Built Here. Raised Here. Shared Here.
The stories behind the pitch.
Build & Spill is InvestMidwest’s conversation series featuring candid, firsthand stories from the founders and company leaders who have built businesses and raised capital in the Midwest.
Join us as we explore the decisions, setbacks, and lessons that shape a company’s journey—and what others can learn from them.
Upcoming Episodes
NewLeaf Symbiotics: An Entrepreneurial Journey
Tuesday, November 17, 2026 | 4–5 p.m. CT | Virtual
What does it take to turn scientific discovery into a company?
Join NewLeaf Symbiotics leaders Brent Smith and Natalie Breakfield, PhD, for a conversation about building a business, raising capital, navigating challenges, and scaling for impact. Vonnie Estes will moderate.
Featuring
Brent Smith — CEO & President, NewLeaf Symbiotics
Natalie Breakfield, PhD — CSO, NewLeaf Symbiotics
Vonnie Estes — Moderator
Coming in December: GiftAMeal
A conversation with Andrew Glantz of GiftAMeal.
December 2026 | Date and details coming soonre information about the episode and registration will be shared here.
Register for Session 1
About the Series
A closer look at the company journey
Every company has a story beyond its pitch deck. Build & Spill brings those stories into conversation, with a focus on the choices that moved a business forward, the challenges that changed its direction, and the lessons its leaders can share.
Each episode features a moderated conversation with an InvestMidwest alumni company. The series gives founders, investors, and others in the entrepreneurial community a chance to hear directly from people doing the work of building, funding, and growing a business.
Alumni Invitation
Have a story to share?
If your company has presented at InvestMidwest, we’d like to hear what happened next. Share a pivotal decision, an unexpected challenge, or a lesson that could help another founder.