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.

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.

Serra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Champaign, Illinois, founded in 1998. The firm focuses on investing in technology companies primarily located in emerging Midwest technology centers, as well as selected areas on the West Coast. Serra Ventures targets investments in various sectors, including information technology, deep technology, instrumentation, software as a service, devices, and agricultural technologies. By concentrating on these areas, Serra Ventures aims to support the growth of innovative companies that contribute to the technological landscape in the Midwest and beyond.

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.

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in seed ventures, early-stage investments, and private equity deals, primarily focusing on emerging restaurants, beverages, lifestyle consumer brands, agTech, and technologies for the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Cleveland Avenue leverages its extensive resources and expertise to support innovative companies and their founders, aiming to foster growth and success in the food and beverage industry. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to making impactful investments that align with its strategic vision.

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.

Hyde Park Venture Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in seed and series A funding rounds, targeting high-growth technology companies. Its investment focus includes sectors such as software-as-a-service, technology-enabled services, consumer marketplaces, and healthcare IT. While it primarily concentrates on startups in the Midwest, particularly in cities like Toronto, Atlanta, and Chicago, it also considers companies outside the region if they have a graduate from The University of Chicago in an executive management role. Hyde Park Venture Partners typically invests between $0.1 million and $2.5 million, actively engaging in mentoring portfolio companies on product development and business strategy. The firm often co-invests with Hyde Park Angels, demonstrating its commitment to supporting early-stage ventures.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in major cities across North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies with an alumni connection and supported by established institutional lead investors. Alumni Ventures aims to provide accredited investors, particularly alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, with access to diversified venture portfolios that span various sectors and geographic regions. The firm typically invests between $0.01 million and $3 million and does not require board or observer seats in its portfolio companies. Through its managed fund families, Alumni Ventures enables investors to participate in a collaborative investment approach, fostering connections among alumni while facilitating investment opportunities in innovative ventures.

Chicago Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in seed-stage and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on businesses in healthcare, technology, and various service sectors within Chicago and the central United States. The firm partners with exceptional entrepreneurs in undercapitalized markets, seeking companies that demonstrate a strong value proposition for their products or services. Chicago Ventures typically makes initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, targeting industries such as information technology, consumer products, financial services, and advanced manufacturing, among others. By concentrating on well-managed technology-enabled companies, Chicago Ventures aims to foster growth and innovation in the regional startup ecosystem.

Pritzker Group is a privately owned investment holding firm based in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1996, it operates through three subsidiaries: Pritzker Group Private Capital, Pritzker Group Venture Capital, and Pritzker Group Asset Management. Pritzker Group Private Capital focuses on middle-market acquisitions, management-led buyouts, and corporate divestitures, primarily in the manufactured products, services, and healthcare sectors. Pritzker Group Venture Capital specializes in seed to late-stage investments in technology companies, emphasizing areas such as consumer technology, healthcare IT, and artificial intelligence. The firm typically invests between $2 million and $8 million initially, with total investments in a company reaching $15 million to $20 million. Pritzker Group Asset Management manages investments in public equity markets and collaborates with external investment managers. The firm's commitment to building strong partnerships with management teams and entrepreneurs aligns with its strategy of providing flexible capital solutions to foster growth and innovation.

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.

OCA Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, established in 1999. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, targeting companies with significant growth potential. OCA Ventures primarily invests in technology and highly-scalable services businesses, with a strong preference for sectors such as software, fintech, healthcare technology, and education. The firm is currently deploying capital from its fourth fund, investing predominantly in companies located in the United States and Canada.

Lightbank is a Chicago-based venture capital firm founded in 2010, specializing in seed and series A investments across various sectors, including fintech, consumer goods, technology, life sciences, and energy. The firm aims to support emerging entrepreneurs by filling gaps in the market and empowering innovative founders who are willing to take significant risks. Lightbank actively engages with its portfolio companies, offering more than just financial support, and strives to accelerate their growth through its extensive network. The firm is committed to identifying and partnering with promising businesses, regardless of location, and believes that great ventures can emerge anywhere.

M25 is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, founded in 2015, that focuses on early-stage investments primarily in the Midwest. The firm has invested in over 90 startups across more than 24 cities in 11 states, establishing itself as a significant player in the regional startup ecosystem. M25 employs an analytical and collaborative approach to identify opportunities across a diverse range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, consumer products, and more. The firm aims to provide minority stake investments, targeting companies that demonstrate potential for growth in various industries such as analytics, e-commerce, and information technology. Through its strategic investments, M25 seeks to foster innovation and support the development of emerging businesses in the Midwest.

