Startup Wise Guys, founded in 2012 and based in Tallinn, Estonia, is a prominent early-stage investor and accelerator in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and the Nordics. The organization has accelerated over 165 startups, primarily in B2B SaaS, fintech, and cybersecurity, achieving a startup survival and success rate exceeding 77%. Its intensive three-month accelerator program focuses on product validation, development, and sales to business customers, supported by a network of over 200 international and local mentors. The program culminates in Demo Days and major tech events where startups present their ventures to potential investors. Additionally, participants gain access to an alumni community of more than 145 startups across 40 countries and exclusive alumni events centered on business development and fundraising. Startup Wise Guys also manages dedicated funds targeting various sectors, including an Africa Fund that invests in fintech, health tech, and digital SaaS, among others.

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.

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.

Superangel OÜ is a venture capital firm established in 2018, headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, with an additional office in Palo Alto, California. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on pre-seed and seed funding for startups. It adopts a sector-agnostic approach, primarily investing in information technology sectors such as fintech, mobile applications, software-as-a-service, the sharing economy, blockchain, and augmented/virtual reality. Superangel typically invests between €0.05 million and €2 million, including follow-on investments. The firm targets companies based in Europe that are looking to enter global markets, as well as U.S.-based firms aiming to penetrate European and emerging markets. In addition to financial backing, Superangel provides portfolio companies with expertise in areas like customer and business development, team-building, sales and marketing, and product development, along with mentorship sessions and thematic workshops tailored to help startups achieve their next milestones.

Trind Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm located in Tallinn, Estonia, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in start-ups across Northern and Central Europe, focusing on various sectors, including information and communication technology, business-to-business, business-to-consumer, and marketplaces. Trind Ventures aims to support companies from seed rounds through to sustainability, leveraging its expertise to foster growth in innovative enterprises. The team comprises experienced partners, including Joel Aasmäe, Ivar Siimar, Kimmo Irpola, and Taavi Lepmets.

Practica Capital UAB is a venture capital firm based in Vilnius, Lithuania, founded in 2011. It specializes in investments across various stages, including incubation, seed, early venture, and growth capital, primarily targeting technology-driven micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The firm invests in companies located in the Baltic region—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—as well as in Nordic countries and select European markets. Practica Capital typically invests between €0.003 million and €3 million, focusing on equity and quasi-equity instruments while aiming for a minority stake in its portfolio companies. The firm actively engages with its investments by offering guidance and often taking board seats. Practica Capital seeks to exit its investments within two to five years through various means, including trade sales, IPOs, or refinancing. Currently managing €50 million across multiple funds, it has made over 50 investments and continues to be a prominent player in the Baltic venture capital landscape.

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.

Astrec Invest is a venture capital firm founded in 2005, with offices in Stockholm, Sweden, and Estonia. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology and life sciences startups, providing financial support as well as valuable resources such as time, expertise, and a robust network. Astrec Invest prioritizes collaboration with entrepreneurs to enhance the potential for success in their portfolio companies. The firm adopts a hands-on approach, working closely with management teams to leverage their experience and advisory connections, which they believe significantly contribute to the growth and development of the businesses they invest in.

Tech Square Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, focused on seed-stage and early-stage investments in technology companies across the United States. Established in 2014, the firm specializes in sectors such as enterprise technology, marketplace platforms, and tech-enabled services. It also invests in university research spinoffs that possess defensible intellectual property and proven technology. Tech Square Ventures typically invests between $0.25 million and $0.5 million in its portfolio companies, with a particular emphasis on opportunities in Southeast and Georgia, especially in Atlanta. The firm aims to partner with visionary entrepreneurs, leveraging its strategic network of innovation ecosystems, corporate connections, and university relationships to support founders in accelerating their go-to-market strategies.

