Springfield’s Codefi to Host Major Tech Startup Pitch Event at Missouri State University
Invest SOMO, a groundbreaking tech startup pitch event, is set to take place on June 25-26 at Missouri State University’s efactory. The event, co-hosted by Springfield’s startup nonprofit Codefi, will feature 18 tech companies pitching to a group of angel and venture investors, with the majority based in Springfield or surrounding communities.
The event is part of Codefi’s efforts to support tech startups across Missouri, particularly in rural areas. Codefi has been instrumental in helping startups secure funding, providing technical support, and training professionals in software-related fields. The organization has helped over 60 companies raise more than $60 million in venture fund equity.
Codefi’s Mission and Impact
Codefi was founded in 2014 as a tech incubator and coworking space in Cape Girardeau. Over the years, it has expanded its services and geographic footprint, establishing a corporate office in Springfield. The nonprofit’s mission is to help tech startups get off the ground throughout Missouri, with a focus on rural communities.
“We want to help create net new jobs in high-quality occupations,” said Dr. James Stapleton, CEO of Codefi. “And we want to do that in places where it’s not happening on its own.”
Invest SOMO Event Details
The Invest SOMO event will feature 18 companies at different stages of development, seeking investments ranging from $50,000 to $200,000. The first day will focus on pre-seed funding, while the second day will feature companies seeking seed funding.
The event is supported by the Innovate SOMO Funds, which has already secured over $2 million in commitments. The fund combines for-profit and nonprofit entities to support tech startups in southern Missouri.
Conclusion
The Invest SOMO event marks a significant step forward for the region’s tech startup ecosystem. With Codefi’s continued support and the growing interest from investors, the future looks promising for tech entrepreneurs in Missouri.
