Codefi Announces Invest SOMO - June 25-26 to Connect Early-Stage Tech Startups with Angel and Venture Investors
May 16, 2025
[Springfield, MO] — With our partners at efactory1 and Innovate SOMO,2 codefi is thrilled to announce the inaugural Invest SOMO,3 a groundbreaking pitch event designed to transform the funding landscape for tech entrepreneurs across our region. Taking place June 25-26, 2025 in Springfield, Missouri, this first-of-its-kind showcase will spotlight Southern Missouri's most innovative early-stage tech companies.
Created to bridge the critical funding gap for regional startups, Invest SOMO will connect high-potential founders with a diverse array of capital sources, including codefi's recently launched Innovate SOMO Seed Funds4 and a curated network of accredited angel and venture investors from across Missouri and beyond.
This exclusive two-day event represents the next evolution in our commitment to building a comprehensive startup ecosystem that enables tech innovation to flourish outside traditional metro hubs.
Invest SOMO pitch events will include pre-seed and seed stages to ensure high-impact interactions and relevant opportunities:
- Day 1 (June 25): Pre-Seed Pitch Event
- Day 2 (June 26): Seed Pitch Event
Participation is selective—eligible startup applicants will be scheduled on the day that best aligns with their current stage of development.
“Invest SOMO is more than just a pitch event. It’s a platform for startups to gain visibility, feedback, and funding while giving investors direct access to untapped innovation from across Missouri,” said James Stapleton, President and CEO of codefi.
Startup Opportunities: Apply by June 11th
Tech-enabled startups based in Missouri—particularly those from Southern Missouri—with capital-efficient growth models are encouraged to apply.
- Pre-Seed Companies (Day 1): Typically seeking $50,000–$250,000 to develop or launch a minimum desirable, viable, feasible product (MDVFP)
- Seed Companies (Day 2): Typically raising $250,000–$2,000,000 to validate business models and scale
Selected founders will pitch directly to accredited investors, including the Investment Committee of Innovate SOMO Funds, a unique dual-structure investment model that combines philanthropic and for-profit capital.
Learn more: https://www.codefiworks.com/investsomo/
Apply to pitch (by June 11th): https://www.codefiworks.com/investsomo/application-founder5
Investor Opportunities: Curated Access to Startup Deal Flow
Accredited investors are invited to participate in several ways:
- Explore co-investment through Innovate SOMO Funds, a venture fund model designed to support startups across Southern Missouri through both nonprofit and for-profit investment channels
- Attend pitch sessions (Day 1: Pre-Seed | Day 2: Seed)
- Observe as a guest and network with other investors and emerging founders
- Attend private investor receptions
Learn more about Innovate SOMO Funds: https://www.codefiworks.com/venture-investment/
Learn more about Invest SOMO Pitch Event: https://www.codefiworks.com/investsomo/
Request access (by June 11th): https://www.codefiworks.com/venture-investment/innovate-somo-funds-information-request6
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About codefi
Codefi is a nationally recognized tech-based development non-profit organization that specializes in deploying an innovation ecosystem in rural and smaller metro regions. The integrated system of programs and tech services produces high-quality jobs by building and attracting software-focused companies, educating and training tech and founder talent, and providing access to pre-seed capital that expands the tech economy and improves the quality of lives, companies, and communities.
About Innovate SOMO
The Southern Missouri Innovation Network (Innovate SOMO) is a joint initiative of codefi and efactory that transforms communities across southern Missouri by connecting entrepreneurs to resources, workers to training, and employers to tech talent. With this new statewide expansion, the network will help unlock the potential of innovation and entrepreneurship across all of Missouri.