TTV Capital LLC is a venture capital firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, focused on investing in early to late-stage financial technology companies. Established in 2000, it specializes in businesses that cater to the financial services sector, including banking, payments, capital markets, and data analytics. TTV Capital typically invests between $0.5 million and $3 million in private companies with annual revenues ranging from $1 million to $10 million. The firm aims to create value for entrepreneurs and investors by leveraging its team's extensive experience in technology and financial services. TTV Capital seeks to support companies through equity investments, helping them grow and succeed in a competitive market.

Tera Ventures OÜ is a venture capital firm headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, established in 2016. The firm specializes in seed and startup stage investments, primarily focusing on digital startups across Central and Eastern Europe, including countries such as Estonia, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and the Czech Republic. Tera Ventures typically invests between €0.2 million and €1.5 million per company, with the potential for significant follow-on funding for select investments. The firm emphasizes supporting exceptional founders and building networks that facilitate expansion into key markets like the UK, US, and Asia. Tera Ventures maintains a non-controlling stake in its portfolio companies, allowing founders to retain motivation and influence over their businesses. With additional offices in Burbank, California, and Helsinki, Finland, Tera Ventures is backed by a global advisory network that provides expertise and hands-on support to help companies grow from seed stage to successful exits.

BIP Capital is an Atlanta-based investment firm founded in 2007 that specializes in providing capital and operational support to early-stage, high-growth companies. The firm primarily targets technology sectors in the United States and Israel, focusing on startups with revenues up to $10 million. BIP Capital typically invests between $2 million and $5 million, taking either minority or majority stakes depending on the specific circumstances of the investment. The firm is dedicated to partnering with entrepreneurs, offering not only financial backing but also strategic support to help navigate the challenges of scaling a business. Their approach emphasizes collaboration and resilience, aiming to empower visionary leaders in their pursuit of growth and innovation.

Change Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. It is the first pre-seed and seed fund actively investing in all three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—and also supports Baltic diaspora entrepreneurs globally. The firm focuses on technology startups, particularly in the B2B and SaaS sectors, making initial investments between €100,000 and €750,000, with opportunities for follow-on funding in later rounds. Change Ventures adopts a founder-friendly investment approach, aiming to expedite decision-making processes and assist entrepreneurs in achieving product-market fit, raising additional capital, and scaling their businesses, all while leveraging a strong network of investors and partners.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an investment firm established in 1991 to support the development of market economies and democracies in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As the largest single investor in the region, the EBRD focuses on private enterprises, investing primarily in minority equity positions and participating in private equity funds that target medium-sized companies seeking expansion. The firm mobilizes significant foreign direct investment and provides project financing for a variety of sectors, including banking, industry, and municipal services. It collaborates with publicly owned companies to facilitate privatization and restructuring efforts. The EBRD operates in countries committed to democratic principles and emphasizes strong corporate governance and environmental respect in all its investments. With a portfolio exceeding €130 billion across over 5,200 projects, the EBRD has also extended its financing initiatives to the Middle East and Africa, leveraging its expertise to foster economic growth and transformation.

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

70 Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and located in Vilnius, Lithuania. The firm specializes in supporting promising B2B entrepreneurs by assisting them in building effective, data-driven sales teams that can generate predictable revenue. It focuses on investment opportunities within the B2B, software, and commercial products and services sectors. 70 Ventures provides funding across various stages of development, from pre-seed to Series A, contingent upon achieving specific revenue milestones.

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

Atlanta Ventures is a venture capital and startup studio founded in 2012 and based in Atlanta, Georgia. The firm is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs by fostering a supportive community, providing educational resources, and investing capital to help them advance their business goals. Atlanta Ventures primarily focuses on companies in the software as a service (SaaS) and technology sectors, aiming to elevate entrepreneurs and enable them to achieve their aspirations. Through its multifaceted approach, the firm seeks to create an intentional environment that empowers startup founders and drives innovation in the region.

Baring Vostok Capital Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1994, with its headquarters in Moscow, Russia, and additional offices in Limassol, Cyprus, and Guernsey. The firm focuses on investing in various stages of companies, including seed, early, growth, and later stages, as well as through buyouts and acquisition financing. Baring Vostok targets a diverse range of sectors such as natural resource extraction, particularly oil and gas, telecommunications, mass media, utilities, construction materials, specialty manufacturing, real estate, internet services, software, retail, and service management. The firm has a strong emphasis on mid-market enterprises and has managed multiple private equity funds that aim to support companies with significant growth potential in Russia and the CIS region.

