The 49th State Angel Fund is a government venture capital fund based in Anchorage, Alaska, established in 2012 through a $13.2 million allocation from the U.S. Treasury's State Small Business Credit Initiative. The fund focuses on making direct and indirect investments in Alaskan businesses, aiming to support high-growth enterprises and promote entrepreneurship and innovation within the state. By partnering with other funds, 49SAF offers a dollar-for-dollar match for investments, combining public and private capital to enhance funding opportunities. Additionally, the fund's managers provide essential managerial and entrepreneurial expertise to their investees, contributing to economic development and job creation for the citizens of Anchorage.

Alyeska Venture Management, founded in 2014 and based in Anchorage, Alaska, is a venture capital firm that focuses on supporting early-stage entrepreneurs within the region. The firm manages the Alaska Accelerator Fund, which aims to accelerate the growth of startups by leveraging the expertise of experienced managers, advisors, and angel investors. Through its initiatives, Alyeska Venture Management seeks to add value to emerging companies and foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Alaska.

Doyon, Limited is a for-profit Native regional corporation established under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act of 1971, serving nearly 19,000 shareholders. As the largest private landowner in Alaska, Doyon manages over 12.5 million acres of land and operates a diverse Family of Companies that includes more than a dozen businesses across various sectors. These sectors encompass oil field services, utility management, security, engineering management, land and natural resource development, facility management, construction, and tourism. Headquartered in Fairbanks, Alaska, Doyon employs approximately 2,800 individuals both in Alaska and throughout the United States. The corporation is recognized as one of the top 10 Alaska-owned businesses and is involved in precious and base metals exploration, as well as the provision of contracting services to federal, state, and local clients.

Alaska Communications Systems Group, Inc. (ACS) is a telecommunications provider that delivers broadband and managed IT services throughout Alaska and to the contiguous United States. The company operates through wireline and wireless segments, offering a range of services including voice, data, broadband, and long-distance communications. ACS serves various customer segments, including businesses, government entities, and residential consumers, providing integrated solutions such as remote network monitoring, managed IT security, and support services. Its extensive network connects Alaska to the Lower 48 states via two undersea fiber optic cable systems. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Anchorage, ACS markets its products through direct sales channels, emphasizing secure and reliable connectivity for both cloud-enabled IT services and traditional telecommunications.

TD Securities is an investment banking firm based in Toronto, Canada, established in 1987. The firm offers a comprehensive range of advisory and capital market services, including investment banking, equity research, and commodities. Its investment banking services encompass mergers and acquisitions, debt capital markets, corporate divestitures, private placements, and various financing solutions such as bridge and acquisition financing. Additionally, TD Securities provides risk management services and securities brokerage, catering to a diverse clientele across sectors such as communications, media, technology, financial institutions, energy, and real estate. The firm also engages in research and offers capital market products, reflecting its commitment to delivering tailored financial solutions to clients globally.

Ravn Alaska is a regional airline based in Anchorage, Alaska, specializing in scheduled air service to multiple destinations, including Anchorage, Fairbanks, Bethel, Cordova, Homer, Valdez, Kenai, Kodiak, and over 100 smaller communities across the state. In addition to passenger transport, Ravn Alaska provides logistics services for freight and accommodates odd-sized cargo weighing up to 6,000 pounds. The airline is also licensed to operate charter services throughout Canada and the continental United States, enhancing its role in regional connectivity and transportation.

Resolution Minerals Limited is a mining company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of projects related to precious and battery metals, including gold, copper, cobalt, vanadium, and uranium. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Adelaide, Australia, the company has a diverse project portfolio that includes the Wollogorang Project, 64North Project in Alaska, and the Benmara Project in the Northern Territory. Additionally, Resolution Minerals is involved in exploring uranium and silica sand deposits in South Australia. The company aims to capitalize on the growing demand for battery metals and precious resources through its strategic exploration initiatives.

