Cultivation Capital, established in 2012 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investing. It manages a family of funds, primarily focusing on seed to series B-stage investments in the United States. The firm concentrates on four key industries: life sciences and health tech, software and IT, agriculture tech, and geospatial tech. Cultivation Capital typically invests $500k to $3.5M in startups during their Seed or Series A phase, with the potential for follow-on investments.

Advantage Capital, established in 1992, is a venture capital firm specializing in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments. It focuses on small businesses, particularly those in low-income communities and underserved areas, supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm invests across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, business services, and renewable energy, with a typical initial investment range of $0.5 million to $10 million. Advantage Capital provides debt capital in forms such as senior debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, as well as equity capital to real estate development firms. It operates from multiple offices across the United States, with a headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Missouri Technology Corporation, established in 2005 and based in Jefferson City, Missouri, is a venture capital firm dedicated to promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating the growth of high-tech companies within the state. The organization focuses on investing in companies operating in various sectors, including life sciences, animal health, applied engineering, biomedical science, defense and homeland security, plant science, and technology. By supporting emerging businesses in these fields, Missouri Technology Corporation aims to strengthen the state's economy and foster innovation.

Arch Grants is a nonprofit organization established in 2011 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, dedicated to fostering economic development and community revitalization. It offers $50,000 equity-free grants and pro bono support services to entrepreneurs who establish their early-stage businesses in the St. Louis area. Through its highly competitive Global Startup Competition, Arch Grants aims to attract and retain innovative entrepreneurs, thereby inspiring future employers and civic leaders. The competition operates year-round, with grants awarded biannually in spring and fall. Arch Grants focuses on funding scalable business models across various industries, targeting innovative technologies, products, and services that have the potential for national or international impact.

BioGenerator is a non-profit venture capital firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, that focuses on fostering the growth of bioscience companies in the region. Established in 2003, it specializes in pre-seed, seed, and post-seed investments, primarily targeting startups in the healthcare and agricultural sectors. BioGenerator typically invests between $0.01 million and $0.25 million, providing up to $0.05 million for pre-seed companies and $0.25 million for seed stage ventures. The organization supports its portfolio companies not only through financial investment but also by offering shared laboratory space equipped with specialized tools and comprehensive management assistance. Additionally, BioGenerator often acts as the lead investor in initial funding rounds, collaborating with local angel investors and economic development groups to enhance the success of its investments.

St. Louis Arch Angels is an angel investment group focused on providing seed, startup, and early-stage capital primarily within the St. Louis region. Established in January 2005 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, the group invests between $25,000 and $100,000 per individual transaction, with collective investments ranging from $250,000 to $750,000. The organization aims to support high-potential startups from the local ecosystem, thereby enhancing the region's capacity to finance innovation. St. Louis Arch Angels seeks to fill the funding gap often overlooked by institutional venture capital firms, retaining investments for up to eight years to foster the growth and success of their portfolio companies.

Lewis & Clark Ventures, established in 2015, is a St. Louis-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage, high-potential B2B software, fintech, and digital health companies. Founded by former operators, the firm aims to be a trusted partner to entrepreneurs, supporting their growth and helping them achieve significance. They focus on innovative companies in the Midwest and other overlooked geographies, providing capital and expertise to drive scale and success.

Serra Ventures, established in 2008 and headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage technology companies. It invests primarily in the Midwest and Southern California regions of the United States, with a sector focus on information technology, deep technology, instrumentation, B2B, software as a service, devices, and agricultural technologies.

Lightchain Capital is a venture capital firm based in Saint Louis, Missouri, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage life sciences companies, particularly those focused on improving patient outcomes in cancer treatment. In addition to its primary focus on life sciences, Lightchain Capital also explores opportunities within the software sector, aiming to support innovative solutions that can enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes.

iSelect Fund Management, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in St. Louis, Missouri. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on series seed, A, and B rounds, and targets various sectors, including agriculture, healthcare, resource efficiency, education services, B2B software, and energy. In agriculture, iSelect emphasizes plant sciences, seed genetics, and sustainability, while in healthcare, it prioritizes immunotherapy and personalized medicine. The firm primarily invests in companies based in the United States, particularly in the Midwest and South, and also considers opportunities in India. iSelect seeks to make meaningful investments that address significant global challenges, such as healthcare costs and food security, with a minimum investment threshold of $0.05 million and a preference for a holding period of five to seven years or longer.

