MTC Now Accepting Applications for IDEA Funds Programs

• Missouri TechLaunch
• Seed Capital Co-Investment Program
• Venture Capital Co-Investment Program
• High-Tech Industrial Expansion Program

Since 2011, MTC has co-invested in 78 startups, which have in turn been able to leverage an additional $262 million in private investments. The IDEA Funds is a co-investment that promotes the formation and growth of businesses that engage in the transfer of science and technology into job creation. The funds provide financing to eligible businesses through four components that correspond to the four stages of growth for investment-grade, high-growth enterprises. 

Applications for each of these programs may be found on MTC’s website. You can also contact Dan Kaemmerer at 573-522-0200 or Daniel.kaemmerer@ded.mo.gov for more information on these programs.

The deadline to submit proposals for consideration is Feb. 17, 2016. So sharpen those ideas and get to writing your proposals lickety split. 

Just a few more details before you jump.

Missouri TechLaunch

The Missouri TechLaunch program is designed to help high-tech entrepreneurs overcome the principal financing challenges of launching new start-ups that leverage discoveries and talent at Missouri’s world-class public and private universities and other research organizations.  This pre-seed funding will be awarded to entrepreneurial startups for intellectual property development and evaluation, including in-depth analysis of market potential, conducting competitive analysis, establishing proof of concept of a scientific discovery, prototype design and development and related activities.

Funding Available: The amount of requested co-investment should be specifically and narrowly tailored to the plan outlined in the application submitted to MTC, but individual awards will not exceed $100,000.  Accordingly, it is not expected that each applicant will request the maximum amount of funds that may be awarded under this program.  Awards will be in the form of equity or convertible debt.

Seed Capital Co-Investment Fund

The Seed Capital Co-Investment Fund is designed to accelerate private investment in Missouri-based startup companies and to increase the overall investment impact.

Funding Available: The amount of requested co-investment should be specifically and narrowly tailored to the plan outlined in the application submitted to MTC, but individual awards will not exceed $500,000.  Accordingly, it is not expected that each applicant will request the maximum amount of funds that may be awarded under this program.  Awards will be in the form of equity or convertible debt.

Venture Capital Co-Investment Fund

The Venture Capital Co-Investment Fund is designed to accelerate private investment in Missouri-based startup companies and to increase the overall investment impact.

Funding Available: The amount of requested co-investment should be specifically and narrowly tailored to the plan outlined in the application submitted to MTC, but individual awards will not exceed $2,500,000.  Accordingly, it is not expected that each applicant will request the maximum amount of funds that may be awarded under this program.  Awards will be in the form of equity or convertible debt.

High-Tech Industrial Expansion Fund

The High-Tech Industrial Expansion Fund supports industrial expansion efforts in Missouri that result in significant capital investment and high-paying jobs in its targeted biotech and high-tech clusters with an emphasis on those that leverage Missouri’s rich agricultural history.

Funding Available: The amount of requested funds should be specifically and narrowly tailored to the plan outlined in the application submitted to MTC, but individual awards will not exceed $3,000,000.  Accordingly, it is not expected that each applicant will request the maximum amount of funds that may be awarded under this program.  Awards are typically in the form of a secured low-interest loan.