Venture Kick is a private philanthropic initiative based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007 to support Swiss startups at the pre-seed stage. It provides up to 150,000 Swiss francs in funding and offers structured entrepreneurial training aimed at developing sustainable businesses. Entrepreneurs participate in a competitive process, pitching their ideas up to three times for increasing funding amounts, while receiving valuable feedback from expert juries. To date, Venture Kick has supported 600 startup projects with a total of 24.9 million francs, leading to the incorporation of 454 active companies that have created over 6,000 jobs and attracted approximately 2.49 billion francs in subsequent investments. Companies founded by Venture Kick alumni have notably achieved significant recognition, with 55 percent of the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award in 2018 represented by these ventures. In 2019, the initiative aimed to allocate 4.35 million francs to support idea-stage projects, facilitating the transition of Swiss scientific innovations to global markets.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments in high-tech startups. Established in 2005, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including information and communication technology, life sciences, healthcare, automation, and cleantech. HTGF typically invests in companies that have been operational for no more than one year, aiming to contribute up to €0.6 million in initial funding and up to €3 million in follow-on financing. The firm seeks a minority stake, generally around 15%, and provides a subordinated loan convertible into equity, with deferred interest for up to four years to support liquidity. With a total investment volume of approximately €895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully supported over 500 startups and attracted more than €2 billion in follow-on investments from external sources. The firm's investors include notable public and private entities, underscoring its role as a key player in fostering innovation and growth within the German startup ecosystem.

Speedinvest, established in 2011, is a European venture capital firm headquartered in Vienna, Austria, with additional offices in Berlin, London, Munich, Paris, San Francisco, and a focus on Central and Eastern Europe. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, typically providing between €0.25 million to €3 million, and takes minority stakes, usually up to 20%. Speedinvest invests in sectors such as deep tech, fintech, industrial tech, marketplaces, consumer tech, and digital health, with a hands-on approach, often taking operational roles in portfolio companies for up to a year. The firm aims to provide more than just capital, offering operational support, growth marketing, HR, US business development, and networking assistance through its in-house Platform+ team.

Bayern Kapital GmbH, established in 1995 and located in Landshut, Germany, serves as the venture capital arm of LfA Förderbank Bayern. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to small and medium-sized enterprises exclusively within Bavaria, focusing on high-tech sectors such as biotechnology, life sciences, information technology, medical technology, new materials, nanotechnology, and environmental technology. Bayern Kapital aims to support the financing of research and development, market launches of new products, and expansion of existing market shares. The company typically invests between €0.25 million and €9 million in firms with annual sales up to €50 million or total assets not exceeding €43 million. Bayern Kapital has invested in over 250 companies, managing funds valued at approximately €340 million.

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Munich and Berlin, established in 2000. Formerly known as HV Holtzbrinck Ventures, the firm is recognized as one of Europe's leading early-stage and growth investors, specializing in internet and technology sectors. With a total fund size of €1.7 billion, HV Capital has invested in approximately 200 companies, including notable names like Zalando, Delivery Hero, FlixMobility, and SumUp. The firm supports startups with capital ranging from €500,000 to €50 million, enabling it to finance companies across all growth phases. HV Capital focuses on various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, mobility, and education, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation in diverse sectors.

The European Innovation Council (EIC), established in 2020 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is dedicated to supporting high-potential innovators, entrepreneurs, small enterprises, and researchers. Its primary focus is on fostering early-stage startups that demonstrate significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. The EIC collaborates with private investors to co-invest in ventures, particularly within the deep technology sector, aiming to drive innovation and sustainable development across Europe. By providing financial backing and resources, the EIC seeks to enhance the growth potential of promising startups and contribute to a more innovative and competitive European economy.