Icebreaker is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Helsinki, Finland, specializing in investments within the software sector. The fund focuses on financing unique software-driven companies at the idea, angel, and seed stages, typically investing between EUR 40,000 and EUR 350,000. As part of its operations, Icebreaker manages a community that connects hundreds of members, providing access to a network of potential team members, clients, and advisors. The fund's goal is to support the growth of innovative tech companies in Finland.

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.

The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) is a sovereign wealth fund established in 2011 and headquartered in Moscow. Backed by the Russian government, RDIF aims to stimulate foreign direct investment in Russia's emerging economy by co-investing alongside other investors. The fund focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, construction, logistics, aerospace, power, and pharmaceuticals. With a capital of $10 billion, RDIF plays a key role in facilitating investments that contribute to the growth and development of the Russian economy.

The Lithuanian Business Angel Network (LitBAN), established in 2018 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania, aims to promote and enhance business angel activity in the region. It focuses on educating potential investors, facilitating connections, and organizing events to encourage collaboration and deal syndication. LitBAN seeks to create a supportive environment for angel investing, not only within Lithuania but also across Nordic countries, thereby fostering a vibrant ecosystem for startups and investors alike.

Open Circle Capital is a venture capital investment firm established in 2017 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies within the fields of information and communications technology, robotics, and high-tech, primarily targeting firms in Northern Europe. Open Circle Capital prefers to partner with teams led by serial entrepreneurs who possess experience in growth, fundraising, or successful exits. The firm is particularly interested in companies that have achieved initial revenue and demonstrate high growth potential, as well as the capability to expand into international markets. Open Circle Capital's investment process begins with an initial conversation to understand the founders' ambitions, followed by a series of meetings to evaluate the opportunity, discuss terms, and conduct due diligence before formalizing the investment.

Overline is a venture capital investment firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 2020. Specializing in seed-stage investments, it focuses on supporting exceptional founders and fostering an inclusive community that serves as a launchpad for emerging local entrepreneurs. Overline aims to lead seed rounds and set terms, representing the entirety of financing rounds. The firm primarily invests in companies located in Atlanta and the broader Southeast region of the United States.

Horizon Capital is a private equity firm established in 2006 and headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, with an additional office in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in buyouts, growth capital, and expansion investments, primarily focusing on later-stage opportunities in small and mid-cap companies. The firm invests in various sectors, including light manufacturing, information technology, financial services, fast-moving consumer goods, and e-commerce, with a particular emphasis on industry leaders and companies with consolidation potential. Horizon Capital manages four funds with assets exceeding $850 million and is backed by over 40 institutional investors. The firm actively seeks to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and aims to generate value through governance and operational improvements. Investments typically range from $5 million to $20 million, with a preference for acquiring control stakes, though minority interests are also considered. Horizon Capital generally seeks to exit its investments within three to five years via trade sales or initial public offerings. With a team that boasts over 75 years of regional investment experience, the firm is committed to integrity, transparency, and successful value creation.

SMRK VC Fund is a venture capital firm established in November 2013 and headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine. The firm specializes in funding pre-seed, seed, and early-stage startups, primarily focusing on information technology projects. SMRK VC Fund targets investments in software for mobile operating systems, casual and business software, and enhancing the online presence of offline businesses, as well as B2C and B2B services. It concentrates its efforts on IT projects in Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, and Central Europe but is open to opportunities in other regions as well. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $1 million, seeking to acquire a minority stake in the companies it supports. Notable projects funded by SMRK VC Fund include Allset, Preply, Competera, and AJAX Systems.

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.

