HIGHWAY Ventures

Part Eight in Our Series - Federally Funded Technologies That Changed the World! 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐆𝐏𝐓 🤖 Artificial Intelligence technologies like ChatGPT have roots in federally funded research programs that advanced natural language processing and machine learning. DARPA’s investments in early AI technologies laid the foundation for breakthroughs in conversational AI. Today, applications of this technology go far beyond chatbots. From education to business automation, it’s reshaping industries and how we interact with information. Who would’ve thought an idea from federal labs would one day talk back to us so eloquently? 🧠💬 #AIInnovation #FederalLabs #TechThatChangedTheWorld https://lnkd.in/eJTpDR3W 

Northwest Arkansas captured the majority of venture capital activity in the state in 2023, according to the Arkansas Capital Scan 2023. The report shows the region’s leadership in venture funding while identifying critical gaps in early-stage capital. #NWArk #LifeWorksHere #nwarkansas #northwestarkansas #venturecapital

In 2024, the average deal size for pre-seed and seed rounds fell between $1M and $4M, with a strong preference for startups that are already showing some form of traction. Investors in 2025 will look for startups that demonstrate traction, have a strong team, and a execute on a clear market strategy Read more on pre-seed and seed investor trends in our blog: https://lnkd.in/dqHkR4ig #venturestudio #venturecapital #trends

Innovation in Action: Disarming Threats in Northwest Arkansas Highway Ventures recently had the privilege of attending a dynamic training evolution with the Bentonville Bomb Squad and other Bomb Squad technicians from across Arkansas. Watching them in action was an great reminder of the critical role technology plays in protecting lives and critical property. From advanced robotics to cutting-edge detection tools, the event was truly remarkable. A huge thank you to Josh Carlson with Bentonville Bomb Squad for giving us a firsthand look at their incredible work. Your commitment to safety and service is nothing short of epic. #TechnologyAtWork #EOD #Innovation #EnergeticTools #Bentonville #HighwayVentures

Part Seven in Our Series - Federally Funded Technologies That Changed the World! 𝐋𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐊 𝐄𝐲𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐲 👁️ 𝐃𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰? LASIK surgery exists thanks to federally funded research into excimer lasers. Originally developed by IBM for industrial purposes, this laser technology was adapted by U.S. Department of Defense-funded researchers for precision eye surgery. Since its introduction in the 1990s, LASIK has improved the vision of millions, revolutionizing how people treat vision impairments. Proof that innovation can change lives—literally! https://lnkd.in/gHjjnXg6 #FederalInnovation #LASIK #TechThatChangedTheWorld

Part Six in Our Series - Federally Funded Technologies That Changed the World! 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐠𝐥𝐞 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡 🌍 Google Earth was born from federally funded research by In-Q-Tel, which supported Keyhole, Inc., a company specializing in geospatial visualization. Keyhole’s groundbreaking work in digital mapping and imaging led to Google acquiring the company in 2004, transforming their technology into what we now know as Google Earth. Today, it’s not just a mapping tool—it’s used for urban planning, disaster response, and even archaeology. 🛰️ #FederalInnovation #GeospatialTech #GoogleEarth  https://lnkd.in/eWBCux7w

Building momentum with NSIN - National Security Innovation Network Propel Maritime Digital Defense Accelerator Program, a component of Defense Innovation Unit (DIU)! As we dive deeper into the program, we’re reflecting on the key lessons learned so far. From invaluable mentorship to a focus on innovation, this program is proving to be a great foothold in shaping our company, Project Castle. It’s exciting to see how these experiences are advancing our partnerships and preparing us for our Demo Day. A huge thank you to the mentors and peers driving this journey forward! #NSINPropel #OTCybersecurity #AmericanNationalLaboratories #CriticalInfrastructure

Working with the best and brightest is a proven model. We are executing on that plan! Briana D. Sullivan, welcome to the team.

Tune in to this week's #StartupJunkies episode as we sit down with Lane Patterson, founder of HIGHWAY Ventures, a startup studio that incubates and launches mobility companies in Northwest Arkansas. Throughout the episode, Lane dives into the complexities of commercializing federal research, and shares why HIGHWAY Ventures established itself in NWA. Click here to listen now! https://lnkd.in/g9cR_ZRh . . #StartupSpace #StartupLife #StartupJunkiesPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Fayetteville #PodcastAR

We sure are lucky! Andrew McCabe, PMP