Mississippi stands on the brink of a transformative era. With a history steeped in agricultural and manufacturing industries, local leaders have recognized in recent years that, due to rapid technological change, the state’s evolution as an innovation-based economy is necessary to secure its place on the national stage.

The state recently securing $86 million in federal funding for small business and startups is a testament to this work. The 2023 Mississippi Innovation Plan underscores the critical need to nurture a robust environment to attract and cultivate startups, particularly by increasing the availability of risk capital. 

While renowned innovation hubs in the U.S. like Boston and the San Francisco Bay Area capture much attention from investors, a quieter but equally significant revolution is underway in cities like Austin, Nashville and Atlanta, and even smaller markets like Chattanooga, Huntsville, Asheville and Green Bay. Mississippi, with its unique potential but fewer established connections, must strategically leverage its resources to achieve its long-term goals in the venture capital arena. 

Laying the groundwork with local partners

In recent years, Mississippi has demonstrated a clear commitment to enhancing its startup ecosystem. Efforts from organizations like Innovate Mississippi, local angel networks, and the state’s nationally recognized universities have set the stage for significant growth. 

Our team at gener8tor, a national venture capital firm, has actively engaged with these local partners to understand the specific needs of Mississippi’s startup ecosystem. Through these conversations, two critical requirements have emerged: comprehensive founder education and support, and access to risk capital. By addressing these needs, we can identify and nurture local founders, ensuring they remain in Mississippi to contribute to the state’s growth rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. 

Retaining homegrown talent

Glo, headquartered in Starkville, is a prime example of Mississippi’s potential as an investment-friendly ecosystem. Founded by two Mississippi State University students in collaboration with the MSU Center of Entrepreneurship and Outreach, Glo has achieved remarkable success. Initially recognized for their innovative product, Glo Cubes, the company has pivoted its target market to focus on children’s toys, where their product enhances sensory skills.

With a recent $1.72 million capital raise, Glo’s valuation has soared to nearly $20 million. In addition, Glo has renovated the historic Rex Theater for its offices, further proof of the economic impact startups can have on local economies. This is precisely the kind of company we need to support and retain within the state, ensuring local investors and customers benefit from their success. There are many more “Glos” in Mississippi waiting for support, investment and the opportunity to thrive locally. 

Driving progress and investment

At gener8tor, our mission is to foster investment in promising regions like Mississippi. We have a demonstrated track record of galvanizing startup ecosystems in small-to-mid-sized markets that are often overlooked by traditional venture capital funds, particularly those in the South and Midwest, without compromising returns. 

Mississippi is fertile ground for opportunity. It’s time to accelerate this progress, and we’re ready to hit the ground running. 

Our dedication to community-driven growth is evident in our track record. We have facilitated over $2.2 billion in total follow-on financing, created more than 12 thousand jobs, and witnessed 40% of our alumni raising over $1 million in follow-on financing or achieving acquisition. Additionally, 62% of our alumni have raised more than $250K in follow-on financing or achieved acquisition. 

Currently, we are raising a venture capital fund to invest specifically in Mississippi startups. In addition, we’re working closely with key partners, like Innovate Mississippi, and will be sponsoring this month’s Accelerate Conference.

Through targeted investment opportunities, we aim to ensure that the benefits realized from Mississippi’s innovative companies remain local, driving sustainable economic growth for the state. It’s time to unlock Mississippi’s full potential.

We invite Mississippi founders to connect with us and help drive this exciting new chapter for the Magnolia State. 

— Emily Wykle, regional vice president, gener8tor

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football has made an addition to its 2025 recruiting class.

Gracen Harris, a three-star wide receiver, has signed, the school announced Monday. The Ennis, Texas, native was committed to Oklahoma until Dec. 2. He had been committed to the Sooners since May 2023 when MSU coach Jeff Lebby was their offensive coordinator.

Harris picked MSU over offers from Florida State, Baylor, Purdue, Kansas, TCU, Pittsburgh, SMU, Texas Tech and West Virginia.

The news broke shortly after freshman wide receiver Mario Craver announced he’s entering the transfer portal.