Zürcher Kantonalbank is a Swiss commercial bank established in 1870 and headquartered in Zurich. It operates as an independent public-law institution, wholly owned by the canton of Zurich, and adheres to a public service mandate that encompasses economic, social, and environmental commitments. The bank provides a variety of financial services, including savings and investment accounts, mortgage loans, investment management, and professional financing advisory services, primarily for Swiss and German clients. Additionally, Zürcher Kantonalbank offers international banking services such as international payments, letters of credit, export financing, and bank guarantees. It also caters to institutional, professional, and private investors with a range of investment solutions and advisory services.

SICTIC is a non-profit association based in Switzerland, established in 2014, that focuses on connecting early-stage technology startups with a robust community of angel investors. With offices in Zürich, Lausanne, and Ticino, SICTIC organizes online deal flow and matchmaking, as well as in-person pitching events to facilitate these connections. Since 2018, it has emerged as the largest and most active business angel network in the country, recognized for its significant contributions to the startup ecosystem, including being named "Best Performing EBAN Member 2018" among over 150 member organizations worldwide. Through its efforts, SICTIC plays a vital role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Switzerland.

EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.

Verve Ventures is a European startup investment platform based in Zug, Switzerland, that focuses on providing qualified and institutional investors access to high-potential ventures. Founded in 2010, the firm has invested over EUR 130 million in more than 140 startups across various sectors, including science, technology, clean energy, and digital health. It operates a fully digital platform allowing private investors to build diversified portfolios with investments starting at EUR 10,000. Verve Ventures boasts a community of 5,000 registered investors, including family offices and pension funds, and is backed by Zürcher Kantonalbank, one of Switzerland's largest banks. The firm employs a dedicated team of investment professionals who rigorously screen thousands of startups annually to select the top 1% for investment. Beyond capital, Verve Ventures supports startups with essential resources such as hiring and client introductions, facilitating their growth and success in competitive markets.

B2venture is a venture capital firm established in 2000 and based in Saint Gallen, Switzerland. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on high-growth companies within various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, advanced materials, biotech, climate technology, fintech, healthcare, logistics, and more. B2venture invests over EUR 100 million annually, with individual investment sizes ranging from EUR 0.25 million to EUR 3.5 million. Through its targeted approach, the firm aims to support innovative companies across Europe, fostering advancements in technology and business solutions.

High-Tech Gründerfonds, established in 2005, is a German venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on high-tech sectors such as information and communication technology, life sciences, and industrial technology. The firm invests in seed/startup companies based in Germany, with a typical investment range of €0.5 to €2 million, and up to €4 million in follow-on financing. High-Tech Gründerfonds seeks a minority stake, usually around 15%, and holds its investments for approximately seven years. It typically acts as the lead investor and co-invests with other investors. The firm's investors include government ministries, research institutions, and industry corporations.

IBG Beteiligungsgesellschaft Sachsen-Anhalt mbH is a venture capital firm located in Magdeburg, Germany, specializing in seed, start-up, early venture, growth stage, and mezzanine investments. Established in 2000, the firm primarily targets technology-oriented companies in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, focusing on sectors such as computer software, industrial products, environmental technology, healthcare, biotechnology, and renewable energies. IBG Beteiligungsgesellschaft typically invests up to €10 million per company, aiming for minority stakes of up to 24.9 percent and intending to hold investments for five to seven years. The firm is also open to co-investment opportunities, further supporting innovation and growth in various high-tech industries.

Picus Capital is an early-stage technology investment firm based in Munich, Germany, established in 2015. The firm focuses on making pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments in various sectors, including financial services, human resources, energy and climate, healthcare, logistics and mobility, real estate and construction, crypto and web3, deeptech, and e-commerce. Picus Capital adopts a long-term investment philosophy, seeking exceptional founders committed to building category leaders over a period of 5 to 10 years or more. The firm emphasizes close collaboration with its portfolio companies, offering strategic advice, marketing expertise, and access to a broad B2B and investor network. With a disciplined yet creative approach, Picus Capital has invested in over 50 companies, focusing on identifying ambitious investment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey.