7wire Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2011. It focuses on early-stage investments in healthcare IT, mobile and digital healthcare, and technology-enabled services within the United States. The firm aims to leverage mobility, connected devices, cloud technology, and advanced analytics to innovate in crucial sectors such as healthcare and education. By providing funding and operational support, 7wire Ventures seeks to disrupt traditional practices and support new ideas and business models that address significant societal challenges. With a commitment to transforming promising concepts into successful companies, the firm combines financial investment with valuable insights and experience to foster growth in the digital health landscape.

Jump Capital is a Chicago-based venture capital investment firm founded in 2012, focusing on expansion-stage companies. The firm specializes in technology sectors, including fintech, information technology, data infrastructure, business-to-business services, software-as-a-service, and media. With a strong emphasis on operational expertise, Jump Capital provides its portfolio companies with access to a robust ecosystem that includes a wide network of resources, leading research labs, and academic institutions. This support aims to advance innovations in areas such as data mining, machine learning, high-performance computing, and healthcare.

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.

LongJump is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and located in Chicago, Illinois. It focuses on investing in early and seed-stage technology companies, particularly those based in the Illinois region. LongJump aims to support the next generation of founders by providing essential resources, including capital, connections, and a community that fosters growth and scalability. This approach enables entrepreneurs to develop their businesses effectively while navigating the challenges of the startup landscape. By prioritizing early-stage investments, LongJump seeks to cultivate innovative solutions and drive economic growth within its local ecosystem.

IrishAngels is an early-stage venture firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in high-potential startups across the United States, specifically in sectors such as software, consumer products, and medical devices. The IrishAngels network comprises 225 investors, including prominent venture capital and private equity professionals, along with experienced entrepreneurs. This diverse group collaborates to identify and support innovative companies in their early stages, facilitating growth and development within the startup ecosystem.

Origin Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 1999, with offices in Chicago and Salt Lake City. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth software, online marketplaces, and digital content businesses that are transforming the Digital Native Economy. Origin Ventures focuses on opportunities located "between the coasts" in North America and typically invests in Series A rounds, with check sizes ranging from $500,000 to $4 million. The firm has achieved top-tier performance, ranking in the top 5% of venture capital firms nationally based on realized returns. In 2015, Origin Ventures launched the Origin Ventures Network, fostering collaboration and support among its portfolio companies and their employees. Select successful exits include notable companies such as Grubhub and BacklotCars.

MATH Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2014. The firm specializes in early to middle-stage investments primarily in technology companies across the United States and Canada, focusing on sectors such as e-commerce, SaaS, marketplace, and tech-enabled services. MATH Venture Partners seeks to partner with entrepreneurial teams that prioritize customer acquisition and demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement. The firm is managed by experienced investors and operators who have successfully scaled companies to significant exits. With a hands-on approach, MATH Venture Partners builds deep, personal relationships with founders, emphasizing collaboration and mentorship to foster growth and innovation in their portfolio companies.

Capital Midwest Fund is a venture capital firm headquartered in Mequon, Wisconsin, established in 2006. The firm focuses on early-stage investments across various sectors, including life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and business services. Its investment strategy emphasizes opportunities within the Central United States, particularly in the Midwest and Wisconsin. Capital Midwest Fund actively seeks to support seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies that demonstrate potential for growth and innovation in their respective fields.

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm is stage-agnostic, focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as B2B, B2C, financial services, mobile technology, advertisement technology, e-commerce, food technology, gaming, health technology, real estate technology, restaurant technology, ridesharing, SaaS, and virtual reality. FJ Labs invests primarily in seed and Series A rounds, with an investment range between $50,000 and $5,000,000. The firm has backed notable companies including Alibaba Group, Beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, ADORE ME, and Earnest.

Wintrust Ventures is a division of Wintrust Financial Corporation, which is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois, and serves the greater Chicago area, southern Wisconsin, and northwest Indiana. Wintrust Ventures aims to foster the local innovation ecosystem by providing guidance and investment options to start-ups, particularly those with a connection to the Chicago region. The division partners with entrepreneurs across various sectors, including B2B, technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, analytics, and software as a service. Wintrust Financial itself operates through a network of wholly owned banking subsidiaries, offering a wide range of community-oriented financial services such as personal and commercial banking, wealth management, commercial insurance premium financing, and accounts receivable financing. The organization emphasizes support for small to mid-sized businesses and local communities, reinforcing its commitment to economic development in the regions it serves.

