BENTONVILLE, Ark. (June 10, 2026) — PeopleForBikes welcomed leaders from across the bike industry and beyond to Bentonville, Arkansas, on June 10 for the inaugural PeopleForBikes Investor Summit, a new gathering designed to strengthen connections, share ideas, and explore opportunities to shape what
comes next.
As cycling continues to influence how communities grow, how people move, and how businesses create value, the summit created space for attendees to have meaningful conversations, shape new relationships, and share fresh perspectives on the future of bicycling and the bike industry.
"This summit is about creating the conditions for better decisions and stronger connections," said Jenn Dice, president and CEO of PeopleForBikes. "When you bring together the right people who are passionate about the future of cycling, ideas move faster, relationships deepen, and new opportunities emerge. That's exactly what we're here to do."
The one-day summit featured investors, founders, and operators from around the industry alongside emerging companies from the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator, a cohort-based program for pre-Series A startups building innovative cycling components and tech-enabled cycling solutions. Programming included the latest market insights from PeopleForBikes, global perspectives from Elisa Chiu of Anchor Global, and investor-led conversations exploring market signals, conviction, capital allocation, and startup growth.
"Some of the most valuable insights come from understanding what is changing across markets and what remains fundamentally true," said Elisa Chiu, founder and CEO of Anchor Global. "Cycling is a global industry, but growth, innovation, and investment rarely look the same from one region to another. Bringing investors and industry leaders together to exchange perspectives helps create a clearer understanding of where opportunities are emerging and how we can learn from one another."
The event also highlighted Bentonville's growing role as a center for cycling innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development. In addition to facilitated discussions, attendees engaged directly with founders from the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator and experienced the region's world-class bicycle infrastructure through guided rides.
"Bentonville has become a destination for people who want to see what is possible when communities invest in cycling," said Brady Carman, NWA bicycle business innovation manager at PeopleForBikes. "This summit brings that spirit to life by connecting investors with entrepreneurs, supporting the next generation of companies, and showcasing how the bicycle can be a catalyst for economic development, community building, and innovation. Our hope is that people leave inspired not only by what they experienced here, but by what they can help create in their own communities."
The Investor Summit is part of PeopleForBikes' broader commitment to strengthening the bicycle industry through research, advocacy, leadership development, and community investment. Organizers intend for the summit to become an annual gathering, with future events already planned for 2027 and 2028.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is a national bicycle advocacy nonprofit and the U.S. bicycle industry's trade association representing more than 340 bicycle industry supplier members and nearly 1.4 million individual supporters. Through our three areas of influence, infrastructure, policy, and participation, we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike, advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation, and reduce barriers to welcome more people to the joys of riding a bike. Our goal: become the best place in the world to ride a bike. Join us at peopleforbikes.org and donate to support our work.
About the Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator
The Arkansas Global Cycling Accelerator (AGCA) is an entrepreneurship program based in Bentonville, Arkansas, supporting early-stage companies working across cycling, mobility, recreation, and related industries. Through mentorship, industry connections, investor engagement, and access to Northwest Arkansas' world-class cycling ecosystem, AGCA helps founders accelerate growth and strengthen their businesses. By connecting entrepreneurs with industry leaders, investors, and a vibrant community of innovators, AGCA is building the next generation of companies shaping the future of cycling. Learn more at cyclingaccelerator.com.
