Lilly Endowment is an independent private foundation located in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 1937. Its mission centers on providing sustainable support for religion, education, and community development. The foundation places a strong emphasis on initiatives that benefit young people and foster leadership education and financial self-sufficiency within the nonprofit and charitable sectors. Additionally, it supports programs aimed at enhancing higher education opportunities for African Americans, Native Americans, and Latino Americans across the United States, focusing on projects that align with its commitment to community enrichment and empowerment.

Elevate Capital, established in 2016, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Hillsboro, Oregon, with an additional office in Portland. The company specializes in investing in early-stage technology and tech-enabled businesses, with a focus on the Pacific Northwest region, particularly the Portland Oregon Metro area and Willamette Valley. Elevate Capital targets minority investments in startups, early-stage, and bridge rounds, with typical investment sizes ranging from $0.03 million to $0.5 million. The firm's portfolio spans various sectors, including SaaS, consumer packaged goods, life science, and technology, among others. Elevate Capital is committed to diversity and inclusion, maintaining a 50/50 male/female founder split and ensuring that at least one co-founder in each investment is from a minority group.

High Alpha, established in 2015 and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a B2B SaaS venture studio that conceives, launches, and scales B2B SaaS companies. It provides comprehensive studio services, including design, finance, talent acquisition, marketing, branding, and go-to-market strategies. High Alpha also invests in its studio companies and other emerging B2B SaaS startups through its venture capital arm, High Alpha Capital, focusing on Series A and seed rounds. This unique venture studio model aims to reduce friction, increase velocity, and help companies achieve enterprise scale.

Allos Ventures, established in 2010, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Carmel, Indiana. The company focuses on investing in early-stage, revenue-generating B2B software and technology-enabled service companies based in the Midwest. Allos Ventures partners with entrepreneurs to accelerate growth and build value in these businesses, typically investing between $3 million to $7 million per company.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Duke Energy is a major utility company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 8.2 million customers across the United States. The company operates regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky, and has roughly 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. In addition to its core services, Duke Energy manages natural gas distribution for over 1.6 million customers in Ohio and Kentucky. The company also owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America and Latin America. Through its efforts, Duke Energy aims to deliver energy in a sustainable manner while contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of the communities it serves.

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.

IU Ventures, established in 2018 and based in Bloomington, Indiana, is the venture capital arm of Indiana University. The organization is dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial efforts of IU students, faculty, staff, and alumni by facilitating new venture opportunities. IU Ventures focuses on investing in startups and early-stage companies that have connections to the university, fostering innovation and economic growth within the community. Through its initiatives, IU Ventures aims to cultivate a robust ecosystem that encourages the development of new ideas and business ventures emerging from the university's rich intellectual resources.

Collina Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2006 and based in Carmel, Indiana. The firm specializes in angel investments and focuses on the technology sector, particularly software-related companies. Collina Ventures aims to make minority investments in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies primarily located in Central Indiana. By concentrating its efforts in this specific geographic area, the firm seeks to foster growth and innovation within the local technology industry.

Indiana University Health is a comprehensive healthcare system based in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 1997. It includes a network of hospitals, physicians, and allied services focused on delivering high-quality care and patient satisfaction. The organization maintains a strong partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, enhancing its medical innovation capabilities and providing access to advanced treatment options. As the largest network of physicians in Indiana, Indiana University Health is recognized for its Centers of Excellence, which contribute to its leadership in healthcare delivery and academic medicine.

Flywheel Fund is a member-managed venture capital firm located in Bloomington, Indiana, founded in 2020. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage and high-potential startups, with a particular emphasis on the technology sector, including life sciences and medical devices. By leveraging its expertise in software and technology, Flywheel Fund aims to support and nurture innovative businesses that demonstrate significant growth potential.

Hyde Park Venture Partners, established in 2011, is a Chicago-based venture capital firm focusing on early-stage technology companies in the Midwest. It invests in seed and Series A rounds, typically allocating $0.1 to $2.5 million per company. The firm targets software, SaaS, and tech-enabled businesses, with a particular interest in those led by University of Chicago alumni. Hyde Park Venture Partners takes an active role in mentoring and guiding portfolio companies, often co-investing with Hyde Park Angels.

BidPal has rebranded as OneCause. Raise more money and reach more donors with OneCause Fundraising Software and BidPal Mobile Bidding. Located in the technology hub of Indianapolis, OneCause has been recognized on the Inc. 500 list of Fastest Growing Companies and has received a Techpoint MIRA award for Mobile Technology Excellence & Innovation. The company’s fundraising technology includes: Mobile Bidding, Online Fundraising, Peer to Peer Fundraising, Event Software, Payment Processing, Online Ticketing, Mobile Donations, Text2Give, and Registration and Checkout software.

