Cortex Launches Venture-Ready Missouri to Help Startups to Scale
Pilot Funding from Missouri Technology Corporation and Partnership with Capital Innovators Opens Programming Statewide
Cortex Innovation District, in partnership with Capital Innovators, has received a grant from the Missouri Technology Corporation (MTC) to stand up Venture-Ready Missouri to help early-stage Missouri startups improve their ability to secure venture funding.
Venture-Ready Missouri is a two-part pilot course designed to improve Missouri-based entrepreneurs’ potential to attract venture capital and angel investment. In part one, participants will gain an overview of various funding opportunities and detailed instruction on pitching to venture capital firms and the fundraising process. In part two, a select number of companies identified as venture-scalable will participate in a two-month, hands-on segment to develop and refine their verbal pitch and pitch materials, while leveraging one-on-one office hours to formulate a viable fundraising strategy. Cortex has teamed up with Capital Innovators to manage the lesson design and program execution.
Venture Ready Missouri is offered at no cost for all entrepreneurs based in Missouri to participate through MTC’s Missouri Building Entrepreneurial Capacity grant award. These grants are designed to help expand the state’s entrepreneurial capacity and grow its innovation economy.
Application deadline is May 31, 2024
Part One
Open to any Missouri startup company. Virtual classes will consist of two, 1-2 hour sessions per week.
June 3 – June 28, 2024
Part Two
By invitation only. Will occur virtually, with one Pitch Development Workshop per week, including open office hours. Completing Part One is required to apply for Part Two.
July 1 – August 30, 2024
Statewide Partners:
