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.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

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

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.

Main Street Capital is a principal investment firm based in Houston, Texas, established in 1997. The firm specializes in providing long-term debt and equity capital to lower middle-market companies, typically those with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million. Main Street's investment strategy focuses on supporting management buyouts, recapitalizations, growth financing, and acquisitions across various industry sectors. The firm aims to offer customized financing solutions and often serves as a "one-stop" financing alternative for its portfolio companies, partnering closely with entrepreneurs, business owners, and management teams to enhance their growth and operational objectives. In addition to its lower middle-market investments, Main Street also allocates capital to middle-market companies and various other investment opportunities.

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

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

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

Texas Halo Fund is a venture capital firm based in Houston, Texas, established in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage businesses with strong growth potential and capable management teams. Texas Halo Fund seeks to identify compelling investment opportunities across various industries and geographic locations, prioritizing those that exhibit promising prospects. Its investment strategy includes a preference for sectors such as healthcare and information technology, while also considering businesses in the software sector. The firm aims to generate high returns for its investors while minimizing risk, typically investing with a horizon of five to seven years.

Quantum Energy Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1998, based in Houston, Texas, with additional offices in Lubbock and Albany, Texas. The firm specializes in investments within the energy sector, focusing on oil and gas upstream and midstream operations, as well as power generation. It selectively explores opportunities in oil field services, renewable and alternative energy, and other related sectors. Quantum Energy Partners seeks to invest between $200 million and $400 million in energy assets and typically targets companies with an enterprise value ranging from $100 million to $2 billion. The firm prefers to take a majority stake in its investments and usually holds them for a period of three to seven years. Its investment strategy emphasizes common equity, preferred equity, and sub-debt with warrants, while it does not finance projects directly. The firm is particularly interested in opportunities within North America, including the United States, Canada, and Europe.

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.

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services institution headquartered in San Francisco, California, founded in 1852. It offers a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, insurance, and consumer finance products to individuals, businesses, and institutions both in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three main segments: Community Banking, which includes personal banking services such as checking accounts, loans, and credit cards; Wholesale Banking, which provides commercial and corporate banking services, including asset-based lending and treasury management; and Wealth and Investment Management, offering personalized financial planning, investment management, and retirement services. With significant assets and a substantial presence, Wells Fargo operates thousands of retail branches and ATMs across North America and around the globe. The firm also engages in corporate and investment banking through its subsidiaries, delivering a comprehensive suite of financial services to meet diverse client needs.

SCF Partners, founded in 1989 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a private equity firm that specializes in providing equity capital and strategic growth support in the energy services, manufacturing, and equipment sectors. With additional offices in Canada, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, SCF Partners focuses on investments that drive innovation and growth across various global markets. The firm typically invests between $20 million and $200 million in upfront equity, with the potential for additional capital to support strategic acquisitions and internal growth initiatives. SCF Partners aims to build industry leaders by leveraging its expertise and resources in a diverse range of regions, including Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

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

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.

Harbert Management Corporation is a privately owned investment management firm established in 1993 and headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, with additional offices in various locations, including Richmond, Virginia, and New York City. The firm specializes in alternative asset classes, focusing on private equity, venture capital, real estate, and mezzanine debt. Through its venture capital affiliate, Harbert Growth Partners, the firm targets emerging companies with high growth potential, particularly in sectors such as marketing technology, eCommerce, information technology, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Harbert Management serves a diverse client base, including endowments, foundations, pension funds, financial institutions, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm employs a disciplined investment approach, typically investing between $0.25 million and $7 million per transaction in companies with sales of up to $100 million and enterprise values ranging from $2 million to $40 million. Harbert Management's investment strategies are designed to balance risk and return while enhancing value across various asset classes.

GOOSE Capital, founded in 2005 and based in Houston, Texas, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage startups focused on deep tech and tough tech. Comprised of seasoned executives, successful entrepreneurs, and influential industry leaders, GOOSE Capital aims to invest around $10 million annually across a range of industries, prioritizing breakthrough and proprietary technologies. The firm leverages its extensive network and expertise to support innovative ventures that have the potential to transform their respective fields.