BioCrossroads, established in 2002, is an Indiana-based organization dedicated to advancing the state's life sciences industry. It facilitates growth by fostering collaborations among corporate, academic, and philanthropic partners, investing in promising early-stage startups, and supporting enterprise development. Additionally, BioCrossroads educates through conferences, reports, and market development knowledge, aiming to improve global patient health and boost Indiana's economic growth.

Heron Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in mid and growth stage companies within the life sciences sector, which includes therapeutic medical devices, diagnostics, and healthcare services. Heron Capital is supported by a distinguished network of scientists, physicians, entrepreneurs, and leaders from various corporations, enabling it to make informed investment decisions. The firm's primary objective is to identify companies with significant commercial potential, robust intellectual property, and strong management teams, primarily focusing on opportunities in the United States and Canada.

VisionTech Angels, founded in 2009 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, is an angel investment group that focuses on early-stage technology companies with innovative products and services. The firm targets high-potential businesses operating in various sectors, including life sciences, software as a service (SaaS), Internet of Things (IoT), advanced materials, supply chain, and hardware. VisionTech Angels seeks to invest between $200,000 and $1 million in companies with a pre-money valuation under $10 million. The ideal candidates are those within 12 months of reaching breakeven or that have identified their next round of financing, demonstrating progress towards key milestones. The firm aims for exits within a timeframe of three to seven years, emphasizing investments in firms with strong management teams and clear competitive advantages in large markets.

Charmides Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2015, located in Carmel, Indiana. The firm focuses on co-investing with institutional investors to support early-stage startups primarily in the Midwest. Its investment strategy is centered on identifying business-to-business software as a service (B2B SaaS) companies that exhibit significant growth potential. With a team of partners from diverse backgrounds, Charmides Capital aims to provide strategic value to a wide range of companies, reflecting the virtue of "sophrosyne," which emphasizes self-awareness and a balanced approach to business relationships.

HG Ventures, founded in 2018, is the venture capital arm of The Heritage Group, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm focuses on early and growth-stage investments in sectors such as transportation infrastructure, environmental services, specialty chemicals, advanced materials, and energy production. HG Ventures aims to support innovation by investing in private companies that are developing new technologies and approaches within these core and adjacent markets. It offers a unique value proposition to its portfolio companies by leveraging the expertise of The Heritage Group's operating companies and research center. The firm typically invests up to $20 million, primarily in companies based in the United States.

Anthem Foundation is a private, nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, serving as the philanthropic arm of Anthem, Inc. Its primary mission is to enhance the health and well-being of individuals and families within the communities it serves. The foundation provides grants aimed at improving health and wellness, demonstrating a commitment to addressing the diverse health needs of the population. Funded entirely by Anthem, Inc., the Anthem Foundation focuses on initiatives that promote better health outcomes and support community health development. The foundation's operations are overseen by a Board of Directors, ensuring its efforts align with its mission to create a meaningful impact on public health.

Health Cloud Capital, founded in 2017 and based in Indianapolis, specializes in growth investments in healthcare IT companies that utilize cloud computing to enhance value-based healthcare. The firm focuses on healthcare software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies generating at least $5 million in annual recurring revenue, with a demonstrated capacity to improve healthcare outcomes through innovative data science applications. With a team possessing extensive investing and operational experience in the healthcare, diagnostics, and IT sectors, Health Cloud Capital adopts an entrepreneurial approach to foster partnerships with its portfolio companies, aiming to support the consumerization of healthcare through technological advancements.

Purdue Research Foundation, established in 1930, is an integral part of Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana. The Foundation focuses on advancing the university's mission in discovery, learning, and engagement, facilitating technology transfer, and managing intellectual property. It oversees the Purdue Research Park, which serves as a hub for business incubation and economic development, providing low-cost or complimentary services to its tenants, including networking opportunities and seminars. Additionally, the Foundation is involved in real estate management to support the university's expansion initiatives. Its e-newsletter, Innovation Express, highlights the development and milestones of companies within the park, promoting engagement with a broader audience. Through these efforts, Purdue Research Foundation plays a vital role in enhancing Purdue University's strategic objectives and fostering innovation in the region.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

Fixtuur, established in 2013, is a technology company specializing in Visual Commerce. It develops a platform that enhances online shopping experiences for furniture and home decor products by offering 3D visualization, product configuration, and augmented reality features. This enables consumers to explore products in various colors, sizes, and materials, providing them with confidence in their purchasing decisions. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and is backed by DigitalBridge Group, a global alternative asset management firm focusing on digital infrastructure investments.