Insight Partners, established in 1995, is a global private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. The company specializes in investing in growth-stage technology and software companies, with a particular focus on sectors such as Fintech, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, DevOps, and Healthcare. As of December 31, 2022, Insight Partners has over $75 billion in regulatory assets under management. The firm has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Insight Partners' mission is to partner with visionary executives, providing practical, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from initial investment to IPO.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), established in 1958, is a long-term lending institution owned by the EU Member States. Headquartered in Luxembourg, it offers a wide range of financing solutions, including project loans, loans to banks and intermediaries, venture capital funds, and equity investments. EIB also provides structured finance products, guarantees, and securitization instruments, along with advisory services for infrastructure projects, urban development, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Its portfolio is predominantly composed of loans (93.08%), with a small portion allocated to debt and fixed income, shares, and other assets. EIB's mission is to support European integration and social cohesion, primarily within the European Union and internationally.

Swisscom, headquartered in Ittigen, Switzerland, is the country's leading telecommunications company. With approximately 21,500 employees, it generates revenues of CHF 2.89 billion. Swisscom's primary business is providing fixed-line and mobile services, with a significant presence in Italy through its subsidiary Fastweb. The company is renowned for its sustainability efforts, ranking among the most sustainable in Switzerland and Europe. Swisscom Ventures, established in 2007, is the company's venture capital arm, investing in early-stage tech companies globally, with a focus on IT, digital media, and telecommunications.

FJ Labs, established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, is a stage-agnostic investment firm focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. It invests in seed and series A rounds, with a typical investment range of $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm's portfolio includes notable companies such as Alibaba Group, Beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, Adore Me, and Earnest, spanning sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and ad tech.

Saarländische Wagnisfinanzierungsgesellschaft, established in 1997 and based in Saarbrücken, Germany, is a venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology companies. The company aims to assist both emerging and established innovative firms in developing new products and enhancing their market presence by providing equity and quasi-equity financing. Through its investments, Saarländische Wagnisfinanzierungsgesellschaft seeks to foster growth in small and medium-sized enterprises within the technology sector, contributing to the advancement of innovation in the region.

Redalpine, established in 2006, is a Swiss venture capital firm headquartered in Zurich with a regional office in Berlin. The company specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing primarily on the information and communications technology, and health technology sectors. Redalpine provides financial investment, operational expertise, and a vast international network to support ambitious entrepreneurs in transforming their vision into reality. With over €1 billion in assets under management, the firm has backed several disruptive European software and science companies, such as N26, Taxfix, Inkitt, 9fin, Carvolution, vivenu, and Infinite Roots. Redalpine has invested in over 95 companies across Europe, with a typical investment size ranging from CHF 0.3 million to CHF 10 million per company. The firm seeks to invest in around 15 to 20 companies per fund, with an investment horizon of approximately 8 years. Redalpine also considers ESG investments.

Earlybird Venture Capital, established in 1997, is a prominent European venture capital firm headquartered in Berlin, Germany. With over EUR 2 billion under management, it invests across all stages of technology companies' development, from early-stage to growth. Earlybird is known for its strategic support and global network, having facilitated eight IPOs and 30 trade sales. Its investment focus spans various sectors, including information technology, SaaS, health tech, fintech, and e-commerce, with a particular emphasis on European and U.S. markets.

Atlantic Labs is an early-stage venture capital investment firm located in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2013. The firm focuses on supporting ambitious entrepreneurs by providing first-round investments to help them build innovative and impactful companies. Atlantic Labs has invested in over 150 startups, including notable names such as Soundcloud and GetYourGuide. The firm is particularly enthusiastic about emerging technologies and social challenges, with recent investments emphasizing decarbonization, artificial intelligence, and industrial automation. Atlantic Labs actively seeks to back mission-driven founders across various sectors, including digital health, future of work, mobility, fintech, and proptech, underscoring its commitment to fostering the growth of world-leading companies.

