MTC gifts $2.6M to 10 Missouri tech firms, including one from KC
December 9, 2016 | Bobby Burch
The Missouri Technology Corporation is making the holidays extra special for 10 Show Me State startups.
With an aim to grow the state’s tech and bioscience sectors, the MTC announced that it approved $2.6 million in co-investment awards to 10 firms, including $225,000 to Kansas City-based SquareOffs. Founded in 2012 by Jeff Rohr, SquareOffs created an interactive polling platform that increases engagement and communication for publishers, bloggers and brands.
“This early-stage support allows startups to gain some traction in their capital raising efforts,” MTC executive director Bill Anderson said in a release. “It’s another way for these young companies to demonstrate validation of their concept to potential investors and for the state to solidify its reputation as being a growing innovation hub.”
MTC also allocated funding awards to six startups from St. Louis and one each from Brentwood, Chesterfield and Wildwood.
The capital derives from the MTC’s IDEA Fund, a program that will match other capital investments in high-growth tech companies. Since 2011, the program has co-invested in 95 companies, which have in turn been able to raise over $350 million in additional capital to grow their businesses and create jobs.
Featured Business

2016 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Global employers use KC’s backstitch to engage and keep top talent; now smaller companies can too
One of Kansas City’s most quietly impactful startups built its employee communications platform behind the scenes for Fortune 500 companies; now it’s scaling those proven solutions to a new market: smaller businesses that need the same worker engagement, said Jordan Warzecha. Crossroads-based backstitch — a leader in digital solutions for HR teams — on Tuesday…
LaunchKC winner acquired by Gradient Health, pushing equitable AI innovations to market faster
The founding team behind DataAppraisal — a startup that earned early backing from LaunchKC and Digital Sandbox KC in 2022 — believes their shared vision with leaders at Gradient Health will help their combined company “improve healthcare AI and make an even bigger impact.” DataAppraisal, led by Tam Tran and Roger Ngo, announced its acquisition…
Next stop for 10 founder finalists: A pitch competition at Union Station worth $42K+
Ten finalists are on track to hit the stage next month at Union Station — stepping into the spotlight to share their startup and small business visions while competing for tens of thousands in prize money. The popular AltCap Your Biz Pitch Competition returns during Global Entrepreneurship Week-Kansas City for a live pitch event at…
Emerging at Pure Pitch Rally: These 8 young startups hope to close a critical funding gap
Eight emerging tech startups are rallying for the Pure Pitch stage as one of Kansas City’s premiere pitch competitions approaches a decade of impact and innovation. “This is the ultimate affinity and legacy club that grows businesses in Kansas City,” said Karen Fenaroli, presenting sponsor and founder of the Pure Pitch Rally, which returns Monday…