Patrick Industries is a manufacturer of building products and materials primarily serving the manufactured housing and recreational vehicle industries. The company operates through two main segments: manufacturing and distribution. The manufacturing segment, which accounts for the majority of its revenue, produces laminated and vinyl products such as furniture, shelving, cabinets, bath fixtures, and countertops. Meanwhile, the distribution segment focuses on selling prefinished wall and ceiling panels, along with electrical and plumbing products tailored for the RV and manufactured housing markets. Notably, a significant portion of the company's revenue is derived from a key customer in the recreational vehicle sector.

Boomerang Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 2019. The firm is dedicated to transforming innovative healthcare ideas into successful businesses, primarily within the tech-enabled medical devices, healthcare informatics, delivery systems, and life sciences sectors. Boomerang Ventures seeks to support early-stage companies in these fields by providing capital and expertise, with a focus on investments in the Midwest and select regions across the Southeast. The firm emphasizes building commercially viable solutions that address critical healthcare challenges, thereby contributing to advancements in the industry.

WhiteHawk Capital Partners, established in 2020, is a private credit investment manager specializing in asset-based financing solutions for middle-market private and public companies across diverse industries. The firm focuses on providing creative and flexible non-traditional capital to address the liquidity and growth needs of its clients. WhiteHawk offers senior secured financing through various structures, catering to purposes such as refinancing, recapitalization, growth, acquisitions, restructuring, and bridging financial gaps. Its expertise spans multiple sectors, including commercial services, transportation, financial services, retail, energy, and e-commerce, among others.

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is an independent non-profit foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 1986 by Richard M. Fairbanks. The foundation focuses on advancing the vitality of Indianapolis and enhancing the well-being of its residents through its primary areas of interest: Education, Health, and the overall vitality of the city. In addition to its core initiatives, the foundation provides grant support to several organizations with historical ties to the Fairbanks family. The foundation's investments are managed and governed by a board of directors, aimed at fostering economic growth and strengthening community initiatives in Indianapolis.

Innovatemap is a digital product agency based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 2014. The company specializes in assisting startups and scale-ups in the development and scaling of digital products and services. By collaborating with lead investors, Innovatemap focuses on providing strategic guidance and support to early-stage companies, helping them to effectively realize their vision and enhance their market presence. The agency combines expertise in design and technology to deliver tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of its clients in the software and tech-enabled sectors.

Bain Capital, established in 1984, is a global multi-asset alternative investment firm with over $100 billion in assets under management. Headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, the firm operates through several business units: Private Equity, Public Equity, Credit, and Venture Capital. Bain Capital Private Equity invests in various sectors, including consumer, healthcare, industrials, and technology, across North America, Europe, and Asia. Bain Capital Ventures, the venture capital arm, focuses on seed to growth-stage investments in enterprise software, infrastructure software, and industries being transformed by data. Bain Capital Life Sciences, a dedicated life sciences investment platform, invests in biopharmaceutical, specialty pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and enabling life science technology companies globally. Bain Capital Double Impact, the firm's impact investing arm, builds great companies that deliver both competitive financial returns and meaningful, measurable social and environmental good.

Thor Industries, headquartered in Elkhart, Indiana, stands as the world's largest manufacturer of recreational vehicles, producing a diverse range of products including Class A, Class B, and Class C motor homes, as well as travel trailers and fifth wheel towables across more than 30 brands. Founded in 1980, the company has prioritized quality and customer satisfaction, which has been integral to its sustained growth and strong financial stability. In 2019, Thor expanded its global presence by acquiring Erwin Hymer, enabling it to offer various motorized and towable recreational vehicles in Europe, including motorcaravans and campervans. Additionally, following its acquisition of Airxcel in 2021, Thor has started to generate revenue from aftermarket component parts, though this segment currently accounts for less than 10% of its total revenue.

Post Road Group is a privately held investment firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, founded in 2015. As a Registered Investment Advisor, the company specializes in private credit and private equity investments, with a focus on various sectors including digital infrastructure, telecommunications, media, business services, real estate, and health care services. Post Road Group employs diverse investment strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, buyouts, and growth capital to support its portfolio companies. The firm primarily targets opportunities within the United States and Canada, concentrating on tech-enabled businesses and specialty finance.

