Deadlines approach for $100K, $500K co-investment opportunities for MO startups
October 12, 2017 | Meghan LeVota
It’s easy to form an idea. It’s more difficult to take it to market.
The Missouri Tech Corporation’s IDEA Funds seek to facilitate the commercialization process for high-tech Missouri technologies, via a variety of co-investment opportunities.
The IDEA Funds divide financing into four components that correspond to four stages of growth for entrepreneurs, from pre-investment to high-growth enterprises. For the Missouri TechLaunch and Seed Capital Co-Investment Program, applications are now open, with a Nov. 15 deadline.
The Venture Capital Co-Investment Program and the High-Tech Industrial Expansion Program are not taking applications in November.
MTC’s future is uncertain. The agency’s budget was cut substantially from nearly $23 million in 2017 to $3.4 million in spending authority for 2018.
More recently, Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens’ office released a report suggesting MTC existing programming be replaced with a privately-managed innovation fund.
Here’s more about the funding opportunities:
MTC will award pre-seed funding — no more than $100,000 per individual award — to Missouri startups that are committed to a discovery in one of the following high-tech industry clusters: animal health, plant science, biomedical science, applied engineering, or defense and homeland security.
Startups must have less than 500 employees and will be evaluated on their market potential, proof of concept and intellectual property development. Applicants must also be in partnership with a Missouri research university or inst ution, or be willing to establish one. For more information about the opportunity, click here.
Seed Capital Co-Investment Program
High-tech startups that have succeeded in proving concept, but need access to seed capital might be eligible for the Seed Capital Co-Investment program.
With a maximum funding amount of $500,000 per individual, this grant is designed to accelerate private investment in Missouri companies who are looking to conduct competitive analysis, advanced prototype design and other advancements of intellectual property development.
Eligible applicants must have a committed leadership team, a third-party investment commitment and a viable plan. To apply, click here.
Featured Business
2017 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
New effort aims to cultivate, connect SaaS salespeople in KC
A champion of sales talent development in the Kansas City area is hoping to create a movement in Kansas City to help business development professionals learn from one another. Founded in 2016 by Mike Poledna, KC SaaS aims to provide networking and development opportunities for SaaS firms. In addition to hosting free panel conversations five…
To cultivate area ecosystem, Kauffman launches ‘KC Connector’ project
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation is setting out on a mission to better connect people cultivating Kansas City’s entrepreneurial and education communities. The Kauffman Foundation is asking Kansas Citians to nominate the area’s unsung heroes” for its new Community Connector Project. Inspired by similar initiatives that have been implemented in Portland, Philadelphia and Louisville, the…
VIDEO: KCAI President Tony Jones on art and tech
The Kansas City Art Institute’s new David T. Beals Studio for Art and Technology is a state-of-the-art facility that’s serving the school’s more than 600 student-artists. Watch the video below to hear Tony Jones, president of KCAI, discuss the facility as well as the intersection of art and technology. To read more about the studio,…
Cutting-edge facility comes to life at the Kansas City Art Institute
Artists have a knack for bearing ideas outside the realm of convention. But what happens when a creator is not only equipped with the latest technology to augment a medium, but cross-pollinates with other artists concocting complimentary creations? Who knows. And that’s exactly what the Kansas City Art Institute is excited to learn with its…