Alaska Airlines is the eighth-largest airline in the United States by passenger traffic and serves as the leading air carrier on the West Coast. Based in Seattle, it provides extensive service between Alaska and the continental U.S., surpassing all competitors in this market. The airline operates two main segments: Mainline and Regional. The Mainline segment offers scheduled air transportation using Boeing and Airbus jets, connecting various destinations across the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica. The Regional segment includes services provided by Horizon Air and other third-party carriers, focusing on shorter routes within the U.S. and Canada under capacity purchase agreements. Alaska Airlines has made significant expansions in recent years, enhancing its network to include more destinations on the U.S. East Coast, as well as in Mexico and Canada.

Kirby Corporation is a leading tank barge operator in the United States, specializing in the transportation of bulk liquid products across various waterways, including the Mississippi River System, the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, and all three U.S. coasts, as well as in Alaska and Hawaii. The company primarily transports petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products, and agricultural chemicals via its tank barges. Kirby operates in two main segments: the Marine transportation segment, which focuses on marine transportation services using tank barges and towing vessels, and the Distribution and services segment, which offers aftermarket services and genuine replacement parts for engines, transmissions, reduction gears, and power generation equipment, primarily for the oil and gas sector. Additionally, Kirby owns and operates eight ocean-going barge and tug units that transport dry-bulk commodities in U.S. coastwise trade.

Chartwell Investments Inc. is a private equity firm established in 1992 and headquartered in New York, specializing in investments in medium-sized and niche lower middle market companies. The firm primarily targets acquisition of control positions, buyouts, recapitalizations, growth equity investments, operational turnarounds, restructurings, and industry consolidations, while typically avoiding venture capital and high technology sectors. Chartwell has a diverse industry focus, with particular interest in branded consumer products, light industrials, healthcare services, energy equipment, and infrastructure-related products. The firm generally invests between $25 million and $200 million in companies with EBITDA ranging from $5 million to $25 million and sales between $50 million and $500 million. Chartwell prefers negotiated transactions and has no fixed exit timeline, allowing for a long-term investment strategy. The firm is keen on collaborating with family and entrepreneurially-owned businesses, as well as select corporate divestitures, while considering international investments that involve U.S. partnerships.

Montlake Capital LLC is a venture capital and private equity investment firm headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with an additional office in Portland, Oregon. Established in 1999, the firm specializes in control and non-control investments, focusing on growth equity, leveraged buyouts, and middle-market opportunities. Montlake Capital primarily targets companies within the consumer products and services, business products and services, financial services, growth technology, health and wellness, and retail sectors, with a preference for investments in the Northwest and Western United States. The firm typically seeks to invest in companies that generate between $5 million and $50 million in revenue and have EBITDA ranging from $1 million to $10 million. Montlake Capital aims to take a minority stake in its portfolio companies and actively participates as a board member, leveraging its extensive investing and operating experience to drive growth and success. The firm has a proven track record, having contributed to the development of companies with a combined market value exceeding $10 billion, with successful exits through IPOs and mergers and acquisitions.

HCAP Partners is a private equity firm based in San Diego, California, specializing in growth capital investments primarily in lower middle market companies across California and the Western United States. Founded in 2000, the firm focuses on sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, services, and technology. HCAP Partners typically invests between $2 million and $25 million in companies with revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million and enterprise values between $10 million and $60 million. The firm does not engage in start-up investments and prefers to acquire active board positions in its portfolio companies. It employs a range of investment strategies, including equity, debt, and combinations thereof, often providing mezzanine debt investments for minority equity participations. HCAP Partners aims to generate above-market returns while contributing to the economic well-being of the communities it serves, seeking to exit its investments within five years.

M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust is an independent non-profit foundation based in Vancouver, Washington, established in 1975 by Melvin J. Murdock. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in the Pacific Northwest, specifically in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. It provides grants and enrichment programs to nonprofit organizations focused on strengthening the region's educational, spiritual, and cultural foundations in innovative and sustainable ways. The trust supports a diverse range of sectors, including the arts, public affairs, health and medicine, human services, leadership development, and services for individuals with disabilities. Through these initiatives, the foundation seeks to foster positive community development and enrich the lives of residents in the region.

