02 Apr Curated Momentum: Inside the Summit’s IU Angel Network, Paragraph VC and Flywheel Fund Showcase
Registration is now open for the IU Ventures Founders and Funders Network Venture Summit. As part of the Summit, the IU Angel Network, Paragraph VC and Flywheel Fund will present a curated showcase of IU-affiliated and/or Bloomington-based startups. The session highlights emerging companies gaining traction and reflects the growing strength of the IU and Bloomington startup ecosystem.
The Summit brings together founders, funders, alumni, faculty, and students from across the IU community and is expected to sell out. Attendees can register now on the IU Ventures website.
We recently caught up with Olivia Schmitt-Metz, Executive Director of the IU Angel Network, Michelle Cole, Partner at Paragraph VC and Martina Fausto, Senior Analyst at Flywheel Fund to preview the session and discuss what makes this showcase unique.
This session features IU-affiliated or Bloomington-based startups. What makes this a curated showcase rather than a typical pitch event?
Olivia Schmitt-Metz, IU Angel Network:
It’s not about volume; it’s about putting forward a small number of opportunities that are ready for meaningful feedback, connection, and, in some cases, capital. Companies like Detour and inTandem Health are led by founders who are building thoughtfully and showing exciting signs of progress.
Michelle Cole, Paragraph VC:
From Bereave, which is improving how people experience loss, to Motion, which is modernizing collegiate compliance, these are companies solving real problems in meaningful ways. What makes this a curated showcase is that these aren’t just ideas—they are companies demonstrating real traction and clear potential.
Martina Fausto, Flywheel Fund:
This is less of a pitch and more a signal of real momentum building in our backyard. Each company has been intentionally selected for its traction, growth, and market opportunity.
The IU Angel Network, Paragraph VC and Flywheel Fund are distinct but aligned investors who share deal flow. How does that collaboration strengthen the IU and Bloomington startup ecosystem?
Olivia Schmitt-Metz, IU Angel Network:
We provide funding, mentorship, and connections through our alumni network, while Paragraph brings hands-on support – helping founders build products, go-to-market strategies, and strong teams. Even though we operate separately, our shared focus on early-stage companies helps create a more vibrant ecosystem.
Michelle Cole, Paragraph VC:
Startups are high risk, high reward businesses. VC math is all about getting into a high percentage of deals early. Sharing deal flow allows us to see a higher volume of deals and be more selective.
Martina Fausto, Flywheel Fund:
Together, we’re able to create continuity for founders across the early-stage journey, ensuring they can tap into the right support as they build: whether that’s feedback, networks, or capital.
What signals are you seeing right now that suggest Bloomington and IU’s startup ecosystem is gaining momentum?
Olivia Schmitt-Metz, IU Angel Network:
IU and Bloomington are building a vibrant hub (Trades District and Amplify Bloomington) for startups across sectors. The partnership is providing coworking spaces, venture studios, and community resources that make Bloomington a place where founders want to live, work, and grow their companies.
Michelle Cole, Paragraph VC:
The CEO of Google Ventures speaking at IU Founders and Funders Venture Summit is a great way to start this conversation. The 2025 Midwest Startup Cities Ranking shows Bloomington has an incredible startup density and a solid number of exits. The investment that IU and Eli Lilly are making in our community… the collaboration between Amplify Bloomington and IU Innovates…it all points to awesomeness!
Martina Fausto, Flywheel Fund:
We’re seeing startups not only raise follow-on rounds but also attract investor interest from across the country. At the same time, more founders are choosing to relocate their companies, along with their families, to Bloomington.
For attendees who may not consider themselves investors, why is this session still worth being in the room for?
Olivia Schmitt-Metz, IU Angel Network:
This session is a unique opportunity to see the early-stage innovation happening right here in Bloomington. Attendees can ask questions and connect with the people making it happen. Plus, the networking alone is invaluable – you’ll meet entrepreneurs, fellow community members, and potential collaborators.
Michelle Cole, Paragraph VC:
Investment isn’t just about money. One introduction can change the trajectory of success for so many companies. I think about Bereave. What if your one conversation with them turns out to be the reason that your best friend has the support they need when they experience a tragic loss? Every single person in that room has the potential to make that kind of impact.
Martina Fausto, Flywheel Fund:
This is a great opportunity to see emerging startups firsthand while connecting with the broader network of stakeholders helping to build and support the ecosystem.
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The IU Ventures Founders and Funders Network Venture Summit is limited to 350 attendees and is expected to sell out. Registration is $100 and includes all Summit programming. A limited number of full scholarships are available for current IU students on a first-come, first-served basis.
About IU Ventures
IU Ventures invests in and supports IU-affiliated early-stage companies. Its investment programs include the IU Philanthropic Venture Fund, IU Angel Network, and the Innovate Indiana Fund. It further supports IU founders through its Executive in Residence Program and IU Founders and Funders Network. Each program takes unique approaches to accelerate and support the positive impacts that entrepreneurs affiliated with IU already achieve across the world. https://www.iuventures.com/