InvestMS for Startups (SSBCI Direct Investment Program) is sponsored by Innovate Mississippi. This initiative, part of the State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI), focuses on Pre-Seed, Seed, and Series A stage startups in Mississippi, providing equity support.

Mississippi Launches SSBCI-Backed InvestMS Funds Program: New Application Cycle to Attract National Venture Capital for Local Innovation • Innovate Mississippi JACKSON, Miss.

— [7/15/25] — Mississippi is opening the door to national and regional venture capital funds with the launch of the InvestMS Funds Program , a key component of the state’s $86 million SSBCI strategy to expand access to early-stage capital for Mississippi-based startups.

Managed by Innovate Mississippi, the InvestMS program is accepting applications from fund managers interested in partnering as Limited Partners to deploy SSBCI-backed capital into eligible Mississippi companies. By attracting additional investment funds to Mississippi, InvestMS is ensuring that Mississippi founders have the capital and structured investment opportunities available to them as they grow in the state.

The Mississippi startup ecosystem is already active with angel investors and the Mississippi Seed Fund provides early-stage capital. Growing the venture capital community in the state is an important next step to fill in a gap for larger fast-growing companies.

“This program allows us to work with both local and out-of-state funds that want to make a meaningful impact in Mississippi,” said Lindsey Benefield , investment director for InvestMS. “We’re looking for VCs who see the potential in underserved markets and want to be early partners in building the next generation of innovation in the Deep South.

” InvestMS can commit from $1 million to $5 million as a limited partner 1:1 private capital match required InvestMS capital must be deployed in Mississippi-based companies Open to multi-state funds, as long as InvestMS capital is used solely for Mississippi-aligned deals Applications are reviewed on a rolling first-come, first-reviewed basis Engagement in Mississippi’s founder and startup ecosystem required InvestMS is open to participating in larger, multi-state fund structures , provided that its capital is directed exclusively to deals that meet U.S. Treasury SSBCI requirements and support Mississippi’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The program encourages fund managers—regardless of location—to bring their expertise, networks, and capital to a market with high growth potential and a strong commitment to ecosystem building. Applications are now open at investms. ms/for-venture-funds .