Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

CIT GAP Funds is a family of seed- and early-stage investment funds placing near-equity and equity investments in Virginia-based technology, life science, and cleantech companies. CIT GAP Funds invests in companies with a high potential for achieving rapid growth and generating significant economic return for entrepreneurs, co-investors and the Commonwealth of Virginia. CIT’s family of funds includes: GAP Fund I – A vintage 2004 fund fully invested in a broad array of seed-stage technology companies. Portfolio. GAP BioLife Fund – A seed fund investing exclusively in life science companies. GAP Tech Fund – A seed fund investing in IT and technology companies. Commonwealth Energy Fund (CEF), a seed fund investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy companies.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1977 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in India and China. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, including seed, start-up, early stage, and later stage, with a focus on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and energy technology. NEA's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries, including consumer internet, software, biotechnology, medical devices, and alternative energy. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, the firm has a notable track record, having participated in more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. NEA aims to invest between $0.05 million and $20 million, targeting both domestic and international markets, particularly in Asia and the Americas.

Revolution, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 and based 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, media and entertainment, e-commerce, transportation, education, and healthcare. Revolution seeks to partner with entrepreneurs to disrupt traditional industries through innovative products and services, typically investing between $1 million and $12 million in its portfolio companies. It emphasizes the importance of investing in high-potential geographic areas, believing that talent is widely distributed but opportunities are not. Revolution operates multiple funds, including Revolution Ventures and Revolution Growth, which focus on early-stage and growth-stage investments, respectively. The firm is known for taking a controlling stake in its portfolio companies and often leads financing rounds, with a preference for collaborating with other top-tier investors.

Blu Venture Investors, LLC is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Vienna, Virginia, focusing on seed and early-stage investments across various technology sectors. Established in 2010, the firm targets companies involved in Web 2.0, Internet of Things (IoT), software, healthcare technology, digital media, and disruptive technologies in materials and biological sciences. It aims to support innovative solutions for federal defense, homeland security, and medical device sectors, particularly in cybersecurity and other technology areas. Typically, Blu Venture Investors invests between $50,000 and $3 million in each funding round and prefers to take majority stakes in its portfolio companies. The firm also seeks to engage actively by taking board seats and providing mentorship, leveraging the extensive experience of its investors, who are seasoned operating executives across various industries. The firm primarily focuses its investments in the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina.

Madryn Health Partners, managed by Madryn Asset Management, is a direct lending fund based in New York that focuses on the healthcare sector. Established in 2017, the fund targets investments in areas such as healthcare services and supplies, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as life sciences and oncology. Madryn Asset Management specializes in identifying unique and transformative products, technologies, and services within the healthcare industry, leveraging its extensive experience to create long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm employs an independent research approach to uncover attractive economic opportunities that aim to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns for its investors.

Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund is an outgrowth of Revolution’s Rise of the Rest platform, a national initiative launched in 2014 to spotlight emerging startup hubs. Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund invests in seed- and early-stage companies located outside of New York City, Silicon Valley, and Boston. By partnering with regional ecosystem leaders and co-investors, Rise of the Rest is helping to build and scale the next wave of transformational companies. The Rise of the Rest Seed Funds are backed by a group of iconic entrepreneurs and business leaders committed to the vision that the next great startups will be located outside of the coastal tech hubs.

Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm headquartered in New York City. Established in 1869, it provides a wide range of financial services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm operates through several segments, including Investment Banking, which offers financial advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, and underwriting services for public and private offerings. Its Institutional Client Services segment facilitates client transactions across various asset classes and provides services like securities lending. The Investing & Lending segment focuses on long-term loans and investments in debt and equity securities, while the Investment Management segment offers portfolio management and wealth advisory services. Additionally, Goldman Sachs engages in private equity investments across multiple sectors and geographies, reinforcing its position as a leading investor in both public and private markets.

Paladin Capital Group is a private equity investment firm established in 2001, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in New York City, Silicon Valley, London, and Luxembourg. The firm specializes in venture investments, expansion, and growth capital, primarily focusing on innovative technologies and services that serve both commercial and governmental markets. Paladin is recognized for its expertise in dual-use technologies, merging financial acumen with national security and technical knowledge to enhance the value of its portfolio companies. The firm's most recent fund targets digital infrastructure resilience and invests in advanced technologies that support, manage, and protect critical infrastructure reliant on cyberspace. Paladin's approach emphasizes active investment, leveraging decades of experience and a robust network to support the growth and development of its investments.