Gracen Harris 247 ranking

Mitchell, who is 5-foot-10, 170 pounds, is a three-star, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He’s rated No. 462 nationally, the No. 71 wide receiver and No. 69 in Texas.

The Bulldogs have signed three other wide receivers in their class, all of whom are three-stars: Isaiah Mitchell, Anson Lewis and Davian Jackson. Ferzell Shepard, another three-star, is committed but has not signed.

Mississippi State football recruiting class 2025

Mississippi State now has 26 commitments for the 2025 recruiting class:

Sorted by 247Sports Composite Rankings

• QB KaMario Taylor
• LB Tyler Lockhart
• DE Tyshun Willis
• CB Kyle Johnson
• WR Gracen Harris
• S Tony Mitchell
• RB Geron Johnson
• WR Anson Lewis
• WR Davian Jackson
• IOL Matthew Lefeau
• OT Saquon Miles
• S Ja’Bryis Stewart
• OT Spencer Dowland
• LB AJ Rice
• LB LaKendrick James
• CB Amarien Jefferson
• DL Jamarcus Moye
• S Sekou Smith Jr.
• TE Joeseph Skipworth
• WR Ferzell Shepard
• WR Isaiah Mitchell
• DL Mason Clinton
• S Lo’Kavion Jackson
• RB Kolin Wilson
• OT Breyden Turnage

MORE: How Mississippi State football commits, signees performed in MHSAA championship games

Where Mississippi State ranks in 2025 team recruiting rankings

Mississippi State has the No. 27 class in the 2025 cycle, per the 247Sports Composite Rankings. It’s 13th in the SEC

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State football could be adding a former five-star quarterback from the transfer portal. 

On3’s Pete Nakos logged a prediction on Monday, the day the transfer portal opened, for Oklahoma starter Jackson Arnold to transfer to Mississippi State. The Oklahoman reported last week that Arnold planned to enter the portal.

Arnold’s connection to MSU is obvious through coach Jeff Lebby, who was Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator in 2022 and 2023. Arnold was a freshman for the Sooners in Lebby’s last season before being hired by the Bulldogs.

Here’s why adding Arnold would and wouldn’t make sense for Mississippi State.

Why adding Jackson Arnold would make sense for Mississippi State

Arnold was a five-star in the 2023 recruiting cycle, the No. 10 player and No. 4 quarterback, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings. He was the backup to Dillon Gabriel as a freshman and then entered 2024 as the starter when Gabriel transferred to Oregon. 

Arnold was benched against Tennessee in Week 4 and didn’t play the following two games against Auburn and Texas. He was renamed the starter for the final six games of the season, though Oklahoma fired offensive coordinator Seth Littrell on Oct. 20. Arnold had two strong finishes to the season, rushing for 131 yards in an upset win against Alabama and 75 yards in a loss at LSU. His final stats for 2024 were 1,421 passing yards on a 62.6% completion percentage, 12 passing touchdowns, three interceptions, 444 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns. 

Lebby has consistently found ways to get high-level production from his quarterbacks in his coaching career. While Arnold didn’t have a spectacular first season as a full-time starter, MSU would be banking on Lebby’s system to unlock his five-star potential. 

MORE: Mississippi State basketball wanted to rest injured Cameron Matthews, but needed to use him

Why adding Jackson Arnold wouldn’t make sense for Mississippi State

Mississippi State isn’t necessarily in need of a new starting quarterback. Blake Shapen suffered a season-ending injury after Week 4 and could return with a medical redshirt waiver from the NCAA. Freshman Michael Van Buren Jr. showed promise in his eight starts after Shapen’s injury. MSU also signed four-star KaMario Taylor in the 2025 recruiting class. 

Adding Arnold could throw out any previous plans the Bulldogs had at quarterback. 

NIL is also a factor. Funds aren’t unlimited. Mississippi State must weigh whether it’s worth investing a chunk of money in Arnold — and decide if he’s an upgrade over the current quarterbacks on the roster — or use it to address other positions of need.

Sam Sklar is the Mississippi State beat reporter for the Clarion Ledger. Email him at ssklar@gannett.com and follow him on X @sklarsam_.