Elevate Ventures is a not-for-profit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, dedicated to nurturing and developing high-potential businesses across the state. Founded in 2011, it focuses on emerging companies that identify market needs and are positioned to transition effectively from research to product development and market entry. Elevate Ventures conducts rigorous business analysis and provides robust advisory services, partnering with entrepreneurs, investors, and local organizations to enhance long-term success. The firm targets innovation-driven companies across various sectors, including software, life sciences, and hardtech, particularly those with a significant presence in Indiana and a minimum total addressable market of $500 million. By addressing market barriers such as management, business development, and talent retention, Elevate Ventures not only offers financial resources but also ensures sustained business growth and success. Its seasoned staff and external partners provide objective insights and recommendations, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to fostering high-performing companies that contribute to the local economy.

Red Cedar Ventures, founded in 2014 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, is a venture capital firm that concentrates on supporting startup companies affiliated with Michigan State University. The firm aims to accelerate the commercialization of university technologies by providing growth-stage capital to ventures that have already secured lead funding from other venture capital firms. Their latest initiative, Michigan Rise, focuses on pre-seed to Series A investments and seeks to bolster Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem across various industries. By investing in early-stage technology entrepreneurs and companies, Red Cedar Ventures plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and economic development within the state.

Invest Nebraska Corporation, founded in 2002 and located in Lincoln, Nebraska, is a venture capital firm that focuses on seed, early-stage, and growth capital investments across various sectors, including Internet-of-Things, medical devices, financial technology, cloud services, food technology, e-commerce, insurance technology, agriculture technology, healthcare software, biotechnology, life sciences, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. The firm primarily invests in companies based in Nebraska or those willing to relocate to the state, typically committing around $250,000 to businesses with revenues up to $1 million. Invest Nebraska may provide funding through equity, debt, or convertible debt instruments and often seeks a position on the Board of Directors or its subcommittees. The firm is dedicated to fostering economic growth in Nebraska by supporting high-impact entrepreneurs and collaborating with strategic partners, government entities, and educational institutions.

MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Michigan Rise is a venture capital firm based in East Lansing, Michigan, established in 2020 as a subsidiary of the Michigan State University Foundation. The firm is committed to supporting innovative technology startups in Michigan, particularly in sectors such as advanced automotive and mobility, advanced manufacturing, agricultural processing, alternative energy, homeland security, information technology, life sciences, and medical devices. Michigan Rise operates the Pre-Seed Fund III, which provides capital support, coaching, and assistance with grant funding to help entrepreneurs advance their projects toward commercialization. This initiative is backed by funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan State University Foundation, which has a long-standing mission to foster economic development through the commercialization of new intellectual property. Through its efforts, Michigan Rise aims to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Michigan and contribute to the state's economic growth.

LiveOak Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in the technology and technology-driven services sectors within Texas and the Southwest. LiveOak is a full lifecycle investor, often beginning its relationships at the seed stage, and it actively supports companies in various aspects of their development. As a Registered Investment Adviser, LiveOak aims to identify and nurture promising startups, contributing to the growth of the regional technology ecosystem.

Rev1 Fund II is a venture capital fund managed by Rev1 Ventures, an Ohio-based investment firm established in 2005. Located in Columbus, Ohio, Rev1 Fund II focuses on seed-stage investments across various sectors, including software, advanced manufacturing, fintech, health-tech, insur-tech, and life sciences. The fund typically invests between $0.5 million and $2 million per company, supporting startups that address significant market needs. Rev1 Ventures operates a startup studio that combines capital and strategic services, aiming to help startups scale and facilitate innovation within corporations. With over $100 million in capital under management, Rev1 has built a reputation for being one of the most active venture capital firms in the Great Lakes Region, connecting entrepreneurs with corporate partners to enhance access to customers and markets.

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.

Silverton Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies across various sectors, including business software, consumer internet, cloud services, and enterprise software. Silverton Partners primarily focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in Texas and beyond, leveraging the extensive operational backgrounds of its investment team to actively assist portfolio companies in achieving success. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Silverton Partners is committed to fostering innovation and growth within the technology landscape.