Alliance of Angels, established in 1997 and based in Seattle, is the largest and most active angel investment group in the Pacific Northwest. The organization focuses on early-stage investments, directing over $10 million annually into more than 20 companies, primarily in sectors such as software-as-a-service, artificial intelligence, life sciences, consumer goods, manufacturing, retail, and food. With a network of over 140 active angel investors and a $6.6 million seed fund, Alliance of Angels has invested more than $100 million into over 200 companies since its inception, achieving more than 40 successful exits that generated over a billion dollars in returns.

Bay Partners is a venture capital firm located in Menlo Park, California, established in 1976 by John Freidenrich. The firm specializes in early-stage investments primarily in technology-related companies across the United States. Over its history, Bay Partners has invested in more than 200 businesses, focusing on various sectors including information technology and healthcare, as well as consumer services, semiconductors, e-commerce, mobile applications, manufacturing, security, financial services, big data, logistics, biotechnology, advertising, therapeutics, communications, software, energy, and hardware.

Vault Capital, founded in 1998 and based in Seattle, Washington, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in technology-driven companies across various sectors. The firm emphasizes new materials, ubiquitous computing, biotechnology, and medical devices, among others. Vault Capital is committed to supporting scientists and entrepreneurs in developing innovative solutions and launching market-leading companies. The firm operates with a strong ethical foundation, believing that fair dealings foster a cohesive community. Vault Capital's experienced advisors collaborate closely, leveraging their collective expertise to tackle strategic challenges effectively. By valuing trust, respect, and individuality, the firm cultivates an environment that encourages creativity and leadership within entrepreneurial teams.

Providence Health & Services is the third largest not-for-profit health system in the United States, dedicated to meeting the healthcare needs of communities across Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. The organization operates 51 hospitals and 829 clinics, providing a comprehensive range of services that include acute care, outpatient services, long-term and assisted living, palliative and hospice care, and home health. Providence is committed to serving vulnerable populations, rooted in the missions of the Sisters of Providence and the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange. With a workforce of over 73,000 caregivers, the system offers specialized care in areas such as cancer, heart disease, neuroscience, orthopedics, pediatrics, and maternity care, ensuring that patients have access to treatment seven days a week.

Flint Hills Resources is an independent refining, chemicals, and biofuels company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Established in 1995 as a subsidiary of Koch Industries, it has developed a diverse portfolio of products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, asphalt, ethanol, biodiesel, liquefied natural gas, polymers, and various intermediate chemicals. The company operates refineries in Alaska, Minnesota, and Texas with a combined capacity of approximately 670,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Flint Hills Resources also runs multiple ethanol plants in Iowa and Nebraska, producing a total of 550 million gallons annually, and is a significant purchaser of ethanol in Minnesota. Through strategic investments and acquisitions exceeding $7.6 billion since 2002, the company aims to enhance its operational capabilities while meeting customer demands in the refining and chemical sectors. Its manufacturing facilities, located in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, produce essential materials used in numerous industries, including automotive and packaging. Flint Hills Resources is committed to efficient resource utilization and community involvement, striving to create value for both its customers and society at large.

The Bernard Osher Foundation, established in 1977 and based in San Francisco, is an independent non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life through support for higher education and the arts. The foundation provides post-secondary scholarships to colleges and universities nationwide, with a particular focus on reentry students. It oversees a national network of Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, which cater to seasoned adults and operate on the campuses of 124 higher education institutions across the United States. Additionally, the foundation supports integrative medicine programs in the U.S. and Sweden, collaborating with prestigious institutions such as the University of California, San Francisco, and Harvard Medical School. The foundation also awards grants to various performing arts organizations, museums, and educational initiatives, particularly in Northern California and Maine. Governance is provided by a nine-member Board of Directors, chaired by Barbro Osher, who serves as Honorary Consul General of Sweden in California.

