Melissa Vincent is the CEO of Pipeline Entrepreneurs, a fellowship and peer network supporting high-growth entrepreneurs across the Midwest. Under her leadership, Pipeline has expanded its reach while deepening its commitment to founders in rural and historically under-resourced communities. Its network of more than 250 entrepreneurs has collectively created over 4,500 jobs, generated more than $2.9 billion in revenue, and raised more than $1.2 billion in capital.

Working at the intersection of entrepreneurship, community development, and capital access, Melissa brings together founders, funders, community leaders, and public partners to build stronger and more inclusive pathways to entrepreneurship. She is especially passionate about ensuring that talented founders can access the relationships, resources, and capital they need to grow, regardless of geography, and helping communities create environments where more people can see entrepreneurship as a viable path to economic mobility.