Motley Fool Ventures is a $150 million venture capital fund that specializes in technology investments. The fund primarily targets Series A companies that utilize technology to enhance scale, efficiency, or access within substantial and expanding markets. By focusing on innovative businesses, Motley Fool Ventures aims to support the growth of companies that are positioned to make a significant impact in their respective industries.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York, is a national investment firm that specializes in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm employs a flexible investment strategy aimed at promoting the growth and expansion of businesses. Enhanced Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology and technology, media, and telecommunications. As a subsidiary of P10 Holdings, it seeks to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid development through its practical investment approach.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.

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, focusing on high-growth technology sectors such as social and digital media, e-commerce, mobile and cloud software, enterprise software, big data analytics, security technologies, and healthcare IT. Grotech Ventures does not invest in life sciences, biotech sectors, or foreign entities. It primarily targets underserved venture markets across the United States, including areas like Charlotte, Northern Virginia, Atlanta, and the Rocky Mountain region. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $500,000 to $5 million and seeks to support portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds. Grotech Ventures prefers to take a lead role in its investments and often secures a board seat, emphasizing a collaborative, long-term partnership with entrepreneurs to drive growth and innovation.

Bessemer Venture Partners is a $4 billion venture capital firm founded in 1911 and based in California, specializing in investments across consumer, enterprise, and healthcare sectors globally, from seed stage to growth. The firm supports founders by providing guidance and resources, starting with seed and Series A investments and maintaining involvement throughout the development of their companies. Bessemer has a diverse portfolio, having funded early-stage companies such as Pinterest, Blue Apron, Skype, and Twitch, and has played a role in the successful initial public offerings of 117 companies, including Twilio, Yelp, and LinkedIn. The firm also operates several specialized funds targeting various sectors, including information technology, software, and digital health, with a presence in key markets such as India and Israel.

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm established in 1995, specializing in growth-stage investments in the software, internet, and data services sectors. Headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide. Insight Partners focuses on partnering with high-growth technology and software companies that are driving significant change in their industries. The firm aims to support visionary executives by providing practical, hands-on expertise throughout their growth journey, from initial investment to public offering. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity, Insight Partners has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve IPO status.

Camber Creek, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Rockville with an office in New York, focuses on investing in technology-related companies within the real estate sector across the United States. The firm leverages the extensive real estate expertise, operating experience, and diverse portfolio of assets held by its partners, investors, and advisors to enhance the success of its portfolio companies. With a team experienced in various aspects of real estate, including construction, property management, development, and leasing, Camber Creek benefits from a unique competitive advantage. Its investors collectively manage over 150 million square feet of real estate, positioning Camber Creek as a valuable partner in the evolving real estate technology landscape.

Gula Tech Adventures, Inc. is a venture capital firm located in the Maryland and Washington, D.C. region, focusing on investments in early-stage companies within the cyber security sector. The firm specializes in seed and Series A funding, targeting areas such as cyber security, cyber hygiene, threat management, and web security. Founded by industry veterans Ron and Cyndi Gula, who have extensive experience in the field, including their roles at Tenable Network Security and the development of the Dragon intrusion detection system, Gula Tech Adventures aims to support the next generation of cyber security start-ups. The firm not only provides financial backing but also offers guidance on product development, capital raising, and overall business growth.

SWaN & Legend Venture Partners is a Virginia-based private equity firm established in 2012 through the merger of SWaN Investors and Legend Ventures. The firm specializes in investing in early and growth stage technology-enabled consumer brands across various sectors, including retail, education, food and hospitality, and sports and entertainment. With a management team experienced in creating significant value, the partners are dedicated to actively collaborating with organizational leadership to build trusted brands that resonate with consumers. SWaN & Legend prioritizes ethical practices in its investments, emphasizing the fair treatment of employees, consumers, vendors, and communities.

Village Capital is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm founded in 2009 that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, financial services, and healthcare. The firm aims to empower entrepreneurs by employing a unique peer-support model, allowing entrepreneurs to select the ventures that receive pre-committed seed funding at the conclusion of its programs. Village Capital connects high-potential entrepreneurs with essential resources, fostering innovation and growth. It operates both a nonprofit that provides training for founders and a for-profit investment fund that invests in top program graduates, having supported over 1,000 entrepreneurs and more than 550 enterprises across various global regions. The firm has achieved notable success, with its alumni generating significant revenue and creating thousands of jobs, while maintaining a high recommendation rate among participants.