Hecla Mining Company, headquartered in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is engaged in the exploration, development, and production of precious and base metals, primarily silver and gold. The company operates several mines, including the Greens Creek mine in Alaska, the Lucky Friday mine in Idaho, and the Casa Berardi mine in Quebec, Canada. Hecla also has assets in Mexico, with the San Sebastian mine, and holds interests in additional properties across various renowned mining districts in North America. The company produces lead, zinc, and bulk concentrates, and supplies unrefined gold and silver bullion bars to traders and processors. Founded in 1891, Hecla Mining aims to deliver long-term value through its operations and exploration initiatives in the mining sector.

Novagold Resources Inc. is a mineral exploration company focused on the development of significant mineral properties. The company holds a 50 percent interest in the Donlin Gold project, situated in southwestern Alaska, which is recognized as one of the world's most important gold projects due to its size, grade, and potential for production. Additionally, Novagold co-owns the Galore Creek project, which has the potential to become Canada’s largest and lowest-cost copper mine. As of August 31, 2015, the company maintained a robust cash balance, enabling it to navigate the permitting process for the Donlin Gold project while meeting its financial obligations. Novagold places a strong emphasis on building and sustaining community partnerships, working collaboratively with local Native Corporations and First Nations, and establishing effective communication with various regulatory bodies. This commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships is a cornerstone of Novagold's corporate values.

Evergreen Pacific Partners is a Seattle-based private equity firm founded in 2003, managing two funds totaling $700 million. The firm focuses on investing in traditional, middle-market companies located in the thirteen Western U.S. states and two Western Canadian provinces. Evergreen Pacific Partners specializes in traditional buyouts, management-led buyouts, and growth capital opportunities, typically targeting companies with revenues exceeding $50 million and requiring a minimum equity investment of $15 million. The firm's investment sectors include manufacturing and distribution, specialty packaging, consumer products, and technology. With a diverse team possessing significant operational and industry experience, Evergreen Pacific Partners employs a disciplined approach to investment origination, transaction execution, and portfolio management.

ENSTAR Natural Gas Company, based in Anchorage, Alaska, has been supplying natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial customers for over 50 years. This regulated public utility serves approximately 140,000 customers in and around the Anchorage and Cook Inlet area, reaching communities such as Eagle River, Wasilla, and Soldotna. ENSTAR's service area covers more than 57% of Alaska's population, highlighting its significance in providing clean-burning and efficient natural gas to the region. As a division of SEMCO Energy, Inc., which is wholly owned by AltaGas Ltd., ENSTAR continues to play a critical role in meeting the energy needs of Alaskans.

RLG Capital is a private equity firm established in 2013 and located in Park City, Utah. The firm specializes in investing in private companies, aiming to acquire significant control to enhance their growth and capital potential. RLG Capital focuses on various sectors, including business services, education, energy, health and wellness, and technology. Through its investments, the firm seeks to drive value and support the development of the companies in which it invests.

Crowley Maritime Corporation is a U.S.-owned marine solutions, transportation, and logistics company that operates in both domestic and international markets. It provides a range of services through six primary business segments: Puerto Rico/Caribbean liner services, Latin America liner services, logistics, marine contract solutions, deep sea petroleum transportation, and petroleum transportation, distribution, and sales in Alaska. The company also offers vessel design, construction management, and vessel management services for its own fleet. Founded in 1892 by Thomas Crowley, the company has evolved over the years and now operates as a holding company for its various business lines and subsidiaries, a structure established in 1992. Crowley is entirely owned by the Crowley family and its employees, and it focuses on delivering safe and reliable operations across its diverse service offerings, which also include supply chain management and government-oriented logistics.

Timberline Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1998, originally based in Vancouver, Washington, and later operating from California. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies across various sectors, including biotechnology, healthcare, IT services, telecommunications, and software. Timberline seeks to identify and support innovative start-ups that demonstrate potential for growth and impact within their respective industries. By leveraging its expertise, the firm aims to facilitate the development of emerging technologies and contribute to the advancement of the business landscape in the United States.