The James S. McDonnell Foundation (JSMF) is an independent non-profit private foundation located in Saint Louis, Missouri, established in 1950. The foundation is dedicated to advancing knowledge in science and technology, with a particular focus on human cognition and complex systems. It aims to empower individuals and institutions to address real-world challenges through research and innovation. By providing philanthropic support, JSMF seeks to invest in the acquisition of new knowledge and its responsible application, ensuring that scientific advancements contribute positively to society. The foundation actively explores and supports scholarly fields that promise to benefit future generations.

Yield Lab, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Saint Louis, Missouri, specializing in early-stage investments in the agrifood technology sector. Founded in September 2014, the firm focuses on innovative solutions that enhance agricultural practices and sustainability. Yield Lab invests primarily in agriculture technology, agricultural machinery and equipment, and other areas related to food production, such as animal health, digital agriculture, logistics, and food ingredients. It aims to support startups by providing initial funding in the range of $100,000 to $1.5 million in exchange for equity stakes, primarily targeting companies with the potential to significantly disrupt and improve existing agricultural systems. Yield Lab also operates through regional branches, including specific entities for Asia Pacific and Europe, reinforcing its commitment to fostering sustainable agricultural innovations globally.

KCRise Fund, established in 2016 by Darcy Howe, is a Kansas City-based venture capital firm dedicated to fostering regional economic growth. It invests in early-stage companies across Kansas and western Missouri, focusing on sectors such as information technology, business services, and advanced manufacturing. KCRise Fund typically co-invests with other institutional investors, committing between $200,000 to $500,000 per company. Its investors include corporations, university endowments, family offices, and prominent local business leaders. As of 2019, KCRise Fund has raised over $70 million across its funds, with a focus on software and technology sectors in its latest fund, KCRise Fund III.

Prolog Ventures, established in 2000, is a Missouri-based venture capital firm focusing on investments in life sciences, healthcare, and fast-moving consumer goods sectors. The company specializes in startups, early-stage, and growth capital investments, with a particular interest in consumer health and wellness companies that maintain, protect, or preserve human and companion animal health through innovative products, technologies, and business models. Prolog Ventures typically invests in North America, with a headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

SixThirty Ventures, LLC, founded in 2013 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, is an accelerator focused on early-stage investments in financial technology, insurance technology, and cybersecurity startups. The firm targets innovative companies that provide web and mobile solutions in areas such as payments, security and fraud solutions, regulatory compliance, big data and analytics, lending, and asset management. SixThirty runs an intensive eight-week business development program designed to help these startups grow, offering funding typically between $0.1 million and $0.25 million. The firm aims to invest in 8 to 14 startups annually, generally taking a stake of less than 10 percent while remaining open to negotiations for equity. Through its program, SixThirty provides mentorship and connections to foster the development of its portfolio companies on a global scale.

Arsenal Capital Management is a venture capital investment firm based in Saint Louis, Missouri. Founded in 2012, the firm specializes in investing in growth companies, aiming to support their expansion and development. Through its investment strategies, Arsenal Capital Management seeks to identify and nurture businesses with significant potential for growth.

Capital Innovators is an accelerator firm established in 2010 and located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The firm operates an accelerator program that offers $50,000 in seed funding, along with project-based mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Over a 12-week period, participating startups receive valuable resources, networking opportunities, and potential follow-on funding that can range from $250,000 to $1 million. The program is designed to support early-stage companies by providing the necessary guidance and connections to foster growth and development in their respective markets.

Hermann Companies is a family office based in Saint Louis, Missouri, founded in 1956. The firm specializes in providing real estate services and invests in various sectors, including light manufacturing, packaging, distribution, and financial technology. Hermann Companies focuses on opportunities in information technology and business-to-business technology as well. The company facilitates inquiries through phone calls and online applications, aiming to engage with potential clients and partners effectively.

Fulcrum Global Capital, established in 2016, is a corporate venture capital firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. As a registered investment adviser, it invests in innovative companies operating in the agriculture, agtech, food production, food safety, food waste, and animal health sectors, both domestically and internationally. The firm seeks to disrupt and improve these industries by backing promising startups.

Thompson Street Capital Partners, established in 2000 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, is a private equity firm specializing in middle market investments. The firm focuses on growth capital, recapitalizations, management buyouts, and industry consolidations, typically investing in companies with revenues between $20 million and $200 million and EBITDA between $1 million and $20 million. Thompson Street Capital Partners prefers to take majority positions in its portfolio companies, which are primarily in the manufacturing, distribution, and services sectors, with a particular interest in niche manufacturers and value-added distributors. The firm also considers minority positions in growth companies and add-on transactions for its portfolio companies. Thompson Street Capital Partners works closely with management teams to drive growth and operational improvements.

