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.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a global venture capital and private equity firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, from seed and startup to later-stage growth and public investments. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, NEA focuses on technology and healthcare sectors, particularly in areas such as consumer internet, financial technology, software, healthcare services, life sciences, and energy technology. The firm also invests in semiconductor companies and alternative energy initiatives in India. NEA has a proven track record, with more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a global perspective, targeting opportunities in North America, Asia, and South America, and typically involves investments ranging from $0.05 million to $20 million.

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.

Revolution, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2005, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in growth capital investments across various sectors, including Financial Services, Sports, Media & Entertainment, Marketplaces, Software & Services, Transportation, Hospitality & Travel, E-Commerce, Manufacturing, Education, Health, and Food. Revolution typically invests between $1 million and $12 million in portfolio companies, often aiming for a controlling stake. As part of its operations, Revolution encompasses several funds, such as Revolution Ventures and Revolution Growth, that target early-stage and growth-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses and innovative companies. The firm emphasizes collaboration with top-tier investors and actively participates in the governance of its portfolio companies. Revolution is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in high-potential geographies, advocating for the belief that great companies can emerge and thrive from diverse locations.

Rise of the Rest is a seed fund that focuses on investing in early-stage companies located in regions outside of major tech hubs like New York City, Silicon Valley, and Boston. Launched in 2014 as part of a broader initiative by Revolution, the fund aims to highlight and support emerging startup ecosystems in traditionally overlooked markets across the United States. By collaborating with regional leaders and co-investors, Rise of the Rest seeks to nurture the next generation of transformational companies. The fund typically makes initial investments of up to $1 million and is supported by a diverse group of prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders who believe that significant innovation is not limited to coastal areas.

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.

Motley Fool Ventures is a venture capital investment firm based in Alexandria, Virginia, founded in 2018. With a focus on early-stage technology-enabled companies, it manages a $150 million fund that primarily invests in Series A companies. The firm targets sectors such as software, healthcare services, and technology, media, and telecommunications, seeking to support businesses that utilize technology to enhance scale, efficiency, or access in large and expanding markets. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Motley Fool Ventures aims to foster innovation and growth within the U.S. economy.

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.

Paladin Capital Group, established in 2001 and based in Washington, DC, is a private equity and venture capital firm that invests in innovative technology, product, and service opportunities. The firm specializes in dual-use technologies that cater to both commercial and governmental markets, leveraging its financial expertise alongside national security and technical knowledge to enhance the growth of its portfolio companies. Paladin is committed to being an active investor, providing guidance, resources, and connections to foster company development. Its recent focus includes investing in digital infrastructure resilience and advanced technologies that protect critical infrastructure in cyberspace. With additional offices in New York City, Silicon Valley, London, and Luxembourg, Paladin aims to support and scale innovative solutions on a global scale.

Blu Venture Investors, LLC is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Vienna, Virginia, established in 2010. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies across various sectors, including software, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, and digital media. It actively seeks opportunities in disruptive technologies related to materials, chemicals, and biological sciences, as well as solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. Blu Venture Investors typically invests between $0.05 million and $3 million in each funding round and often collaborates with other investment groups for larger financings. The firm prefers to acquire majority stakes and is involved in governance by taking board seats and providing mentorship, leveraging the extensive experience of its investors, who are seasoned executives from diverse industries. Its investment activities primarily target the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina.

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.

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.

Goldman Sachs is a prominent global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm, established in 1869 and headquartered in New York City. The firm provides a range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Its Investment Banking segment offers advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and restructuring, as well as underwriting for public offerings and private placements of various securities. The Institutional Client Services segment focuses on client execution across fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, while also offering financing and securities lending to institutional clients. The Investing & Lending segment engages in originating long-term loans and investing in debt securities and real estate. Additionally, Goldman Sachs Asset Management serves both institutional and individual investors with comprehensive investment and advisory solutions across diverse asset classes. The firm also operates several specialized investment groups, including private equity and infrastructure funds, targeting a variety of sectors and investment strategies worldwide.

