Venture Investment
A New Model for Startup Investment
Innovate SOMO Funds are pioneering a hybrid approach to early-stage startup funding, combining venture philanthropy with venture capital. Designed to address the critical funding gap for pre-seed and seed-stage tech startups in southern Missouri, this initiative provides crucial investment and support for job-creating companies outside of major metro areas.
Putting Our Startups on the Map
- Access to Capital: Over 80% of U.S. venture capital flows to just a handful of counties, leaving rural and mid-sized cities underserved.
- Economic Impact: Startups create the majority of net new jobs each year, and provide above average wages.
- Bridging the Gap: By deploying charitable capital alongside venture investment, Innovate SOMO Funds provide a unique solution to a persistent funding challenge.
Empowering Investors To Do Good and Do Well
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. The model empowers investors to maximize impact in the earliest, riskiest stages where startup funding is most scarce, especially in areas where traditional investment models often fall short.
By concentrating on startups within southern Missouri, Innovate SOMO Funds will support innovation in a range of locally important industry sectors including information technology, tech manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, and agriculture, and drive economic growth, and job creation where it’s needed most.
Our Funds Grow Companies from Pre-Seed Through Seed
We offer capital across our funds to grow high-potential startups with early-stage venture capital in Southern Missouri, Missouri, and neighboring states.
Nonprofit Fund
Our nonprofit fund invests in high-potential software or software enabled service companies located in southern Missouri.
Learn MoreLimited Partner Fund
Our for profit fund invests in high-potential software or software enabled service companies located in Missouri and neighboring states, with a preference for southern Missouri.
Learn MoreJoin the Movement
Investing in Innovate SOMO Funds is more than just a financial decision—it’s a commitment to reshaping the future of tech and economic development in southern Missouri.
Be a part of the change. Invest in innovation today.
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