Curious VC is a venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in pre-seed and seed stage investments, focusing primarily on technology companies. Curious VC targets startups within the Seattle area and the greater Pacific Northwest, aiming to support innovative businesses in their early development stages.

Hilcorp Energy is a privately-held independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1989, Hilcorp focuses on acquiring, owning, and operating oil and natural gas fields across multiple regions in the United States, including the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, the Northeast, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Alaska's Cook Inlet and North Slope. With a workforce of over 1,825 employees, the company has gained recognition as one of the top places to work in America, according to various regional and national publications.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm specializing in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology, renewable energy, and affordable housing projects. Enhanced Capital employs a flexible investment approach that includes offering tax credits, tax credit lending, and impact lending to foster the growth and expansion of businesses. The firm manages multiple funds that primarily target the lower middle market, utilizing federal and state incentive programs along with public policy investment strategies to maximize growth potential and support rapid development for its portfolio companies.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

HUB International Limited is a prominent global insurance brokerage that offers a diverse range of insurance and advisory services. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides business insurance products such as commercial property, general liability, cyber liability, and professional liability, alongside employee benefits including health and retirement planning. HUB International also delivers personal insurance solutions for property, casualty, health, and life. Its comprehensive services extend to risk management, claims management, and human resources consulting. The firm caters to various industries, including agribusiness, construction, healthcare, and education, with a network of over 300 satellite offices across North America and Brazil. HUB International’s structure allows it to address local market needs effectively while maintaining consistent operational standards. The company is recognized among the largest insurance brokers in the world, emphasizing its commitment to helping clients evaluate and manage their risks.

AFWERX is a United States Air Force program established in 2017, based in Las Vegas, Nevada, aimed at promoting innovation within the military. The organization seeks to expand the defense industrial base through the development of advanced technologies and the empowerment of Airmen and Guardian talent. AFWERX accelerates the transition of technology into operational capabilities, focusing on various fields including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, energy, and aviation. Its efforts encompass a wide range of applications such as mission readiness, training, software development, and advanced manufacturing, all designed to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the Air Force and its operations.

BlueCross BlueShield Venture Partners (BCBSVP), established in 2008 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a corporate venture fund program supported by twenty-nine Blue Cross Blue Shield entities, which have collectively committed over $500 million across three investment funds. BCBSVP focuses on early-stage healthcare investments that align with the strategic interests of Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. The program aims to identify and support promising emerging companies that can drive innovation within the healthcare sector. By partnering with these companies, BCBSVP provides its portfolio access to resources that facilitate the scaling of innovative solutions. Sandbox Industries serves as the exclusive provider of investment management services for BCBSVP, ensuring a targeted approach to investment in the healthcare industry.

KKR is a global investment firm founded in 1976 and headquartered in New York. The firm specializes in managing a diverse range of alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, and credit, often in collaboration with strategic partners who manage hedge funds. KKR aims to generate strong investment returns through a disciplined approach, focusing on high-quality investment opportunities across various sectors such as technology, healthcare, and consumer services. The firm operates internationally, with offices in major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. KKR's investment strategies encompass various methods, including private equity buyouts, credit investments, and real estate financing, allowing it to adapt to changing market conditions and capitalize on unique opportunities. Through its comprehensive portfolio management, KKR seeks to drive growth and value creation for its investors and portfolio companies alike.

Kirenaga Partners LLC is an early-stage venture capital firm that specializes in investing in lower middle market companies, particularly those with annual revenues under $25 million. Founded in 2014 and based in Orlando, Florida, with an additional office in Bronxville, New York, Kirenaga focuses on transformative technologies that address significant social issues, including clean water, fresh food, and infection control. The firm aims to identify and support disruptive technologies with high growth potential, often providing the crucial funding of $1-3 million that other investors may overlook. Kirenaga employs a hands-on strategy to de-risk and scale its portfolio companies, ensuring they have sufficient runway and access to a broad network of professionals and resources. The firm prioritizes sectors such as advanced manufacturing, ag-tech, artificial intelligence, clean technology, and robotics, aligning its investment philosophy with the notion of achieving positive societal impact while generating returns.