Capital Factory, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in technology companies across the United States. It serves as a hub for entrepreneurs in Texas, offering resources, mentorship, and coworking space. The firm has become a pivotal player in the state's startup ecosystem, attracting over 200,000 entrepreneurs, programmers, and designers for various events and networking opportunities. With a presence in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Capital Factory connects emerging entrepreneurs with their first investors, employees, mentors, and customers. It has been recognized as the most active investor in Texas since 2013, particularly in the software, media, and technology sectors.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado. The firm focuses on co-investing in series A deals led by institutional venture funds, primarily targeting seed-stage companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and healthcare. In addition to its general investment strategy, Service Provider Capital manages the Midwest Fund I and Fund II, which concentrate on software and healthcare technology systems in the Midwest region of the United States. The firm typically prefers to take minority stakes in its investments and engages in syndication to diversify its portfolio.

Innova Memphis, established in 2007 by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, is a venture capital firm located in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments in high-growth companies within the biosciences, technology, and agri-tech sectors. Innova aims to connect capital with innovative ideas to develop groundbreaking products and services. By investing in start-ups, the firm not only supports their growth but also facilitates partnerships with established corporations for licensing or further investment opportunities. With a team experienced in management and market expertise, Innova is equipped to transform concepts into viable business units ready to compete in the market. Their approach combines technical knowledge, proven staffing, and appropriate funding to maximize the potential for success in the competitive landscape.

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.

Mercury Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Houston, Texas, with an additional office in Ann Arbor. Established in 2005, the firm manages over $200 million and focuses on investing in technology-related startups in the U.S. Midcontinent. Mercury targets companies within sectors such as software as a service (SaaS), cloud computing, data, and artificial intelligence. The firm supports both new entrepreneurs in need of guidance and experienced founders looking to capitalize on the resources available in Middle America. Mercury has gained recognition as a prominent venture capital partner for entrepreneurs who have achieved product-market fit and are poised for growth.

Serra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Champaign, Illinois, founded in 1998. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies primarily located in emerging Midwest technology centers, as well as selected areas on the West Coast. Serra Ventures targets investments in various sectors, including information technology, deep technology, instrumentation, software as a service, devices, and agricultural technologies. By concentrating on these areas, Serra Ventures aims to support the growth of innovative companies that contribute to the technological landscape in the Midwest and beyond.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992 and based in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments, primarily targeting small businesses at various stages of development, from early to later stages, excluding seed investments. Advantage Capital focuses on investing in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports state and local economic development initiatives. It seeks opportunities in sectors such as communication, information technology, telecommunications, business services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and energy, while also considering investments in rural agricultural businesses. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales of less than $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital also provides various forms of debt capital and prefers co-investing with other firms. The firm is committed to addressing the financing needs of underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities lacking traditional sources of risk capital.

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.

Launch Tennessee is a public-private partnership established in 2012, located in Nashville, Tennessee, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs throughout their business journey, from ideation to exit. The organization aims to make Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the U.S., encouraging entrepreneurs to develop their companies and create jobs within the state. Launch Tennessee focuses on investing in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies across various sectors, including business products, consumer services, healthcare, and information technology. Through its initiatives, Launch Tennessee fosters an environment conducive to innovation and economic growth in the region.

Next Coast Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, established in 2015. The firm specializes in providing early-stage capital to high-growth technology startups, focusing on seed and later-stage investments. Next Coast Ventures targets innovative companies in sectors such as workplace solutions, healthcare and wellness, retail, and marketplace software, primarily in Texas and other non-coastal regions. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach to company building, leveraging a robust industry network and the entrepreneurial experience of its team to support its portfolio companies. Through its investment strategy, Next Coast Ventures aims to capitalize on macro trends, partnering with bold entrepreneurs to foster growth in significant markets.

