The St. Louis, Missouri region, home to 2.8 million residents, is a thriving hub of innovation and entrepreneurship. Known for its leadership in aerospace, agtech, financial services, advanced manufacturing, defense, and distribution, St. Louis offers an exceptional environment for businesses to grow.

Financial Services Leadership

St. Louis boasts the 2nd highest concentration of financial securities brokerage firms among the 25 largest U.S. metros, second only to New York. The region is home to prominent financial services companies, including:

• Edward Jones: One of the nation’s largest investment firms, providing personalized financial advice
• MasterCard: A global leader in payment technology, driving innovation in financial transactions
• Reinsurance Group of America (RGA): A top global provider of life and health reinsurance
• Wells Fargo Advisors: A prominent player in investment management and advisory services

Aerospace in St. Louis

St. Louis has a rich history in aviation and aerospace, dating back to the early days of flight. Today, it remains a key player in the industry, anchored by Boeing Defense, Space & Security. Boeing’s operations in St. Louis focus on advanced military aircraft, as well as innovative research in autonomous systems and space exploration.

The region also benefits from a strong network of suppliers, educational institutions, and workforce development programs that support the aerospace sector. This ecosystem ensures that St. Louis remains a competitive and innovative hub for aerospace manufacturing and technology.

Agtech Innovation in St. Louis

St. Louis plays a pivotal role in the global agtech industry, leveraging Missouri’s reputation as a leader in both agriculture and technology. The region is home to a range of influential initiatives and businesses’ HQ and initiatives:

• Bayer CropScience: Conducting cutting-edge research to improve crop yields and sustainability
• Bunge: A global agribusiness and food company with operations that support farmers and food production worldwide
• Danforth Plant Science Center: Focused on agricultural innovation to address food security and sustainability challenges
• Missouri Botanical Gardens: A global leader in botanical research and conservation

This concentration of agtech leaders fosters collaboration, innovation, and investment, making St. Louis a keystone for agricultural advancements.

Transportation and Logistics Excellence

St. Louis has long been a critical hub for transportation and logistics, thanks to its strategic location and infrastructure. The region’s advantages include:

• Six Class 1 railroads, making it one of the largest rail hubs in the United States
• Access to the Mississippi River, enabling cost-effective shipping and trade
• A network of major interstate highways, connecting St. Louis to national and international markets
• St. Louis Lambert International Airport, featuring a regional Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) to facilitate global commerce

This combination of assets makes St. Louis a preferred location for companies in logistics, distribution, and supply chain management.

Innovation Communities in St. Louis

St. Louis’s innovation centers drive entrepreneurship, collaboration, and economic growth. Key centers include:

• Cortex Innovation Community: A 200-acre district that houses over 400 companies in tech, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing. It offers co-working spaces, funding opportunities, and networking events for startups and established firms.
• T-REX: A leading tech incubator that supports early-stage businesses with mentorship, resources, and office space.
• BRDG Park: A life sciences hub that focuses on research and development in biotechnology and agtech.

These innovation hubs have helped attract major projects, such as the NGA-West headquarters, a $1.7 billion investment that solidifies St. Louis as a leader in geospatial intelligence, and the expansion of Square, co-founded by St. Louis natives Jim McKelvey and Jack Dorsey.

Whether you’re looking for a hub of aerospace innovation, a center for financial expertise, or a leader in agtech, St. Louis delivers.

Interested in expanding your business to the St. Louis area? Contact our team to see how we can help.