Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a range of financing solutions and support services aimed at fostering the growth of startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies. It offers various financial products, including medium to long-term loans, export insurance, and leasing options for both tangible and intangible assets. Additionally, Bpifrance supports companies through consulting services, guarantees for bank financing, and training for executives. The organization also engages in direct investments and manages funds aimed at enhancing the financial landscape for businesses at different stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, Bpifrance was formerly known as OSEO S.A. and rebranded in July 2013. It operates as a subsidiary of Bpifrance SA, reinforcing its commitment to bolstering the French economy through diversified financial solutions.

Speedinvest GmbH is a venture capital firm founded in 2011 and based in Vienna, Austria, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-related startups across Europe. The firm focuses on sectors such as deep tech, fintech, health, industrial tech, consumer marketplaces, software as a service, and climate tech. Speedinvest typically invests between €0.25 million and €3 million in pre-seed to Series A stages, aiming to take minority stakes of up to 20% in its portfolio companies. The firm emphasizes operational support, often taking on active roles within the companies it invests in for periods ranging from six months to a year. With additional offices in cities including San Francisco, Berlin, Paris, London, and Munich, Speedinvest seeks to leverage a global network to enhance its contributions to Europe’s startup ecosystem.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Specializing in seed-to-growth stage investments, SOSV operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet ventures, Food-X for innovative food solutions, and dlab for blockchain technology. The firm focuses on investments in revolutionary deep technologies aimed at improving human and planetary health, as well as cross-border markets, particularly in Asia. SOSV invests in approximately 150 startups annually, providing support through its resources to accelerate product development and scaling. Over its two-decade history, SOSV has established a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top venture capital firms globally.

Rockstart is a startup accelerator and venture capital firm founded in 2011, headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, with additional offices in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Bogotá, Colombia. It specializes in incubating early-stage companies and investing in funding rounds up to Series B across four key sectors: energy, health, agrifood, and emerging technologies. Rockstart connects startups with investors, mentors, and partners, facilitating access to capital, market opportunities, and expertise. The firm has implemented tailored programs that foster collaboration between startups and corporates, enhancing co-creation and commercial partnerships. Since its inception, Rockstart has invested in over 230 startups, helping them raise more than €90 million and create over 700 jobs. Additionally, Rockstart manages a specific fund targeting emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing, with a focus on impact investments in health and emerging markets.

Wayra UK Limited is an accelerator focused on early-stage technology startups, operating since 2012 and based in London. It offers various programs aimed at different sectors, including healthcare, information technology, cyber security, smart transport, and 5G. The Wayra Call provides funding of up to €0.25 million for innovative digital products and services. The Velocity Health program specifically targets healthcare startups, offering £34,000 in investment along with a potential cash prize. Other programs like Wayra Fair By Design and GCHQ Cyber Accelerator also provide financial support tailored to their respective industries. Wayra has a global presence, operating in ten countries and leveraging its affiliation with Telefónica to foster connections between entrepreneurs and industry leaders, thus facilitating collaboration and business opportunities.

Demeter Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Paris, France, specializing in investments that support the ecological transition. Founded in 2005, the firm focuses on seed, start-up, early-stage, growth, and infrastructure capital, investing between €0.5 million and €30 million in companies at various stages of development, including innovative startups and high-growth small to medium enterprises. Demeter primarily targets sectors such as eco-industries, green technology, renewable energy, and environmental services, with particular interest in energy efficiency and waste treatment. The firm predominantly operates in Europe, especially in France, but also invests in North America and other regions. Demeter Partners manages multiple private equity funds and prefers to take minority stakes, often seeking a board seat in its portfolio companies to assist in their development. In 2016, Demeter Partners merged with Emertec Gestion, enhancing its position as a leading player in the energy transition and environmental sectors.

Y Combinator is a startup accelerator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2005. It has pioneered a new funding model for early-stage startups by investing a modest amount of capital, typically around $150,000, in a large number of companies twice a year. Over a three-month program, Y Combinator collaborates closely with these startups to prepare them for investor pitches and enhance their business strategies. Each funding cycle concludes with Demo Day, where startups present to an exclusive audience of investors. Y Combinator focuses on various sectors, including business software, education, healthcare, and financial technology, among others. In addition to initial funding, it offers ongoing support through its extensive alumni network. Since its inception, Y Combinator has funded over 630 startups, contributing significantly to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Silicon Valley and beyond.

FJ Labs is a U.S.-based investment firm established in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm operates with a stage-agnostic approach, primarily targeting marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. FJ Labs focuses its investments on seed and Series A rounds, with a financial commitment ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm has invested in a variety of notable companies, including Alibaba Group, beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, and ADORE ME.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in Singapore in 2017, focused on investing in technology companies with significant growth potential. With a presence across six continents and major entrepreneurial hubs such as London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney, Antler has supported the establishment of over 200 startups, 40% of which have at least one female co-founder. The firm identifies exceptional individuals and early-stage businesses, providing comprehensive support from team formation and business model validation to capital investment. Antler invests primarily at the pre-seed stage and continues to engage with its portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, including Series C. The firm operates several funds, including those targeting specific regions like East Africa, while maintaining a commitment to fostering diverse founding teams representing 70 nationalities. Through its global platform, Antler aims to help founders build impactful startups that can define the future of technology.