Greater St. Louis is the 19th largest metropolitan area in the US. But somehow, throughout its history and today, the city has managed to punch above its weight in the worlds of business and finance. We were reminded of that theme recently when we connected with SixThirty’s managing partner, Atul Kamra, who discussed the St. Louis-based fintech venture fund and business development program that gets its name from the height and width of the St. Louis Arch (630 feet). Founded in 2013, SixThirty invests up to $100,000 in eight to ten fintech start-ups from around the globe every year and participates in follow-on capital raises as well. The ideal fit for the 10-12 week program is a B2B start-up in its “late seed stage” that has a working product, market traction and early revenue but could use added business development and go-to-market guidance. That support is assisted by the input and network of SixThirty general partners, including Kamra and Brian Matthews. It’s also nurtured through partnerships with firms including Edward Jones, Ernst & Young, State Farm, Reinsurance Group of America (RGA), Twain Financial Partners and UMB, as well as through collaboration with Washington University’s Olin Business School. “Founders don’t come to SixThirty for a general purpose start-up program,” said Kamra. “If you are hungry for capital, go to San Francisco.  If you are hungry for revenue, come to St. Louis.”

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