Startup Junkie
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersFayetteville, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
Startup Junkie firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Startup Junkie
- Legal name
- Startup Junkie Consulting
- Website
- https://startupjunkie.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Startup Junkie industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Entrepreneurship Support Services
- NAICS
- Business Support Services (5614)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics (EDAMAHAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD)
Keywords
Where Startup Junkie is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Fayetteville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
Startup Junkie business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Foundation grants and donations: Primary funding from foundations and government agencies including Walton Family Foundation, USDA, EDA, SBA, City of Fayetteville, Arkansas Economic Development Commission. Funds support programs, operations, and mission-aligned initiatives.
- Kiva NWA microloan program: Facilitates interest-free microloans through Kiva's crowdfunding platform. Revenue derived from loan matching funds and partnership arrangements with Kiva US and funders. Proceeds support small business lending in Washington County.
- UpStart Thrift Store: Resale of donated clothing and household items at affordable prices. Revenue after rent and utilities funds Kiva loans and small business grants for Washington County entrepreneurs.
- Consulting services: Provides no-cost consulting to entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-oriented small businesses. Services are free to clients, funded by grants and donations from funding partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Freemium | Monthly | Free consulting services for entrepreneurs |
| Freemium | Monthly | Free coworking access at CenterSpace |
| Freemium | Monthly | Free meeting room reservation |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Affordable thrift store merchandise |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | UpStart Small Business Grants |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels10 records
Startup Junkie product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Startup Junkie provides no-cost one-on-one consulting, coworking space, and meeting room access to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The organization also operates a portfolio of accelerator programs (Fuel, Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator, ARise, 75 Strong, Science Venture Studio, EMPOWER), a microloan hub (Kiva NWA), and a thrift store (UpStart) whose proceeds fund small business loans and grants, all delivered through a coalition of Startup Junkie Consulting LLC and Startup Junkie Foundation 501c3.
Product overview
Startup Junkie is a coalition of multiple entities (Startup Junkie Consulting, LLC and Startup Junkie Foundation, 501c3) offering a portfolio of programs and services to empower entrepreneurs and innovators. The organization operates as a platform-plus-programs model combining no-cost consulting, coworking space (CenterSpace), an expert network (The Bullpen), and a media platform (Startup Junkies Podcast) with distinct accelerator programs. Key programs include Fuel Accelerator (AI/ML tech startups), Kiva NWA (micro-lending), Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator, ARise (statewide entrepreneurship support), 75 Strong (rural ecosystems), and Science Venture Studio (federal grant support). The ecosystem is supported by social enterprises including UpStart Thrift Store, which funds Kiva loans and small business grants.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Fuel Accelerator: Technology startup accelerator program focusing on AI/ML and healthtech companies
- Kiva NWA
- UpStart Thrift
- Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA)
- Science Venture Studio
- ARise
- 75 Strong
- Startup Junkies Podcast
- The Bullpen
- CenterSpace
Products and services
- No-Cost Consulting Services One-on-one no-cost consulting for entrepreneurs, startups, and growth-oriented small businesses across all stages from idea creation and validation to pivoting, scaling, and exiting. Delivered through Startup Junkie Consulting and funded by foundation grants and donations.
- CenterSpace Coworking No-reservation-required coworking desks on the second floor of CenterSpace in the Pryor Center at Fayetteville Square, available to entrepreneurs needing collaborative workspace at no cost.
- Fuel Accelerator Cohort-based technology accelerator connecting early-stage AI/ML and HealthTech startups with enterprise partners to accelerate technology adoption. Participants have raised more than $240 million in funding and the program has contributed to nine startup relocations.
- Kiva NWA Micro-lending hub providing zero-interest, zero-fee loans to entrepreneurs and small business owners in Northwest Arkansas through Kiva's crowdfunding platform. Has facilitated $1 million+ in loans to more than 100 borrowers.