Valor Equity Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Chicago, established in 1995. The firm specializes in making investments across various stages of company development, including seed-stage, early-stage, growth-stage, and late-stage investments. Valor primarily focuses on sectors such as industrial products, manufacturing, infrastructure services, healthcare, food technology, retail technology, fintech, and clean energy. The firm seeks to partner with high-growth companies and entrepreneurs who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and industry transformation. Investment sizes typically range from $10 million to $75 million for new platforms, while add-on investments do not have a minimum size requirement. Valor Equity Partners primarily invests in North America and India, aiming to support companies with revenues between $30 million and $200 million. The firm prefers to take a leading role in investments, pursuing both control and non-control equity opportunities.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is an insurance company based in Richardson, Texas. Established in 1929, the company provides health, property, and casualty insurance products. The company is still focused on providing financially sound healthcare coverage. It operates as a subsidiary of the Health Care Service Corporation. The assets are managed by the executive team.

The Otto Bremer Trust Foundation is an independent foundation based in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Established in 1944, the foundation assists people in achieving full economic, civic, and social participation in and for the betterment of their communities. The trust makes a measurable and meaningful impact for positive change in communities throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, and western Wisconsin. The assets of the foundation are managed by the executive management team.

Innovate Alabama is working to lead the way in innovation by making it easier for innovators and entrepreneurs to grow and plant roots.

CincyTech is a Cincinnati-based venture capital firm founded in 2006, specializing in seed-stage investments primarily in healthcare, technology, and life sciences. The firm focuses on transforming innovative ideas into viable companies mainly in Southwest Ohio. CincyTech offers both capital and advisory support to entrepreneurs and assists research institutions in commercializing their technologies. It is recognized as one of the most active seed funds in the Midwest, receiving backing from various sources including Ohio Third Frontier, local foundations, corporations, and municipalities. The firm actively seeks investments in sectors such as information technology, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing, targeting early-stage companies that are either based in or willing to relocate to Southwest Ohio. Through its strategic partnerships, including collaborations with Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati, CincyTech aims to catalyze investment and foster regional economic growth.

Cultivation Capital is a venture capital firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting Seed to Series B funding rounds. Its investment strategy focuses on technology companies across various sectors, including life sciences, healthcare, agriculture, software, and information technology. Cultivation Capital typically makes initial investments ranging from $100,000 to $3.5 million, with an emphasis on supporting startups in their growth phases. The firm manages multiple funds, including those dedicated to life sciences and technology, aiming to foster innovation and development in these critical industries. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Cultivation Capital is committed to guiding emerging companies toward successful trajectories in the competitive market landscape.

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in seed ventures, early-stage investments, and private equity deals, primarily focusing on emerging restaurants, beverages, lifestyle consumer brands, agTech, and technologies for the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Cleveland Avenue leverages its extensive resources and expertise to support innovative companies and their founders, aiming to foster growth and success in the food and beverage industry. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to making impactful investments that align with its strategic vision.

Austin Ventures, established in 1979 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, specializes in venture capital and private equity investments. The firm focuses on early-stage and middle-market companies, particularly in the technology, business services, industrial services, construction, energy, oilfield, food services, and digital media sectors. It seeks to partner with talented executives and entrepreneurs, primarily investing in businesses located in Texas, with a specific interest in the Austin and Houston areas. For early-stage investments, Austin Ventures typically commits between $0.5 million and $10 million initially, with total investments ranging from $10 million to $20 million. In contrast, its middle-market investments usually range from $25 million to $75 million, targeting companies with EBITDA between $10 million and $40 million. The firm prefers to take lead positions in its investments and aims for a board seat in most cases. Austin Ventures is recognized for its strategic approach to connecting emerging businesses with the necessary resources for growth.

ATX Seed Ventures, established in 2014 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments primarily in technology companies across the United States. The firm focuses on seed, Series A, and early-stage B2B software investments, with a particular emphasis on disruptive technologies. Its investment portfolio spans various sectors, including cloud technology, business-to-business payments, artificial intelligence, supply chain technology, human resources technology, insurtech, fintech, big data, advanced manufacturing, and software-as-a-service. ATX Seed Ventures aims to support innovative companies that are shaping the future of their respective industries.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in major cities across North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies with an alumni connection and supported by established institutional lead investors. Alumni Ventures aims to provide accredited investors, particularly alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, with access to diversified venture portfolios that span various sectors and geographic regions. The firm typically invests between $0.01 million and $3 million and does not require board or observer seats in its portfolio companies. Through its managed fund families, Alumni Ventures enables investors to participate in a collaborative investment approach, fostering connections among alumni while facilitating investment opportunities in innovative ventures.