Bessemer Venture Partners is a prominent venture capital firm, founded in 1911 and based in Redwood City, California. With approximately $4 billion in assets under management, the firm invests globally in startups across various sectors, including consumer, enterprise, healthcare, information technology, and deep tech, from seed stage to growth. Bessemer's partners are dedicated to supporting founders by providing guidance and resources throughout the company's lifecycle. The firm has a notable track record of backing early-stage investments in companies such as Pinterest, Skype, and Twitch, and has played a significant role in the development of 117 IPOs, including notable names like Twilio and LinkedIn. With funds targeting a range of sectors, Bessemer Venture Partners exemplifies a commitment to fostering innovation and building enduring businesses.

Grotech Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1984, headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, with additional offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Denver, Colorado. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in high-growth technology companies, focusing on sectors such as social and digital media, e-commerce, mobile and cloud software, enterprise software, big data analytics, security technologies, and healthcare information technology. Grotech Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $5 million initially, with a total target investment size of $5 million to $8 million, seeking to lead investments and acquire board seats in portfolio companies. The firm is committed to partnering with entrepreneurs who present innovative ideas and unconventional approaches, emphasizing collaboration and long-term support throughout the growth stages of their businesses. It specifically targets underserved venture markets across the United States, including regions like the Southeast and Rocky Mountain areas.

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. The firm specializes in investing in growth-stage technology, software, and internet companies, focusing on sectors such as B2B, B2C, cybersecurity, cloud technology, and financial technology. With over $75 billion in assets under management, Insight Partners has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide, helping many achieve significant milestones, including over 55 initial public offerings. The firm’s approach emphasizes hands-on collaboration with visionary executives, providing practical expertise to support companies throughout their growth journey. Insight Partners is committed to fostering a culture that views growth as an opportunity, driving transformative change across various industries.

Camber Creek is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 and headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, with an additional office in New York. The firm specializes in investing in technology-related companies within the real estate sector across the United States. Leveraging the extensive real estate expertise and operational experience of its partners and advisors, Camber Creek actively supports its portfolio companies to enhance their success. Its investment team possesses a diverse background in real estate businesses, including construction, property management, development, and leasing. Additionally, Camber Creek's investors manage a substantial portfolio of over 150 million square feet of real estate in the U.S., which provides a unique competitive advantage in the real estate technology landscape.

SWaN & Legend Venture Partners, established in 2012 and based in Leesburg, Virginia, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early and growth stage companies. The firm focuses on technology-enabled consumer brands across various sectors, including retail products and services, digital commerce, education technology, food and hospitality, and wellness. The partners, drawing on their extensive experience from prior ventures, actively collaborate with management teams to foster brand development and drive value creation. SWaN & Legend also emphasizes ethical practices, prioritizing the fair treatment of employees, consumers, vendors, and communities in their investment strategy.

Gula Tech Adventures, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Ellicott City, Maryland, that specializes in investing in early-stage start-ups within the cybersecurity sector. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on seed and Series A investments, particularly in areas such as cyber hygiene, threat management, security engineering, and national security technology. The founders, Ron and Cyndi Gula, are veterans of the cybersecurity industry, having previously co-founded Tenable Network Security. They leverage their extensive experience to support the next generation of cybersecurity start-ups by providing funding, assisting with product development, and guiding capital raises. Gula Tech Adventures aims to foster innovation and growth in the cybersecurity landscape.

Village Capital is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm founded in 2009, focused on early-stage and seed investments in sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, financial services, and healthcare. The firm aims to empower entrepreneurs by fostering a unique peer-selection model, allowing participants to award pre-committed seed funding to the top ventures identified during their programs. Village Capital supports entrepreneurs globally, with a significant presence in regions including North America, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Through its programs, the firm has engaged over 1,000 entrepreneurs and has facilitated the growth of more than 550 enterprises, leading to substantial job creation and revenue generation. Village Capital also operates a nonprofit to provide training for founders and investors, and manages a for-profit investment fund that invests in top graduates of its programs. Its innovative approach to investment and support has garnered recognition, including the M-Prize for innovation.