Five Elms Capital, established in 2007 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is a global growth equity firm specializing in investments in fast-growing B2B software businesses. The firm provides capital and resources to accelerate growth and solidify industry leadership. With over $2.4 billion in assets under management and a team of over 70 investment professionals, Five Elms has invested in more than 65 software platforms globally, demonstrating a deep domain expertise and extensive network in the software sector.

OCA Ventures, established in 1999 and headquartered in Chicago, is a private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments. The company focuses on equity investments in high-growth potential technology and scalable services businesses, with a particular emphasis on digital health, fintech, consumer software, and enterprise software sectors within the United States.

HBM Holdings is an investment and management company based in Saint Louis, Missouri, founded in 2012. The company specializes in acquiring, supporting, and operating middle-market businesses within various industrial sectors. Its investment focus includes aerospace, defense, environmental services, medical devices and instruments, packaging, and mining and minerals. HBM Holdings aims to foster growth and expansion in its portfolio companies by leveraging its expertise in these diverse industries.

Firebrand Ventures, established in 2016, is a Kansas City-based venture capital firm focusing on early-stage, innovative software startups in the United States and Canada. The company operates from offices in Austin, Boulder, and Kansas City, aiming to support underserved communities by providing capital and resources to promising tech ventures.

Norwest Mezzanine Partners, established in 2000, is a Minneapolis-based investment firm that provides junior capital solutions to middle market companies backed by private equity firms. It focuses on driving value and successful outcomes for all stakeholders by investing across various industries, including business services, consumer, healthcare, and industrials. The firm operates from offices in Minneapolis and West Palm Beach, and it has an affiliation with Norwest Equity Partners, a middle market equity investment firm with a history dating back to 1961.

Kingdom Capital is a venture capital and private equity firm established in 2016, located in Chesterfield, Missouri. The firm focuses on early and growth-stage investments in mature and established companies across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, media, and real estate. It emphasizes sectors such as artificial intelligence, data science, therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare IT, and life science tools. Kingdom Capital aims to create a values-driven ecosystem that connects its investors with impactful investment opportunities, fostering collaboration with philanthropic partners through its Kingdom Capital Foundation. This strategic integration enhances the flow of capital into the philanthropic community, supporting both financial and social returns.

Morningside is a venture capital firm based in the greater Boston area, specializing in investments in companies that focus on innovative science and technology. Established in 1986 as a family office for the Chan family, Morningside emphasizes a long-term approach to company-building and maintains a strong commitment to ethical practices. The firm is staffed by a team of experienced investment professionals with expertise in various sectors, including life sciences, digital health, artificial intelligence, materials, and technology. In addition to its investment activities, Morningside is dedicated to philanthropic efforts, supporting education, research, and healthcare initiatives such as the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, UMass Chan Medical School, and the MIT Morningside Academy for Design.

LabCorp is a leading provider of laboratory testing services, focused on delivering accurate and clinically relevant tests to healthcare providers. The company develops innovative diagnostic tests that enhance the quality of patient care and support clinical decision-making. Its diverse customer base includes physicians, hospitals, managed care organizations, private employers, military and law enforcement agencies, as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. LabCorp aims to improve health outcomes by offering a wide range of laboratory services that facilitate disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Through its commitment to innovation and precision in testing, LabCorp plays a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem, aiding physicians and patients alike in managing health effectively.

Lewis & Clark AgriFood, founded in 2019 and based in Saint Louis, Missouri, is a growth-focused investment firm dedicated to advancing innovation in the food and agriculture sectors. The company is comprised of a team of seasoned investors, scientists, and industry operators who are committed to identifying and supporting companies that are positioned to scale their technologies and solutions nationally and globally. Lewis & Clark AgriFood primarily targets growth-stage enterprises within plant agriculture, food production, supply chain logistics, and animal health, emphasizing investments that create value for all stakeholders, from producers to consumers.

Stifel Bank, established in 1890, is a full-service financial institution headquartered in Saint Louis, Missouri. It offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including banking and lending solutions for both individuals and businesses. The bank provides customized financial solutions, such as wealth, estate, retirement, and education planning, along with insurance services. Stifel Bank caters to various industries, including healthcare, education, and financial services, among others.

