Missouri Startup Weekend
Launch a startup in a weekend, win $10k in cash + $10k in credits, and a chance to work with the Redbud VC team
Date and time
Location
EquipmentShare Headquarters
5710 Bull Run Drive Columbia, MO 65201Refund Policy
Agenda
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Kickoff Party (21+)
About this event
- Event lasts 2 days 2 hours
Launch a startup in one weekend 🎉
Do you have the next billion-dollar dollar startup idea? Get access to skilled individuals, mentors (e.g., founders of EquipmentShare and Zapier), resources, endless coffee, and seven delicious meals prepared by a top chef.
For the past ten years, Columbia Startup Weekend (now Missouri Startup Weekend) has been the origin of billion-dollar tech startup companies, such as EquipmentShare and Zapier. The top-tier founders behind these ventures have come back to a vibrant community of investors and builders to help other entrepreneurs do the same.
The winner of Missouri Startup Weekend receives up to $35k prize pack and a chance to work with Redbud VC + a potential investment of up to $150k.
Tickets for Missouri Startup Weekend include:
- Weekend-long participation
- Access to pre and post-game parties
- 7 meals throughout the weekend
- Swag bags with a T-shirt, hat, and many other goodies
- Mentorship by rockstar founders
- Fun activities and engaging programming
Agenda & FAQ's
- Please see the full event agenda above. Note what events throughout the weekend are open to all ticket holders or just participants
- For FAQ's see full list and answers linked below
Allergen Disclaimer: Please be aware that MOSW food may contain or come into contact with common allergens, such as dairy, eggs, wheat, soybeans, tree nuts, peanuts, fish, shellfish, or wheat. While we take steps to minimize risk and safely handle the foods that contain potential allergens, please be advised that cross-contamination may occur, as factors beyond our reasonable control may alter the formulations of the food we serve, or manufacturers may change their formulations without our knowledge. Please see alternative places to eat that can accommodate allergens and dietary restrictions here https://www.mosw.io/best-of-como
Frequently asked questions
Any participant can pitch an idea. Each participant will have 1 min to pitch between 6:30-7:30 PM. No materials are needed. These are off-the-cuff pitches. After the pitches, the audience will vote on the top ideas. Following the voting, participants will form teams around the top 10 ideas.
After working on ideas over the weekend (e.g., customer discovery, building MVPs, market research, etc.), teams will present their ideas to the judges to be crowned as MOSW 2023 winners. Each team will have 5 minutes to present, with 5 minutes of Q&A.
All ideas are welcome, but Startup Weekend is geared towards technology companies. Approximately 90% of all ideas are Software as a Service (SaaS), and given the short time frame to develop your product, we recommend that even non-tech ideas focus on a scalable tech-related deliverable.
Startup weekend is for new ideas that have either not been worked on or have had limited work. Ideas that have existing revenue and/or a product do not count. BUT - If you have an existing pre-seed/seed stage company, check out our website to apply to build alongside participants for the weekend.
The Startup Weekend ticket includes seven meals, brain break activities, mentorship, and the opportunity to pitch your billion-dollar idea.
Startup Weekend is for entrepreneurs, builders, engineers, or everyday people looking to dip their toe in entrepreneurship. Have you ever had a shower idea but never took the leap to build it? Now is the opportunity.
To have fun while launching a business with a team in the hopes of also winning the coveted annual Startup Weekend Championship.
Apart from the organizing team, mentors, speakers, event volunteers and judges, everyone who participates in the event is expected to participate in all three days. This is important not only for your own learning experience but also to minimize distractions or disruptions for your team.
No, teams will be formed at the event. This is important to preserve the MOSW experience. The ideal team consists of members from diverse backgrounds and experiences who collaborate to build a great MVP.
Please purchase an entrepreneur or a student ticket to pitch an idea. Choose the ticket type that matches your skillset best (e.g., technical, non-technical)
- Laptop/Portable Computer - Power cord for Laptop - Notepad and pen - Business cards (or a business card app) - Your phone - feel free to take pictures or videos of the event - Optional: A second monitor, keyboard, etc…. Whatever helps you to be most productive. - Lots of energy!
72 hours before the event
No, Startup Weekend is for anyone who wants to either pitch an idea or join a team working on an idea.
No, there is a voting process with all participants and spectators. An example is below: - 75 participants - 30 ideas pitched at the mic in front of the audience - 10 ideas are selected from the highest number of votes - All 100 participants either join a team, leave, or stay as a spectator
Please see the full rubric at https://redbudvc.notion.site/redbudvc/Startup-Weekend-FAQS-d1af9f6b0e674e4cbae0009acaca6a74
Depending on the number of ideas pitched and the event schedule, you may or may not be able to pitch multiple ideas. Prioritize your ideas: pitch your best idea (and the one you have most prepared for) first. Please note that you will only be able to work on one idea through the weekend.
No. At some events, certain teams will decide to work all through Friday and/or Saturday night, but this is by no means obligatory or expected.
Please see the full IP disclosure at https://redbudvc.notion.site/redbudvc/Startup-Weekend-FAQS-d1af9f6b0e674e4cbae0009acaca6a74
While there are no specific requirements in terms of what teams should have accomplished by Sunday, it’s in your best interest to plan your execution around what you’ll be judged for on Sunday.
Our goal is to cultivate a positive and educational atmosphere. However, we believe that some friendly competition can benefit all parties and accurately reflect the realities of startup life.