Middleland Capital is a venture capital firm based in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in London, United Kingdom. Founded in 2009, the firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, particularly in agriculture, food technology, and health innovation. Middleland Capital focuses on the entire food value chain, targeting companies in foodtech, agtech, crop technology, digital agriculture, and supply chain technology. Its investment strategy encompasses upstream activities such as crop inputs and precision agriculture, midstream operations including marketplaces and fintech, and downstream innovations related to novel foods and sustainable packaging. The firm seeks to partner with exceptional management teams to commercialize innovative technologies and foster growth, aiming for a global investment reach.

Kleiner Perkins is a prominent American venture capital firm founded in 1972 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in early-stage, growth, and incubation investments across various industries, including healthcare, consumer products, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and life sciences. Kleiner Perkins focuses on partnering with innovative founders, supporting them from the inception of their ideas through to initial public offerings. The firm is known for its commitment to investing in a wide range of sectors, such as information technology, financial services, and cybersecurity, while maintaining a global investment approach that includes markets in North America, the Middle East, and Mainland China. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Kleiner Perkins aims to maximize the potential of the companies it invests in, fostering bold ideas that have the capacity to create significant impact across industries and continents.

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.

Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and has been providing a wide range of commercial banking and retail financial services since its founding in 1969. The bank offers personal banking, business banking, and wealth management products, alongside services in asset and mortgage-backed securitization, institutional and commodity financing, and capital management. It also engages in trading fixed income, equities, foreign exchange, and commodities, while providing broking services. Macquarie Bank operates across multiple regions, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, serving a diverse clientele ranging from individual customers to corporate and government entities. The bank is regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and emphasizes strong risk management practices and an entrepreneurial culture to foster its business growth.

Verizon Ventures is the investment arm of Verizon Communications, focused on identifying and investing in innovative entrepreneurial companies that address significant technological challenges faced by Verizon's consumer and enterprise customers. Over the past decade, Verizon Ventures has invested in more than forty companies across various industries and market segments. The organization provides its portfolio companies with substantial support, including assistance in technology and product development, market planning, and sales strategies, as well as access to Verizon's extensive networks and platforms. By leveraging the expertise of experienced investment professionals and a dedicated venture development team, Verizon Ventures fosters connections between innovators and the strategic and financial resources necessary to advance their businesses.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California. It specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing primarily on technology startups in sectors such as cloud computing, software, digital media, and fintech. With additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore, Accel employs localized strategies to identify and support entrepreneurs capable of building category-defining businesses. The firm has a notable portfolio featuring companies like Facebook, Spotify, and Slack, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation across various industries. Accel manages several funds, targeting investments ranging from $5 million to $15 million, and has a robust global presence that includes partnerships in India and China.

The Carlyle Group, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a global alternative asset manager specializing in private equity, real assets, and investment solutions. With over $81 billion in equity capital under management, the firm operates across various fund families that focus on leveraged buyouts, venture and growth capital, real estate, and leveraged finance investments. Carlyle employs more than 575 investment professionals across 21 countries, managing a diverse portfolio that includes investments in sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, technology, and financial services. The firm has established a significant presence in the private equity industry, targeting long-term capital appreciation through strategic investments in businesses and management teams. Carlyle's extensive network includes over 1,200 institutional and private investors from 68 countries. The firm also recently expanded into hedge fund management, further diversifying its investment offerings.

