Next Level Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Des Moines, Iowa, founded in December 2013. The firm specializes in seed, startup, early-stage, and later-stage investments, focusing primarily on sectors such as agriculture, banking, insurance, biosciences, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. Next Level Ventures typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million for a minority ownership stake in companies with annual sales of at least $1 million. The firm aims to support Iowa-based companies with significant growth potential, offering not only capital but also management expertise. Additionally, Next Level Ventures seeks to be actively involved in its portfolio companies by serving on their boards. As a certified Iowa Innovation Fund, the firm plays a role in contributing to the economic development of the region.

Bank of America is a prominent financial institution based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing a comprehensive range of banking, investment, asset management, and risk management services. It caters to approximately 51 million consumer and small business relationships through around 5,300 retail banking offices, 16,350 ATMs, and a robust online banking platform with 30 million active users. The institution offers specialized support to about 3 million small business owners with innovative online products and services. With operations in over 40 countries, Bank of America is recognized as a leader in wealth management and corporate and investment banking, serving corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals globally. Founded in 1874, the company has established itself as a key player in the financial sector, focusing on delivering a diverse array of financial solutions tailored to meet the needs of its varied clientele.

ISA Ventures, established in 2019 and based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is a venture capital firm that focuses on fostering growth in Iowa-based companies across various key industry sectors. The firm invests in early-stage, expansion, and later-stage businesses in areas such as biotechnology, healthcare, agriculture, education technologies, engineering, and transportation. With a balanced approach, ISA Ventures aims to support companies through multiple phases of growth by leveraging world-class mentors and industry-leading corporate partners. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $1 million, targeting sectors like agtech, edtech, health tech, and insurtech, among others.

Innova Memphis, established in 2007 by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, is a venture capital firm located in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments in high-growth companies within the biosciences, technology, and agri-tech sectors. Innova aims to connect capital with innovative ideas to develop groundbreaking products and services. By investing in start-ups, the firm not only supports their growth but also facilitates partnerships with established corporations for licensing or further investment opportunities. With a team experienced in management and market expertise, Innova is equipped to transform concepts into viable business units ready to compete in the market. Their approach combines technical knowledge, proven staffing, and appropriate funding to maximize the potential for success in the competitive landscape.

McGowan Capital Group is a private equity and venture capital firm based in South Dakota, established in 2004. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and focuses on early-stage investments throughout the United States. With a commitment to fostering the development of promising companies, McGowan Capital Group seeks to support innovative ventures that demonstrate potential for significant growth.

UnityPoint Health Ventures, established in 2019, serves as the corporate venture capital arm of UnityPoint Health, located in West Des Moines, Iowa. The organization is dedicated to investing in early-stage companies within various sectors, including healthcare, digital therapeutics, information technology, tech-enabled services, medical devices, and diagnostics. Its Innovation Venture Fund focuses on identifying financial and strategic investment opportunities that enhance the patient and provider experience. By partnering with innovative ideas and companies, UnityPoint Health Ventures aims to contribute to advancements in the healthcare landscape.

Iowa Startup Accelerator, Inc. is an accelerator based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, that focuses on technology-based startups in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health, education, and intelligent vehicle systems. The program, lasting 90 days, is designed for pre- and early-revenue startups, accepting teams of 2 to 5 founders who compete for up to 10 available spots. Participants receive seed funding, access to a network of mentors, and entrepreneurial training, culminating in a demo day to showcase their progress to potential investors. Iowa Startup Accelerator aims to invest $20,000 for a 6 percent equity stake in each startup, with the possibility of providing additional funding, primarily in convertible debt. The accelerator specifically avoids investing in service-only businesses, consultancies, restaurants, and locally-oriented companies, focusing instead on nurturing viable technology ventures.

Global Insurance Accelerator is an accelerator focused on fostering innovation within the insurance sector through startup companies. Established in 2013 and based in Des Moines, Iowa, it primarily invests in firms that specialize in quantifying risk, actuarial analyses, cost management, and software solutions related to insurance. The accelerator does not entertain retail agency or brokerage applications, nor does it consider general technology solutions like apps or websites. It offers a seed investment of $40,000 in exchange for a six percent equity stake, with a preference for founders willing to relocate to Des Moines for a 100-day program. Startups benefit from access to over 80 mentors and culminate their experience with exposure at the Global Insurance Symposium. The program aims to support companies that can bring innovative solutions to the global insurance market.

