We put the Midwest on the world's stage
Since 2015, Midwest House has connected founders, creatives, investors, and civic leaders at SXSW, at our Summits, and everywhere in between.
A 24' Penske truck, 1,300 miles, and a backyard in Austin
Midwest House was born in an East Austin backyard at SXSW 2015. A small collective of friends teamed up with twelve organizations to create a home away from home for Midwesterners at the festival. We filled that truck with Midwest-made goods and drove it all the way to Texas. Four days. 17 bands. Hundreds of guests. Two visits from Austin PD.
Our valuesCollaboration. Access. Diversity. Creativity.
From backyard party to regional platform
Midwest House Austin at SXSW every year. Summits in Grand Rapids and Columbus. Tech weeks and community events across the country. StartMidwest and a weekly Substack.
Built by believers
A small, scrappy team based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a growing community of partners and collaborators across the region. Led by Ted Velie.
Midwest House people
“I never would have applied to Y Combinator if it weren't for Midwest House 2022.”
— James Mikrut, Founder, Payload CMS (acquired by Figma, 2024)“I met my co-founder and became the CEO of Opnr because of an introduction made through Midwest House.”
— Andrea Wallace, CEO, Opnr“Your team consistently creates a space that brings together innovation, culture, and community in a way that feels both elevated and deeply authentic.”
— Phil Clement, World Business Chicago