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

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado. The firm specializes in co-investing in Series A deals, primarily alongside institutional venture funds. It focuses on seed-stage companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and healthcare. Additionally, Service Provider Capital manages funds that target specific regional markets, such as the Midwest, emphasizing investments in software and healthcare technology systems. The firm typically seeks minority stakes and engages in syndicated investments to support the growth of innovative startups.

Serra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Champaign, Illinois, focused on investing in technology companies primarily located in emerging Midwest technology centers and selected areas in Southern California. Founded in 1998, the firm specializes in sectors such as information technology, devices and instrumentation, and agricultural technologies. Serra Ventures aims to support innovative companies that are poised for growth, leveraging its expertise and regional knowledge to identify promising investment opportunities.

Hyde Park Angels is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, that focuses on seed and early-stage investments. Established in April 2007, the firm targets investments in technology, healthcare, business and financial services, as well as consumer and industrial products. Hyde Park Angels primarily seeks opportunities within the Midwest, aiming to drive startup growth and foster investment success for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

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 deals with seed ventures, early stage and private equity deals focused on emerging restaurants, beverages, services, and technologies designed for foodservice and hospitality channels. They bring unparalleled resources and expertise to support remarkable companies and the people behind them.

Hyde Park Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm specializes in seed and series A investments in high-growth technology companies, primarily within the Midwest region, including cities such as Toronto, Atlanta, Ontario, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Hyde Park Venture Partners focuses on sectors such as B2B software, software-as-a-service, consumer marketplaces, healthcare IT, and technology-enabled services. It typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.75 million in startups, with a maximum investment of $2.5 million for companies with pre-money valuations under $7 million. The firm actively supports its portfolio companies through mentoring in product development and business strategy, often co-investing with Hyde Park Angels. Hyde Park Venture Partners aims to back exceptional founding teams with significant growth potential, contributing value to early-stage investments while maintaining a rigorous focus on the Midwest technology landscape.

Chicago Ventures is a private equity firm founded in 2012, focusing on seed-stage investments in healthcare, business services, and technology-driven companies primarily located in Chicago and the central United States. The firm partners closely with exceptional entrepreneurs in undercapitalized, high-potential ecosystems, seeking to support well-managed technology companies that have demonstrated a clear value proposition for their products or services. Chicago Ventures typically makes initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, targeting sectors such as technology-enabled products and services, new media and education, as well as consumer web and mobile platforms. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to foster innovation and growth in the Midwest's entrepreneurial landscape.

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

Pritzker Group is an investment holding firm based in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1996, it focuses on middle-market acquisitions, technology venture capital, and asset management through its subsidiaries: Pritzker Group Private Capital, Pritzker Group Venture Capital, and Pritzker Group Asset Management. Pritzker Group Private Capital specializes in acquiring mid-sized companies, particularly in the manufactured products, services, and healthcare sectors, targeting businesses with enterprise values between $100 million and $750 million. Pritzker Group Venture Capital invests in technology companies across various stages, primarily in the United States, concentrating on sectors such as healthcare IT, consumer technology, and artificial intelligence, with initial investments typically ranging from $2 million to $8 million. Pritzker Group Asset Management invests in public equity markets globally, employing external managers for its investments. The firm emphasizes partnerships with family- or entrepreneur-owned businesses and seeks to align closely with management teams to foster growth and operational efficiency.

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

OCA Ventures is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 1999, specializing in early-stage investments, including Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds. The firm focuses on equity investments in companies with significant growth potential, primarily within the technology and high-scalability services sectors. OCA Ventures has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various industries, with a particular emphasis on technology, financial services, education, and healthcare technology. Currently investing from its fourth fund, OCA Ventures is dedicated to supporting innovative companies across the United States.

Lightbank is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2010, focusing on seed and series A investments across various sectors, including fintech, consumer goods, technology, life sciences, social media, and energy. The firm aims to support emerging entrepreneurs by taking contrarian investment approaches and empowering underdog founders. Lightbank seeks to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies by providing more than just capital, leveraging its extensive networks and actively engaging with entrepreneurs. The firm believes that great businesses can emerge from anywhere and is committed to partnering with innovative founders, regardless of their location or market trends. Investment amounts typically range from $100,000 to $1 million.