Post Holdings, Inc. is a consumer packaged goods company based in St. Louis, Missouri, with operations in the United States and internationally. Founded in 1895, the company focuses on manufacturing, marketing, and distributing a diverse range of food products across five segments: Post Consumer Brands, Weetabix, Foodservice, Refrigerated Retail, and BellRing Brands. The Post Consumer Brands segment is known for its branded and private label ready-to-eat and hot cereal products, while the Weetabix segment specializes in cereal-based foods and breakfast beverages. The Foodservice segment supplies egg and potato products, and the Refrigerated Retail segment offers a variety of refrigerated items, including side dishes and dairy products. Additionally, BellRing Brands markets ready-to-drink protein shakes and nutritional supplements. Post Holdings distributes its products through various channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, foodservice providers, and online retailers, aiming to enrich the lives of customers by delivering quality food.

Holton Capital Group is a family office based in Saint Louis, Missouri, that invests primarily in early-stage technology and life science companies. In addition to these sectors, the firm also explores opportunities in manufacturing, hospitality, real estate, and venture capital. By focusing on a diverse range of industries, Holton Capital Group aims to support innovative enterprises and contribute to their growth and development.

Sage Capital, LLC is a private equity firm founded in 2004 and headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The firm specializes in providing long-term capital and expertise to small and lower middle market businesses across North America, primarily focusing on value-added manufacturers, branded consumer products, service businesses, and distribution sectors. Sage Capital does not limit its investments to any specific industry; however, it excludes certain sectors such as commodity processing, construction, and gaming. The firm typically invests between $2 million and $10 million in companies with sales ranging from $10 million to $100 million and EBITDA between $2 million and $7 million, with the potential for larger investments through co-investments. Sage Capital seeks both majority and minority ownership positions and aims to secure a board seat in its portfolio companies to actively contribute to their growth and development.

Greenway Family Office (GFO) was a multi-family office based in Brentwood, Missouri. Established in 2010, the firm provided affluent families with financial management, asset preservation, family governance, and legacy planning services through a multi-family office structure. The assets of the firm were managed by the executive management team.

Green Peak Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Clayton, Missouri, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in thematically focused investments in a variety of sectors, including additive manufacturing, battery testing and power conversion, infrastructure, food ingredients, credentialing, outsourced healthcare equipment services, and advanced materials. Green Peak Capital Partners aims to identify and invest in companies within these industries, particularly across Central America and Mexico, to drive growth and innovation.

Centene Corporation, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, is a leading managed healthcare company that provides a wide range of services to under-insured and uninsured individuals. With a presence in all 50 U.S. states, Centene serves over 26 million members, primarily through government-sponsored programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and the individual exchanges. The company offers integrated, high-quality, and cost-effective services, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, correctional, and behavioral health services. Centene is committed to leveraging technology and data to improve health outcomes, streamline operations, and drive the digital transformation of healthcare. The company is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and has been named a top organization for diversity and a leading disability employer, among other accolades.

RiverVest Venture Partners, established in 2000, is a private equity firm headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, with additional offices in Cleveland and San Diego. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in life science companies across the United States, focusing on biopharma and medical device sectors.

ASPEQ Heating Group LLC is a manufacturer of electric heating and thermal management equipment, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. Established in 2008, the company designs and produces a comprehensive range of products including space heaters, immersion heaters, circulation heaters, infrared heaters, and various specialized heating elements. ASPEQ serves a diverse clientele across commercial, industrial, transportation, and marine sectors, offering custom solutions tailored to specific customer requirements through its brands, INDEECO, Heatrex, and AccuTherm. With a focus on flexibility and quality, ASPEQ operates two manufacturing facilities in Missouri and is involved in every aspect of the manufacturing process, ensuring premium service and value-added thermal management solutions for a wide array of applications.

Compass Group Equity Partners is a private equity firm based in Clayton, Missouri, established in 2015. The firm specializes in middle-market acquisitions, focusing on a variety of sectors including electronics, beverages, distribution, food products, business and consumer services, niche manufacturing, and the Internet of Things. With a commitment to investing in North American businesses, Compass Group Equity Partners operates as a Registered Investment Adviser, aiming to identify and support growth opportunities within its targeted industries.

BioSTL builds regional capacity and fosters collaborative efforts to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and new company creation that capitalize on St. Louis’ world-class medical and plant biosciences. Through its work, BioSTL promotes economic growth and regional prosperity.

ReeceNichols Real Estate is a prominent real estate company affiliated with Berkshire Hathaway and a subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc. Established in 1905, it has built a strong presence in Kansas and Missouri, employing over 2,500 REALTORS® across 29 branch offices and more than 28 franchise locations. The company offers a comprehensive range of services, including HomeServices Lending, Kansas City Title, HomeServices Insurance, and Reece Commercial Real Estate, catering to diverse real estate needs in the region.