Corazon Capital LLC is a venture capital firm located in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in early-stage investments, particularly in the technology sector, including information technology, big data, and the Internet of Things. Established in 2014, the firm focuses on Seed and Series A funding, leveraging a unique combination of investment experience and operational expertise to provide practical guidance to entrepreneurs. Co-founders Sam Yagan and Steve Farsht bring substantial backgrounds in both investing and entrepreneurship, having co-founded several successful companies and held senior roles in prominent organizations. Corazon Capital is recognized for its deep operational knowledge and extensive network, which enhances its ability to support startup growth. The firm aims to foster strong partnerships with entrepreneurs by integrating financial and operational insights into its investment approach. With a commitment to nurturing innovation, Corazon Capital has made significant investments in private companies and continues to play a vital role in the startup ecosystem.

mHUB is an independent innovation center based in Chicago, Illinois, focused on hardtech and manufacturing. Founded in 2013, it serves as a hub for the entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding physical product innovation. mHUB supports over 270 startups and small businesses by providing access to a wide range of resources, including a co-working space, funding opportunities, and a network of experienced professionals such as engineers, designers, and industry experts. The center specializes in the development and manufacturing of various products, including robotics, connected devices, medical devices, and energy technologies. By fostering collaboration and offering essential tools, mHUB aims to accelerate the growth of the manufacturing industry, promote the commercialization of new innovations, and contribute to job creation and economic development.

Impact Engine is a Chicago-based venture capital and private equity investment firm established in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in companies that aim to create positive social and environmental outcomes. Its focus areas include education, health, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability. By supporting businesses in sectors such as water, waste, energy, and healthcare, Impact Engine seeks to foster growth while addressing critical global challenges.

Fidelity Investments, founded in 1946 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a privately owned investment management firm that offers a wide range of financial services. These services include individual retirement accounts (IRAs), 401(k) rollovers, annuities, discount brokerage, retirement planning, estate planning, wealth management, and life insurance. The firm caters to individual investors, businesses, financial advisors, and institutions, managing equity, fixed income, and balanced mutual funds. Fidelity invests in global public equity and fixed income markets, employing in-house research to inform its investment decisions. The firm serves over 32 million individuals, assists more than 22,000 businesses in managing employee benefits, and provides support to over 13,000 financial institutions with innovative solutions. Fidelity operates through numerous regional offices and Investor Centers across the United States.

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

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

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.

Listen Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily targeting consumer-focused technology sectors, including B2C, e-commerce, and financial services. The firm manages multiple funds, including Listen Ventures III, which invests up to $5 million in early-stage consumer brands. Listen Ventures aims to support innovative startups by providing the necessary capital and resources to help them grow and succeed in a competitive market.

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.

Illinois Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2000 and based in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments in technology-driven companies, particularly those originating from research at the University of Illinois and surrounding research institutions. The firm focuses on sectors such as information technologies, physical sciences, and life sciences, with specific interests in areas like energy, advanced materials, biotechnology, medical devices, and homeland security. By collaborating with inventors and entrepreneurs, Illinois Ventures aims to transform innovative concepts and intellectual property into high-growth businesses. The firm has gained recognition for its contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and has been listed among the top venture capital firms nationally by Entrepreneur magazine.

Second Century Ventures (SCV) is a venture capital firm established in 2009 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is dedicated to fostering innovation within the real estate industry by investing in early to mid-stage companies that focus on real estate technology, software as a service, big data applications, digital media, fintech, and business services. Fully capitalized by the National Association of Realtors, which represents over 1.4 million members, SCV benefits from the association's extensive resources and industry expertise. This connection enhances the strategic value offered to portfolio companies, leveraging over a century of industry influence and knowledge to support entrepreneurial ventures in real estate.

Bain Capital Ventures is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing across all stages of a company's growth, from seed to growth equity. Founded in 1984 and based in Boston, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, and Palo Alto, the firm focuses on high-growth opportunities in sectors such as fintech, enterprise software, and infrastructure. Bain Capital Ventures has invested in over 200 companies, including well-known names like DocuSign and LinkedIn, and manages around $3 billion in assets. The firm typically invests between $1 million and $100 million, with specific allocations for early-stage and growth capital investments ranging from $3 million to $50 million. It aims to support innovative startups that leverage technology to disrupt existing markets or create new ones, emphasizing industries transformed by data.

Connetic Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Covington, Kentucky, founded in 2014 by Brad Zapp. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups, particularly in the pre-seed and seed stages, with a focus on sectors such as software, data, fintech, and consumer services across North America. Connetic Ventures collaborates with other venture capital firms and angel syndicates to support the growth of its portfolio companies through strategic investments.

First Analysis is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, with a focus on early-stage investments across the United States. Founded in 1981, the firm has a strong track record in venture capital, having invested over $750 million in a diverse range of sectors including healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, clean-tech, and infrastructure. First Analysis provides financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate restructurings, and recapitalization. The firm aims to support established companies in becoming market leaders by funding growth initiatives and collaborating closely with management on strategy, recruitment, and corporate development. Known for its flexible investment approach, First Analysis typically invests between $3 million and $10 million, either as a lead investor or as a syndicate partner, bringing valuable insights to its portfolio companies.

