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
KC’s 10-year playbook: Celebrate the wins, but go faster, farther (and leave no talent behind)
A decade of focusing on inclusive prosperity helped Kansas City rise among its peers, said David Warm, but the next 10 years require the region work quickly, with even more intention, and leaning into Kansas City’s willingness to forge its own path, together. “We are not going to get direction from the federal government. It…
Boulevard launches BBQ beer to help new museum tell Kansas City’s smoky story
It’s a beer that could only happen in Kansas City, said Greg Garrity, teasing Boulevard Brewing Co.’s just-announced bourbon barrel-aged Belgian-style quad — a brew infused with smoked malt and a blend of bold, barbecue-inspired ingredients. Crafted in collaboration with the recently opened Museum of BBQ at Crown Center, the MO’ BBQ release is the…
Olathe opening: Popular chicken chain flies deeper into JoCo; its first franchisee isn’t just winging it
Joe Finch got his start in the food industry bussing tables. This weekend, he’ll open his own restaurant in Olathe — capitalizing on the popularity of spinout success WingStand by opening the brand’s first franchise location. WingStand Olathe is set to debut Saturday at 119 South Mur-Len Road, offering an order of free wings to…
Grab your Zhoug sauce: Lawrence-built eatery launching brand across KC (starting with this famous food spot)
Shuttered for three years, the former d’Bronx pizzeria space — the now-defunct hometown brand’s original location along 39th Street’s famed “Restaurant Row” — is reopening Wednesday with a fresh look and flavors from the other side of the globe (via a Kansas college town). Zhoug Mediterranean is expected to debut its fare at 3904 Bell…
