InvestMS Direct Investment Program for Startups is sponsored by Innovate Mississippi / Mississippi Development Authority. Provides equity co-investments to Mississippi-based Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A startups, matching private investor capital on a 1:1 basis.

InvestMS provides equity investments to Mississippi-based startups from Pre-Seed to Series A stages, powered by Innovate Mississippi. InvestMS provides equity investments to Mississippi-based startups from Pre-Seed to Series A stages, powered by Innovate Mississippi.

Total Funds for startup Equity Investments Initial Check Size, with reserved capital for follow-on Frequently Asked Questions When is the deadline for investment applications? We’re always on the lookout for new applications and we review them regularly. You can apply anytime without worrying about a fixed deadline.

What is the timeline for match investments, and when can I close with my other investors to qualify? InvestMS has specific SSBCI requirements for startups seeking a capital investment match. To be eligible, a startup must have at least one committed investor who has yet to close on their commitment with a minimum investment of $50,000.

According to SSBCI compliance guidelines, InvestMS can match funds that are closed within a 90-day window. By “closed,” we mean the date on which the signed closing documents are exchanged with your investors, which starts the 90-day window, and then money is transferred after the signed documents. Startups that are seeking investment through InvestMS are required to comply with the SEC guidelines for their current round.

Each startup can determine the duration of its investment round. Our team at InvestMS will assess the round terms and request investor documentation to verify the round timeline and all investments in the round to ensure that the match qualifies for investment and to maintain compliance with SEC guidelines.

Startups interested in InvestMS funds should wait until they receive confirmation from the InvestMS team that their application has been received and they have met with the InvestMS team before signing and receiving the investment capital that will qualify as the match from lead investors or co-investors. The typical investment process period for InvestMS is 90 days.

InvestMS prefers that all investments close together with the InvestMS match capital. What steps are involved in the investment process for startups? Please complete our Intake Form before applying for the InvestMS Fund or Seed Fund.

Our investment team will be in touch to guide you through the process, which can take a few weeks to several months depending on various factors. What makes a successful application? We will evaluate applications against InvestMS guidelines set by the State of Mississippi and US Treasury.

In addition to evaluating the company’s viability, we assess its industry focus, proof points, team expertise, and go-to-market strategy. What is the source of InvestMS's capital? The State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), which has been expanded and reauthorized through the American Rescue Plan Act, will be provided with $10 billion by the US Treasury.

This fund will help small businesses to access the capital they need to invest in job-creating opportunities. The initiative will provide financial support to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments to promote American entrepreneurship, support small business ownership, and democratize access to capital across the country, including in underserved communities.

For more information about the program, including detailed guidelines and requirements, please visit the SSBCI website . How is ‘Mississippi-located’ defined? InvestMS is a program that invests SSBCI capital into businesses that are based in Mississippi.

For a business to be considered Mississippi-based, it must be registered to do business with the Mississippi Secretary of State and have a working physical office in Mississippi. The investment should result in growth supporting businesses located within the state.

Businesses that meet at least one of the following criteria are eligible for investment: (2) Majority of C-Suite employees in Mississippi (3) Majority of employees in Mississippi Does InvestMS take a board seat in portfolio companies? InvestMS does not take a board seat, however, the InvestMS program takes an observation seat on the board of all portfolio company investments.

This allows us to stay informed, provide guidance, and support the company’s growth, although we do not have voting rights. Review our full FAQ page before submitting an investment application. Stay updated on SSBCI by signing up here .

Are you a startup in Mississippi? InvestMS reserves the right to amend or modify InvestMS’ SSBCI program or the information provided in this description at any time. Eligibility for the InvestMS SSBCI program is not a guarantee of funding.

Any provision of funds under the InvestMS SSBCI program is contingent upon receipt of SSBCI funds by InvestMS and the availability of funds for investment. The InvestMS SSBCI program will conform with all applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and rules. Additional information about the SSBCI program can be found here .

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