Ziyen Energy is a technology-driven energy company incorporated in Wyoming in 2016. Initially established as a software provider, the company focuses on delivering information related to the oil, gas, power, and energy sectors. Ziyen Energy specializes in business information and contracts by developing advanced procurement and supply chain software, which offers clients insights into industry-specific government and private contracts. This enables clients to maximize oil extraction from existing fields through enhanced recovery techniques and to establish new wells utilizing innovative technology. Additionally, Ziyen Energy holds interests in oil assets located in Texas and the Illinois Basin, which encompasses Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government established in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns in the United States. The SBA's mission is to help Americans start, build, and grow businesses by providing loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance. Through a network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The SBA's programs include financial and federal contract procurement assistance, management assistance, outreach to women, minorities, and armed forces veterans, as well as providing loans to victims of natural disasters and specialized advice and assistance in international trade.

Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, is a global financial institution offering a wide range of services. It provides commercial banking and retail financial services, including personal banking, wealth management, business banking, and vehicle finance. Additionally, it offers corporate and structured finance, home loans, and asset financing and leasing services. Macquarie Bank also engages in trading activities such as fixed income, equities, foreign exchange, and commodities, along with broking services. The company operates in various regions worldwide, with a strong presence in Australia, and is regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA). Macquarie Group, established in 1969, employs over 13,900 people across 28 countries, with assets under management of $US359 billion as of 30 September 2013.

Spring Mill Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Carmel, Indiana, established in 2004. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily targeting high-growth companies within the information technology, healthcare technology, and life sciences sectors. Its investment focus is on businesses located in Indiana and the surrounding Midwest region, which includes Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio. Spring Mill Venture Partners aims to provide both capital and strategic support to help early-stage companies achieve sustainable growth and success.

First Merchants Corporation is a financial holding company based in Muncie, Indiana, established in 1893. It operates primarily through its subsidiary, First Merchants Bank, which offers a wide range of community banking services. These services include personal and commercial banking, mortgage lending, cash management, wealth management, and insurance. First Merchants Bank accepts various types of deposits and provides loans tailored to consumer, commercial, agricultural, and real estate needs. The company maintains a significant presence in Central Indiana, operating 128 banking locations across Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan. Additionally, First Merchants utilizes electronic and mobile channels to enhance service delivery and accessibility for its customers.

Comcast Corporation, headquartered in Philadelphia, is a global media and technology company with two main divisions: Comcast Cable and NBCUniversal. Comcast Cable provides video, high-speed internet, phone, wireless security, and automation services to residential and business customers under the XFINITY brand. NBCUniversal operates news, entertainment, and sports cable networks, broadcast networks NBC and Telemundo, television production operations, station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Comcast Ventures, established in 1999, is the venture capital affiliate of Comcast Corporation, investing in transformative consumer and enterprise companies across various sectors, typically from seed to late-stage growth, with initial investments ranging from $2 million to $25 million.

M25, established in 2015, is a Chicago-based venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage technology startups across the Midwest. Led by Victor Gutwein and Mike Asem, the firm has invested in over 90 companies across 11 states, spanning various industries such as software, TMT, analytics, big data, and more. M25's strategic, collaborative approach has positioned it as a significant player in the region's startup ecosystem.

German American is a financial services provider based in Indiana, focusing on banking, investments, and insurance tailored for businesses. The company offers a range of financial products and services designed to meet the diverse needs of its clients, helping them manage their financial operations effectively. With a commitment to delivering comprehensive solutions, German American aims to support the growth and stability of businesses within the region.

Capital Midwest Fund, established in 2006, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Mequon, Wisconsin. The company focuses on investing in early-stage, growth-oriented businesses across various sectors, including life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, B2B, and healthcare, with a regional emphasis on the Central United States and the Midwest.

Formstack, LLC is a secure workplace productivity platform that provides online form building software designed to streamline data collection and management for various organizations. Founded in 2006 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Formstack enables users to create custom web forms, manage workflows, and collect electronic signatures without the need for coding. The platform offers a range of features, including conditional logic, analytics, payment integrations, and mobile applications, which enhance the efficiency of form-based tasks. It serves a diverse clientele, including Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and government agencies, helping to digitize processes and automate workflows. With over 25,000 organizations relying on its services, Formstack is committed to improving productivity and transforming how businesses engage with their data.

Lumina Foundation is an independent non-profit private foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 2000. Its primary mission is to expand access to education, aiming to increase the proportion of Americans with degrees, certificates, and other high-quality credentials to 60 percent by 2025. The foundation employs an outcomes-based approach that emphasizes the design and development of an equitable, accessible, responsive, and accountable higher education system. Additionally, Lumina Foundation fosters a national sense of urgency for action to achieve its educational goals through research, information dissemination, and innovation.