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

GRA Ventures is a private investment fund based in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 2009. It focuses on financing promising companies that emerge from Georgia's universities, primarily through seed, early-stage, and mid-stage investments. The fund is associated with the Georgia Research Alliance's commercialization arm and targets sectors such as technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and agriculture. Investors in GRA Ventures include the State of Georgia, as well as private individuals, corporations, and foundations, all aiming to foster innovation and economic growth within the state.

Pontos is a family-owned private equity and real estate investment company based in Helsinki, Finland. Established in 2001, it operates in Finland, the Baltic States, and Portugal. The firm focuses on a diverse range of investments, including commercial real estate, property development projects, and real estate development companies. Additionally, Pontos invests in property technology, listed shares, fixed-income investments, and private equity funds, reflecting a broad investment strategy aimed at various sectors within the real estate and financial markets.

VTB is a prominent Russian bank headquartered in Moscow, established in 1990. It offers a comprehensive range of financial services, including retail, corporate, and investment banking. VTB Bank provides various corporate banking products, such as settlement and cash services, loans of varying terms, overdraft lending, and credit facilities. The bank also facilitates time, savings, and demand deposits, along with international settlements and bank guarantees. Additionally, VTB engages in foreign exchange control, derivatives, custody services, and securitization. The VTB Group encompasses over 30 banks and financial organizations across more than 20 countries, making it one of the largest financial groups in Russia by assets and customer accounts. Its operations extend beyond Russia, serving clients in the CIS, Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.

TechSquare Labs is an incubator and seed fund located in Atlanta, Georgia, providing 15,000 square feet of coworking and corporate innovation space. Founded in 2014 by Dr. Paul Judge and Allen Nance, it focuses on fostering the growth of startups and established companies in various sectors, including B2B, information technology, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and marketing technology. TechSquare Labs leverages its extensive network, which includes a diverse range of professionals from novice coders to experienced CEOs, to support entrepreneurs in their journey from conception to successful business operation. The firm is strategically situated in Technology Square, an area rich in educational institutions and corporate innovation, benefiting from the talent pool generated by nearby Georgia Tech. This vibrant ecosystem, complemented by Atlanta's status as a hub for Fortune 1000 companies and the creative industries, positions TechSquare Labs as a pivotal player in the region's technological advancement.

Mosley Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage technology startups located in Atlanta and the Southeastern United States. Its investment interests primarily encompass sectors such as security software, mobility and wireless technologies, big data, and healthcare information technology. Sig Mosley, the Managing Partner, has a notable track record, having invested in 120 startups since 1990, resulting in 82 liquidity events. He is recognized as a leading investor in the Southeast, holding the record for the largest venture deal in the region with the $5.7 billion acquisition of Tradex by Ariba.

Imprimatur Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2003, with headquarters in London and additional offices in Latvia and various regions including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in technology and energy sectors. It focuses on high-growth potential companies that leverage innovative intellectual property, particularly in areas such as the Internet of Things, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, big data, gaming technology, digital health, and robotics. Imprimatur Capital typically invests up to €0.4 million per company and may take board seats to support its portfolio. The firm sources investment opportunities globally, with a notable emphasis on the Asian market, as well as regions such as the Baltic, Nordic, and Russia.

Iron Wolf Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and located in Vilnius, Lithuania. It focuses on early-stage investments in sectors such as information technology, fintech, marketplaces, the internet of things, SaaS, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep tech. The firm seeks to invest between EUR 0.2 million and 2.0 million and emphasizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria in its investment decisions. With a team that combines entrepreneurial and financial expertise, Iron Wolf Capital aims to support innovative individuals with global aspirations, leveraging its extensive networks and hands-on experience to address the challenges of building international businesses. The firm has a strong presence in the Baltics and London, reflecting its commitment to fostering growth in the region.

Thorgate is a product development studio specializing in the design and development of complex web and mobile applications. Founded in 2011 and based in Tallinn, London, and Oslo, the company offers a comprehensive suite of services including product consulting, product design, and software development using technologies such as Python, Django, React.js, and PostgreSQL. Thorgate focuses on creating scalable B2B solutions and aims to leverage technology to improve the world. Additionally, it operates Thorgate Ventures, its seed stage venture capital arm, which makes up to four hands-on investments annually in teams that exhibit a strong balance of culture, passion, and execution capabilities. Thorgate seeks to partner with talented teams to build impactful businesses.

