Fire Awards: Finalist - Catalysts/investors
In April, Cultivation Capital celebrated a major milestone, marking a decade of startup investments in St. Louis. With its launch in 2012, Cultivation Capital sought to fill what it believed was a funding gap locally for early stage software startups. Since then, it’s amassed an investment portfolio of more than 150 startups, backing companies in the software, agtech and life sciences sector. In 2021, it expanded its investment thesis, launching a fund to invest in geospatial technology companies, a move that comes as St. Louis civic leaders have sought to boost the region’s geospatial sector. Brian Matthews is co-founder and general partner of Cultivation Capital.
What was your company’s biggest achievement in the past year? This year Cultivation Capital celebrated our 10th anniversary. We were also recognized by the SBA (Small Business Administration), for our collaboration with Twain Financial Partners, with the Emerging Manager of the Year award.
What is your organization top goal for the next year? We are proud of our progress over the last 10 years, but we are just getting started. We believe that thriving enterprises lead to vibrant communities. In the coming year, we will continue to grow the firm and grow our support of entrepreneurs in St. Louis and in other undercapitalized communities across our country.
For links to profiles of winners and finalists in the 2022 Fire Awards and Startup Exit Awards, go here:
