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Oct 20, 2026

Codefi Names Swipesum Co-Founder Michael Seaman Chief Growth Officer

Seaman will lead startup support and AI services statewide and expand Codefi's community engagement in Southeast Missouri.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — Oct. 20, 2026 — Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation today announced that Michael Seaman has been named Chief Growth Officer. Seaman has served as Codefi's Entrepreneur in Residence and will continue as co-founder and CEO of Swipesum, the St. Louis–based payments company he started with his brother, Stephen, in 2016. Swipesum has been recognized on the Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States.

In his expanded role, Seaman will lead Codefi's startup support, including the business side of Traction Studio AI, Codefi's AI-powered platform that guides founders from idea to traction and scale. He will also grow Codefi's AI services and custom AI software work for businesses, represent Codefi with business leaders across Southeast Missouri, and help tell Codefi's story to funders and investors.

“Michael has built a company from the ground up, and he knows what founders need because he is one,” said James Stapleton, Ph.D., President and CEO of Codefi. “His leadership lets us give startups and businesses more dedicated support while we keep expanding access to AI training and startup resources across Missouri and beyond.”

Seaman’s connection to Codefi goes back years. Swipesum was a winner of Codefi's 1st50K startup competition in 2020.

“Codefi made a big difference to me early, and I want to help more founders in Missouri get that same start,” said Seaman. “Codefi’s team is ahead of the curve on AI, and that expertise can help local businesses compete as the economy changes. I’m excited to help founders and businesses put it to work.”


About Codefi

Codefi Foundation on Rural Innovation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2014 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Its mission is to eliminate the skills and opportunity gaps preventing talent and entrepreneurs from thriving in the digital economy. Codefi delivers AI workforce training, startup development, and economic development programs statewide. Learn more at codefiworks.com.


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Media contact

Shana Burden · shana@codefiworks.com · codefiworks.com · 573-837-4590

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