Missouri is a state with a lot of potential lying just beneath the surface, particularly when it comes to fostering successful startups. Not only will you find some very active VC firms in the state, but a good startup may have more of a chance to really shine (rather than being constantly compared to unicorns from a bygone era).
Venture capital can mean the difference between getting off the ground now and having to wait until the winds change again. We'll look at the top firms to target, which industries they specialize in, and what you can expect if you partner with them.
We also recommend checking out our full list of the top venture capital firms.
Best Missouri VC Firms
1. Cultivation Capital
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Industries: Agriculture, Life Sciences, Technology
- Stage: Seed–Series A
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Clever, Curate, CareSignal
Cultivation Capital is known for its early-stage investments and its inclusive portfolio. Given their involvement at the beginning stages, the investors are committed to more than just financial support.
Entrepreneurs can expect help both in networking and operating experience. The staff is willing to take on some degree of responsibility to ensure that the returns for everyone go above and beyond what they were expecting.
2. iSelect Fund
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Industries: B2B Tech, Agriculture, Healthcare
- Stage: Seed
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Artemis, Brightseed, HerdDogg
iSelect Fund has a larger goal of helping people maintain their health through better nutrition. However, how that goal manifests can go in a number of directions.
Investors at this VC firm are open to a number of tangential applications. So if a developer had an app that could be adapted to measure the health of soil, iSelect Fund would consider using their expertise, network, and funds to help them get ahead.
3. Thompson Street Capital Partners
- Location: St. Louis, MO
- Industries: Life Sciences, Consumer Products, Healthcare
- Stage: Seed
- Notable Portfolio Companies: GovSpend, Isto Biologics, Custom Wheel House
Since 2000, this company has been giving its portfolio the resources they need for accelerated growth. Thompson Street Capital uses research-driven models to predict the direction of different industries and how they can best adapt for the future.
This could be a great opportunity for entrepreneurs who work in niche targets. Past startup founders report them to be easy to work with and exceptionally trustworthy.
4. Sage Capital LLC
- Location: Clayton, MO
- Industries: Differentiated Manufacturers, Consumer Products, Professional Services
- Stage: Stage A
- Notable Portfolio Companies: Mohawk Lifts LLC, K. Hall Studio LLC, Bulk Tank
Sage Capital largely invests in companies with an EBITDA of between $2 million and $7 million. In exchange for the high bar, they provide capital for everything from recapitalizations to general growth.
Investments are typically in the form of equity and done in partnership with either the management team or existing owners. They can also provide mezzanine capital if equity isn't an option.