M25 is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2015, focusing on early-stage investments in technology startups primarily located in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. The firm has built a diverse portfolio by investing in over 90 startups across various sectors, including healthcare technology, information technology, financial services, and consumer products. M25's analytical and collaborative approach enables it to play a significant role within the Midwest startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of emerging companies. The firm is led by Victor Gutwein and Mike Asem and seeks to identify promising investment opportunities that align with its objective of driving economic growth in the region.

Grosvenor Capital Management Customized Fund Investment Group is an investment firm specializing in direct and fund of fund investments. It seeks to invest in primary fund investments, secondary fund investments, and co-investments across the private equity, infrastructure, and real estate sub-asset classes. For direct investments, it prefers to invest in seed/start-up, early venture, mid venture, late venture, middle market, growth capital, recapitalization, mature, and PIPES transactions. For fund of funds investments, the firm seeks to invest in venture capital and private equity funds including buyout, mezzanine, real estate, secondary and distressed debt funds. The firm’s areas of focus include buyouts, venture capital, growth equity, regionally-focused investments, small and emerging managers, emerging domestic managers, and co-investments. The firm invests in energy, materials, environmental and facilities services, commercial security and safety services, security and alarm systems, residential security and personal safety services, media, consumer staples, biotechnology, life sciences tools and services, computer components, semiconductors, telecommunication services, waste water treatment, water purification, alternative energy resources, and electric power by solar energy sectors. It invests in United Arab Emirates, Europe, Michigan, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. The firm makes equity investment between $2 million and $15 million in companies with minimum sales value of $20 million and Enterprise value of upto $200 million. It focuses on creation of private equity investment programs for clients which includes institutional investors, high-net-worth individuals, families, financial institutions, and advisors across the United States. The firm was formerly known as Credit Suisse Customized Fund Investment Group. Grosvenor Capital Management Customized Fund Investment Group was founded in 1999 and is based in Chicago, Illinois with additional offices in the Birmingham, Michigan; London, United Kingdom; Hong Kong, Hong Kong; and Singapore, Singapore. As of January 2, 2014, Grosvenor Capital Management Customized Fund Investment Group operates as a subsidiary of Grosvenor Capital Management L.P.

7wire Ventures is a private equity firm established in 2011, focusing on early-stage investments in healthcare IT, mobile and digital healthcare, and technology-enabled services in the United States. The firm aims to disrupt traditional practices by supporting innovative ideas and business models that address significant societal challenges, particularly in healthcare and education. 7wire Ventures provides not only funding but also operational guidance to help transform promising concepts into successful companies. Through its investments and strategic insights, the firm has developed a reputation for advancing industries by leveraging mobility, connected devices, cloud technology, and sophisticated analytics.

Jump Capital is an expansion stage venture firm with operating DNA at its core. We offer unparalleled institutional resources through Jump’s ecosystem, including access to a broad network, top research labs and academic institutions advancing the state of the art in data mining, machine learning, high-performance computing and healthcare. Learn more at www.jumpcap.com and follow us on Twitter @jumpcapital.

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.

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 founded in 1999, with offices in Chicago and Salt Lake City. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth software, online marketplace, and digital content businesses that are shaping the Digital Native Economy. Origin Ventures distinguishes itself with a strong track record, ranking in the top 5% of venture capital firms nationally based on realized performance. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $4 million in Series A funding rounds for companies that have achieved product-market fit. In addition to individual investments, Origin Ventures has created the Origin Ventures Network, fostering collaboration and support among its portfolio companies. Notable exits from the firm's investments include Grubhub, BacklotCars, Ahalogy, and Teem.

