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. [...] Venture Capital Program: • Designed for Series A or later-stage companies raising $5 million -$20 million. • Provides up to $2 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. [...] Investment Process: [...] 1. Application Process: Complete the required application process. 2. Application Submission: Submit the application before the deadline for consideration in the next award cycle. 3. Review: MTC staff reviews applications quarterly. 4. Notification: Applicants are notified approximately one month after the deadline whether they are invited to present to the MTC Investment Committee. 5. Committee Presentations: Selected applicants present to the Investment Committee, which recommends funding decisions to MTC’s Executive Committee and Board of Directors. 6. Board Approval: Recommendations are reviewed and approved by the MTC Board of Directors. 7. Due Diligence: Approved companies with matching funds undergo a due diligence process. 8. Participation Agreement: Approved companies sign a Participation Agreement before closing the investment. (Download Participation Agreement →) [...] 2026 Award Cycle Deadlines [...] • January 2026 Award Cycle • April 2026 Award Cycle • July 2026 Award Cycle • October 2026 Award Cycle [...] January 2026 Award Cycle [...] CLOSED January 2026 Award Cycle • Application deadline: 11:59 pm, November 4, 2025 • Presentation to Investment Committee: January 2026 • Approval & Award: by end of January 2026 [...] April 2026 Award Cycle [...] CLOSED April 2026 Award Cycle • Application deadline: 11:59 pm, February 3, 2026 • Presentation to Investment Committee: April 2026 • Approval & Award: by end of April 2026 [...] July 2026 Award Cycle [...] July 2026 Award Cycle • Application deadline: 11:59 pm, May 5, 2026 • Presentation to Investment Committee: July 2026 • Board approval: by end of July 2026 [...] October 2026 Award Cycle [...] October 2026 Award Cycle • Application deadline: 11:59 pm, August 4, 2026 • Presentation to Investment Committee: October 2026 • Board approval: by end of October 2026 [...] 2026 Application – Ready to Apply? Take the next step toward securing state-sponsored venture capital funding with the FY26 IDEA Fund Application. [...] • Download the FY26 IDEA Fund Application (PDF) → for review purposes. • We recommend preparing responses in advance, as the online platform does not support saving drafts. Please complete your submission in one sitting.

Here are some ideas and opportunities we’re most excited to see founders tackle next at Pear VC.

Flux Capacitor - Request for Explorers - Investments for Sci Fi Founders - 1517 Fund Skip to Main Content [...] Flux Capacitor - Request for Explorers - Investments for Sci Fi Founders [...] Opens Mar 30 2026 12:00 AM (PDT) [...] Deadline Apr 21 2026 12:00 PM (PDT) [...] We're backing up to 10 amazing scientists with $50K to $1M investments to turn their scientific intuitions into a startup. Applications are due on April 18th, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific. [...] By May 1st, finalists will be invited to our San Francisco Sci Fi Summit in June and the new cohort will be announced in July. [...] Apply today! [...] Flux Capacitor - Request for Explorers - Investments for Sci Fi Founders [...] We're backing up to 10 amazing scientists with $50K to $1M investments to turn their scientific intuitions into a startup. Applications are due on April 18th, 2026 at 11:59pm Pacific. [...] By May 1st, finalists will be invited to our San Francisco Sci Fi Summit in June and the new cohort will be announced in July. [...] Apply today! [...] Mar 30 2026 12:00 AM (PDT) [...] Apr 21 2026 12:00 PM (PDT)