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
System set up to ‘suck the life’ out of formerly incarcerated people takes a hit with new microloan deal
A recently announced agreement is expected to help returning citizens break a cycle of struggle that’s historically been reinforced by a criminal justice system advocates say is set up to make them fail, said Kyle J. Benson-Smith. The Kansas City District SBA Office and two local nonprofit organizations held a public signing ceremony Wednesday afternoon…
Is Wichita the next tech hotspot? Startup week organizer says pieces are falling into place
Startland News’ Startup Road Trip series explores innovative and uncommon ideas finding success in rural America and Midwestern startup hubs outside the Kansas City metro. This series is possible thanks to the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which leads a collaborative, nationwide effort to identify and remove large and small barriers to new business creation. After…
‘You Belong Here’: Add these 10 GEW events to your calendar (then keep clicking)
Global Entrepreneurship Week is returning to Kansas City in November with the ability for attendees to build their own week-long schedules from more than 150 planned virtual and in-person sessions. With a theme focused on inclusion, the wide-ranging options offer resources and insight for solopreneurs and small business to scaling startups — regardless of geography.…