Math Venture Partners is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2014, specializing in early to middle-stage investments in technology companies across the United States and Canada. The firm focuses on sectors such as e-commerce, hardware-enabled software, marketplaces, software as a service (SaaS), tech-enabled services, and transactional businesses. Math Venture Partners is managed by a team of experienced investors and operators who emphasize strong partnerships with entrepreneurial teams that prioritize customer acquisition. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, working closely with founders to foster improvement and growth. With a track record of building and scaling successful companies, Math Venture Partners seeks to collaborate with coachable teams committed to excellence.

FJ Labs is a U.S.-based investment firm established in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm operates with a stage-agnostic approach, primarily targeting marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. FJ Labs focuses its investments on seed and Series A rounds, with a financial commitment ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm has invested in a variety of notable companies, including Alibaba Group, beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, and ADORE ME.

Capital Midwest Fund is a Wisconsin-based venture capital and private equity firm that focuses on early-stage investments in life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, consumer goods, and business services. The firm primarily targets opportunities within the Midwest region of the United States, with a particular emphasis on Wisconsin. Its investment strategy is designed to support innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential in these sectors.

Wintrust Ventures is a division of Wintrust Financial Corporation, established to foster and support the innovative community in Chicago through strategic investments and guidance for venture start-ups. Based in Rosemont, Illinois, Wintrust Financial operates a comprehensive array of financial services, including community banking, wealth management, and specialty finance, across the greater Chicago metropolitan area and southern Wisconsin. Wintrust Ventures collaborates with entrepreneurs across various sectors such as B2B, technology, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, analytics, and software as a service. While maintaining a sector-agnostic approach, it primarily focuses on start-ups that are based or have significant connections in the Chicago area, positioning itself as a key player in the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Corazon Capital LLC is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in seed and Series A rounds. Founded in 2014, the firm combines a strong investment background with operational expertise, providing practical and actionable guidance to entrepreneurs. Recognized for its deep understanding of the startup landscape, Corazon Capital leverages its extensive network both within and outside of Chicago to support innovative technology companies across the United States. The firm was co-founded by Sam Yagan and Steve Farsht, both of whom have impressive track records in building and scaling successful businesses. Their experience includes founding several companies and leading significant growth initiatives, as well as participating in substantial investment activities. Corazon Capital's team is committed to fostering entrepreneurial success by aligning financial and operational strategies for the companies they invest in.

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

Fidelity Investments is a privately owned investment manager based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1946. The firm offers a wide range of financial services, including individual retirement accounts, 401(k) rollovers, annuities, discount brokerage, and wealth management. It serves a diverse clientele, including individual investors, businesses, financial advisors, and institutions. Fidelity manages equity, fixed income, and balanced mutual funds, investing in public equity and fixed income markets worldwide. The firm conducts in-house research to guide its investment decisions and supports over 32 million clients in achieving their financial goals. Additionally, Fidelity assists more than 22,000 businesses with employee benefit programs and collaborates with over 13,000 financial institutions to provide innovative investment and technology solutions.

Impact Engine is a Chicago-based venture capital and private equity investment firm established in 2012. The firm concentrates on investing in companies that aim to create positive social and environmental impacts, specifically in the areas of education, health, economic empowerment, and sustainability. By supporting organizations that prioritize these outcomes, Impact Engine seeks to foster growth and innovation while addressing pressing societal challenges.

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

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

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

Listen Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on the consumer technology sector. It targets innovative startups, providing them with financial support and strategic guidance to foster growth. Listen Ventures manages multiple funds, including Listen Up and Listen Ventures III, which invest up to $5 million in promising early-stage consumer brands. With a commitment to nurturing new talent and ideas, Listen Ventures aims to drive the success of its portfolio companies in a competitive market.

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

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

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.

Network Ventures is a Chicago-based company that provides venture capital to seed stage companies.

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.

First Analysis is a Chicago-based investment firm with a long history in venture capital, having been founded in 1981. With over 30 years of experience, it has invested more than $750 million across various diversified funds, primarily focusing on early-stage investments in technology/software, healthcare, services, and clean-tech/chemicals sectors. The firm offers a range of financial advisory services, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, equity placements, and corporate restructuring. First Analysis aims to support established companies in becoming market leaders by funding growth initiatives and collaborating closely with management on strategy, recruitment, sales, and corporate development. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $10 million, either as a lead investor or as part of a syndicate, contributing valuable insights to its portfolio companies. As a subsidiary of First Analysis Corporation, it continues to play a significant role in the investment landscape.

