Inclusion in Pipeline social media posts recognizing the Innovator of the Year Sponsor
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Inclusion in the post-event “Thank You to Our Sponsors” email to Pipeline Members and Network
Gala Experience
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Reserved Seating for two (2) guests at the Innovators Gala.
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Complimentary access to the Innovators Cocktail hour for both guests
INNOVATORS GALA
FIRESIDE CHAT SPONSOR
$5,000
The Fireside Chat Sponsor is directly aligned with Pipeline’s Innovators Fireside Chat — an invitation-only conversation bringing together founders, investors, and senior leaders for thoughtful dialogue on innovation, leadership, and the future of entrepreneurship in the Midwest.
This sponsorship is ideal for organizations that value thought leadership and meaningful engagement with the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Sponsor Benefits Include:
Thought Leadership Alignment
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Recognition as an official Fireside Chat Sponsor
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Logo placement on Fireside Chat signage and digital materials
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Verbal acknowledgment during the Fireside Chat welcome
Curated Access
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Two (2) tickets to the Pipeline Innovators Fireside Chat
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Access to the Fireside Chat reception or networking time following the session
Brand Visibility
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Logo included on select printed and digital Innovators Gala materials
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Inclusion in Pipeline social media posts recognizing Fireside Chat Sponsors
Gala Experience
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Reserved Seating for four (4) guests at the Innovators Gala
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Complimentary access to the Innovators Cocktail Hour for all four guests
INNOVATORS GALA
TABLES & TICKETS
VIP TABLE SPONSORS — $2,500
(Limited Availability)
Elevate your Innovators Gala experience with a reserved table for ten (10) guests.
Table Sponsor Benefits Include:
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Reserved seating for your group
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Two (2) complimentary bottles of wine
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A stunning floral arrangement from your table to take home with you.
Secure your table now and enjoy a premium gala experience with your guests!
TABLE SPONSORS — $1,000
(Limited Availability)
Support Pipeline and the Innovators Gala by sponsoring a table experience for founders and guests.
Table Sponsor Benefits Include:
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Company logo displayed on a sponsored gala table
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Recognition as a Table Sponsor supporting the event experience
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Opportunity to contribute to an unforgettable evening for founders and the Pipeline community
This sponsorship does NOT include event tickets or reserved seating.
GENERAL ADMISSION — $150/per ticket
General Admission seating is NOT reserved this year. General Admission seating is open and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you prefer reserved seating, we recommend purchasing a reserved table as a Table Sponsor. General admission tickets include dinner, complimentary beer, wine, and signature cocktails.