Macquarie Bank Limited, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, is a prominent financial institution that offers a comprehensive range of commercial banking and retail financial services. It provides personal banking, business banking, wealth management, and vehicle finance products to retail clients, advisors, brokers, and corporate customers. The bank is involved in asset and mortgage-backed securitization, institutional and commodity financing, and financial advisory services. Additionally, Macquarie Bank offers corporate and structured finance, home loans, and leasing services, while also engaging in trading across various asset classes including fixed income, equities, and foreign exchange. With operations in Australia, the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, Macquarie Bank serves a diverse clientele, including institutional, corporate, and retail clients. As a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, it adheres to regulations set forth by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority.

The Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, established in 2000, is a private independent foundation dedicated to supporting highly qualified students from elementary school through graduate school. It provides scholarships, grants, and direct services to help these students access the educational opportunities they deserve. In addition to financial aid, the foundation focuses on knowledge creation to enhance educational outcomes and foster the academic success of its beneficiaries. Through its various programs, the foundation aims to empower talented individuals and promote equity in education.

Maryland Venture Fund, established in 1994 and based in Columbia, Maryland, is an early-stage venture capital firm with a focus on nurturing innovative companies within the state. With a capital base of $110 million, the Fund engages in both direct investments in technology and life sciences, as well as indirect investments in venture capital funds. It typically invests between $0.1 million and $1 million in companies that generate revenues up to $1 million, primarily targeting businesses with fewer than 50 employees that have been operational for no more than five years. The Fund specializes in sectors such as healthcare technology, cybersecurity, and information technology. Investments are structured as equity or convertible debt, and the firm seeks to support companies certified as qualified Maryland cybersecurity entities by the state’s Department of Business and Economic Development.

Kleiner Perkins is an American venture capital firm founded in 1972 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage, growth, and incubation companies across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer products, artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, robotics, and drones. Kleiner Perkins is committed to partnering with founders who possess innovative ideas, supporting them from the inception of their ventures through to their initial public offerings and beyond. The firm also has a notable focus on digital technology and life sciences, leveraging its expertise to maximize the potential of the companies in which it invests.

Middleland Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2011 and based in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in London. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on agriculture and technology sectors, particularly in foodtech and agtech. Middleland Capital aims to invest across the entire food value chain, targeting crop technology, digital agriculture, food and health innovation, and supply chain technology. Its investment strategy encompasses upstream areas, such as crop inputs and precision agriculture, midstream sectors like marketplaces and farm IoT, and downstream innovations involving novel food products and sustainable packaging. The firm seeks to partner with exceptional management teams globally to commercialize innovative technologies, accelerate growth, and create long-term value.

GV Management Company, LLC, established in 2009 as the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc., specializes in investments across various stages, including seed, early, and late-stage funding. Based in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in Boston, New York, Seattle, Cambridge, and London, GV focuses on sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, cybersecurity, and agriculture. The firm has invested in over 300 companies, aiming to drive innovation and improve lives. GV seeks to make investments of up to $50 million, while offering early-stage startups funding of up to $250,000, typically taking minority stakes in these companies. Through its extensive network, GV provides startups with unique access to technology and talent, enhancing their potential for success.

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.

Verizon Communications Inc. is a leading telecommunications company headquartered in New York, founded in 1983. It offers a wide array of communication, information, and entertainment products and services to consumers, businesses, and government entities globally. The Consumer segment provides various service plans, internet access, wireless devices, and residential connectivity solutions, including broadband and video services. As of the latest data, Verizon serves approximately 102 million wireless retail connections and millions of broadband and video connections. The Business segment delivers network connectivity products, voice services, unified communications, and data solutions, supporting a diverse range of enterprise needs. Verizon also focuses on innovation through strategic partnerships and initiatives, such as 5G development and venture investments in emerging technologies. With a robust wireless network and extensive service offerings, Verizon plays a crucial role in enhancing connectivity and driving technological advancement.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as software, big data, cloud technologies, fintech, healthcare, and digital media. Accel is known for backing innovative entrepreneurs and has a history of investing in notable companies including Facebook, Dropbox, and Spotify. With over three decades of experience, Accel employs dedicated teams that utilize market-specific strategies to identify and support the next generation of industry leaders. The firm manages approximately $9.6 billion and carries out investments typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million, aiming to foster the development of world-class, category-defining businesses globally.

