Arch Grants
Overview
Arch Grants is a St. Louis, Missouri-based nonprofit organization, founded in 2012, that aims to drive economic growth by fostering entrepreneurship. It achieves this through an annual startup competition, offering equity-free grants to innovative startups that are willing to establish their headquarters in St. Louis. As of 2025, Arch Grants has awarded over $20 million in funding, supporting more than 270 startups, which collectively have generated over $1.3 billion in revenue and created more than 4,000 jobs in the region. The organization is committed to inclusive entrepreneurship, with a notable portion of its grant recipients being women, minorities, and immigrants.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Arch Grants has continued to expand its impact on the St. Louis innovation economy:
- October 2025: Arch Grants awarded $1.6 million in non-dilutive grants to 19 startups as part of its 2025 cohort. The program also welcomed three new fellows into its Arch Grants Fellows Program, which offers a supportive network for later-stage companies.
- October 2025: A new lending program was launched in partnership with the James S. McDonnell Foundation and St. Louis Community Credit Union, to provide flexible financial opportunities to entrepreneurs from marginalized backgrounds.
- June 2025: The organization celebrated the expansion of its headquarters in downtown St. Louis, providing more space for entrepreneurs and community events, further strengthening its role as a hub of innovation in the city.
- November 2024: Arch Grants announced a cohort of 20 startups, providing $1.7 million in grants. The 2024 cohort included companies from various states and international locations, emphasizing its commitment to attracting diverse talent to St. Louis.
- May 2025: Arch Grants reported significant achievements by its portfolio companies, including over $870 million in follow-on capital, $239 million in local wages, and 4,000 jobs created.
- 2024: The Arch Grants Fellows Program was launched to support growing companies with advisory and business growth strategies, adding a new dimension to its support network.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2012 |
| Headquarters | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Founders | [Information not specifically available] |
| Revenue | Over $1.3 billion generated by portfolio companies |
| Profits | [Not publicly disclosed] |
| Key Investors | Donor-powered, includes foundations & corporations |
| Industry | Nonprofit, Economic Development, Entrepreneurship |
| Number of Employees | [Not explicitly available] |
Early History
Arch Grants was established in 2012 with the mission of invigorating the St. Louis economy through the support of high-potential startups. The organization developed a unique model of providing equity-free funding, allowing entrepreneurs to retain full control of their companies while still gaining access to vital capital and resources. Its inaugural cohort set the precedent for a successful formula that has been replicated yearly. By incentivizing startups to establish their headquarters in St. Louis, Arch Grants has played a crucial role in drawing innovative companies to the region, thereby fostering local economic development and community engagement.
Company Profile and Achievements
Arch Grants follows a venture philanthropy model, supporting entrepreneurs with equity-free grants and a network of resources. The organization has made significant contributions to the St. Louis region:
- Awarded over $20 million in non-dilutive funding since its inception.
- Supported over 270 startups, contributing to the creation of more than 4,000 jobs.
- Generated over $1.3 billion in revenue from its portfolio companies.
- Attracted over $870 million in follow-on capital.
- Developed programs such as the Arch Grants Fellows Program and expanded headquarters to support growth and innovation.
- Emphasized diversity, with the 2025 cohort comprising over 74% women, people of color, or immigrants.
Current Operations and Market Position
Arch Grants continues to focus on catalyzing economic growth in St. Louis by supporting early-stage companies that align with the region’s key industries such as biotech, agtech, and geospatial technology. The nonprofit's current operations revolve around organizing its annual startup competition, providing additional support through its Fellows Program, and offering new initiatives like its lending program aimed at historically underserved entrepreneurs. As a major driver of the region's entrepreneurial ecosystem, Arch Grants maintains a competitive edge through its unique model of donor-powered funding and its commitment to inclusivity and innovation.
Conclusion
Arch Grants stands as a critical component of St. Louis's economic landscape, continually driving innovation and inclusivity through its support of entrepreneurs. The organization's efforts have significantly contributed to the local economy, creating jobs and encouraging revenue growth across the region. With ongoing initiatives to expand its reach and provide access to capital for underrepresented communities, Arch Grants is poised to continue playing a pivotal role in nurturing the next wave of business leaders and innovators in St. Louis. Its commitment to a donor-centric, non-dilutive model ensures that it remains a beacon of support for startups eager to make a mark in the dynamic, evolving innovation economy.