Fulcrum Equity Partners is a private equity and growth equity firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth sectors, including healthcare services, technology-enabled services, B2B software, and software as a service (SaaS). Fulcrum targets companies in the United States, particularly those with annual sales between $3 million and $75 million and an EBITDA of $1 million to $10 million. The firm typically invests between $5 million and $25 million, focusing on companies that demonstrate an ability to achieve significant growth, ideally exceeding 20 percent annually. Fulcrum considers both control and non-control investments and engages in a variety of financial transactions, such as management buyouts and recapitalizations. The firm emphasizes collaboration with other investors and typically holds its investments for three to five years. With a team that has extensive experience across various sectors, Fulcrum has raised over $280 million across three funds and has successfully invested in more than 30 companies.

BaltCap is an independent private equity firm established in 1995, based in Tallinn, Estonia, specializing in small and midmarket buyout and expansion capital investments across the Baltic States. With a team of 16 experienced professionals and local offices in all three Baltic countries, BaltCap has managed several private equity and venture capital funds, amassing over EUR 260 million in total capital and executing more than 60 investments. The firm targets established companies with growth potential, focusing on sectors such as business and financial services, healthcare, technology, media, telecommunications, consumer goods, renewable energy, and logistics. Additionally, BaltCap manages specific funds, including an infrastructure fund aimed at energy and clean technology projects. The firm is a member of various private equity associations and has been a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment since 2008.

Noro-Moseley Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1983 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on early-stage investments in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm primarily invests in companies located in the Southeastern United States, particularly in states such as Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. Noro-Moseley Partners has a strong track record, having invested in over 160 start-ups and early-growth-stage companies. Its investment strategy encompasses a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, and business services, with specific interests in areas such as internet security, healthcare data solutions, and financial technology. The firm typically invests between $6 million and $10 million in companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $20 million and seeks to take a board seat in its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance.

TA Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2010, with its headquarters in Kyiv, Ukraine, and additional offices in various international locations including Boston and Frankfurt. The firm specializes in growth capital and early-stage investments, specifically targeting seed to Series A startups in sectors such as digital health, mobility and logistics, consumer technology, fintech, and enterprise software. TA Ventures focuses its investments predominantly in Ukraine and Israel, making equity investments ranging from $0.25 million to $1 million, with the capacity for follow-on funding. The firm does not invest in pre-revenue or pre-launch companies, and it typically seeks to co-invest alongside established venture funds rather than leading investment rounds. TA Ventures also aids Western web companies in entering local markets through joint ventures, while leveraging its extensive network to facilitate access to skilled R&D teams in Central and Eastern Europe. The firm does not take board seats or advisory roles in its portfolio companies.

RUSNANO is a principal investment firm based in Moscow, Russia, focused on the commercialization of high-tech projects and nanotechnology investments. Established in 2007, RUSNANO aims to develop the Russian nanotechnology industry through direct investments in private equity and venture capital, as well as fund investments. The firm prioritizes projects in sectors such as scientific research, new materials, biotechnology, energy, and robotics, with a particular interest in initiatives that will establish or modernize manufacturing facilities within Russia. RUSNANO seeks to invest in projects projected to generate significant revenue within five years and often co-invests alongside other partners. It operates through various modes of investment, including equity stakes, loans, and credit guarantees. Additionally, RUSNANO has a subsidiary, RUSNANO USA, Inc., which focuses on middle and late-stage companies in North America that support global technology development in fields such as semiconductors and advanced materials.