CenterPoint Energy, Inc. is a public utility holding company based in Houston, Texas, engaged in the delivery of energy services across various segments. The company provides electric transmission and distribution services, primarily serving over 2.5 million customers in the Houston area and southern Indiana. Its Natural Gas Distribution segment supplies regulated intrastate natural gas and transportation services to approximately 4 million customers, encompassing residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Additionally, CenterPoint Energy's Energy Services division offers natural gas supplies and management services, while its Infrastructure Services segment focuses on underground pipeline construction and repair. The company also participates in midstream operations, providing natural gas and crude oil gathering and processing services, as well as pipeline transportation and storage. Founded in 1866, CenterPoint Energy plays a vital role in the energy sector, operating across multiple states including Arkansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Texas.

DemandJump Inc. is a marketing intelligence software platform founded in 2015 and based in Indianapolis, Indiana. The company provides tools that leverage artificial intelligence to deliver comprehensive online and offline data, competitive insights, audience behavior analysis, and market trends for marketers. Its key offerings include Traffic Cloud, which helps identify traffic sources, influencers, and keywords that drive qualified traffic to brands, and Account-Based Attribution, which allows marketing and sales teams to assess the revenue impact of various customer touchpoints. By automating keyword and SEO research, DemandJump enables businesses to enhance customer acquisition, optimize marketing expenditures, and capture market share effectively. The platform aims to make competitive digital data actionable, facilitating better decision-making for marketers and ultimately maximizing returns on investment.

Horizon Bancorp is a bank holding company that operates primarily in Northwestern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan through its subsidiary, Horizon Bank, N.A. The bank offers a comprehensive range of banking services, including commercial and retail banking, as well as corporate and individual trust and agency services. Horizon Bancorp also provides various types of loans, such as commercial, real estate, mortgage warehouse, and consumer loans. In addition to its banking services, the company has three wholly owned subsidiaries: Horizon Investments, which manages the bank's investment portfolio; Horizon Insurance Services; and Horizon Grantor Trust. In 2014, Horizon Bancorp expanded its operations by acquiring SCB Bancorp Inc., which led to the merger of Summit Community Bank into Horizon Bank, enhancing its service offerings and market presence.

First Financial Bank has been dedicated to providing client service and success for over 150 years. Operating over 100 banking centers in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, the bank offers a combination of financial expertise and personalized community service to foster long-term relationships with their customers. This commitment to building trust and serving as a reliable partner distinguishes First Financial in the banking industry.

Annox Capital is a venture capital and private equity firm established in 2013, located in Birmingham, Michigan. The firm specializes in growth capital investments, targeting both start-ups and late-stage ventures. Annox Capital focuses on companies that leverage disruptive technologies or innovative online strategies to enhance business processes and improve human experiences. The firm invests between $100,000 and $30 million in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, banking, healthcare, and real estate. Annox Capital aims to partner with leadership teams that are willing to embrace unconventional approaches to drive significant improvements within their industries.

Detroit Venture Partners, LLC, established in 2010, is a Detroit-based Venture Capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies, primarily in the United States with a focus on the Detroit and Ontario regions. The firm specializes in growth capital investments, typically ranging from $0.25 million to $0.75 million per transaction, and may follow on with investments up to $3 million. Detroit Venture Partners concentrates on sectors such as internet, digital media, marketing technology, direct-to-consumer, sports and entertainment, social media, e-commerce, and software, excluding biotech and advanced manufacturing. The firm's mission is to support passionate entrepreneurs building meaningful companies, with a particular interest in helping to revitalize the Detroit area through entrepreneurial efforts.

Ludlow Ventures, established in 2009, is a Detroit, Michigan-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology companies across the United States. The firm specializes in seed and startup investments, typically committing between $25,000 and $150,000 per company. Ludlow Ventures is known for its approachable and straightforward manner, avoiding the ego and posturing often associated with traditional VC firms. They prioritize building trust and friendship with the entrepreneurs and startups they invest in, offering support through product testing, network leverage, and strategic guidance. The firm is a family company consisting of three partners and is registered as an Investment Adviser.

Cardinal Equity Partners is a private equity investment firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana, founded in 1993. The firm focuses on acquiring controlling interests in a select number of middle-market businesses primarily located in the eastern United States. With over 20 years of experience, Cardinal Equity Partners leverages its collective expertise in operations, marketing, and finance to assist management teams in enhancing company value. The firm invests in a diverse range of sectors, including consumer packaged goods, recreational vehicles, marine products, horticulture distribution, specialty pharmacy distribution, publishing, healthcare services, outdoor furniture, water treatment, durable goods distribution, financial services, audio products, home improvement, pet products, glass fabrication, and subscription-based businesses. As a multi-family owned entity using its own capital, Cardinal Equity Partners is not subject to the liquidity pressures that often affect fund-based investors, allowing for a long-term commitment to building profitable businesses.