- UpStart Thrift Store Volunteer-run thrift store in Farmington, Arkansas that resells donated clothing and household items at affordable prices. Proceeds fund Kiva loans and small business grants for Washington County entrepreneurs.
- ARise Statewide initiative supporting Arkansas entrepreneurs and small businesses through specialized consulting, technical assistance, and access to resources for growth, connecting founders with experienced advisors and capital pathways.
- Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA) Cycling industry accelerator helping tech-enabled companies explore business opportunities in the United States and Arkansas. Selects international and U.S. companies for cohort-based programs culminating in Demo Day.
- 75 Strong Community initiative focused on strengthening rural and underrepresented business ecosystems in Arkansas through workshops, personalized support, and local partnerships to empower entrepreneurs in often-overlooked communities.
- Science Venture Studio Program helping Arkansas science and technology startups apply for non-dilutive federal grants, funded by Walton Family Foundation in collaboration with Innovate Arkansas, Northwest Arkansas Council, and University of Arkansas.
- EMPOWER Accelerator 16-week accelerator program for women and non-binary people in STEM in Arkansas who have an innovation they would like to explore bringing to market.
- The Bullpen Expert Network Curated network of subject matter experts including former Startup Junkie clients, industry professionals, and top-tier service providers who offer free consulting to entrepreneurs.
- Startup Junkies Podcast Weekly video and audio podcast featuring conversations with founders and innovators from Northwest Arkansas and around the world, sharing stories of entrepreneurship. Distributed on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.
- 1 Million Cups - Bentonville Weekly community event bringing together Bentonville entrepreneurs for coffee and conversation, where founders present their ideas to the community and find inspiration through shared stories and experiences.
- Mentor Camp Mentorship program connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors for guidance and support in Northwest Arkansas.
- Fayetteville Business Starter Kit Collaborative initiative with the City of Fayetteville providing live webinars and practical online guides covering licensing, permitting, zoning, regulatory requirements, and local resources for starting a business in Fayetteville.
Quantifiable outcome
- $1 million+ in interest-free Kiva loans to 100+ entrepreneurs
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Startup Junkie
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Startup Junkie technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Startup Junkie partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and flagship.
- SLS CommunitiesminorPartnership to launch groundbreaking neurodiversity workforce study in Northwest Arkansas.
- Arkansas CapitalcorePartnership for Governor's Cup competition with ARise program to provide tech support and empower future entrepreneurs.
- The Venture CenterminorPartnership to host Techstars Startup Weekend in Northwest Arkansas. Joint effort to engage and educate local entrepreneurs.
- GrowthXflagshipSilicon Valley venture capital partnership for Fuel Accelerator 2021. Collaboration to expand impact and connect Arkansas startups with broader capital networks.
- WLJ Tech LawminorPartnership with specialized tech law group to support entrepreneurs with legal and intellectual property guidance.
- Tahlequah Regional Development Authority (TRDA)minorPartnership to conduct entrepreneurial ecosystem study and develop sustainable business ecosystem in Cherokee County.
- Korean International Trade Association (KITA)minorArkansas-Korea Alliance to strengthen international relations and support Korean entrepreneurs and startups in Arkansas.
- Innovate ArkansascoreCollaboration partner for Science Venture Studio helping Arkansas science and technology companies secure federal non-dilutive funding.
- Northwest Arkansas CouncilcoreCollaborative partner in Science Venture Studio and broader NWA ecosystem development initiatives.
- Kiva UScorePartnership to launch Kiva Northwest Arkansas microloan hub. Provides crowdfunding platform for 0% interest, no-fee microloans to financially excluded entrepreneurs. Milestone: $1 million in loans to 100+ borrowers.
- University of ArkansascoreFunding partner and collaborative partner. Science Venture Studio collaboration. Provides commercialization fellows from university. Partnership for startup ecosystem development.
Scale indicators17 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Startup Junkie competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Venture Center: Arkansas-based startup accelerator and innovation hub in Little Rock that runs accelerator cohorts and has co-hosted events with Startup Junkie (e.g., Techstars Startup Weekend). Both serve Arkansas tech founders with cohort programs and mentor networks.
