Exploring the Thriving Startup Scene in St. Louis
St. Louis, known for its rich history and cultural assets, is also home to a vibrant and growing startup ecosystem. This city, boosted by the presence of two renowned universities, Saint Louis University and Washington University, has seen a significant uptick in the number of health, medical, and biotech startups. With a diverse array of entrepreneurial enterprises and robust support systems, the St. Louis startup scene is making significant strides.
Health, Medical, and Biotech Startups
The city's top universities with high-quality medical schools have contributed to a budding startup culture focused on health, medical, and biotech innovations. Companies like NeedWant showcase the potential for diverse startups with a wide range of products and services. To get a comprehensive view of the current landscape, visit the EQ map which provides an interactive overview of startups in St. Louis.
Supportive Ecosystem and Accelerators
St. Louis boasts several valuable resources and organizations supporting the startup community. One notable accelerator is Prosper, an angel network and entrepreneurial institute dedicated to women-led startups. Each accepted company receives $50,000, and the inaugural class will begin in January 2015. Similarly, Cultivation Capital is one of the premier early-stage venture capital firms focusing on tech and life-sciences, having invested in several Midwest startups such as Gainsight and Aisle411.
Key Investors and Community Initiatives
Other vital players in the St. Louis startup ecosystem include St. Louis Arch Angels, a network of angel investors providing seed and early-stage capital. Their members, composed of business leaders from the region, offer guidance, mentoring, board seats, and strategic planning assistance. Additionally, Arch Grants is a non-profit organization with an annual competition where winners receive $50,000 in funding. The only requirement is moving the startup to downtown St. Louis, a move that has attracted entrepreneurs from across the country.
Coworking Spaces and Events
St. Louis is also home to several innovative coworking spaces. Labor1500 is a prominent entrepreneurial center at 1500 Washington Ave, while T-REX has opened an 80000 square feet coworking space. Other invaluable resources include goBRANDgo!, which offers free office space, mentoring, and living space to participating companies. There are also AccelerateSTL events, a platform for entrepreneurs to connect, and weekly 1Million Cups events hosted by The Nine Network PBS.
A Vibrant and Growing Community
St. Louis is far from being a tech hub like Silicon Valley, but it's certainly on the rise. Passionate entrepreneurs and supportive organizations have created a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. The St. Louis Economic Development Council and the St. Louis Regional Chamber are actively championing the startup scene, providing resources and fostering growth. If you have a startup or are interested in joining the thriving ecosystem here, St. Louis has much to offer.
Further Reading and Community Involvement
To stay informed about the latest developments in the St. Louis tech and entrepreneurship scene, visit Technology Innovation News by Techli, a news site covering the Midwest market. For more in-depth insights and resources, explore the Technology Innovation News - Techli TV channel. As a St. Louis-based entrepreneur, I am always eager to connect and help new members of the community succeed. Join us and let's make a difference in the tech and startup world together!