Seed Round Capital, established in 2020 and based in Houston, Texas, is a start-up studio that focuses on assisting founders in the technology sector to fund and scale their businesses. The firm offers a long-term mentorship program lasting up to 18 months, significantly longer than the typical accelerator model. This extended guidance encompasses training in proven business methodologies and personalized coaching from seasoned entrepreneurs. Additionally, Seed Round Capital facilitates access to funding through its network of investors, enabling startups to secure the necessary resources for growth. By combining extensive entrepreneurial experience with a selective vetting process, Seed Round Capital aims to enhance the chances of success for the startups it supports.

The Artemis Fund is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and located in Houston, Texas. The firm specializes in seed, early stage, and Series A investments, focusing on female-founded and female-led companies. It typically invests between $0.1 million and $5 million in its portfolio companies, prioritizing sectors such as fintech, commerce, and care-building. The Artemis Fund seeks out resourceful management teams that possess a comprehensive understanding of their market, customer needs, and the challenges they aim to address. By supporting tech-enabled companies, the fund aims to facilitate wealth-building and promote sustainable care for families and communities.

Greentown Labs, founded in 2011 and located in Somerville, Massachusetts, is an accelerator that supports entrepreneurs addressing significant energy and environmental challenges. The facility offers 33,000 square feet of prototyping lab and office space, along with a shared machine shop and electronics lab. It creates a collaborative environment for early-stage companies in the clean technology sector, providing access to essential resources, funding opportunities, and a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Additionally, Greentown Labs hosts various events and programs designed to help start-ups expand their networks and accelerate their growth in the energy and environmental markets.

Golden Seeds, founded in 2005 and headquartered in New York City, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in women-led businesses across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, consumer goods, and services. Recognizing the significant growth of women entrepreneurs, Golden Seeds aims to support high-potential companies where women are in leadership roles and possess substantial equity. The firm's investment strategy is grounded in research indicating that gender-diverse teams yield better financial returns. With over 275 members and multiple chapters across the United States, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, and Silicon Valley, Golden Seeds has invested more than $100 million in nearly 150 women-led enterprises. Its commitment to fostering diversity in business reflects a broader understanding of the value diverse perspectives bring to the success of companies.

Genesis Park is a Houston-based private equity firm established in 1999, focusing on buyouts and distressed investments across various sectors, including business services, energy, telecommunications, media, and information technology. The firm aims to create value for its investors by employing disciplined investment strategies and actively engaging with portfolio companies to enhance their performance. Genesis Park is particularly interested in the rapidly growing energy technology sector, leveraging its Houston location to integrate traditional and alternative approaches in both upstream and downstream markets. The firm typically partners with existing management teams but is also open to sourcing additional talent to optimize opportunities. With a commitment to understanding and supporting the companies in which it invests, Genesis Park seeks to navigate diverse market conditions effectively.

Post Oak Energy Capital, LP is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in making equity investments in the energy sector, primarily focusing on mid-market acquisitions, growth capital, and expansion investments. Its investment strategy targets companies involved in oil and gas production, exploration, oilfield services, and related infrastructure within North America, with a strong emphasis on the United States. Post Oak Energy Capital typically invests between $25 million and $75 million, allocating about 75 percent of its capital to traditional onshore oil and gas activities and the remaining 25 percent to related services. The firm seeks both control and minority investments and is committed to identifying opportunities that contribute to the efficient exploitation of oil and natural gas reserves.

Curate Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 and based in Houston, Texas. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, specifically targeting women-led businesses that develop solutions and products appealing to female consumers. Curate Capital aims to support companies in the consumer products and services sector, emphasizing the importance of female leadership in the entrepreneurial landscape. With a commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs, Curate Capital manages multiple funds, including Curate Capital Fund I, which began in 2021, and its upcoming Fund II.

Heartcore Capital A/S is a venture capital firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, specializing in early-stage investments in consumer technology startups. Founded in 2007 as Sunstone Capital, the firm focuses on seed, series A, and growth investments, primarily targeting B2C and B2B2C companies. Areas of interest include direct-to-consumer brands, food, digital health, travel, finance, marketplaces, and consumer subscriptions. Heartcore Capital operates across Europe, with a particular emphasis on the United Kingdom, and occasionally invests in the United States. The firm typically provides funding ranging from €0.25 million to €5 million and has backed over 70 founding teams, raising more than $500 million across multiple funds. With additional offices in Berlin and Paris, Heartcore Capital aims to support founders in building category-defining brands while fostering individual growth.

