Venture capital pitch event InvestMidwest seeks high-growth applicants

High-growth companies interested in pitching their firm to hundreds of investors can now apply to present their business at the InvestMidwest Venture Capital Forum.

The 19th annual forum will be held in St. Louis on March 28 and 29, 2018.

The event is expected to draw more than 300 investors and entrepreneurs across the Midwest, organizers say. The event has helped spur over $1 billion in early-stage investments for presenting companies over the last 17 years, said Christine Walsh InvestMidwest Executive Director.

“Companies that apply should be fast-growth companies seeking substantial investment,” Walsh said in a release. “These applications should be from entrepreneurs of fast-track companies in need of at least $1 million to push those companies forward in a dynamic drive to the next level.”

For prospective firms, the early application period concludes Nov. 10. The final deadline is set for Jan. 12, 2018.

There is no penalty for missing the early application period, but early applicants can expect benefits, Walsh said.

“It has become apparent over the years that an early application has the opportunity to receive deeper consideration,” she said. “If the selection committee members have questions, early applicants have time to clarify and strengthen their cases. That can make the difference in the committee’s decision regarding a company being invited to present at InvestMidwest.”

Up to 45 emerging businesses will be selected to pitch their company at the conference for eight minutes each. This year, the forum will include three separate industry tracks: life sciences, information technology and agriculture/bioenergy.

“We are fortunate that we regularly attract some of the Midwest region’s best, fast-growth companies and a great group of investors,” Walsh said. “The venture capital community and investors have been very satisfied with the quality of the companies they see at InvestMidwest. Consequently, we have enjoyed pretty consistent attendance every year.”

InvestMidwest was held in Kansas City in 2016, with such speakers as KCRise Fund managing director Darcy Howe, EyeVerify CEO Toby Rush, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation entrepreneurial advocate Nathan Kurtz, JE Dunn Construction CEO Terry Dunn and TechAccel CEO Michael Helmstetter.

The forum alternates between Kansas City and St. Louis each year. To read more about the forum and its history or to apply, click here.