Have an idea? We can help. We built a comprehensive system of programs and services for you, aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs. Ready to be resourced, supported and confident in your tech startup journey? Let’s get started.
From Idea to Launch And Growth
As seasoned tech entrepreneurs, we understand firsthand the commitment and resources it takes to get an idea off the ground. That’s why our tech startup pipeline consists of four distinct programs strategically designed to maximize your potential for learning, growing and funding as you progress along your journey. We’ve also wrapped in no-cost coaching, professional services like software development, lead generation, and ongoing consulting as core components of our startup pipeline.
We offer a program for you to be successful in every stage of your journey. 120-Day Startup Primer is the first step for entry into our pipeline of startup programs. Let's get to work!
120-Day Startup Primer
Self-paced pre-work
Establishing your idea is a great first step, but is it worth pursuing? This workshop gives you access to leading tools and expert coaching to stress test whether your idea is capable of being a successful business, before you develop the wrong product or launch a failed business model.
120-Day Startup Primer is a self-paced introduction to the Leanstack methodologies and tools we use throughout our pipeline of programs with an outcome of testing the desirability, viability and feasibility of your idea. Once you've completed the course modules, you can submit your work to be considered for acceptance into the 120-Day Startup Program.
Your application for 120-Day Startup Primer will also be used for the 120-Day Tech Startup program if you are eligible and decide to apply. Admission is limited.
120-Day Tech Startup
16 Weeks
What drives customers to switch to or seek out your product? In 120-Day Startup, our seasoned coaches help you understand customer journeys, create prototypes for you to demo and sell before you build your product, and prepare you to raise pre-seed and angel capital to launch your company on a customized path to success.
Our 120-Day Tech Startup program moves your idea forward with 1:1 coaching, software development, and access to pre-seed capital. Learn a systems-based approach to test the viability of your idea and establish demand. We will show you how to drive customer interest to your tech product or service before building it. If you are an individual or a team with ideas for a software-based or enhanced product with high-growth potential, and you are located in southern Missouri, you are eligible to participate!
How The Program Works:
100% virtual with scheduled evening activities
8 workshops, 2 hours each
Learn by doing and build a prototype
Coaching and feedback from successful tech entrepreneurs
Team discussions and private forums
During The Program, You Can Expect:
A business model blueprint and traction roadmap for key milestones and validation.
An identified opportunity worth pursuing and a clear understanding of the forces that would cause customers to switch to your product.
A working prototype and a knowledge of the smallest thing (product) desirable, viable, and feasible to acquire customers (MDVFP).
Sufficient tangible commitments (registrations, subscriptions) from customers.
The knowledge to be able to make an evidence-based go/no-go decision to move forward on the idea.
Compete for $100K Pre-Seed Funding
Successful participants will compete for $100K pre-seed SAFE note or Cash Flow debt investments from a regional fund, co-investment from state and other funds, and be admitted to the Pre-Accelerator Program.
We provide coaching and an innovative set of structured no-cost services to help promising tech startups launch, go to market, and gain traction. Companies who successfully complete the 120-Day Startup, or similar programs or demonstrated progress, with pre-seed funding, are eligible.
The Pre-Accelerator provides focused coaching and an innovative set of structured no-cost services to support the successful formation, launch, and traction of promising tech startups. Entrepreneurs who successfully complete the 120-Day Startup Program and receive pre-seed investments from the network's regional fund (or other similar programs) will be eligible to complete the pre-accelerator. During the pre-accelerator, we will help you set up your business and build and launch a minimum viable product. Additionally, the pre-accelerator will teach you how to generate leads, close sales, acquire customers, and pitch investors for pre-seed and seed funding.
During The Pre-Accelerator, You Can Expect:
Formation, Launch And Management
C-Corp registration and organization
Board selection and management
Capitalization and financial organization
Financial management and systems
Traction plan and management
Product Development And Launch
Assigned software development team
Prototype to MDVFP and project management
Testing and user engagement
Rollout strategies & implementation
Customer Acquisition And Revenue
Prospecting strategies & systems
Lead generation & management
Traction roadmap to $100k ARR
Closing sales & funnel management
Pre-seed and Seed Funding
Traction road map & round strategy
Data room & pitch decks
Friends, family, and angels prospecting
Pitching & round management
How the Pre-Accelerator Works:
100% virtual, cohorts every 6 months
Structured weekly workshops & check-ins
Coaching by experienced tech founders
Problem/solution fit required for eligibility
Accelerator
24 Weeks
We help companies who successfully complete our Pre-accelerator (or similar program and demonstrated traction) accelerate customer acquisition and sales, and plan for continued product and business development success.
In the 6-month Accelerator program, we will help companies who successfully complete our Pre-accelerator (or similar program and traction) expand their customer and sales growth. At the end of the 6-month Accelerator, you will have a complete picture of the requirements for the success of your startup as it continues to grow. We provide critical coaching on how to plan for the internal growth of your staff and business and work with you to create a product roadmap that will continue to produce more customers and revenue. Entrepreneurs who successfully complete the Pre-Accelerator and receive pre-seed or seed investments from the network's regional fund will be required to complete the 6-month Accelerator.
During The Accelerator, You Can Expect:
Talent Attraction and Management
Staffing & organizational planning
Prospecting & recruiting
Culture & Person environment fit
Co-founders & stock options
Product Development Roadmap
Customer-driven product development
Feature & function evaluation
Development roadmap management
Internal/external development
Customer and Revenue Growth
Traction roadmap to $100K ARR
Lead generation & management
Closing sales & revenue traction
Get, keep, & grow funnel management
Venture Funding
Traction road map & round strategy
Data room & pitch decks
Firm, fund & investor prospecting
Pitching & round management
Accelerator in a Nutshell
100% virtual, cohorts every 6 months
Structured weekly workshops & check-ins
Coaching by experienced tech founders
Problem/solution fit required for eligibility
Still Have Questions?
We Can Help
The journey from idea to launch and growth isn't always a straight path. Wherever you are in your journey, we're happy to chat and determine how we can help. Schedule time with our startup team.
Our programs, services, and resources go beyond our tech startup pipeline. From small business expertise to tech and education training programs and even funding opportunities for potential investors, we have multiple resources to tap into.
Small Business Services
Not a good fit for our startup programs? Check out our small business resources! We can help with product development, customer and sales acquisitions, business consulting, mentoring, and more.
We use an innovative co-investment model combining charitable contributions in our ever-green nonprofit fund with investment from limited partners and other accredited investors outside our region, deploying Pre-seed and Seed funding to tech startups in southern Missouri as they move through critical phases of development.
Missouri Technology Corporation Infrastructure Grant Program for Innovate SOMO
The objective of the Physical Infrastructure Grant Program is to provide state funding to support the following physical infrastructure needs within the state:
Flexible and below-market-rate commercial office space, including co-working spaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and access to high-speed internet, in regions where entrepreneurs lack access to these resources;
Specialized or sector-specific services, facilities, and other infrastructure, including but not limited to wet lab space and Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF), that would otherwise be unavailable in an area/region; and
Infrastructure that is broadly recognized as a center for entrepreneurship for the community/region, helping elevate the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in the economy.