Valar Fund V is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Valar Ventures, a firm founded in 2010 and based in New York City. The fund focuses on investing in technology companies, particularly within the financial technology sector, and aims to partner with entrepreneurs across the globe. Valar Ventures, backed by Peter Thiel, recognizes the growing potential of transformative technology companies emerging outside of Silicon Valley and aims to provide these founders with support tailored to their specific challenges and opportunities. Valar Fund V, established in 2019, reflects the firm's commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship on a global scale.

Chevron Corporation is a leading integrated energy company involved in various aspects of the oil and gas industry, including exploration, production, refining, marketing, and chemicals manufacturing. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, the company operates globally, with significant production activities across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Chevron produces approximately 3.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, alongside refining capacity of 1.8 million barrels per day. The company markets fuels, lubricants, and petrochemical products under well-known brands such as Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex. Additionally, Chevron Technology Ventures serves as the company's venture capital arm, investing in early-stage companies and emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and foster future energy solutions, including renewable energy and advanced materials. Chevron is committed to developing technology for hydrogen-powered fuel cells and other sustainable energy resources while maintaining a strong focus on traditional oil and gas operations.

Wedge Group is a private investment firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 1979. The firm specializes in private equity investments across various sectors, including manufacturing, trucking, food processing, engineering, construction, and oilfield services. In addition to these industries, Wedge Group invests in value-add cash-flow real estate assets throughout the United States, with a particular focus on office buildings and hotels.

Carnelian Energy Capital is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in lower and middle market investments within the energy sector, particularly focusing on the upstream, midstream, and oilfield services industries. Carnelian typically seeks equity investments ranging from $35 million to $75 million, targeting opportunities across North America. The firm manages multiple funds dedicated to the oil and gas sector, reflecting its commitment to supporting energy-related ventures.

Baker Hughes is an energy technology company that provides a wide range of solutions to the oil and natural gas industry, as well as to industrial customers. With a workforce of approximately 60,000 employees, the company operates in over 120 countries, assisting clients in the exploration, evaluation, drilling, production, transportation, and processing of hydrocarbon resources. Baker Hughes specializes in oilfield services and equipment, with notable strengths in artificial lift, specialty chemicals, and completions. Additionally, the company has a significant presence in industrial power generation and process solutions, particularly within the liquid natural gas sector. By leveraging advanced technologies, Baker Hughes aims to support the energy transition and enhance operational efficiency for its global clientele.

Ecliptic Capital, founded in 2018 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in technology-driven companies. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, Ecliptic Capital aims to partner with entrepreneurs to facilitate efficient execution, rapid scaling, and significant value creation. The firm targets sectors including life sciences, cybersecurity, deep technology, and digital asset custody, among others, particularly in undercapitalized regions. Ecliptic Capital leverages its extensive networks and data to bridge the digital and physical realms, concentrating on disruptive companies that can create sustainable advantages across adjacent markets. Through its investments, the firm connects the strong macroeconomic activity in Texas with the entrepreneurial technology ecosystem, fostering innovation and growth in various industries.

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

Citi Ventures, established in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, serves as the venture capital arm of Citigroup. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including fintech, data analytics, machine learning, security, and digital assets. With a global presence that includes offices in New York, London, Palo Alto, Tel Aviv, and Singapore, Citi Ventures aims to leverage the resources and expertise of Citigroup to discover and nurture new sources of value. The investment team, composed of over 45 professionals, actively collaborates with Citi colleagues, clients, and the broader innovation ecosystem to explore, incubate, and invest in promising ideas that can drive technological change and benefit communities and businesses. Currently, Citi Ventures manages approximately $4.3 billion in equity investments and committed capital, emphasizing its commitment to emerging markets and the evolution of the financial landscape.

