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Feb 10, 2026

Codefi Joins Forces with Missouri Startup Weekend to Create a Statewide Experience for Founders

After a decade building tech training and startup support in rural Missouri, Codefi Foundation announces a comprehensive relaunch with AI-native programs available to every community in the state

SPRINGFIELD & COLUMBIA, MO., February  10, 2026 — Codefi, one of Missouri’s leading startup and tech training development organizations, is joining forces with Missouri Startup Weekend (MOSW) to unify the state’s founder communities under one flagship event. Beginning this year, Codefi’s Ozarks Startup Weekend will officially become part of Missouri Startup Weekend, expanding its reach and resources for entrepreneurs across the state.

For over a decade, Missouri Startup Weekend has been the birthplace of some of the region’s most successful startup ideas, connecting founders, builders, and investors for a weekend of collaboration, competition, and community. Now, through this new collaboration, participants from across Missouri will benefit from Codefi’s founder network, tech talent programs, and AI-native startup support tools.

James Stapleton, PhD, Co-founder of Codefi, shared: “Since 2014 our mission has been to ensure that innovators in every corner of Missouri have access to the same quality of support that coastal ecosystems enjoy. This partnership with Missouri Startup Weekend helps bridge that gap, giving first-time founders a truly statewide launch platform.”

Missouri Startup Weekend, led by Redbud VC and partners across the startup ecosystem, will now feature added benefits for participants, including:

  • $45,000 in guaranteed cash and services prizes sponsored by Transitions Law, Aviron Software, and Bullpen Design 

  • $100,000 investor judge prize pool 

  • Potential investment up to $500,000 from Redbud VC

  • Access to Codefi’s Traction Studio AI for idea validation, prototyping, and pitch readiness

  • Mentorship from the MOSW Expert Network of  investors and operators nationwide 

Brett Calhoun, General Partner at Redbud VC, added, “Codefi has built a strong founder network in southern Missouri. Bringing the Ozarks and other rural founder communities under the Missouri Startup Weekend umbrella continues to expand the MOSW brand across the state and region.”

Codefi will participate as a lead sponsor of Missouri Startup Weekend and offer exclusive Traction Studio access for founders. The event welcomes participants from across Missouri to pitch, build, and launch their ideas over three high-energy days of competition, mentorship, and celebration.

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.mosw.io

About Redbud VC

Redbud VC is a network-driven generalist venture capital fund investing monetary and social capital in people strengthened by struggle, building outlier companies in new markets, or redefining industries. Redbud is a first check / pre-seed stage firm supporting people across North America with resources from Middle America. Redbud was founded by the founders of the multi-billion dollar company EquipmentShare [NYSE: EQPT] 

About Codefi

Codefi is building Missouri's AI-ready workforce and innovation economy. Through AI skills training, startup studio programs, software development services, and organizational transformation, Codefi equips founders, developers, and communities with the tools to compete in the digital economy. Headquartered in Cape Girardeau, with offices in Springfield, Missouri, Codefi serves communities statewide through the Show Me Network and partners with organizations across the country.