Kinetic Ventures, L.L.C., founded in 1983 and based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with an additional office in Atlanta, Georgia, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments. The firm primarily focuses on the communications, information technology, and power and clean technology sectors. In communications, Kinetic Ventures looks for opportunities in last mile connectivity, wireless infrastructure, and mobile video, among others. In the information technology sector, the firm targets investments in mobile platforms, open source solutions, and security management. Its clean technology investments concentrate on smart grid technology and low carbon solutions. Kinetic Ventures typically invests between $2 million and $10 million per company and may consider larger investments through syndication. The firm generally prefers to invest in U.S.-based companies but is open to opportunities in Canada and select international markets. Kinetic Ventures seeks to secure a Board seat in its portfolio companies and typically exits investments through initial public offerings or acquisitions.

Bergen Asset Management, LLC is a New York-based global asset management firm specializing in equity investments in high-growth publicly-traded and private companies, primarily outside of the United States. The firm adopts a sector-agnostic approach but shows a preference for industries with potential for above-market medium-term appreciation. Additionally, Bergen manages the Bergen Special Opportunity Fund, which focuses on buyout investments.

Elemental Impact, established in 2009 and located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an impact investment firm dedicated to fostering positive change through strategic investments. The firm focuses on supporting companies in the energy, mobility, agriculture, circular economy, and water sectors. Elemental Impact aims to improve systems that significantly affect people's lives and has actively invested in numerous startups to facilitate this mission. By providing financial backing and resources, Elemental Impact contributes to the growth of innovative solutions that address critical global challenges.

Weld North is a private equity firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in digital and SaaS educational solutions, focusing on high-potential businesses within the education sector. In partnership with KKR, Weld North makes control investments aimed at accelerating growth through a commitment to enhancing customer experience, operational excellence, marketing strategies, and disciplined financial management. The firm prioritizes attracting talented professionals and recognizes the expertise needed to develop successful technology-enabled education initiatives. With a longer investment horizon, Weld North remains open to both organic growth and new investments, striving to achieve optimal outcomes for students, educators, and stakeholders in the education industry.

Lux Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2000, with offices in New York City and Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in founding, seed, early-stage, and growth investments, primarily in the physical and life sciences, as well as sectors such as biochemistry, material science, aerospace, and advanced technologies like machine learning and synthetic biology. Lux Capital actively supports entrepreneurs in developing successful businesses, leveraging its extensive expertise to enhance the connectivity and competitive edge of its portfolio companies. With assets under management totaling approximately $4 billion, the firm has played a significant role in founding over 20 companies, focusing on high-growth opportunities and innovative solutions across diverse industries.

1517 Fund is a venture capital investment firm established in 2015 and based in Telluride, Colorado. The firm specializes in providing pre-seed and seed funding to technology startups, particularly those led by makers, hackers, and scientists who operate outside traditional educational institutions. 1517 Fund aims to empower individuals who may not follow conventional paths by supporting their passion projects and encouraging a learn-by-doing approach. The fund focuses on early-stage companies in the software, hardware, and deep tech sectors, specifically targeting dropouts, renegade students, and innovative scientists. Through its investments, 1517 Fund seeks to foster the development of new technologies and ideas.

Prime Movers Lab is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming. The firm specializes in investing in startup and early-stage companies focused on deep technology innovations across a range of sectors, including energy, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and human augmentation. Prime Movers Lab targets investments that aim to transform industries and improve lives through scientific breakthroughs. The firm typically makes equity investments ranging from $0.25 million to $5 million but does not seek board representation, lead investments, or acquire controlling stakes. Additionally, it refrains from investing in publicly listed securities and co-investments. With a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, Prime Movers Lab leverages in-depth academic research and mentorship from experienced scientists to enhance the potential for success in the ventures it backs.