EIV Capital is a private equity firm established in 2009 and headquartered in Houston, Texas. The firm specializes in making investments in the energy sector, focusing primarily on energy infrastructure and companies engaged in the production, processing, transportation, storage, or conversion of oil, natural gas, refined products, and renewable fuels. EIV Capital is particularly interested in midstream and downstream segments within the industry, targeting equity investments in the range of $5 million to $20 million. The firm manages multiple infrastructure funds, including its recent Fund IV launched in 2020, which emphasizes impact investments in the energy sector across the United States. As a Registered Investment Adviser, EIV Capital aims to support the growth and development of energy-related businesses.

Tally Energy Services is an oilfield services technology company that specializes in providing tailored solutions for shale producers in North America. The company operates an integrated portfolio of services designed for oil and gas wells, which includes directional drilling, completions, and artificial lifts. These services enable precise placement of wellbores, effective formation stimulation, and efficient reservoir production, allowing clients to optimize recovery and manage operational costs. Tally Energy aims to grow its business through a buy-and-build strategy, focusing on opportunities for growth, consolidation, and differentiation in the oilfield services market.

Quorum offers an industry-leading portfolio of finance, operations and accounting software that empowers energy companies of all sizes to conquer their most complex business challenges. From the field to the back office, defying complexity is coded in our DNA and our software. This unmatched experience is why Quorum is the choice of eight of the largest public energy companies worldwide, 75 percent of LNG exporters throughout North America and 80 percent of all midstream companies in the United States. Designed for digital transformation, the myQuorum software platform delivers open standards, mobile-first design and cloud technologies to empower innovation at the speed of thought. At Quorum, we’re helping visionary leaders transform their business, and the energy industry, for a digital world.

Golden Section is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Houston, Texas, established in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in business-to-business (B2B) software companies, collaborating with entrepreneurs to support the growth of their enterprises. By financing innovative software solutions that cater to other businesses, Golden Section aims to foster the development of impactful B2B SaaS ventures.

Valedor Partners, established in 2018 and based in Houston, Texas, is a private equity firm that specializes in providing curated private investment opportunities on a deal-by-deal basis. The firm focuses on attracting individual investors, family offices, and institutions by offering access to selective investment prospects that lie outside the conventional blind-pool structures of private equity and venture capital. Valedor Partners emphasizes a commitment to long-term value by investing its own capital alongside its clients in these opportunities. The firm has transitioned away from management consulting services, which previously included data science, pre-transaction advisory, and operational improvement, to concentrate solely on its investment activities.

Evok Innovations is a cleantech fund based in Vancouver, Canada, established in 2015, that focuses on accelerating the development of technologies essential for energy transition. The fund targets early-stage investments in sectors such as cleantech, decarbonization technologies, carbon management, clean fuels, electrification, and critical minerals. By combining the innovative spirit of a startup with the expertise of industry veterans, Evok seeks to address significant economic and environmental challenges within the oil and gas industry. Through partnerships with organizations such as Cenovus, Suncor, and the BC Cleantech CEO Alliance, Evok leverages a global network of entrepreneurs to provide investment, mentorship, and market access to promising companies, facilitating the deployment of groundbreaking solutions.

Houston Ventures is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in making investments across various stages, including early, mid, and late venture, as well as growth-stage companies. Houston Ventures focuses primarily on the technology and energy sectors, targeting businesses in areas such as communication, networking, software, and information technology. Through its managed funds, including Houston Ventures Fund I and Houston Ventures III, the firm aims to support the growth of companies that provide innovative solutions in business products and services, as well as technology, media, and telecommunications.

Tailwater Capital, founded in 2013 and based in Dallas, Texas, is a private equity firm specializing in the middle market within the energy sector, particularly focusing on midstream and upstream oil and gas companies. The firm’s principals possess extensive experience in providing growth equity capital, having invested over $1 billion in various domestic energy sectors over the last 14 years. Tailwater Capital manages a diverse portfolio that includes companies such as BlackBrush Oil & Gas, TexStar Midstream Services, Petro Waste Environmental Partners, Align Midstream Partners, and Pivotal Petroleum Partners. As a registered investment adviser, Tailwater Capital is committed to delivering strategic investment solutions in the energy landscape.