TGP Investments, established in 1998 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is a merchant banking firm specializing in middle-market private equity investments. The firm, led by an experienced investment team, manages TGP Capital Partners, a private equity fund with $56.5 million under management. TGP Investments focuses on providing growth capital or facilitating liquidity events for well-managed, profitable, and growing companies in the manufacturing and business services sectors, with revenues typically ranging from $15 million to $150 million. The firm considers both control and minority equity investments, partnering with proven management teams, and usually invests between $5 million to $14 million per portfolio company.

Equity Bancshares, Inc. serves as the bank holding company for Equity Bank, a commercial bank based in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 2002, the bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services primarily targeting businesses, business owners, and individuals. It accepts various deposits, including demand, savings, money market, and time deposits. The bank's loan offerings encompass commercial loans, real estate-backed financing, working capital loans, and various consumer loans, catering to a diverse clientele that includes national and regional companies, restaurant franchisees, hoteliers, and agribusinesses. Additionally, Equity Bank provides a suite of online and mobile banking solutions, debit card services, and treasury management options. As of December 31, 2019, the bank operated 52 full-service branches across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, making it a significant player in the regional banking landscape.

Established in 1913, UMB Financial Corporation is a commercial bank and a financial services firm headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. UMB offers commercial banking, which includes comprehensive deposit, lending, and investment services; personal banking, which includes wealth management and financial planning services and institutional banking, which includes asset servicing, corporate trust solutions, investment banking, and healthcare services. UMB caters to industries like information technology, healthcare, energy, clothing, footwear, accessories, food products, beverages, retail, material, automotive, resources, media, and financial services.

C3 Capital Partners, LP is a private equity firm based in Kansas City, Missouri, with additional offices in Dallas, Texas. Established in 1994, the firm specializes in investing in small to middle-market companies across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, specialty chemicals, consumer products, and business services. C3 Capital focuses on growth capital, buyouts, industry consolidation, and recapitalization transactions, typically investing between $2 million and $15 million in companies with sales ranging from $10 million to $210 million and EBITDA between $1 million and $20 million. The firm prefers to take board representation but does not seek controlling stakes in its investments. C3 Capital has a history of investing over $300 million in 63 small businesses and is led by experienced principals with extensive backgrounds in private equity and management across several industries.

Midwest BankCentre is a community bank headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 1906. The bank offers a range of financial services, including commercial and retail banking, mortgage lending, consumer lending, and insurance. With a focus on empowering individuals and businesses, Midwest BankCentre aims to invest capital profitably in the community. Its services also encompass business treasury management, online banking, fraud protection, and mobile payments, all designed to enhance customer experience and support local neighborhoods. Through its enduring traditions and values, the bank strives to advance the communities it serves.

Capital For Business, Inc. is a private equity investment firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, with an additional office in Kansas City. Founded in 1959, the firm focuses on investing in middle-market, family-owned businesses, particularly in the manufacturing and value-added industrial services sectors. Capital For Business specializes in various investment strategies, including management buyouts, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate divestitures, while avoiding sectors such as real estate, financial institutions, and unproven technologies. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $30 million in companies with revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million and targets enterprise values between $5 million and $100 million. It has a patient investment approach, generally holding investments for five to seven years, and actively seeks to participate in the management of its portfolio companies by taking board positions. Capital For Business also leverages its extensive network within the private equity community to support its investments and facilitate follow-on funding when necessary.

American Outdoor Brands, Inc. is a manufacturer of outdoor products and accessories designed for enthusiasts of hunting, fishing, camping, shooting, and personal security. The company offers a diverse range of products, including shooting supplies, premium sportsmen knives, land management tools, electro-optical devices, and survival gear. These products are marketed under various brand names, such as Marksman, Defender, Harvester, and Adventure, and are sold through both e-commerce and traditional distribution channels. Founded in 2020 and based in Columbia, Missouri, American Outdoor Brands aims to meet the needs of consumers who are passionate about outdoor adventures and the associated lifestyle.

Monsanto, a subsidiary of Bayer AG, is a global agricultural company that provides products to help farmers grow crops more efficiently. It operates in two segments: Seeds and Genomics, and Agricultural Productivity. The Seeds and Genomics segment offers a range of row crop and vegetable seeds, along with biotechnology traits that assist farmers in controlling insects and weeds. The Agricultural Productivity segment manufactures and sells herbicides for weed control. Monsanto markets its products through various channels, including distributors, retailers, cooperatives, and directly to farmers. The company aims to address global food challenges and promote sustainable agriculture.