Base Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Berkeley, California, founded by Erik Moore. Established in 2012, the firm specializes in seed and pre-seed investments, primarily targeting technology companies, including those in financial technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and industrial sectors. The firm aims to support innovative start-ups that leverage technology to enhance production, distribution, and operational processes. Its portfolio includes notable companies such as AngelList, StyleSeat, and PlanGrid, and it has achieved successful exits with companies like Socialcam and Appstores. Base Ventures focuses on identifying opportunities that drive modernization across various markets.

CIBC, or Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, has been providing banking services in Canada since 1867 and operates over 1,000 branches, along with more than 4,000 ATMs. The bank’s investment banking subsidiary, CIBC World Markets, engages in both domestic and international equity and debt capital markets, offering services such as mergers and acquisitions, capital market products, and advisory services. CIBC Asset Management Inc. focuses on managing investments for high net worth individuals, corporations, and various institutions, offering tailored portfolios, mutual funds, and hedge funds. The firm employs a combination of fundamental and quantitative analysis to invest in public equity and fixed income markets globally. Additionally, CIBC Capital Partners specializes in venture capital and private equity investments, primarily targeting mid and late-stage companies, particularly in sectors like healthcare, biotechnology, and technology. CIBC's comprehensive suite of services positions it as a significant player in the Canadian financial landscape.

FirstMark Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm located in New York City, established in 2008 as a spin-out from Pequot Capital Management. The firm focuses on partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs who are addressing significant challenges across various sectors, particularly in technology, consumer, and enterprise industries. FirstMark Capital has cultivated a strong community among the teams within its network, facilitating the exchange of ideas and opportunities. The firm has had the privilege of collaborating with founders from notable companies such as Pinterest, Shopify, Airbnb, and Riot Games, among others. Its investment strategy encompasses a range of markets, including the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Scotiabank, founded in 1832 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is a leading financial institution that serves approximately 21 million customers in over 55 countries. The bank offers a comprehensive range of banking products and services, including personal and commercial banking, investment banking, wealth management, and insurance. Its private equity arm focuses on middle-market investments, specializing in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer products. Scotiabank typically invests between $5 million and $25 million in companies, seeking both minority and majority ownership stakes. With a commitment to managing risk and capital effectively, Scotiabank aims to support individuals, businesses, and communities in achieving financial success. The organization employs over 86,000 people dedicated to understanding customer needs and delivering tailored financial solutions.

Factor[e] Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2003, headquartered in Fort Collins, Colorado, with an additional office in Nairobi, Kenya. The firm focuses on early and seed-stage investments in emerging markets, particularly in East Africa and India, although it is open to opportunities in other regions. Factor[e] Ventures targets disruptive technologies that address critical challenges in energy, agriculture, mobility, waste, and sanitation. The firm typically invests between 250,000 and 750,000 in equity to support innovative solutions that promote sustainable development. By bridging the gap between philanthropic and commercial investors, Factor[e] Ventures aims to foster market-driven approaches to de-carbonized development in some of the world's fastest-growing markets.

Gaingels is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont. It specializes in investing in companies led by LGBT+ founders and C-suite leaders across various stages of growth, as well as in established firms aiming to create more inclusive teams. With a global portfolio of over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels actively supports its portfolio by helping to identify and recruit diverse talent for leadership roles. The firm fosters a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, operators, and entrepreneurs who are united in their mission to drive positive social change through business and successful investments.

C.V. Starr & Co, established in 1919 and based in New York, is a privately-held global financial services company that specializes in insurance and travel assistance. The company provides a comprehensive range of property and casualty insurance products, including accident and health insurance, as well as specialized coverages such as aviation, marine, and energy insurance. C.V. Starr & Co also offers essential services related to claims management, risk assessment, loss control, and reinsurance, catering to diverse business needs. Its operations extend through various offices across major U.S. cities, ensuring accessibility and support for its policyholders. The company is part of Starr Companies, which encompasses multiple insurance entities and investment subsidiaries, enhancing its capacity to deliver customized solutions in the insurance sector.