Venture-Ready Missouri Powered by Cortex + Capital Innovators
Pilot Funding from Missouri Technology Corporation and Partnership with Capital Innovators Opens Programming Statewide
ST. LOUIS – Cortex Innovation District, in partnership with Capital Innovators, has received a grant from the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) to stand up Venture-Ready Missouri to help early-stage Missouri startups improve their ability to secure venture funding.
Venture-Ready Missouri is a two-part pilot course designed to improve Missouri-based entrepreneurs’ potential to attract venture capital and angel investment. In part one, participants will gain an overview of various funding opportunities and detailed instruction on pitching to venture capital firms and the fundraising process. In part two, a select number of companies identified as venture-scalable will participate in a two-month, hands-on segment to develop and refine their verbal pitch and pitch materials, while leveraging one-on-one office hours to formulate a viable fundraising strategy. Cortex has teamed up with Capital Innovators to manage the lesson design and program execution.
“This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in our mission to continue to cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Missouri,” said Gabriela Ramirez-Arellano, VP Entrepreneurship at Cortex. “With this grant, we will fortify Venture Ready Missouri and empower early-stage entrepreneurs to navigate the complex landscape of venture funding. Together, we are not only fostering innovation but also bridging geographical divides, ensuring that entrepreneurial opportunities flourish across all corners of our state thanks to our statewide partners. This is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change, and we are excited to see the transformative impact it will have on our businesses and communities.”
“Capital Innovators is excited to work alongside Cortex to create a more cohesive startup education curriculum across the state,” said Brett Luing, Capital Innovators Program Director. “Missouri is a great place for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their company, and we aim to support those that are ready to scale.”
Venture-Ready Missouri is entirely virtual through Zoom to allow maximum access by all Missouri-based entrepreneurs. Part two participants will have the option to participate in a final week in-person event with simulated pitch scenarios with travel expenses reimbursed.
Registration is now open for Part One, which is open to any Missouri startup company. Virtual classes will consist of two, 1–2-hour sessions per week June 3 – June 28, 2024. Registration ends May 31, 2024.
Part Two, by invitation only, will occur virtually July 1 – August 30, 2024, with one Pitch Development Workshop per week, including open office hours. Completing Part One is required to apply for Part Two.
Venture Ready Missouri is offered at no cost for all entrepreneurs based in Missouri to participate through MTC’s Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity grant award. These grants are designed to help expand the state’s entrepreneurial capacity and grow its innovation economy.
About Cortex:
Cortex creates space for innovators from a diversity of backgrounds to transform ideas into solutions. Weaving together people, places, and organizations, Cortex accelerates inclusive economic growth in the St. Louis region. Cortex creates equitable economic impacts by leveraging high-quality facilities, developing programs that build knowledge and networks, and convening strategic partnerships that attract and support emerging and established companies. Founded in 2002 through a collaboration of Washington University in St. Louis, BJC HealthCare, the University of Missouri – St. Louis, Saint Louis University, and the Missouri Botanical Garden, Cortex (CortexSTL.org) is a 200-acre, internationally recognized hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.