S3 Ventures is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2007 and based in Austin, Texas, with an additional office in Houston. The firm specializes in making investments in seed, Series A, B, and C stages, primarily focusing on sectors such as information technology, medical devices, enterprise software, SaaS, marketing, and financial services. S3 Ventures concentrates its efforts in the Southwestern United States, particularly in Texas and Austin, and typically invests between $10 million and $20 million per equity transaction. The firm aims to exit its investments through acquisitions or initial public offerings. Its mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary capital and resources to develop impactful companies.

JumpStart, Inc. is a Cleveland-based venture capital firm established in 2004 that focuses on investing in early-stage companies, particularly those led by women and minority entrepreneurs. The firm specializes in a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, cleantech, life sciences, and advanced materials. JumpStart primarily targets companies in Northeast Ohio and seeks investments between $0.05 million and $1.5 million in firms with less than $5 million in revenues, aiming for substantial growth within five to seven years. The firm’s investment strategy excludes lifestyle businesses and emphasizes high-potential ventures that can achieve significant market impact. In addition to providing capital, JumpStart offers entrepreneurial development assistance and collaborates with regional leaders to strengthen the local innovation ecosystem, promoting economic inclusion and the success of diverse entrepreneurs. The firm looks to exit its investments through acquisitions or initial public offerings, often seeking a seat on the board of its portfolio companies.

Sputnik ATX is a venture capital fund and startup accelerator based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2017. It focuses on funding early-stage maker-founders across a diverse range of industries, including fintech, software, consumer products, and healthcare services. By providing capital, training, and experience, Sputnik ATX aims to help startups effectively grow and address real-world problems. The firm runs two accelerator cohorts each year, with participating companies receiving investments between $100,000 and $500,000 through a SAFE note. While the fund primarily invests in alumni from its accelerator program, it occasionally considers other opportunities. Sputnik ATX's investment portfolio includes companies in sectors ranging from revolutionary podcasting analytics to oil pipeline corrosion, reflecting its commitment to supporting innovative solutions that generate substantial consumer value.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services across multiple states, including the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky. It serves approximately 8.2 million electric customers and over 1.6 million natural gas customers, demonstrating a significant presence in the energy sector. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas. Furthermore, Duke Energy is committed to sustainability and includes a range of renewable energy assets in its portfolio. Founded in 1837 and originally known as Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company, Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and continues to play a vital role in powering communities while focusing on reliable and clean energy solutions.

Hyde Park Venture Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in seed and series A funding rounds, targeting high-growth technology companies. Its investment focus includes sectors such as software-as-a-service, technology-enabled services, consumer marketplaces, and healthcare IT. While it primarily concentrates on startups in the Midwest, particularly in cities like Toronto, Atlanta, and Chicago, it also considers companies outside the region if they have a graduate from The University of Chicago in an executive management role. Hyde Park Venture Partners typically invests between $0.1 million and $2.5 million, actively engaging in mentoring portfolio companies on product development and business strategy. The firm often co-invests with Hyde Park Angels, demonstrating its commitment to supporting early-stage ventures.

Chicago Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in seed-stage and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on businesses in healthcare, technology, and various service sectors within Chicago and the central United States. The firm partners with exceptional entrepreneurs in undercapitalized markets, seeking companies that demonstrate a strong value proposition for their products or services. Chicago Ventures typically makes initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, targeting industries such as information technology, consumer products, financial services, and advanced manufacturing, among others. By concentrating on well-managed technology-enabled companies, Chicago Ventures aims to foster growth and innovation in the regional startup ecosystem.

