IDEA FUND PROGRAM - MISSOURI TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION

IDEA Fund Program IDEA Fund Program Jenni Rabenau2026-05-07T13:57:19-05:00 The IDEA Fund: Missouri’s State-Sponsored Venture Capital Program The Innovation, Development, and Entrepreneurial Advancement (IDEA) Fund is MTC’s flagship state-sponsored venture capital initiative that makes investments in exchange for equity or convertible debt to the most promising early-stage, high-growth potential businesses. By leveraging state and federal funding, the IDEA Fund makes direct investments to early-stage entrepreneurs as part of their venture funding rounds to support commercialization, accelerate additional private investment and create jobs in the state. This program is a catalyst for economic growth, supporting businesses as they create jobs, drive technological advancements, and build a stronger future for Missouri. The IDEA Fund is primarily funded by the Federal State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 2.0 program. The July 2026 Award Cycle – IDEA Fund Info Session is scheduled for Tuesday, March 17. 2026 beginning at 12 PM. Register for the Info Session! → Programs Overview: The IDEA Fund encompasses three specialized programs designed to support startups at different growth stages: • TechLaunch Program: • For pre-seed or seed-stage technology startups raising less than $1 million. • Provides up to $250,000 in investment and requires a matching co-investment. • For the purpose of technology and business development. • Seed Capital Program: • Targets companies in the seed or Series A stage, raising $1 million -$5 million. • Offers up to $1 million in investment and requires a matching co-investment. • For the purpose of advancing technology or science, and business development. • Venture Capital Program: • Designed for Series A or later-stage companies raising $5 million -$20 million. • Provides up to $4 million in investments and matching co-investment. • For the purpose of scaling the businesses, attracting additional private capital, and increase the impact of third-party investments • The company must identify at the time of application, a lead investor with relevant domain expertise and/or significant due diligence experience, as determined by MTC. • The lead investor requirement is waived for MTC Portfolio Companies if 25% of the funding round is identified and the company is in good standing with MTC’s data collection process. Eligibility Requirements: To qualify for an IDEA Fund investment, a company must: • Location: Be based in Missouri with corporate headquarters in Missouri. • Intellectual Property: Possess proprietary or protectable intellectual property. • Matching Funds: Have a third-party dollar-for-dollar matching investment from a private source at the time of closing and the ability to close MTC’s investment within six (6) months of investment award. • Focus Areas:Operate within one of MTC’s seven focus areas: • Biomedical & Life Sciences • Healthcare Technology & Services • Financial Technology & Services • Software & Data • Energy • Manufacturing • Supply Chain & Logistics • Application Process: Complete the required application process. Investment Process: 1. Application Submission: Submit the application before the deadline for consideration in the next award cycle. 2. Review: MTC staff reviews applications quarterly. 3. Notification: Applicants are notified approximately one month after the deadline whether they are invited to present to the MTC Investment Committee. 4. Committee Presentations: Selected applicants present to the Investment Committee, which recommends funding decisions to MTC’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. 5. Board Approval: Recommendations are reviewed and approved by the MTC Board of Directors. 6. Due Diligence: Approved companies with matching funds undergo a due diligence process. 7. Participation Agreement: Approved companies sign a Participation Agreement before closing the investment. ( Download Participation Agreement →) MTC IDEA Fund 2026 Award Cycles Flyer → 2026 Award Cycle Deadlines • January 2026 Award Cycle • April 2026 Award Cycle • July 2026 Award Cycle • [October 2026 Award Cycle](https://www.missouritechnology.com/ven