GV Management Company, LLC, formerly known as Google Ventures, serves as the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc., established in 2009 and headquartered in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in Boston, New York, Cambridge, and London. The firm specializes in growth capital investments across various stages, including seed, early, mid, and late stages, focusing on sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, cyber security, and agriculture. GV has invested in over 300 companies, seeking to support startups that aim to innovate and transform industries. The firm typically invests up to $50 million, with smaller amounts allocated to early-stage ventures. GV provides its portfolio companies with exceptional support by connecting them with Google's resources and talent, leveraging a team of experts in engineering, design, science, and marketing to enhance their growth potential.

New Dominion Angels (NDA) is an angel investment group based in Richmond, Virginia, founded in 2019. Comprising accredited investors, NDA focuses on early-stage startups in the Mid-Atlantic region, particularly in the software as a service and internet-of-things sectors. The group aims to support companies that offer innovative and transformative solutions to significant market challenges, prioritizing investments in businesses led by motivated and trustworthy entrepreneurs. By leveraging collective resources and expertise, NDA fosters a collaborative investing environment that enhances the potential for successful outcomes.

NASA's vision is to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1958, partially in response to the Soviet Union's launch of the first artificial satellite the previous year. NASA grew out of the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), which had been researching flight technology for more than 40 years. President John F. Kennedy focused NASA and the nation on sending astronauts to the moon by the end of the 1960s. Through the Mercury and Gemini projects, NASA developed the technology and skills it needed for the journey. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first of 12 men to walk on the moon, meeting Kennedy's challenge. Meanwhile, NASA was continuing the aeronautics research pioneered by NACA. It also conducted purely scientific research and worked on developing applications for space technology, combining both pursuits in developing the first weather and communications satellites. After Apollo, NASA focused on creating a reusable ship to provide regular access to space: the space shuttle. First launched in 1981, the space shuttle flew more than 130 successful flights before retiring in 2011. In 2000, the United States and Russia established permanent human presence in space aboard the International Space Station, a multinational project representing the work of 16 nations. NASA also has continued its scientific research. In 1997, Mars Pathfinder became the first in a fleet of spacecraft that will explore Mars in the next decade, as we try to determine if life ever existed there. The Terra and Aqua satellites are flagships of a different fleet, this one in Earth orbit, designed to help us understand how our home world is changing. NASA's aeronautics teams are focused on improved aircraft travel that is safer and cleaner. Throughout its history, NASA has conducted or funded research that has led to numerous improvements to life here on Earth.

Columbia Capital is a venture capital firm established in 1989 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It focuses on investing in growth stage technology companies primarily within the enterprise information technology, digital infrastructure, and mobility sectors across North America and Western Europe. The firm aims to support companies involved in wireless, broadband, media, and related technologies, leveraging its expertise to help these businesses scale and succeed in competitive markets. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Columbia Capital is committed to prudent investment strategies and fostering innovation within the technology landscape.

Novak Biddle Venture Partners was a private equity and venture capital firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, founded in 1997. The firm specialized in seed, startup, and early-stage investments, while also considering opportunities in later-stage companies and spinouts. It focused primarily on information technology companies located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, with particular interest in sectors such as education, security, big data analytics, and business-to-business-to-consumer markets. The firm typically made equity investments ranging from $100,000 to $10 million and aimed to exit its investments within five to seven years. Novak Biddle Venture Partners ceased operations on March 29, 2019.

1776 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Washington, D.C., established in 2013. The firm specializes in seed investments in startup companies across various sectors, including education, energy, smart cities, transportation, food and agriculture, fintech, and healthcare. By focusing on innovative and impactful businesses, 1776 aims to support entrepreneurs who are addressing critical challenges in these industries.

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a leading global security and aerospace company specializing in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products. The company operates through four main segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space Systems. The Aeronautics segment focuses on combat and air mobility aircraft, while the Missiles and Fire Control segment provides various defense systems, including tactical missiles and logistics support. The Rotary and Mission Systems segment delivers military and commercial helicopters, combat systems, and training services, and the Space Systems segment develops satellites and missile systems to support national security. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin also engages in venture capital investments through Lockheed Martin Ventures, targeting early-stage companies in sectors such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. The firm has invested over $100 million in startups since 2007, aiming to foster innovative technologies that address complex challenges in defense and aerospace.

