Fueling Innovation and Investment in Southern Missouri
A two-day exclusive event connecting top investors and high-potential founders to drive the future of tech and startups in our region.
June 4-5, 2025 • Springfield, MO
Connecting Early-Stage Tech Startups to Investors
Invest SOMO is an invitation-only, 2-day pitch event created to provide efficient and productive interactions between the region’s early-stage tech founders, capital providers and corporate innovators. By identifying untapped potential and facilitating investment opportunities, this event continues to accelerate southern Missouri’s growth as a hub for venture connectivity.
Investors
Gain exclusive access to discover, vet, and invest in high-potential startups, while meeting fellow investors and building strategic partnerships.
Founders
Apply to gain exclusive access to angel and institutional investors to raise capital, foster mentors, and connect to potential partners and customers.
Two Days Tailored by Startup Stage
Invest SOMO features two days tailored to startups at different stages. Spots are limited. Applications are reviewed to accept the highest quality companies and assign them to the day that fits best.
June 4Day 1: Pre-Seed Pitch Event
We invite accredited investors to apply to participate in one of the following ways on Day 1!
- Attend Pre-Seed Pitches: Eligible and promising startups will provide private pitch presentations to approved angel investors, as well as the Investment Committee of Innovate SOMO Funds (link to Innovate SOMO Funds). For more information on pre-seed company requirements, please click on STARTUP OPPORTUNITIES below.
- Be a Guest at Pre-Seed Pitches: Potential future angels or other investors are invited to view pitch presentations.
- Invest in Innovate SOMO Funds: Innovate SOMO Funds represent a first-of-its-kind regional approach combining a non-profit fund supported by charitable contributions and a for-profit fund backed by limited partners, co-investing to make equity and revenue-based investments in startups across southern Missouri. For more information click here.
- Attend Investor Reception: Potential future angels or other investors are invited to attend a reception to meet other investors and startup founders.
I'm an Investor!
Apply to AttendWe invite eligible and promising startup founders to apply to participate in the pre-seed pitch event.
Pre-Seed Investment Raises: Companies in the pre-seed stage often require capital between $50,000 and $250,000 to develop or launch a minimum desirable, viable, feasible product (MDVFP) and are sometimes too early for angel or traditional venture capital investment. Founders often seek funds from friends or family, search for non-dilutive sources, or rely on credit cards to fund the development of their ideas and technologies to assess market viability. Not all entrepreneurs have access to these funding sources. Our goal is to help close this gap.
Companies That Are Best Fit:
- Based in Missouri, with preference to southern Missouri
- SAAS or software enhanced service business
- Founder and team with unique market insights, entrepreneurial skills and commitment to high growth
- Large addressable market with a clearly identified, significant unmet need
- Unique solution that can disrupt the status quo and has a sustainable unfair advantage
- Completed ideation and customer discovery that produced validated demand for your solution
- A go-to-market plan demonstrating evidenced customer acquisition traction
- A capital-efficient financial model that aligns investment dollars with value-creating milestones
- Complete the application process
I'm a Founder!
Apply to AttendDay 2: Seed Pitch Event
We invite accredited investors to apply to participate in one of the following ways on Day 2!
- Request Selected Seed Pitches: Investors are provided pitch lists in advance of the eligible and promising startups available to provide private pitch presentations to approved angel investors, as well as the Investment Committee of Innovate SOMO Funds (link to Innovate SOMO Funds). For more information on seed company requirements, please click on STARTUP OPPORTUNITIES below.
- Be a Guest at Seed Pitches: Potential future angels or other investors are invited to view pitch presentations.
- Invest in Innovate SOMO Funds: Innovate SOMO Funds represent a first-of-its-kind regional approach combining a non-profit fund supported by charitable contributions and a for-profit fund backed by limited partners, co-investing to make equity and revenue-based investments in startups across southern Missouri. For more information click here.
I'm an Investor!
Apply to AttendWe invite eligible and promising startup founders to apply to participate in the seed pitch event.
Seed Investment Raises: Companies in the seed stage require capital between $250,000 and $5,000,000 to continue successfully validating the business idea and achieve early traction. Seed rounds often require founders to attract lead and additional co-investors and firms, which can be difficult with limited organized investment funds in the region or state. Our goal is to help promising Missouri startups fill these gaps.
Companies That Are Best Fit:
- Based in Missouri; with preference to southern Missouri
- SAAS or software enhanced service business
- Founder and team with unique market insights, entrepreneurial skills and commitment to high growth
- Large addressable market with a clearly identified, significant unmet need
- Unique solution that can disrupt the status quo and has a sustainable unfair advantage
- Evidence of traction executing a go-to-market plan to cost-effectively acquire customers
- A capital-efficient financial model that aligns investment dollars with value-creating milestones
- Complete the application process
I'm a Founder!
Apply to AttendApplications close May 14!
Missed the application deadline? No problem! We provide ongoing Investor and Founder support and opportunities. Simply fill out the application, and we'll reach out to you soon.
What is Innovate SOMO?
Invest SOMO is powered by Innovate SOMO, a growing network of nonprofit business resources, entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders committed to expanding opportunities in Southern Missouri. If you’re looking to get involved beyond Invest SOMO, explore our community, resources, and ongoing events.
Visit Innovate SOMOFounding Partners
Capacity Building Partners