ManchesterStory Group is a West Des Moines, Iowa-based private equity firm targeting early-stage investments in financial services, technology and healthcare sectors, across the United States.

Ames Seed Capital, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 1987 and based in Ames, Iowa. The firm focuses on investing in startups, early-stage companies, and expansions, primarily within Ames and the surrounding areas of Story City, Nevada, and Huxley. It operates as a collective of private investors dedicated to fostering economic growth and development in central Iowa. By supporting new enterprises and enhancing existing industries, Ames Seed Capital plays a significant role in the local economic landscape.

Iowa Corn Opportunities, LLC (ICO) is an equity fund established by the Iowa Corn Growers Association (ICGA) to: Make profitable, strategic, value-added investments that will benefit Iowa’s corn grower members. Facilitate new business development opportunities for Iowa’s corn growers. Leverage investments to facilitate and coordinate further investment by individual corn growers. Iowa Corn Opportunities is a limited liability company solely owned by the ICGA, and directed by an eight-member board of managers.

S2G Ventures, established in 2014 and based in Chicago, is a multi-stage venture fund focused on food and agriculture. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs whose products and services address the growing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable, and local food options. S2G Ventures identifies various sectors within the food system that are poised for transformation and builds a diverse portfolio through seed, venture, and growth-stage investments. Its investment areas encompass agriculture, food ingredients, infrastructure and logistics, food safety and technology, as well as retail, restaurants, and consumer brands. The firm’s mission is to drive innovation in these sectors to enhance sustainability and health in the food supply chain.

Midwest Growth Partners (MGP) is a private equity firm established in 2013 and based in Iowa, managing a fund of $41 million. The firm specializes in mid-market investments, primarily targeting growth-oriented companies in the manufacturing, food, agriculture, and distribution and logistics sectors. MGP seeks investment opportunities in upper Midwest communities, aiming to provide succession planning liquidity for retiring business owners and growth capital for established businesses looking to expand.

CMA Ventures is a venture investment fund wholly-owned by Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO). They invest in companies at all stages of growth; from seed, to early stage, to growth capital opportunities. Their philosophy is simple—They are committed to investing capital where it can do the most good.

Principal Financial Group, founded in 1879, is a U.S.-based insurance company that offers a range of financial products and services including retirement savings, asset management, and insurance solutions for individuals, businesses, and institutional clients worldwide. Through its subsidiary, Principal Global Investors, the firm provides investment advisory services and manages a diverse portfolio that includes equity, fixed income, real estate, and alternative investments. Principal Global Investors focuses on empowering clients to achieve their financial goals by employing fundamental analysis for investment decisions across different markets. With a commitment to serving retirement plans and institutional clients, Principal Financial Group plays a significant role in helping its customers navigate their financial futures.

Summit Agricultural Group, established in 1990 and based in Iowa, operates as a diverse farming, agricultural investment, and farm management company. It focuses on acquiring farmland and investing in various agricultural sectors in the United States and Brazil. The firm is connected to a broad network of farmers, investors, and advisors, which enables it to effectively manage agricultural assets and support capital investments. With an emphasis on established companies in the Midwestern United States, Summit Agricultural Group plays a significant role in the agricultural landscape by fostering collaboration and enhancing growth within the industry.

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.

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.

Prairie Crest Capital is a venture capital firm based in Des Moines, Iowa, established in 2016. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on seed and Series A funding for companies across the United States. With an emphasis on transformational agriculture and technology innovations, Prairie Crest Capital aims to identify and support promising enterprises with significant growth potential. The partners leverage their financial and operational expertise to uncover undiscovered opportunities, providing both funding and development assistance to help these companies thrive.

Cyprium Partners is a private investment firm based in Ohio, established in 1998. The firm specializes in providing mezzanine and equity capital to profitable, lower mid-market companies in the United States and Canada. Cyprium differentiates itself by offering flexible investment solutions, which include subordinated debt, preferred equity, and common equity. The firm can engage in both non-control (minority ownership) and control (majority ownership) positions, allowing it to tailor its financial support to meet the specific needs of its portfolio companies.