IBB Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1997 and based in Berlin, Germany. The firm specializes in seed, early, and mid-stage investments, focusing on technology-oriented companies and those from the creative industries. Its investment portfolio primarily includes sectors such as information and communication technology, life sciences, and industrial technologies, with particular interest in hardware, software, biotechnology, and automation. Additionally, IBB Ventures invests in sectors related to media and entertainment, including film, television, music, and design. The firm typically invests between €0.25 million and €3 million per transaction and prefers to take an active role by securing board seats in its portfolio companies.

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.

Allianz Global Investors, established in 1956, is a global investment management firm headquartered in Munich, Germany. With 23 offices across 18 countries, it offers a wide range of investment capabilities, including equity, fixed income, multi-asset, alternatives, and research. The firm serves both individual and institutional clients, managing over $436 billion in assets. Allianz Global Investors employs over 500 investment professionals, providing consultative local delivery with global investment and research capabilities. It is a subsidiary of Allianz SE, a strong parent company, and is known for its culture of risk management.

EQT is a global private equity and infrastructure firm founded in 1994, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It specializes in buyouts, expansion capital, and infrastructure investments, focusing on mid-market companies with strong growth potential. EQT invests across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, services, industrials, and real estate, with a particular emphasis on Northern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and the US. The firm seeks to unlock growth potential in its portfolio companies, positioning them as sustainable market leaders, and typically holds investments for four to eight years. EQT also prioritizes ESG and impact investments in its infrastructure portfolio.

SoftBank Group is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Japan. It operates through four segments: mobile communications, Sprint, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet. The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data transmission services, broadband services, internet advertising, e-commerce, and digital television. SoftBank Group also invests in various technologies through its venture capital arms, such as SoftBank Investment Advisers and SoftBank Vision Fund, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. One of its notable subsidiaries, SoftBank Robotics, designs and manufactures humanoid robots for various applications, including education, healthcare, and business.

Fongit is a startup incubator and accelerator located in Geneva, Switzerland, established in 1991. The organization focuses on supporting high-tech ventures, including startups, scale-ups, and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are experiencing rapid growth. Fongit collaborates with local research institutions, universities, and higher education establishments to foster innovation, particularly in the fields of information and communications technology (ICT), engineering, and life sciences. The incubator is committed to advancing technological innovations that align with Sustainable Development Goals, thereby promoting a sustainable future through entrepreneurial efforts.

Capnamic Ventures, established in 2013 and headquartered in Cologne, Germany, is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. The firm focuses on technology start-ups, primarily in the German-speaking region, with a particular interest in B2B solutions, digital infrastructure, and digital transformation. Capnamic invests between EUR 500,000 to EUR 3 million in its portfolio companies, drawing on the expertise of its general partners, who have a combined track record of over 70 investments, 30 successful trade sales, and 13 IPOs. The firm unites institutional and corporate investors, providing its portfolio companies with a unique network of sparring partners and customers.

Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen is a venture capital firm established in 2008 and based in Leipzig, Germany. The fund specializes in early-stage investments in high-tech startups with strong growth potential, primarily within Saxony, which is recognized as Europe's leading semiconductor cluster. It focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including business products, services, consumer products, information technology, energy, healthcare, life sciences, and software as a service (SaaS). Since its inception, Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen has invested in over 120 companies, with more than 40 investments made through its current fund, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

Project A Ventures, established in 2012 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in and supports technology companies. With over $1 billion in assets under management, the firm provides not only financial backing but also operational support, offering a team of over 100 experts in areas like software engineering, business intelligence, marketing, and recruiting. Project A focuses on sectors such as ad tech, e-commerce, fintech, digital health, and mobility, with notable portfolio companies including Trade Republic, sennder, and KRY. The firm's investment range typically spans from EUR 300,000 to EUR 5 million per round, with the potential for follow-on investments up to EUR 10 million.

SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.