SpaceFund is a venture capital firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2018. The firm focuses on investing in high-growth startups that address the evolving multi-billion dollar space markets, specifically within the space technology sector. SpaceFund primarily targets seed-stage to later-stage companies, avoiding traditional aerospace investments such as rockets and weapons. Instead, it seeks out innovative and practical solutions that contribute to the space revolution. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach to its investments, nurturing and supporting portfolio companies throughout their development to ensure their growth and success. SpaceFund values integrity, humility, and pragmatism, aiming to empower visionary entrepreneurs in the space industry.

Platform Partners, founded in 2006 and based in Houston, Texas, is a private equity firm that focuses on equity and debt investment opportunities in small to middle-market companies throughout the United States. The firm specializes in various sectors, including commercial products, energy, consumer products and services, financial services, healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, e-commerce, big data, educational technology, clean technology, media, and retail. Additionally, Platform Partners operates as a Registered Investment Adviser, emphasizing a diverse investment strategy to support growth in its targeted industries.

BlackRock is a global investment management corporation founded in 1988 and headquartered in New York City. It provides a diverse array of services, including investment advisory, risk management, and asset management across various asset classes and sectors, such as real estate, energy, and technology. The firm manages funds for a wide range of clients, including large institutions and individual investors, focusing on delivering tailored investment solutions to help secure better financial futures. BlackRock operates through its subsidiaries, including BlackRock Capital Investment Advisors, which offers investment advisory services, and BlackRock Private Equity Partners, which specializes in direct and fund investments in private equity and venture capital. With a strong emphasis on both public and private markets, BlackRock’s expertise spans multiple strategies and geographic regions, making it one of the world's largest asset managers, with trillions of dollars entrusted to its care.

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.

Kinder Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Houston, Texas, established in 1997 by Richard D. Kinder and Nancy G. Kinder. Its mission is to enhance the quality of life in the Greater Houston area by providing transformational grants that focus on urban green space, education, and overall community well-being. The foundation supports a variety of initiatives, including the preservation and accessibility of parks for healthy recreation, as well as programs that improve learning opportunities in the arts, health, social services, and children's services. Through its strategic funding, Kinder Foundation aims to position Greater Houston as a model city for economic opportunity and community enrichment.

Halliburton is a prominent global provider of products and services to the energy sector, particularly focused on the upstream oil and gas industry. With a workforce of over 55,000 employees distributed across approximately 70 countries, the company supports the entire lifecycle of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Its services encompass locating hydrocarbons, managing geological data, drilling and formation evaluation, as well as well construction and completion. Additionally, Halliburton specializes in optimizing production throughout the life of oil and gas fields. Recognized as one of the largest oilfield service firms worldwide, Halliburton offers expertise in various areas, including completion fluids, wireline services, and cementing, and is noted for being the largest pressure pumper in North America, with significant contributions to innovations in hydraulic fracturing over the past two decades.

Pelican Energy Partners is a private equity firm based in Houston, Texas, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in making strategic investments in energy services and manufacturing companies, with a focus on the United States and Canada. Pelican Energy Partners is led by a team of seasoned professionals with over 120 years of combined experience in the energy sector, having held executive roles in notable companies such as Cameron, Halliburton, and Weatherford. The firm targets investments primarily in the energy equipment and oil and gas sectors, leveraging its deep industry knowledge and extensive relationships to enhance the growth and profitability of its portfolio companies.

Amnis Ventures Inc. is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and located in Houston, Texas. The firm focuses on growth capital investments, targeting sectors such as renewable energy, hardware technologies, financial services, real estate development, oil and gas, technology, and industrial services. Amnis Ventures aims to support innovative companies that are positioned for significant growth across these diverse industries.

Fannin Innovation Studio, established in 2005 and based in Houston, Texas, is an early-stage life science development group dedicated to commercializing innovations from the Texas Medical Center institutions. The organization focuses on therapeutic, medical device, and diagnostic technologies, investing in promising startups led by top-tier academic researchers across the United States. To address the commercialization gap in Houston, Fannin provides its portfolio companies with essential resources, including office space, seed capital, and access to a broad network. Additionally, Fannin operates an apprenticeship program that recruits aspiring entrepreneurs, offering them hands-on training to help transition innovative ideas into commercially viable products.