J. Hunt Holdings is a family investment holding company based in Washington, District of Columbia, specializing in funding early-stage ventures. The firm focuses on both domestic and international projects, investing between $100,000 and $1,100,000 across five key industry categories, including investment services, portfolio management, accounting, and financial solutions. J. Hunt Holdings primarily targets sectors such as technology and telecommunications, with additional investments in video and sensing, data center management, social media, mobile applications, and data security.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is an independent philanthropic nonprofit organization based in New York City, established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., the former President and CEO of General Motors. Its primary mission is to provide grants that support original research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. The foundation aims to promote advancements in these disciplines through its funding initiatives, which are governed and administered by a board of trustees. By focusing on these areas, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation seeks to foster innovation and improve understanding in critical fields that impact society.

Core Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm founded in 1999, managing $350 million in private equity across two funds. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in business services and technology companies throughout the United States. Core Capital focuses on ventures that are developing or utilizing disruptive technologies in high-growth sectors, including enterprise software, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, data analytics, and mobile solutions. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm aims to support small to mid-sized growth companies that demonstrate potential in core technology areas.

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.

Salesforce is a global cloud computing company that specializes in providing business software on a subscription basis, primarily known for its customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. Founded in 1999 and based in California, Salesforce offers a comprehensive suite of products, including Sales Cloud for managing customer information, Service Cloud for customer support, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing, and Analytics Cloud for data insights. The Customer 360 platform integrates customer data across various systems to enhance sales, service, marketing, and commerce functions. Additionally, Salesforce Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in technology-related startups, providing funding and access to its extensive cloud ecosystem. Since its inception in 2009, Salesforce Ventures has supported over 250 enterprise cloud startups worldwide, promoting innovation and encouraging corporate philanthropy through initiatives like Pledge 1%.

Enlightenment Capital is a private investment firm founded in 2012 and based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt investment solutions primarily to companies in the aerospace, defense, government, and technology sectors. With a focus on middle-market investments, Enlightenment Capital employs strategies including senior debt, mezzanine debt, and minority equity to support businesses that deliver mission-critical products and services. The firm's principals possess extensive experience in investing and advising within the aerospace and defense industry, allowing them to identify compelling investment opportunities and foster enduring partnerships. Enlightenment Capital's deep industry ties and understanding of evolving market dynamics inform its approach, positioning the firm as a valuable partner for management teams and equity sponsors dedicated to building leading companies in their fields.

SaaS Ventures is a Maryland-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 that focuses on seed-stage technology companies, particularly in the software-as-a-service sector. The firm aims to co-invest alongside strong lead investors, leveraging its network to enhance the value it brings to portfolio companies. SaaS Ventures typically makes smaller investments ranging from $750,000 to $3 million, targeting rounds that are mostly full, which minimizes disruption for entrepreneurs. The firm prioritizes relationships and seeks to be a supportive partner without taking significant stakes in its investments. While it invests across the United States, it particularly favors "second tier markets" that offer potential for major exits yet receive less venture funding, such as Chicago, Toronto, and Atlanta.

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

Sequoia Capital, founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a prominent venture capital firm that invests in early to growth stage companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer services. The firm specializes in supporting startups and emerging growth companies, typically investing between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. Sequoia Capital operates globally, with a presence in regions such as Israel, China, and Southeast Asia, and has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies like Airbnb, Alibaba, and JD.com. The firm emphasizes a partnership approach with entrepreneurs, leveraging decades of experience to guide them from initial concept through to public offering and beyond.

