In what has become an annual tradition in St. Louis Inno Madness, the underdogs this year again took home several big wins in the competition’s first round.
Seeds 1 through 9 all were defeated in St. Louis Inno Madness’ first round, leaving the bracket full of underdogs as second round voting begins. The biggest upset was No. 32 Connect defeating No. 1 Capacity, with Connect winning 55% of the vote. As a reminder, seeding in the bracket was determined based on the amount of funding raised by each company and name recognition of the businesses nominated.
Nearly 650 individuals cast votes in the first round of this year’s St. Louis Inno Madness. Several of the first-round matchups were nail biters, decided by only a few percentage points. One matchup, between No. 16 EDUrain and No. 17 Ice Cream for Bears, was decided by just 11 votes.
The close matchups and hundreds of votes highlight the goal of Inno Madness, which is to give a snapshot of some of the most-promising tech companies in St. Louis. This contest is by no means a complete list of St. Louis' best startups, which is a testament to the size of St. Louis' tech scene. The bracket is meant to represent the full breadth and diversity of the ecosystem. In the end, look at the bracket as a fun look into local, technology-enabled companies you need to know in 2024.
Second-round voting in St. Louis Inno Madness has begun and continues through 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 27. In this competition, we're asking voters to advance companies based on one question: Who would you invest in? Whether you believe in one mission or product slightly over the other or would prefer to back a more established company versus an early-stage startup, how you answer that question is entirely up to you. Readers can cast one vote per round.
Meet the round two participants below and read the contest rules here.
Before we unveil the second-round bracket, we’d like to provide a tip of the cap to the companies that won’t be advancing to the next round. Thank you for your participation and for adopting the spirit of Inno Madness through your friendly competition and efforts to get out the vote for your companies. We hope to see you again in the bracket next year and encourage you to vote for your fellow local startups throughout the rest of this year's contest.
MEET THE PLAYERS
MATCHUP 1
#17 Ice Cream for Bears: Ice Cream for Bears makes ice cream it says is sweetened using just honey, with its products including no refined sugars. Its ice cream is sold in locations of Fresh Thyme and Sprouts Farmers Market.
#32 Connect: The startup has developed a platform aimed at forging connections between students and alumni of the institution they attend. Its platform is used by the Ritenour School District.
MATCHUP 2
#24 Top Tutors for Us: Top Tutors has created an online standardized test preparation and tutoring service that connects minority high school students with minority tutors currently enrolled in college. It has self-funded its operations.
#25 King of the Curve: The startup has created a mobile app that can be used to study for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), as well as other standardized tests. King of the Curve has been awarded funding from Missouri Technology Corp. and Arch Grants.
MATCHUP 3
#13 Forcyte: The firm developing a portable power system designed to provide energy in harsh environments, including military settings and natural disasters. Forcyte launched out of the National Security Innovation Network Defense Innovation Accelerator program. It has raised $605,000 from family and friends.
#29 Beacon Tags: The startup has created QR code stickers to help people get back lost items.
MATCHUP 4
#12 GiftAMeal: GiftAMeal has developed an app that provides a meal to someone in need each time a user takes a photo on its app at a partner restaurant. The startup works with local food pantries to distribute the meals. In 2021, it raised $500,000 from investors.
#28 Another Reality Studio: Another Reality Studio develops virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D technologies for businesses.
MATCHUP 5
#15 WingXpand: WingXpand has created a drone it describes as a “plane in a pack,” with a portable design using patented technology that allows its wings to be stored in a backpack and expand to an 8-foot wingspan. WingXpand was a member of the 2022 Arch Grants cohort and was selected that year as one of 12 companies to participate in the TechStars LA & Space Accelerator program.
#31 OvuMap: OvuMap says it is developing “wearable reproductive hormone monitors for on-demand, data-driven cycle tracking” for women.
MATCHUP 6
#10 Bold Xchange: Bold Xchange has created software designed for sales representatives to send e-gift cards from local businesses to clients and customers. It raised a $510,000 funding round in 2023.
#26 Impact Marketplace: Impact Marketplace has developed a platform it says uses artificial intelligence to help development projects secure New Markets Tax Credits.
MATCHUP 7
#14 Vertigreens: Vertigreens describes itself as a “neighborhood vertical farm,” using vertical hydroponic technology it says allows it to grow lettuce and herbs.
#30 TeaVoila: The tea company sells what it describes as “eco-friendly products,” including organic loose tea leaves and compostable cups with tea inside of them.
MATCHUP 8
#22 uFab: UFab has developed a circuit board printer it says allows for rapid manufacturing of circuit boards. It was part of the 2022 Arch Grants cohort.
#27 Sustain-a-Plate: Sustain-a-Plate provides “smart barcodes” it says are designed to provide data to help food retailers track items and sell them before they go bad.