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

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.

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Santa Clara, California, specializing in providing diversified financial services to companies in technology, life sciences, cleantech, venture capital, private equity, and premium wine sectors. Established in 1983, it offers a range of services including debt financing, treasury management, corporate investment, and international banking. The bank operates through 27 offices in the United States and has an international presence with seven operations worldwide. By leveraging its industry expertise and global connections, Silicon Valley Bank aims to enhance the success potential of its clients, which include both emerging growth and established businesses. Additionally, its UK branch, founded in 2010, facilitates cross-border transactions and supports clients in meeting their strategic needs. The bank is recognized for its commitment to service excellence and innovation within the financial sector.

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

Great North Labs is an early-stage venture fund focused on investing in technology startups in the upper Midwest. The firm aims to foster grassroots economic development by investing in exponential and disruptive technologies. Great North Labs provides both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, enhancing their chances for success while nurturing the local ecosystem to develop the next generation of transformative tech. The fund invests in companies from Seed to Series B stages, prioritizing those that leverage breakthrough technologies to innovate industries still reliant on analog processes. With a team composed of successful founders, Great North Labs emphasizes the importance of execution in its investment strategy, seeking high-potential startups regardless of their geographic location.

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments, targeting technology startups across various sectors, including communications, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and more. With a focus on pre-seed and seed-stage companies, Liquid 2 Ventures aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs in the United States as they develop innovative solutions and grow their businesses. The firm was established by Joe Montana, Mike Miller, and Michael Ma, bringing together their expertise to foster technological advancements and drive economic growth in the tech industry.

Sandalphon Capital LLC is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing primarily on Seed and Series A rounds, as well as occasional Pre-Seed rounds. Sandalphon Capital targets a diverse range of industries, including Real Estate Tech, FinTech, InsurTech, RegTech, Healthcare IT, tech-enabled healthcare services, B2B SaaS, marketplaces, Internet of Things, and recurring revenue hardware. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000 and has a core geographical focus on the Midwest, particularly Chicago, while also considering opportunities in underserved markets across the United States and select areas such as New York for FinTech and Real Estate Tech. Sandalphon Capital places a strong emphasis on identifying capable management teams and scalable, tech-driven business models that can generate high-margin, recurring revenue.

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.

Founded in 2015, New Stack Ventures is an early-stage venture firm based Chicago, Illinois. The firm targets pre-seed and seed stage startups; investing $400k - $700k from a fund and the largest AngelList syndicate in the Midwest -- including 1000+ angels and family offices.

GTCR, founded in 1980 and based in Chicago, is a prominent private equity firm that specializes in investing in growth companies across several key sectors, including financial services and technology, healthcare, and information technology. The firm is known for its "Leaders Strategy," which emphasizes partnering with top industry leaders to identify and develop market-leading companies through both acquisitions and organic growth initiatives. Over its history, GTCR has invested more than $8 billion in over 200 companies, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation and growth within its targeted industries. The firm manages several buyout funds, focusing on various sectors, including B2B payments, fintech, health tech, and life sciences, among others.

SBB Research Group, founded in 2010 and based in Northbrook, Illinois, is an investment advisory firm that specializes in bespoke investment strategies aimed at protecting and growing investor capital. The firm employs a systematic and interdisciplinary approach, integrating expertise from fields such as science, economics, and engineering to identify opportunities while mitigating risks. SBB Research Group provides discretionary investment advisory services across various vehicles, including proprietary accounts, family trusts, pooled investment vehicles, and separately managed accounts. The firm is led by founder and CEO Sam Barnett, Ph.D., alongside COO and CCO Matt Aven, who emphasizes continuous innovation in investment methodologies. Additionally, SBB Research Group is dedicated to community engagement, organizing volunteer events and supporting various causes such as the Greater Chicago K-12 Chess Championship and partnerships with organizations like the Zacharias Sexual Abuse Center and the World Wildlife Fund.

HAX is a venture capital program that accelerates hardware startups through an intensive support system, operating primarily in Shenzhen and San Francisco. Founders begin their journey in Shenzhen, focusing on rapid prototyping and the development of various aspects of their business, including marketing strategies and business plans. Once they refine their products, teams transition to San Francisco, where the emphasis shifts to business development, fundraising, and establishing connections with corporates, investors, and media. HAX also offers specialized programs like HAX Growth, a seven-week bootcamp for launching B2C and B2B hardware startups, and HAX Boost, which helps selected teams enhance their sales and marketing strategies over six weeks. Founded in 2012, HAX is part of SOSV and targets technology companies that aim to create meaningful advancements in sustainability, industrial automation, and human health. The program continues to support startups beyond the initial phases, providing resources and guidance as they grow.