Carlyle Group, founded in 1987, is a global alternative asset manager primarily focused on private equity, real assets, and market strategies. With over $81 billion in equity capital under management, the firm operates across various investment sectors, including leveraged buyouts, venture capital, real estate, and leveraged finance. Carlyle employs more than 575 investment professionals across 21 countries, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes companies employing over 286,000 individuals worldwide. The firm has established multiple specialized funds, targeting sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and consumer products in regions spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Carlyle's investment approach emphasizes long-term value creation, aiming for substantial capital appreciation by partnering with businesses and management teams to maximize their potential. This extensive network and commitment to diverse asset classes enable Carlyle to attract a broad base of institutional and private investors globally.

New Dominion Angels (NDA) is a collection of accredited angel investors that enjoys the camaraderie and benefits of group investing. NDA looks for companies with elegant, transformative solutions to clear problems in big markets that can scale, with smart, motivated and trustworthy entrepreneurs.

Columbia Capital is a Virginia-based venture capital firm established in 1989 that focuses on investing in growth-stage technology companies in the wireless, broadband, media, and enterprise information technology sectors. The firm primarily targets opportunities in North America and Western Europe, leveraging its expertise to identify and support businesses poised for significant growth in these dynamic industries. Columbia Capital aims to foster innovation and advancement by providing financial resources and strategic guidance to emerging companies.

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.

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Established in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, it specializes 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. These segments provide a range of offerings, including combat aircraft, missile defense systems, military and commercial helicopters, and space transportation systems. Lockheed Martin also engages in cybersecurity and delivers command and control capabilities for defense applications. Additionally, the company has a venture capital arm, Lockheed Martin Ventures, which focuses on investing in early-stage companies across various high-tech industries, such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and space technologies, with the aim of fostering disruptive innovations that address complex challenges in its core markets.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., is a philanthropic nonprofit organization based in the United States. It focuses on supporting research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. The foundation is committed to fostering innovation and enhancing the understanding of these disciplines through its grantmaking initiatives. By funding various projects and programs, the Sloan Foundation aims to promote advancements that contribute to the betterment of society and the economy.

J.P. Morgan is a prominent player in the financial services industry, providing a wide range of solutions to clients in over 100 countries. With a rich history spanning more than 200 years, the firm prioritizes its clients' interests in all its operations. J.P. Morgan Asset Management stands out as a leading asset manager, catering to individuals, advisors, and institutions globally. The firm offers diverse investment strategies across various asset classes, bolstered by its substantial assets under management. Additionally, J.P. Morgan Ventures Energy Corporation specializes in commodity risk management solutions. The firm also manages several funds, including those focused on buyouts in the healthcare sector and opportunistic investments in infrastructure across multiple regions, including North America and Europe.

1776 is a Washington, DC-based seed fund established in 2013 that specializes in investing in startups across various sectors, including education, energy, smart cities, transportation, food and agriculture, fintech, and healthcare. The firm aims to support innovative companies that demonstrate potential for significant impact and growth within these industries. By concentrating on early-stage investments, 1776 seeks to foster the development of solutions that address pressing challenges in society and drive economic progress.

Core Capital Partners is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm founded in 1999. The firm manages $350 million in private equity through two funds, focusing on early-stage investments as well as small to mid-sized growth companies. Core Capital seeks to invest in businesses that are developing or incorporating disruptive technologies in high-growth sectors, particularly within business services and technology. The firm's objective is to support ventures that have the potential to significantly impact their respective industries.

Salesforce is a global leader in cloud computing, specializing in business software delivered on a subscription basis. Renowned for its customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, Salesforce serves a wide array of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. Its product offerings encompass Sales Cloud, which helps manage customer interactions; Service Cloud, which provides intelligent customer support; and Marketing Cloud, which focuses on digital marketing strategies. Additionally, Salesforce features Community Cloud for collaboration among customers and partners, as well as Analytics Cloud for data insights and teamwork. The company also operates Salesforce Ventures, its investment arm that supports the growth of enterprise technology startups, and the Salesforce AI Investment Fund, which focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning innovations. Founded in 1999 in California, Salesforce continues to drive customer success through its diverse range of services and investment initiatives.

