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.

At Digital Currency Group (DCG), we build and support bitcoin and blockchain companies by leveraging our insights, network, and access to capital. Based in New York City, DCG has been an active seed investor in the digital currency industry with 150+ investments in over 30 countries. In addition, DCG owns and operates CoinDesk, the top media and events platform in the blockchain space, Genesis Trading, the industry's leading bitcoin brokerage firm, and Grayscale Investments, the largest digital currency asset management firm.

Social Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Palo Alto, California, established in 2011. The firm is dedicated to addressing significant global challenges by leveraging technology to meet essential human needs. Its mission is to empower entrepreneurs and foster innovative products that promote a equitable redistribution of power, capital, and opportunities. Social Capital focuses on early-stage investments across North America, Western Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to build a new kind of company that supports transformative ideas and solutions.

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.

Benchmark is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 1995 that specializes in early-stage investments in technology-driven companies. It focuses on sectors such as mobile, enterprise software, social media, and infrastructure, primarily targeting startups in the United States, particularly on the West Coast, as well as in Israel. Benchmark typically invests between $3 million and $5 million in initial funding, with potential follow-on investments that may reach up to $15 million throughout the life of its portfolio companies. The firm is distinguished by its equal partnership structure, with six general partners actively involved in the companies they back. Benchmark has been recognized for its commitment to open source and has achieved significant success, with 37 exits since 2011, including 14 initial public offerings and 23 mergers and acquisitions, representing a combined market value exceeding $60 billion. Its notable portfolio includes companies such as Uber, Snapchat, and Instagram, reflecting its strategic focus on transformative startups.

Social Leverage is a venture capital firm based in Arizona, founded in 2009, that focuses on early-stage and seed-stage investments primarily in the Software, Consumer, and Fintech sectors. The firm leverages two decades of experience in building, valuing, and selling companies to evaluate potential investments. Social Leverage aims to identify capital-light companies with viable products that address significant market needs. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $500,000 and maintains a strong pipeline of opportunities through relationships with top venture capital and private equity funds, as well as innovative entrepreneurs and management teams. Notable investments include companies such as Robinhood, Kustomer, and Angellist, demonstrating Social Leverage's commitment to supporting exceptional talent in the technology space.

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.

Plug and Play, founded in 2006 and based in Sunnyvale, California, operates as a business accelerator and venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in technology startups. The firm runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting startups with corporate partners and investors to foster collaboration and growth. Plug and Play's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, travel, cybersecurity, and sustainability, allowing it to support diverse startups from any country. The firm provides various resources, including funding, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities, and has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Plug and Play has a strong track record, having helped numerous startups secure over $9 billion in funding since its inception. Its programs aim to refine business models and facilitate introductions to potential investors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.

Sodical, officially known as Ade Gestión Sodical, SGEIC, S.A., is an investment firm established in 1982 and based in Arroyo de la Encomienda, Spain. The firm specializes in both direct investments and fund of funds, targeting various stages of company development, including seed/start-up, early venture, growth capital, emerging growth, and management buy-outs. Sodical invests primarily in small and medium-sized enterprises within the Castile and León region, with a typical investment range between €180,000 and €2 million. The firm also invests in venture capital funds through its fund of funds strategy. Its investment sectors include B2B, B2C, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, digital health, food technology, life sciences, restaurant technology, and SaaS. Sodical aims to promote regional development while often taking minority stakes and board representation in the companies it supports.

Mixi, founded in 2006 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a social networking service that facilitates connections among users. It allows individuals to send and receive messages, maintain personal diaries, engage with others' diaries through comments, and participate in various communities. Mixi also operates a venture capital fund that focuses on investments in software, technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. By providing these services, Mixi caters to a diverse audience, enhancing social interactions and community engagement within Japan.