Razor's Edge Fund III is a venture capital fund managed by Razor's Edge Management, LLC, based in Reston, Virginia. The fund specializes in investments in high-growth technology companies that operate at the intersection of the national security sector and commercial markets. It focuses on areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, aerospace, and defense technologies. Razor's Edge Fund III typically makes equity investments ranging from $2 million to $4 million, aiming for either controlling or minority stakes in its portfolio companies. The firm seeks to lead investments but is also open to participating in syndicated deals led by other investors. With a commitment to addressing both government and commercial needs, Razor's Edge Fund III plays a significant role in supporting innovations that enhance U.S. national security.

C5 Capital is a family capital-backed investment firm founded in 2014, headquartered in London, with additional offices in Washington, D.C., Luxembourg, Munich, and Sanabis. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and space technology. C5 Capital focuses on identifying and nurturing innovative companies in the secure data ecosystem and critical infrastructure transformation. Its investment strategy emphasizes building long-term relationships with startups and growth-stage businesses, providing funding typically between $3 million and $25 million, while targeting companies with a minimum revenue of $5 million and a revenue growth rate of over 20% per annum. C5 Capital also operates C5 Accelerate, which supports early-stage startups through its PeaceTech Accelerator program, investing $25,000 for a five percent equity stake. The firm actively seeks opportunities in the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, aiming to contribute to a secure digital future.

MedTech Innovator is a nonprofit global competition and accelerator based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It focuses on supporting companies in the medical device, digital health, and diagnostic sectors. The organization aims to enhance patient outcomes by fostering the growth of businesses that contribute to the transformation of the healthcare system. Each year, MedTech Innovator showcases 100 companies that align with key themes identified through surveys of industry leaders. The accelerator's diverse portfolio includes firms involved in consumer healthcare, imaging, remote patient monitoring, clinical studies, and workflow optimization, emphasizing its commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions.

J.P. Morgan Asia Pacific operates as a prominent buyout fund managed by J.P. Morgan, focusing on investments in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the Middle East and the United States. This fund primarily targets the healthcare service sector, reflecting the firm's strategic emphasis on sectors with growth potential. J.P. Morgan Asset Management, a major player in the global asset management landscape, caters to individuals, advisors, and institutions, offering a wide range of investment strategies across various asset classes. With a rich history of over 200 years in financial services, J.P. Morgan emphasizes client-centric solutions and global market insights, positioning itself as a trusted partner for wealth management and investment needs.

TDF Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting seed and Series A startups in sectors such as infrastructure, software, cybersecurity, and various "as-a-service" models, including IaaS and SaaS. TDF Ventures aims to support companies that enhance broadband access, facilitate digital transitions, and innovate in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud services. With a focus on enterprise customers and carriers, the firm also explores opportunities in consumer technology that aligns with its core investments. TDF Ventures typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million per transaction and emphasizes long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs, leveraging its extensive networks to provide strategic support and expertise. The firm operates with an evergreen pool of capital, allowing it flexibility in investment timing and a focus on nurturing its portfolio companies.

DFJ, established in 1985 and based in Silicon Valley, is a venture capital firm that specializes in providing growth capital to technology companies. With a focus on partnering with visionary entrepreneurs, DFJ aims to invest in businesses that are rapidly scaling and poised for market leadership. The firm emphasizes a high-conviction investment strategy, targeting innovative companies across consumer, enterprise, and healthcare technology sectors. DFJ Growth, a later-stage investing practice within the firm, seeks to support extraordinary entrepreneurs as they create iconic technology-driven businesses. Through its investment approach, DFJ facilitates access to valuable networks and resources that can help transform entrepreneurial visions into reality.

Energy Impact Partners LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, with additional offices in San Francisco, Palm Beach, Cologne, and London. The firm focuses on growth equity, credit, and infrastructure investments, primarily targeting early and growth-stage companies within the energy sector. Its investment strategy emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainable energy generation and distribution, including areas such as smart buildings, clean energy, smart grids, energy storage, and customer engagement. Energy Impact Partners aims to foster innovation in the energy industry by co-investing in projects and companies that promote digital and decentralized energy solutions, intelligent operations, and comprehensive energy services across North America and Europe.