Pritzker Group is a privately owned investment holding firm based in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1996, it operates through three subsidiaries: Pritzker Group Private Capital, Pritzker Group Venture Capital, and Pritzker Group Asset Management. Pritzker Group Private Capital focuses on middle-market acquisitions, management-led buyouts, and corporate divestitures, primarily in the manufactured products, services, and healthcare sectors. Pritzker Group Venture Capital specializes in seed to late-stage investments in technology companies, emphasizing areas such as consumer technology, healthcare IT, and artificial intelligence. The firm typically invests between $2 million and $8 million initially, with total investments in a company reaching $15 million to $20 million. Pritzker Group Asset Management manages investments in public equity markets and collaborates with external investment managers. The firm's commitment to building strong partnerships with management teams and entrepreneurs aligns with its strategy of providing flexible capital solutions to foster growth and innovation.

Invest Detroit, founded in 1995, is a Michigan-based firm focused on fostering economic growth in the Detroit region through various investment strategies. The organization targets small and mid-sized industries by providing a range of debt financing options, including bridge financing, junior debt, and loans for acquisition and refinancing. Additionally, Invest Detroit Ventures plays a critical role in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting early-stage companies, particularly those founded on unique intellectual property-based technologies. The firm emphasizes community engagement and mentorship while promoting an inclusive investment strategy that champions minority, immigrant, and women entrepreneurs. Through its efforts, Invest Detroit aims to strengthen the tech community and drive scalable business development in Detroit and across Michigan.

High Alpha, established in 2015 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, operates as a B2B SaaS venture studio and private equity firm. The organization focuses on conceiving, launching, and scaling B2B SaaS companies through a combination of studio services, which encompass design, finance, talent acquisition, marketing, branding, and go-to-market strategies. Additionally, High Alpha Capital invests in both its studio companies and emerging B2B SaaS entities, targeting early-stage technology firms within the United States. This integrated approach represents a distinctive model for entrepreneurship, aimed at reducing friction and increasing the operational velocity of startups, ultimately helping them achieve enterprise-scale growth.

Gener8tor is a nationally recognized accelerator firm based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, founded in 2012. It invests in high-growth startups across various sectors, including software, IT, e-commerce, and life sciences. Gener8tor runs a 12-week accelerator program three times a year, selecting five startups per cohort to receive $100,000 each, along with a comprehensive mentorship experience. The firm leverages a robust network of mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors, and venture capitalists to foster startup growth. Additionally, Gener8tor manages a venture capital fund that aims to invest in multiple companies, primarily within the software and technology sectors. As a member of the Global Accelerator Network, Gener8tor has achieved GOLD-tier status in the U.S. based on rankings from the Seed Accelerator Rankings Project, underscoring its commitment to supporting entrepreneurial endeavors.

The Nashville Entrepreneur Center, founded in 2010, is an incubator located in Nashville, Tennessee, dedicated to fostering the growth of businesses across various sectors, including business-to-business services, finance technology, health care, digital media, entertainment, and social enterprise. The center aims to make Nashville a premier destination for entrepreneurs seeking to start or expand their businesses. It offers a range of programs tailored to the specific developmental needs of companies at different stages. Additionally, the Entrepreneur Center provides memberships that grant access to physical workspaces and a community of supportive entrepreneurs, enhancing collaboration and networking opportunities within the local business ecosystem.

North Coast Ventures, based in Cleveland, Ohio, is a venture capital firm established in 2006 that focuses on early-stage technology investments. The firm manages four contributed capital funds and is composed of prominent investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from the region. Members actively contribute by generating deal flow, participating in due diligence, and engaging with portfolio companies to foster their growth. North Coast Ventures aims to enhance the early-stage funding landscape in Northeast Ohio, a region with a rich history of angel investing. The firm primarily targets seed-stage and early-stage companies, with particular interest in business-to-business and software-as-a-service sectors. Through its professional management and collaborative approach, North Coast Ventures seeks to provide a supportive environment for entrepreneurs while improving investment outcomes.

Right Side Capital Management is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the pre-seed round of technology startups. Right Side Capital Management aims to support companies with capital-efficient business models that are typically located outside major hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. The firm invests in a range of technology sectors, including internet and cloud technologies, and operates primarily within the United States and Canada, with occasional investments in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. Right Side Capital Management conducts 75 to 100 investments annually, with portfolio companies spanning 19 states. The firm seeks to provide a clear response to entrepreneurs within two weeks, with investments generally ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 and pre-money valuations between $1 million and $3 million.