WestTech Ventures is a Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 2013, specializing in pre-seed and seed investments in B2B software startups across Germany. The firm concentrates on sectors such as enterprise SaaS, automation, climate solutions, the future of work, and health, aiming to support companies that strive for a positive global impact through technology. With extensive experience from over 80 direct and indirect investments, WestTech Ventures positions itself as a knowledgeable partner in the startup ecosystem, fostering growth and innovation in emerging ventures.

Coparion is a German venture capital firm founded in 2015, headquartered in Cologne with a presence in Berlin. It manages a EUR 275 million fund, investing in early-stage and growth-phase companies, typically in the technology sector. Coparion provides capital up to EUR 15 million per company, usually in multiple rounds of EUR 0.5-8 million each, supporting entrepreneurs' visions with expertise while allowing them to manage their businesses independently. The firm co-invests with others and focuses on German start-ups and early-growth companies.

KfW, established in 1948, is a state-owned investment and development bank based in Frankfurt, Germany. As the promotional bank of the Federal Republic of Germany, it operates through several segments, offering a wide range of financing and investment services. KfW supports small and medium-sized businesses, entrepreneurship, housing, infrastructure, education, and export finance, both domestically and internationally. It also promotes sustainable development and provides funding for projects that enhance economic, social, and ecological conditions. Additionally, KfW Capital, a subsidiary established in 2018, invests in German and European venture capital and venture debt funds, adhering to Environmental Social Governance (ESG) principles.

UVC Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2011, with offices in Munich and Berlin, Germany. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology-driven startups, focusing on sectors such as enterprise software, industrial technologies, and mobility. UVC Partners aims to support innovative companies by providing initial investments ranging from €0.5 million to €10 million, with the potential for total investments of up to €20 million per company. By concentrating on the European market, UVC Partners seeks to foster growth in the business-to-business software and technology sectors.

BlackRock, established in 1988, is a global investment management corporation headquartered in New York City. It offers a wide range of services, including investment management, financial technology, and advisory services, catering to diverse clients such as institutions, intermediaries, and individual investors. BlackRock's investment focus spans multiple asset classes, strategies, sectors, and regions. Its private equity arm, BlackRock Private Equity Partners, founded in 1999, specializes in direct investments and fund of fund investments across various stages and sectors, with a global investment scope.

Wellington Partners, established in 1998, is a Munich-based venture capital firm with offices in London and Zurich. It invests in early-stage technology and life sciences companies across Europe, focusing on sectors such as Digital Media, Software, Electronics & Photonics, Resource Efficiency, and Biotech/Life Sciences. The firm typically leads financing rounds ranging from €0.5 million to €20 million, with its own commitment up to €15 million depending on the company's maturity. Wellington Partners aims to provide outstanding entrepreneurs with the necessary resources to fund their strategies.

VI Partners, established in 2001, is a Swiss venture capital firm headquartered in Altendorf. It specializes in investing in early-stage and growth-phase companies within the healthcare, technology, biotechnology, and software sectors. The firm provides not only capital but also coaching and network support to promising start-ups, including university spin-offs. VI Partners has been advising multiple funds since its inception, with its first fund established in collaboration with McKinsey & Company and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETHZ).

Cherry Ventures, established in 2012 and headquartered in Berlin, is an early-stage venture capital firm led by entrepreneurs who have built fast-growing companies like Zalando and Spotify. The firm invests in Europe's boldest startups, often serving as their first institutional investor, and provides support ranging from go-to-market strategy to business scaling. Cherry Ventures has backed over 50 companies across Europe, including FlixBus, Auto1 Group, and Infarm. With operations in London, Paris, and Stockholm, the firm invests across Europe, focusing on sectors such as consumer, fintech, health-tech, industrials, and software as a service.

Accel, established in 1983, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in investing in early and growth-stage technology startups, focusing on sectors such as software, cloud technologies, consumer services, enterprise, healthcare, fintech, and security. Accel's portfolio includes notable companies like Atlassian, Facebook, Slack, and Spotify, reflecting its ability to identify and support entrepreneurs building businesses that drive next-generation industries.