Financial Plus Credit Union provides loans.

Midwest Growth Partners, LLLP is a private equity firm specializing in investing in small to mid-sized companies lower middle market, management buyouts, outright acquisitions, internal recapitalizations, majority and minority growth capital, competitive roll-ups, succession planning liquidity for retiring business owners, general transfer, distressed, later stage, industry consolidation, and turnaround situations. The firm does not invest in start-ups, "pure-play" brick and mortar retailers, and non-core real estate. It seeks to invest in small family-owned rural businesses in the food and agriculture, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, and business service industries but may consider investments in other industries. The firm seeks to invest in Iowa, the Upper Midwest which includes Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska, and also in North Dakota and Kansas in companies with headquarters, or significant operations, located in communities with populations of 50,000 or less. It typically invests in companies with sales value between $4 million to $40 million and maximum EBITDA of $5 million, and makes equity investments between $0.5 million and $5 million in its portfolio companies depending on the structure of the transaction and nature of the investment. The firm may co-invest on larger opportunities. It invests in companies with revenues between $4 million and $40 million. Midwest Growth Partners, LLLP is based in Des Moines, Iowa.

Alliant Energy Corporation, founded in 1917 and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, is a public utility holding company that provides regulated electricity and natural gas services across the Midwest. The company operates primarily through its two subsidiaries: Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL). IPL serves retail customers in Iowa and southern Minnesota, while WPL caters to customers in southern and central Wisconsin. Together, these subsidiaries supply electricity to approximately one million customers and natural gas to around 425,000 customers. In addition to utility services, Alliant Energy also invests in various businesses, including freight services via a railway, a barge terminal on the Mississippi River, and logistics solutions. Furthermore, the company owns a natural gas-fired electric generating unit and a wind farm, contributing to its diverse energy portfolio.

GuideOne Insurance, founded in 1947 and located in West Des Moines, Iowa, specializes in providing property and liability insurance tailored for small to medium-sized educational institutions. Its clientele includes private colleges, universities, seminaries, and both secondary and elementary schools. The company focuses on serving a niche market, addressing the unique insurance needs of these educational entities.

SVG Ventures is an investment and advisory firm based in Silicon Valley, established in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage technology companies and engages closely with its portfolio to foster their growth and success. In addition, SVG Ventures manages the Thrive Fund, a venture capital fund located in Los Gatos, California, which targets sectors such as software, agriculture, ag tech, and food tech. Founded in 2013, Thrive operates a series of accelerators aimed at supporting sustainable agri-food companies. The firm offers a range of services, including acceleration, mentorship, validation, and venture-building, leveraging its extensive network of technology leaders to drive innovation and global expansion for its partners and portfolio companies.

Grinnell College, founded in 1846 and located in Grinnell, Iowa, is a non-profit liberal arts institution recognized for its strong academic programs and dedication to social justice. The college emphasizes activism and community service, encouraging students to engage in initiatives such as the Peace Corps. Grinnell offers a diverse range of academic divisions, including Humanities, Science, and Social Studies, alongside various interdisciplinary concentrations like Global Development Studies and Environmental Studies. The Office of Social Commitment facilitates post-graduate service opportunities and administers merit-based financial aid, such as the Obermiller Scholarship and Baumann Essay Prize. Grinnell College also manages an endowment fund, which supports its academic programs, scholarships, and faculty, ensuring the sustainability of its educational mission while adhering to sound investment policies. Admission to the college is competitive, favoring applicants with strong academic records and a commitment to the socially active ethos of the institution.

Iowa Public Employees' Retirement System (IPERS) is a defined benefit public pension fund established in 1953, based in Des Moines, Iowa. It serves public employees within the state by providing retirement plans and benefits. IPERS organizes retirement planning sessions and workshops, offering resources such as information, forms, and reporting tools for employers to assist with pension reporting. With approximately $24 billion in assets under management, the fund invests in a diverse range of asset classes, including public equities, fixed income, real assets, and alternative investments like private equity and real estate. The allocation to alternative investments typically ranges from 5% to 12% of total assets, employing various strategies such as buyouts, distressed debt, and venture capital. IPERS adheres to ethical investment guidelines, avoiding companies involved in certain activities related to Iran, Sudan, or those that boycott Israel. The management of the fund is overseen by an executive team dedicated to ensuring the long-term sustainability of retirement benefits for its members.

