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Entrepreneurs On Call

April 8, 2025

Sunitha Bosecker

Previewing Missouri Startup Weekend 2025 | photos provided by Missouri Startup Weekend.

In the heart of Missouri, a weekend-long event is shaping the future of startups, turning ideas into companies and dreamers into founders. Missouri Startup Weekend (MOSW) has evolved into a transformative experience, offering aspiring and seasoned entrepreneurs the chance to develop and pitch their ideas in an electrifying, high-stakes environment.

The 2025 Startup Weekend runs April 11-13 at EquipmentShare’s corporate headquarters at 5710 Bull Run Drive.

Originally launched as Columbia Startup Weekend in 2011, the event has a history of producing industry-changing companies, including Zapier, a billion-dollar “unicorn company,” and EquipmentShare, now a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. Over the past thirteen years, MOSW has not only built a reputation for fostering innovation, but has also become a must-attend event for those looking to immerse themselves in Missouri’s thriving startup ecosystem.

Missouri Startup Weekend began with a simple yet powerful idea: to create a space where entrepreneurs could test their concepts, find co-founders, and connect with industry leaders. The inaugural event in 2011 set the tone for what was to come, as its first winner, Zapier, went on to become a Silicon Valley success story.

A Prize Worth Competing For

This year, the stakes are higher than ever. The winning team will take home a prize package worth $45,000, including $10,000 in cash, $15,000 in MVP development services from Aviron Software, a $15,000 branding and design package from Digital Bullpen, and a full legal entity formation sponsored by Transitions Law Group. The winner will also receive press release coverage from Relevance and the potential for up to $150,000 in investment from Redbud VC.

The MOSW team is not just about the money — it’s about setting participants up for long-term success.

“Over time, we’ve focused on giving winners the best shot at building their companies post-weekend,” Startup Weekend director Maria Heyen explained.

Introducing the Sprint Track

New for 2025 is the Sprint Track, a feature designed for early-stage startups already working on their business ideas. Instead of starting from scratch, Sprint Track teams will refine and accelerate their existing ventures while benefiting from the same high-energy environment that MOSW provides.

This addition acknowledges that not all participants are first-time entrepreneurs. Some have already made progress and need a final push to turn their ideas into market-ready businesses.

“It’s about supercharging progress,” Heyen said, emphasizing that the goal is to make the weekend as valuable as possible for every attendee, regardless of their stage in the startup journey.

An Experience Like No Other

Attending Missouri Startup Weekend is more than just a learning opportunity — it’s an intense, high-energy, and fully immersive experience. The event will take place at EquipmentShare’s newly launched Technology & Development Center, coinciding with the company’s ten-year anniversary celebration.

Participants can expect gourmet meals crafted by EquipmentShare’s executive chef and his team. Food might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about a startup competition, but it’s an integral part of the MOSW experience.

“One of the coolest surprises is the amazing culinary team at EquipmentShare, who volunteer to cook over seven meals and late-night snacks throughout the weekend,” Heyen said. “It’s something participants rave about every year.”

Beyond the food, the event features unique activities, including sunrise yoga. But the real value lies in the networking and mentorship opportunities.

Unparalleled Access to Top Mentors and Judges

A key aspect of MOSW is the access it provides to industry leaders. This year’s event will feature high-caliber mentors such as:

Marc Bernstein, founder of Balto ($50M+ raised)

Joe Davis, investor at Headline
($4B+ AUM)

Bess Goodfellow, partner at HPA ($100M+ AUM)

The judging panel is also loaded with talented individuals:

Wade Foster, co-founder of Zapier

Willy and Jabbok Schlacks, co-founders of EquipmentShare

Chrystal Graves, founder of Liquid

Jyothi Vallurupalli, investor at Lightbank

Lori Coulter, co-founder of Summersalt

The mentors and judges have built billion-dollar businesses, invested in top VC funds, and know exactly what it takes to launch and scale a company. As Heyen puts it, “There’s no other event in the state where you’ll find this level of talent, resources, and connections all in one place.”

Who Can Participate?

MOSW attracts a diverse crowd, from first-time founders to seasoned entrepreneurs. About a third of attendees are students, and last year’s event saw participants from ten different states. Some attendees return year after year, while others come for the first time, eager to pitch their ideas.

For those hesitant to participate because they don’t have a tech-based idea, Heyen reassures them: “We welcome any and all ideas — whether they’re high-growth tech startups, software solutions, hardware innovations, or even scalable non-tech businesses.” While around 90 percent of pitches tend to be tech-focused, the event has also helped launch successful local businesses.

Getting Involved

Missouri Startup Weekend isn’t just for participants — it’s for the entire community. Visitors can attend the Friday and Sunday pitch sessions for free, and general admission tickets are available for those who want to engage in networking and experience the event without joining a team.

For those interested in competing, the deadline to sign up is Friday, April 4. However, given that last year’s event sold out two weeks in advance, organizers encourage early registration.