Founded in 2010 and based in Eindhoven, Netherlands, EIT InnoEnergy is a leading innovation engine focused on sustainable energy. The company operates with a mission to support the growth of early-stage companies in sectors such as climate technology, clean technology, mobility, and the Internet of Things. EIT InnoEnergy invests primarily in seed and early-stage businesses, aiming to enhance their potential through value-added services that mitigate risks and accelerate development. With offices across Europe and the United States, the firm is committed to fostering innovation in the energy sector to drive sustainable solutions.

MIG Verwaltungs AG is a Munich-based venture capital firm that focuses on investing in small and medium-sized enterprises across various industries, with a particular emphasis on life sciences and technology. Established in 2004, the firm targets investments in sectors such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, quantum technology, digitalization, medical technology, digital health, and biopharmaceuticals. MIG AG primarily invests in companies located in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with a minimum investment threshold of €0.1 million. The firm typically holds its investments for a duration of four to eight years before seeking an exit. Through its strategic investments, MIG AG aims to foster innovation and contribute to advancements in technology and healthcare.

Global Founders Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and based in Berlin, Germany. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. With a global outlook, Global Founders Capital seeks to empower entrepreneurs across all continents, particularly in the software and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. The firm evaluates investment opportunities based on their potential impact and feasibility, aiming to support individuals with transformative ideas.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., established in 1869, is a global leader in investment banking, securities, and investment management. It operates in four primary segments: Investment Banking, Institutional Client Services, Investing & Lending, and Investment Management. The company provides a wide range of services, including financial advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, underwriting services for various securities, client execution services for fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, securities services, and wealth advisory services. It serves a diverse client base comprising corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, Goldman Sachs invests in a broad array of asset classes, including debt securities, equity securities, real estate, and private equity, demonstrating its commitment to driving growth and innovation across industries.

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.

BayBG Venture Capital is a Munich-based venture capital firm established in 1972, specializing in investments in innovative post-revenue startups, particularly within the technology sector. With over 25 years of experience in the venture capital market, the firm employs an evergreen investment approach that allows it to provide institutional venture capital without the constraints of traditional fund structures. BayBG primarily invests in equity but also offers venture debt to more mature startups nearing break-even, helping to minimize dilution for founders. As a private investment company, it serves as both lead and co-investor, and collaborates with public investors such as Bayern Kapital to enhance the value of its portfolio companies.

468 Capital is a venture capital firm based in Berlin, Germany, founded in 2020. The company specializes in identifying and managing investment opportunities across various markets, with a focus on sectors such as information technology, energy, big data, software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, automation, and renewable energy. 468 Capital employs a systematic approach to investment analysis and portfolio management, collaborating with a diverse range of partners to enhance its investment strategies. The firm is dedicated to supporting innovation in industries that drive technological advancement and address pressing global challenges.

NRW.Bank, headquartered in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a development bank serving the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It offers a wide range of financial products and services, including low-interest loans, equity financing, and advisory support, primarily for small and medium-sized businesses, as well as initiatives in fields like housing, infrastructure, and innovation. The bank also provides funding for start-ups, social housing, urban development, and environmental projects. It operates competitively neutral, partnering with banks and savings institutions, and combines state, federal, and EU promotion programs with its own products.

Northzone, established in 1996, is a London-based venture capital firm with additional offices in New York, Oslo, and Stockholm. It focuses on early-stage investments in technology-facing companies, primarily in Europe and the United States. The firm's investment portfolio spans across various sectors, including healthcare, semiconductors, software, hardware, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and gaming. Northzone has raised over €1.5 billion in funds and has partnered with founders of prominent companies such as Spotify, Avito, iZettle, Klarna, and Hopin. The firm provides not only capital but also operational support, connecting its portfolio companies with customers, business partners, and key talent on a global scale.