- gener8tor: National accelerator operator running multiple cohort-based programs (including in Arkansas) for early-stage startups. Highly comparable to Startup Junkie's Fuel Accelerator model — short, intensive cohorts connecting founders to investors and corporates.
- MassChallenge: Global nonprofit accelerator running equity-free cohort programs for early-stage startups. Highly comparable in the no-equity, sponsor-funded accelerator model and in producing funding outcomes referenced in Startup Junkie's portfolio metrics.
- Innovation Works: Pittsburgh-based seed-stage investor and accelerator supporting robotics, AI, and life sciences startups. Comparable as a regional innovation hub combining accelerators, seed capital, and ecosystem programming.
- Kiva: Global crowdfunding microfinance platform and direct strategic partner of Startup Junkie via Kiva NWA. Comparable in mission (financial inclusion, 0% interest loans to underserved entrepreneurs) and the hub-and-spoke operating model Kiva NWA exemplifies.
- 1 Million Cups: Kauffman Foundation-supported nationwide program of weekly entrepreneur meetups — Startup Junkie runs the Bentonville chapter. Directly comparable in the free community-led founder engagement format that anchors Startup Junkie's GTM motion.
Broad incumbents
- Techstars: Global accelerator network running 50+ programs annually with mentorship-driven cohorts. Larger incumbent but directly comparable in accelerator mechanics, equity-for-coaching model, and demo day format that Startup Junkie's Fuel mirrors at a regional scale.
- SCORE: U.S. SBA-affiliated nonprofit providing free mentoring, workshops, and resources to small business owners nationwide. Closest comparable in the no-cost 1:1 consulting and entrepreneur education mission that Startup Junkie anchors its work on.
Regional players
- Ark Angel Alliance: Arkansas angel investment group dedicated to Arkansas-based companies, now led by Startup Junkie's founder Jeff Amerine. Adjacent peer serving the same Arkansas founder ecosystem but focused on angel capital rather than accelerator programming.
- Northwest Arkansas Council: Regional economic development organization in NWA that collaborates with Startup Junkie on Science Venture Studio and ecosystem-building initiatives. Comparable as a regional economic development partner in Northwest Arkansas.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Startup Junkie social profiles
Digital presenceStartup Junkie compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Startup Junkie financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Startup Junkie leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
Startup Junkie subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries8 records
Startup Junkie funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Startup Junkie M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments1 record
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Startup Junkie
What does Startup Junkie do?
Startup Junkie provides no-cost one-on-one consulting, coworking space, and meeting room access to entrepreneurs and small business owners. The organization also operates a portfolio of accelerator programs (Fuel, Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator, ARise, 75 Strong, Science Venture Studio, EMPOWER), a microloan hub (Kiva NWA), and a thrift store (UpStart) whose proceeds fund small business loans and grants, all delivered through a coalition of Startup Junkie Consulting LLC and Startup Junkie Foundation 501c3.
Is Startup Junkie a public or private company?
Startup Junkie is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Startup Junkie founded?
Startup Junkie was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Startup Junkie based?
Startup Junkie is headquartered in Fayetteville, United States, in the North America region.
How does Startup Junkie make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Foundation grants and donations are the primary driver. The others are kiva NWA microloan program, upStart Thrift Store and consulting services.
Who are Startup Junkie's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Venture Center, gener8tor, MassChallenge, Innovation Works, Kiva and 1 Million Cups. Broad incumbents are Techstars and SCORE. Regional players are Ark Angel Alliance and Northwest Arkansas Council.
Does Startup Junkie have an API?
No public API is recorded for Startup Junkie.
What industry is Startup Junkie in?
Startup Junkie's product category is Entrepreneurship Support Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAMAHAA, Entrepreneurship Foundations & Startup Basics, with a secondary code of FSANAHAD, Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs. Its NAICS code is 5614.