Detroit Venture Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Detroit, Michigan, established in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing primarily on seed and Series A funding rounds. It targets a range of sectors, including technology, digital media, marketing technology, e-commerce, software, and social media, while specifically avoiding investments in biotech and advanced manufacturing. Detroit Venture Partners aims to support passionate entrepreneurs who are committed to building meaningful companies. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $750,000 per transaction, with the potential for follow-on investments ranging from $2 million to $3 million. While it primarily invests in companies within the United States, it places a particular emphasis on opportunities in Detroit and Ontario.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota (BCBSM) is an insurance company located in St. Paul, Minnesota, founded in 1933. It specializes in offering a range of health insurance products, including health, dental, and prescription drug coverage plans tailored for individuals and families. The organization is managed by an executive team responsible for overseeing its assets and operations, ensuring that it meets the healthcare needs of its members effectively.

Allos Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Carmel, Indiana, established in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, primarily targeting business-to-business software and technology-enabled service companies in the Midwest. Allos Ventures aims to bridge the funding gap for early-stage companies in this region, where there is a notable disparity between the number of startups seeking venture capital and the available investment. The firm primarily augments capital provided by angel investors, assisting companies in their transition to institutional financing. With a commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs, Allos Ventures has raised multiple funds, including the Allos Opportunity Fund, which targets revenue-generating technology and healthcare companies. The firm's limited partners often include experienced entrepreneurs and executives, further strengthening its connection to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Midwest.

OCA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, established in 1999. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, targeting companies with significant growth potential. OCA Ventures primarily invests in technology and highly-scalable services businesses, with a strong preference for sectors such as software, fintech, healthcare technology, and education. The firm is currently deploying capital from its fourth fund, investing predominantly in companies located in the United States and Canada.

The Houston Angel Network (HAN) is the oldest and most active angel network in Texas, recognized as a leading organization for early-stage investments in the United States. Since its establishment in 2001, HAN members have collectively invested over $61.7 million across 198 deals, with notable activity in 2014 when they invested $15.3 million in 66 deals. The network comprises accredited individual investors who are committed to supporting emerging companies through both capital and mentorship. In addition to individual members, HAN includes institutional members such as seed funds, accelerators, universities, and other entities that contribute to the innovation ecosystem. As a non-profit association, HAN does not impose fees on entrepreneurs, relying instead on membership dues and sponsorships for its revenue.

Lightbank is a Chicago-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in seed and series A investments across various sectors, including fintech, consumer goods, technology, life sciences, and energy. The firm aims to support emerging entrepreneurs by filling gaps in the market and empowering innovative founders who are willing to take significant risks. Lightbank actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering more than just financial support, and strives to accelerate their growth through its extensive network. The firm is committed to identifying and partnering with promising businesses, regardless of location, and believes that great ventures can emerge anywhere.

Moonshots Capital, founded in 2014 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm that focuses on seed stage investments in technology startups. The firm targets exceptional founders who are creating innovative products in large and growing markets, aiming to "re-imagine" work and personal life. Moonshots Capital adopts a disciplined investment approach to identify companies with significant growth potential, often referred to as "moonshot" opportunities. The firm invests across various sectors, including dual-use technology, fintech, cybersecurity, consumer internet, and web3. Additionally, it operates as a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA).

Ohio Innovation Fund is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments, primarily within the technology and life sciences sectors. Founded in 2016 and based in Columbus, Ohio, the firm focuses on companies that are either based in Ohio or have connections to the state. It typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000, with potential investments of up to $1.25 million contingent on achieving specific milestones. The firm is particularly interested in sectors such as medical technology, biopharma, augmented and virtual reality, advanced manufacturing, software as a service, artificial intelligence, machine learning, cybersecurity, and mobility. Ohio Innovation Fund aims to provide not only financial support but also expertise to help foster innovation and growth in early-stage companies.