Monument Advisors, Inc. is a private equity firm specializing in investments in management buy-ins, management buyouts, leveraged buyouts, transition transactions, mezzanine oriented (sub-debt with warrants), mature, add-on investments and recapitalizations transactions. The firm seeks to invest in small and middle market, with a primary focus on microcap companies. It seeks to invest in non-cyclical companies although it also invests in cyclical companies. The firm seeks to invest in established businesses in the service, industrial service, value added distribution, and manufacturing industries. The firm seeks to invest in industrial coatings, specialty chemicals, label manufacturers and distributors, aerospace and defense manufacturing, specialty packaging, remanufacturing, service and repair, Industrial Consumables (abrasives, adhesives, and sealants), niche plastics, telecommunication services, specialty manufacturing, precision machining, light assembly, and specialty and emergency repair. It will market primarily in companies located throughout the Midwest with a focus on Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan, Iowa, Kentucky, and Illinois. The firm seeks to invest in companies requiring less than $5 million in capital, having enterprise values between $5 million and $25 million, and with low price of entry at less than 5.5 times EBITDA, EBITDA in value between $1 million and $4 million, and sales between $5 million and $30 million. The firm seeks to invest as a majority equity holder and seeks to take a controlling position in its portfolio companies. It seeks positions on the board of directors of the portfolio companies. The firm seeks to exit its investments either through sale to financial or strategic buyer or recapitalization scenarios. Monument Advisors, Inc. was founded in 1996 and is based in Indianapolis, Indiana.

UnityPoint Health is a prominent nonprofit health system in the United States, established in 1993. It operates an integrated network that includes over 280 physician clinics, 30 hospitals, and home care services across eight regions in Iowa and Illinois. The organization prioritizes effective communication among its physician-led teams to ensure patients receive appropriate care in clinics, hospitals, or at home. Annually, UnityPoint Health facilitates more than 4 million patient visits, delivering a comprehensive range of coordinated healthcare services to individuals and families. With annual revenues of $2.7 billion, it ranks as the 13th largest nonprofit health system in the nation and the fourth largest nondenominational health system.

AAVIN is a private equity firm based in the Midwest, established in 1999, that focuses on equity and debt investments throughout the United States. The firm primarily targets late-stage and expansion-stage financing opportunities, investing in companies seeking less than $10 million, with many requesting under $5 million. AAVIN partners with strong management teams to foster business growth through internal development or acquisitions, emphasizing smaller investment opportunities. With a seasoned investment team boasting over 120 years of cumulative experience, AAVIN has a track record of investing in over 125 companies. The firm brings extensive expertise across various industries and plays an active role in supporting management teams in areas such as strategic planning, finance, marketing, and acquisition analysis, thereby adding significant value throughout the investment lifecycle.

Mason Wells is a Wisconsin-based private equity firm founded in 1998 that specializes in mid-market investments within the biotechnology, medical devices, and life sciences sectors. The firm also invests in consumer packaged goods, engineered products and services, outsourced business services, and packaging materials. With a revenue range between $25 million and $300 million, Mason Wells aims to support founders, family owners, and managers during ownership transitions, helping businesses realize their potential while maintaining their legacy and culture. Its portfolio includes companies such as A and R Logistics, AWT Labels and Packaging, CE Power Solutions, Eddy Packing, and Aquion.

Arch Equity Partners, LLC is a private equity firm established in 2008 and based in St. Louis, Missouri, focusing on investments in lower middle market companies. The firm specializes in management buyouts, recapitalization, and financial restructurings, primarily targeting companies with revenues between $5 million and $30 million and EBITDA ranging from $0.5 million to $2.5 million. Arch Equity prefers to invest in sectors such as manufacturing, distribution, business services, retail, and healthcare, while avoiding early-stage ventures, real estate, and highly regulated industries. The firm actively partners with management teams, aiming for a significant ownership stake of 15-25%, and typically invests up to $2 million, with an average investment closer to $1 million. Arch Equity seeks to hold its investments for 12 to 15 years, focusing on building value through operational improvements and sustainable business growth. The firm primarily looks for opportunities across the continental United States, particularly in the Midwest and select metropolitan areas, while also considering companies with international operations.

