Here’s how much St. Louis startups raised in 2021 — and why 2022 could be a strong year for VC funding

St. Louis startups reeled in the cash in 2021. Local startups raised $699 million in venture financing in 2021, according to a report published Friday by research firm PitchBook and the National Venture Capital Association. That’s up from the $490 million local startups snagged in 2020. The bulk of the 2021 funding came in the year’s second half, which included nearly $600 million in financing for St. Louis firms. The 2021 total marks the most venture funding St. Louis firms have raised in…