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.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt investments, focusing primarily on small businesses at various stages of development, excluding seed stage. Advantage Capital targets investments in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports economic development initiatives. The firm seeks to invest in companies that utilize proprietary technologies in sectors such as communication, information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and energy, among others. It offers various forms of debt capital, including senior and mezzanine debt, and has a preference for co-investing with other firms. Initial investments typically range from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales under $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital is committed to addressing the funding gaps in underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities that lack traditional sources of risk capital.

SaaS Ventures is a Maryland-based private equity firm established in 2017 that specializes in investing in seed-stage technology companies, particularly in the enterprise software sector. The firm seeks to co-invest alongside strong lead investors, leveraging its extensive network to facilitate future funding rounds. By focusing on smaller investments typically ranging from $750,000 to $3 million, SaaS Ventures aims to provide significant value to entrepreneurs while minimizing the complexities often associated with funding. The firm is particularly interested in "second tier markets," such as Chicago, Toronto, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, and Atlanta, where it identifies promising opportunities that may attract less competition yet still support substantial exits. With a background in entrepreneurship, SaaS Ventures prioritizes being a supportive partner to portfolio companies without taking significant stakes or leading investment rounds.

500 Global, formerly known as 500 Startups, is a venture capital firm and incubator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on early-stage technology and financial services startups across various sectors, including biotech, e-commerce, fintech, and digital healthcare. 500 Global operates a four-month accelerator program, where it typically invests between $0.05 million and $1 million for a 5 to 10 percent equity stake in companies with at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. The firm targets a global market, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Since its inception, it has invested in over 2,200 startups and supports the growth of innovation ecosystems through educational programs and partnerships. 500 Global also prioritizes investments in companies led by minority founders, reflecting its commitment to diverse entrepreneurial leadership.

Sands Capital Ventures, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Arlington, Virginia, focused on investing in emerging growth companies across technology, life sciences, and global consumer sectors. Established in 2014 as a subsidiary of Sands Capital Management, it aims to support entrepreneurs in building businesses within these dynamic and high-growth markets. The firm leverages its extensive domain expertise and global diligence capabilities to identify and invest in opportunities at various stages, including early, mid, and late venture, as well as growth capital investments.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 7.5 million customers across six states, including Ohio and Kentucky. 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, and boasts an electric generating capacity of about 35,000 megawatts in the Carolinas and the Midwest. In addition to electricity, Duke Energy also offers natural gas transportation and distribution services. The company is committed to sustainability and community support, further evidenced by its philanthropic efforts through the Duke Energy Foundation, which focuses on enhancing community vitality and promoting climate resilience. Founded in 1837 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy continues to play a significant role in the energy sector.

Sequoia Capital is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of startups, including seed, early, and growth stages, and focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, internet, and mobile. Sequoia typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early-stage ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. The firm operates globally, with significant activities in regions like Israel, China, and India, where it partners with dynamic founders to build successful companies. Sequoia's extensive portfolio includes notable firms and offers valuable insights and resources, benefiting from decades of experience in the venture capital landscape.

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.

Razor's Edge Fund III is managed by Razor's Edge Management, LLC, a venture capital firm based in Reston, Virginia, specializing in investments in high-growth technology companies. The firm focuses on companies that operate at the intersection of the national security sector and commercial markets, particularly in areas such as defense, intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and emerging 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 portfolio companies. The firm prefers to lead its investments but is open to participating in syndicated deals led by other investors. With a track record spanning over two decades, Razor's Edge has established strong relationships within the national security community and offers strategic support to its portfolio companies.

C5 Capital is a London-based private equity and venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments in the secure data ecosystem and the transformation of critical infrastructure. Established in 2014, it focuses on sectors such as cybersecurity, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and aerospace. C5 Capital aims to build long-term relationships with innovative companies across Europe, the Middle East, and North America, providing them with growth capital and strategic support. The firm also operates C5 Accelerate, which invests in startups through programs like the PeaceTech Accelerator, offering funding for equity stakes in promising ventures. With offices in Washington, D.C., Bahrain, and other locations, C5 Capital is dedicated to fostering a secure digital future while contributing to public good through its investments.

SineWave Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2014, with its headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. The firm focuses on investing in technology-based companies in the United States, aiming to accelerate the development of new technologies that serve both commercial and public sector ecosystems. SineWave Ventures is committed to identifying and supporting innovative enterprises that have the potential to drive significant advancements in their respective fields.

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.