Cox Enterprises is a prominent provider of communications, media, and automotive services based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company generates approximately $18 billion in revenue and employs around 60,000 people. It operates through three major subsidiaries: Cox Communications, which offers cable television, high-speed internet, telephone, and home security services; Cox Automotive, which specializes in automotive-related auctions, financial services, and digital marketing solutions; and Cox Media Group, which oversees television and radio stations, digital media, and advertising. Notable brands under Cox Enterprises include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book, and Manheim. Additionally, Cox Automotive has a significant international presence, with operations in Asia, Australia, Europe, and Latin America.

VEB Ventures, established by Vnesheconombank in 2011, operates as a venture capital firm based in Moscow, Russia. Its primary focus is on investing in high technology projects associated with the Skolkovo Foundation, with an emphasis on medical technology, biotechnology, and clean technology sectors. The firm aims to support the Russian government's innovation initiatives, develop innovation infrastructure within the country, facilitate the transfer of advanced technologies to Russia, and promote Russian innovations on the global market. Through its investments, VEB Ventures seeks to contribute to the growth of the Russian economy by fostering technological advancements and enhancing competitiveness in the global landscape.

Quest Ventures Pte. Ltd. is a venture capital and private equity firm established in 2011 and headquartered in Singapore, with additional offices across several key cities in Asia. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of business development, including seed, startup, early-stage, growth, expansion, and mature stage investments. Quest Ventures focuses on sectors related to the digital economy, such as financial technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, agri-food technology, and smart cities. It aims to support technology companies that demonstrate scalability and replicability within large internet communities. The firm's investment strategy is informed by thorough research and local insights, enabling it to drive transformation in industries facing challenges while fostering collaboration with emerging startups throughout the region.

Expansion Capital is a Latvian investment firm based in Riga, established in 2013. It manages a mezzanine fund that focuses on financing promising ideas, projects, and companies primarily in Latvia. The fund targets various sectors, including wood products, information technology, metals, minerals and mining, commercial transportation, healthcare, containers and packaging, and manufacturing. Investments typically range from EUR 150,000 to EUR 2,730,000. Expansion Capital aims to participate in initiatives organized by the Latvian state-owned development finance institution ALTUM, furthering its commitment to support the growth of innovative local enterprises.

Yandex is a multinational technology company based in Russia, recognized as one of the largest internet firms in Europe. It operates the country's most popular search engine, which accounts for a significant portion of search traffic in Russia. In addition to its core search and portal services, Yandex has diversified its offerings across several segments, including e-commerce, mobility and delivery, entertainment, classifieds, and media services. The company also has a presence in Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, and Turkey, leveraging machine learning to enhance its products and services.

Valor Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Atlanta, Georgia, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and seed-stage companies, primarily those led by female founders, across various sectors including consumer technology, software, fintech, platform software, and healthcare technology. It focuses on companies located in the United States, with a particular emphasis on the East Coast, Southeast, and Atlanta region. Valor Ventures typically invests between $1 million and $2 million in companies that have achieved minimum revenues of $250,000. The firm is committed to supporting underrepresented founders, with over 70% of its portfolio consisting of such leadership. Additionally, Valor Ventures organizes Startup Runway, the largest pitch event for underrepresented founders in the country, which operates as a 501c3 Foundation.

Contrarian Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vilnius, Lithuania, with additional offices in London and Amsterdam. Established in 2017, the firm specializes in early-stage investments, predominantly in the energy sector and e-mobility. Its investment focus includes innovative areas such as smart grid technology, energy efficiency, big data and analytics, energy storage solutions, e-car infrastructure, smart homes, and renewable energy solutions. The firm aims to support the sustainable energy transition, primarily targeting companies in Europe and Israel.

Flyer One Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and based in Warsaw, Poland. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage startups across various sectors, including B2B and B2C markets. With a particular interest in companies that demonstrate high growth potential, Flyer One Ventures aims to support innovative startups by providing not only financial backing but also strategic guidance. The firm leverages its expertise in digital marketing and product development to assist portfolio companies in optimizing their operations and expanding into international markets. By focusing on startups in regions with limited access to early-stage financing, Flyer One Ventures seeks to empower entrepreneurs and help them scale their businesses to achieve global recognition.