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
Arrowhead of the future? Chiefs reveal $800M vision for sports complex (without Royals)
Editor’s note: The following story was published by KCUR, Kansas City’s NPR member station, and a fellow member of the KC Media Collective. Click here to read the original story or here to sign up for KCUR’s email newsletter. The renderings were released as Jackson County residents prepare to vote on a proposed sales tax extension that would help fund…
Troost entrepreneurs laying cornerstones of east side’s emerging restaurant row
Editor’s note: This story was originally published by Kansas City PBS/Flatland, a member of the KC Media Collective, which also includes Startland News, KCUR 89.3, American Public Square, The Kansas City Beacon, and Missouri Business Alert. Click here to read the original story. Chris Goode took a chance on his old neighborhood. He opened Ruby Jean’s Kitchen &…
Brothers behind new show at Zhou B Art Center KC paint space as gift to creatives, community
The Zhou B Art Center KC is going to be the next hub for great art, Bryce Holt shared, and he’s thrilled to be a part of it. The Overland Park-based artist’s “The Bible in Art” is on display at the new art center, located in the former Crispus Attucks School — which underwent a…
Planned serendipity: Endeavor Heartland’s launch aims to put founders in the right place at the right time
A global nonprofit that supports high-impact entrepreneurs is gearing up for its March 6 regional selection panel in Kansas City — the organization’s next big step in establishing a KC footprint, said Shawn Morris. “This will double as our launch into the Kansas City market and our commitment to our office expanding there,” said Morris,…