Second Century Ventures (SCV) is a venture capital fund focused on promoting innovation in the real estate industry and helping to enable the entrepreneurial spirit of real estate thrive. SCV has been fully capitalized by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (NAR). With over 1.4 million members, NAR is the largest trade association in the country. NAR can provide immediate strategic value to SCV portfolio companies by allowing them access to the vast resources of a 300-person organization with expertise, influence and power that comes only by being ingrained in an industry for over 100 years.

Plug and Play, founded in 2006 and based in Sunnyvale, California, operates as a business accelerator and venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in technology startups. The firm runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting startups with corporate partners and investors to foster collaboration and growth. Plug and Play's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, travel, cybersecurity, and sustainability, allowing it to support diverse startups from any country. The firm provides various resources, including funding, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities, and has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Plug and Play has a strong track record, having helped numerous startups secure over $9 billion in funding since its inception. Its programs aim to refine business models and facilitate introductions to potential investors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.

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 (SVB), founded in 1983, specializes in providing diversified financial services to emerging and mature companies primarily in the technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity, and premium wine sectors. With a network of 27 offices in the United States and seven international locations, SVB offers a range of services including financing, treasury management, corporate investment, and international banking. The bank is known for its industry expertise and global connections, which enhance its clients' chances of success. In the UK, SVB has operated since 2010, facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting clients' strategic needs. Recognized for its exceptional service, SVB has received accolades such as being listed among America's Best Banks by Forbes Magazine.

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.

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

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.

Sandalphon Capital LLC is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing primarily on Seed and Series A rounds, with occasional interest in Pre-Seed rounds. Its investment portfolio encompasses a wide range of sectors, including Real Estate Tech, FinTech, InsurTech, RegTech, Healthcare IT, tech-enabled healthcare services, and various software as a service (SaaS) applications. Sandalphon Capital also explores opportunities in marketplaces, the internet of things, and hardware with recurring revenue, as well as food and beverages. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000, with a geographic focus on Chicago and the Midwest, along with underserved regional markets and selective opportunities in New York for FinTech and Real Estate Tech. The firm aims to partner with strong management teams and innovative, tech-driven business models that demonstrate potential for high-margin, recurring revenue growth.

GTCR is a private equity firm established in 1980 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in investing in growth companies across various sectors, including financial services and technology, healthcare, and information services and technology. GTCR is recognized for its innovative "Leaders Strategy," which emphasizes partnering with exceptional leaders to identify, acquire, and develop market-leading companies through both acquisitions and organic growth. Over its history, GTCR has invested more than $8 billion in over 200 companies, focusing on sectors such as healthcare services, fintech, insurtech, and technology media and telecommunications. The firm manages several funds, including GTCR Evergreen Fund and previous vintage funds, each targeting a diverse array of industries to capitalize on growth opportunities.

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.

Jumpstart Ventures is a Cleveland-based venture capital firm established in 2011. The firm focuses on investing in startups that are innovating within sectors such as software, healthcare information technology, biotechnology, and business-to-business solutions. Jumpstart Ventures aims to partner with entrepreneurs who possess a blend of humility and ambition, supporting those who are dedicated to creating meaningful and positive changes in their communities through intelligent innovation. The firm seeks to back founders who are launching companies with a strong purpose and a commitment to impactful solutions.

GAMCO Investors Inc. is a diversified global financial services company that primarily serves high net worth individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations, and government entities. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Rye, New York, with additional offices across the United States, the firm specializes in managing separate equity portfolios, mutual funds, and hedge funds. GAMCO employs a fundamental research approach with a bottom-up stock selection strategy, focusing on value stocks across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. The firm benchmarks its investments against recognized indices while also incorporating socially responsible investment strategies. The company's success is rooted in its rigorous research-driven culture and a commitment to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns.