The venture capital landscape in Missouri is thriving, with a growing number of firms dedicated to supporting innovation and entrepreneurship. These firms are not only investing capital but also providing mentorship and resources to help startups succeed in an increasingly competitive market. Here, we highlight their unique investment philosophies, core values, and overall impact.
Table of Contents
1. American Century Investments
Overview
American Century Investments is a leading asset manager focused on delivering long-term investment results and contributing to groundbreaking medical research. Founded in 1958, the firm has established itself as a pioneer in combining financial success with societal impact.
Investment Philosophy
American Century Investments operates with the mission to invest for financial success while making a positive impact on society. Their approach combines traditional investment strategies with a commitment to supporting medical research and community initiatives, demonstrating a holistic view on investment.
Core Values
The firm upholds values such as integrity, societal impact, long-term performance, and sustainability. These principles guide their investment decisions and their efforts to create a positive difference in the world.
2. Ascension
Overview
Ascension is an early-stage venture capital firm supporting tech and impact-driven startups. Established in 2015, it boasts a portfolio of over 150 startups, focusing on leveraging technology to address societal challenges.
Investment Philosophy
Ascension’s commitment to investing with purpose drives them to back startups that tackle significant societal issues. This philosophy fosters a tech ecosystem where innovation fuels both economic growth and social good, aligning profit with purpose.
Core Values
The firm values conviction, integrity, humor, humility, and a commitment to fostering innovation. These core values help cultivate a supportive environment for entrepreneurs looking to make a difference.
3. Cultivation Capital
Overview
Cultivation Capital is a venture firm focused on investing in technology, life sciences, geospatial, and agtech companies. Founded in 2012, this firm partners with entrepreneurs to build successful startups that have the potential to transform how we live and work.
Investment Philosophy
The firm believes in advancing entrepreneurs with capital, counsel, and admiration. Their philosophy emphasizes creating opportunities for team members through career advancement and community impact, while also aiming to exceed investors’ expectations.
Core Values
Cultivation Capital prioritizes the needs of entrepreneurs and builds deep collaborations with stakeholders. Their approach ensures that they partner with conscientious individuals and organizations that share their vision for innovation.
4. The Yield Lab
Overview
The Yield Lab was formed in 2014 to address a lack of capital and support for early-stage agriculture technology companies. It plays a crucial role in driving agriculture innovation, which is essential for sustainably feeding a rising global population.
Investment Philosophy
While specific details on their investment philosophy are not provided, The Yield Lab’s mission is to enable entrepreneurs to revolutionize agrifood systems globally. They achieve this through their four funds across various regions, supporting seed stage to growth stage agrifoodtech companies.
Core Values
The firm emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and collaboration as its core values. These principles guide their investment strategies and partnerships, ensuring they contribute to a more sustainable future.
5. Stadia Ventures
Overview
Stadia Ventures is a community of exceptional entrepreneurs, industry partners, and investors dedicated to creating sustainable transformation in the sports and esports industries. Established in 2015, the firm focuses on nurturing innovative ideas within these dynamic sectors.
Investment Philosophy
While specific details on their investment philosophy are not provided, Stadia Ventures aims to support startups that are poised to disrupt the sports and esports landscape. Their approach is centered around fostering innovation and sustainable practices within the industry.
Core Values
The firm values reputation, relationships, innovation, and sustainable transformation. These values reflect their commitment to supporting startups that prioritize ethical practices and long-term success.
6. SixThirty Ventures
Overview
SixThirty is a venture firm designed to invest in innovative and promising enterprise financial technology (FinTech), insurance technology (InsurTech), cybersecurity, and digital health ideas. Founded in 2013, the firm collaborates with corporate partners to mentor and grow these startups into successful businesses.
Investment Philosophy
Although specific details on their investment philosophy are not provided, SixThirty focuses on identifying and nurturing innovative solutions within critical sectors like FinTech and healthtech. Their collaborative approach with corporate partners ensures that they can provide valuable mentorship and resources.
Core Values
The core values of SixThirty include collaboration, innovation, and trust. These principles guide their interactions with startups and help create a supportive environment for entrepreneurial growth.
7. BioGenerator Ventures
Overview
BioGenerator Ventures focuses on creating, building, and investing in companies that are solving important problems in healthcare and agriculture. Established in 2003, the firm is committed to fostering innovation in these critical sectors.
Investment Philosophy
Details about BioGenerator Ventures’ investment philosophy are currently unavailable. However, their focus on impactful sectors suggests a strategy aimed at addressing pressing challenges in healthcare and agriculture through innovative solutions.
Core Values
Unfortunately, specific core values are not provided. However, the firm’s commitment to addressing significant issues in healthcare and agriculture implies a value system centered around impact and innovation.
8. Capital Innovators
Overview
Capital Innovators is a leading organization specializing in top-ranked accelerator programs, venture fund management, and corporate innovation solutions. Since its establishment in 2010, the firm has successfully scaled over 190 startups globally.
Investment Philosophy
While specific details on their investment philosophy are not available, Capital Innovators is recognized as an innovation engine, having raised over $1 billion in follow-on investments. Their approach centers on supporting startups through comprehensive accelerator programs.
Core Values
The firm values an entrepreneur-first mindset, innovation, growth, and collaboration. These values reflect their commitment to fostering a supportive environment for startups to thrive.
9. iSelect Fund
Overview
iSelect Fund focuses on agriculture technology (AgTech) and healthcare technology (HealthTech) to combat obesity, reduce waste, and target metabolic diseases. Established in 2014, the firm invests in innovative companies advancing food, health, and agriculture systems with an emphasis on sustainability.
Investment Philosophy
iSelect Fund’s philosophy revolves around harnessing innovation in AgTech and HealthTech to address critical global challenges. They aim to create sustainable solutions that improve nutrition and healthcare outcomes while driving economic growth.
Core Values
The firm values sustainability, innovation, collaboration, and health improvement. These core values guide their investment strategies and partnerships as they seek to create positive change in the industries they serve.
10. Lewis & Clark Ventures
Overview
Lewis & Clark Ventures is an early-stage venture firm managed by former founders and operators. Established in 2014, the firm specializes in investing in late seed through Series A companies, primarily focusing on B2B software startups.
Investment Philosophy
The specific investment philosophy for Lewis & Clark Ventures is not provided, but their focus on early-stage investments suggests a strategy of nurturing visionary founders to build iconic companies. Their expertise as former operators informs their approach to supporting startups.
Core Values
The firm’s core values include empathy, execution, navigation, straightforwardness, smart growth, and being true partners. These principles reflect their commitment to fostering authentic relationships with the entrepreneurs they support.