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
KU lecture series brings Apple co-founder
A Jayhawk fan is coming back to Lawrence for this year’s Anderson Chandler business lecture. Oh, and the fan just happens to be one of Apple Computer Inc.’s co-founders. Steve Wozniak, who founded Apple alongside Steve Jobs, will be speaking at University of Kansas for their 2015 Global Entrepreneurship Week event. Austin Falley, the KU…
Kansas City can’t get enough of TEDxKC
Kansas Citians have rushed the stage to buy tickets for TEDxKC. When tickets for TEDxKC went on sale in early June, they sold out in less than 30 minutes. For those who weren’t able to snag tickets to the live event and simulcast at the Kauffman Performing Arts Center, other area organizations offered watch parties.…
The WTF Series: The Cloud
On a daily basis, Ben Kittrell translates the jargon-filled world of technology for clients of his tech consultancy. The Words that Frustrate (WTF) series aims to offer readers some clarity in an industry dominated by techies’ confusing argot. When most people think of the Internet, they think of websites. But it’s actually much more than that. Emails,…
Sherry Turner talks diversity, funding landscape
There are few people in Kansas City that have worked harder than Sherry Turner to increase women’s engagement in entrepreneurship. Founder of OneKC for Women, Turner works to help women in the area find jobs, start businesses, get financing or invest in other businesses through a variety of organizations. After years leading large corporate teams,…