PGIM Private Capital is a private equity firm based in Chicago that specializes in middle market investments across various sectors, including utilities, energy, technology, and transportation. The firm focuses on private placements, refinancing, mezzanine financing, management buyouts, and growth capital financings, typically investing between $5 million and $100 million in companies with revenues ranging from $20 million to $500 million. PGIM Private Capital prefers to take a lead role in investments and often seeks majority stakes in portfolio companies. The firm also provides a range of financing options, including senior debt, subordinated debt, and structured finance, while offering leverage leases and equipment finance globally. Its investment strategy is concentrated in Western Europe, Australia, and North America, particularly in the Midwest regions of the United States. The firm aims to hold investments for five to 25 years and actively seeks board membership in its portfolio companies.

Appletree Capital Ltd. is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in direct and indirect investments. Within direct investments, it specializes in investments in industry consolidations, buyouts, recapitalizations, and bridge financing. The firm seeks special-situation opportunities to invest in emerging growth, distressed, incubation, seed, turnaround, early stage, lower middle market companies, middle stage, later stage, early venture, mid venture, and developing companies. Within indirect investments, it prefers to invest in private equity, mezzanine, and turnaround funds. The firm seeks to invest in consumer products and retail sectors, with focus on wholesale sectors and grocery stores, including conventional grocers and limited assortment stores. They also invest in include food and consumer products companies, restaurants, and retail stores. The firm primarily invests in the Midwest states of Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin; Southeast and Eastern region in the United States as well as the Great Lakes States. It focuses on companies that have the potential to become publicly traded through an S-1 registration statement, by a reverse merger, or sale to another party. It is involved in the direct management of the companies. It seeks to exit the investments by pursing an 'Asset Light Model', but remain open to alternative strategies to maximize value like 'Consolidate and Sell' and 'Operate and Recapitalize'. Appletree Capital Ltd. was founded in 2005 and is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Four Pillars Investors is an investment company founded on four core values, or pillars. We purchase and operate small businesses with the intention of owning the business for the long-term. Though we seek involvement in our investments, our intention is to support without becoming a burden. It is our intention to work together to achieve shared success.

Gardner Standard is a private investment firm that focuses on investing in small middle-market companies.

Founded in 2006, New Capital Fund is a venture capital firm based in Little Chute, Wisconsin. The firm prefers to invest in seed-stage, early-stage, later-stage, and growth-stage companies. The firm seeks to invest in business products, business services, materials, resources, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and TMT sectors in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

JumpStart, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Ohio that specializes in investing in early-stage companies led by women and minority entrepreneurs. Established in 2004, it primarily focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, medical technology, and advanced energy solutions. JumpStart typically invests between $50,000 and $1.5 million in companies with less than $5 million in revenues, aiming to support those with the potential to grow significantly within five to seven years. The firm emphasizes economic inclusion and actively seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Ohio. It provides not only financial resources but also intensive entrepreneurial development assistance to help startups secure follow-on funding. Additionally, JumpStart aims to exit its investments through acquisitions or initial public offerings, often seeking a board observer or director seat in its portfolio companies. With a commitment to fostering high-impact ventures, JumpStart collaborates with regional leaders to enhance the startup landscape in the 21-county area surrounding Akron.

Summit Equity Group, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in middle market, mature, buyout, and acquisitions of small to medium sized private companies. The firm does not invest in real estate, life style type businesses or small and stand alone retail businesses. It is not restricted to specific industry segments but prefers to invest in manufacturing, value-added distribution, and business services companies. The firm invests in companies in the Continental United States with a preference for Central time zone locations. It typically invests in companies with revenues between $20 million and $50 million and/or an EBITDA between $4 million and $8 million. The firm seeks to acquire between 51 percent to 100 percent stake in its portfolio companies. The firm raises funds on deal by deal basis. Summit Equity Group, LLC was founded in 2004 and is based in Des Moines, Iowa with an additional office in Kansas, Missouri.

