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
Man of unexpected taste: How this Kansas farmer’s sweet pivot grew into a destination winery
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. PAOLA, Kansas — When Mark Allison planted elderberries in 2010 on his 42-acre property in rural Miami County, he didn’t envision making his own wine and opening a tasting room,…
Prospect KC finds new home for its fight against food apartheid; culinary training moves to The Paseo
A new pairing between The Prospect KC and Nourish KC sets the table for transformation within Kansas City’s food deserts, said award-winning Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant, announcing the relocation of her social enterprise and its game-changing culinary training program. The collaboration combines the strengths of both organizations in their fights against hunger, leaders said, with The…
GEWKC just launched its 2024 lineup; Here are three of the can’t-miss entrepreneur events
Inspiration — and top honors — are on the calendar this fall as registration launches for Kansas City’s busiest week in entrepreneurship. Among the headline events for the connection-packed summit: two grants competitions and a new-to-GEW celebration of Kansas City innovation. Organizers this week released the official schedule for the in-person Nov. 19-21 Global Entrepreneurship Week –…
Wallpapered with flyness: She’s adding urban culture to home decor; why this founder is still searching for her tribe in KC
Chicago transplant Keisha Jordan is bringing urban opulence to Kansas City through Complex Flavors Home + Life — just in time for the Kansas City cultural renaissance, she said. Complex Flavors is a home decor brand, offering wallpaper lines that celebrate “city girl” energies, Jordan said, noting urban opulence is the fuel that sits at…