Morningside Private Investors is a family office founded in 1987, based in Ridgefield, Connecticut, with an additional office in Bettendorf, Iowa. The firm specializes in management buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth capital investments, focusing primarily on the manufacturing, distribution, and service sectors. It targets companies involved in engineered products, industrial equipment, commercial services, and logistics, particularly those that serve commercial and industrial markets, energy, infrastructure, environmental, and basic chemicals. Morningside seeks investments ranging from $10 million to $75 million in companies with revenues exceeding $25 million and EBITDA above $5 million. The firm prefers to make majority or minority stakes and typically holds investments for eight to ten years. Morningside also emphasizes investments in companies benefiting from low-cost natural gas, while avoiding those directly involved in the exploration and production of natural gas.

The Freedom Group is a business development, consulting, and management consulting firm. It operates as an investment firm, specializing in the acquisition and development of lower-tier companies. The company's services are geared towards helping businesses reach their untapped potential. They offer a variety of services including consulting for sellers, investors, and buyers. The Freedom Group also provides services for manufacturing and distribution sectors.

The Mendota Group is a private equity firm that focuses on financing mature companies through buyouts and add-on acquisitions, particularly in the manufacturing and value-added distribution sectors. Founded in 2000 and based in Madison, Wisconsin, the firm targets smaller companies throughout the United States, with a specific interest in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. It typically invests in companies with revenues between $5 million and $25 million and EBITDA ranging from $1 million to $3 million. The Mendota Group aims to support businesses facing ownership transitions and requires flexible capital structures to facilitate growth. Its investment strategy emphasizes transactions below $20 million and companies with an adjusted cash flow margin exceeding 10 percent.

Mill City Capital is a private equity firm founded in 2010 and based in Wayzata, Minnesota. The firm specializes in investing in lower middle-market companies with enterprise values between $20 million and $100 million, primarily focusing on those located in the Midwestern United States and western and central Canada. Mill City Capital has developed a strong network of relationships in these regions and targets companies in the industrial and consumer sectors. As a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), the firm aims to foster growth and create value within its portfolio companies.

Athene is a prominent retirement services company that specializes in providing life insurance and annuity products aimed at helping individuals and institutions meet their retirement needs. Established in 2009 and headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, Athene offers a range of retirement savings solutions, including fixed annuities and funding agreements. The company operates through its subsidiaries, which are engaged in issuing and reinsuring these products. Athene has its roots in the former Aviva Life and Annuity Company, which rebranded in 2014. The organization is led by experienced professionals from the insurance sector, including its CEO, who previously held significant roles in notable firms. Athene's investment portfolio is diversified across various asset classes, including corporate and government bonds, collateralized mortgage obligations, and alternatives, reflecting its commitment to managing retirement savings effectively.

Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC is a privately owned family office. The firm primarily provides its services to individuals. It also caters to high net worth individuals, Pooled investment vehicles, Pension and profit sharing plans and Corporations or other businesses. It invests in the public equity and fixed income markets. The firm employs a combination of fundamental, technical, Charting and cyclical analysis with top-down and bottom-up approach to create its portfolios. Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC was founded in 1985 and is based in Overland Park, Kansas with locations in Batesville, Indiana; Boerne, Texas; Clayton, North Carolina; Columbus, Indiana; Dallas, Texas; Denver, Colorado; Fayetteville, Arkansas; Franklin, Tennessee; Hiawatha, Iowa; Houston, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; Marlton, New Jersey; Omaha, Nebraska; Richmond, Virginia; Scottsdale, Arizona; Springfield, Missouri; Tampa, Florida; Wayzata, Minnesota and Wichita, Kansas. Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC operates as a subsidiary of CHHSZ Holdings, LLC.

Generation Growth Capital, Inc. is a Wisconsin-based private equity firm founded in 2006, specializing in lower-middle market buyouts. The firm focuses on equity and debt investments primarily in manufacturing, service, and distribution sectors. Generation Growth Capital aims to enhance the growth rates and profitability of small businesses by providing essential capital and professional resources. By working closely with management teams, the firm seeks to “professionalize” these enterprises, thereby fostering their development. Additionally, Generation Growth Capital is dedicated to creating jobs in the communities where its portfolio companies operate, reflecting its commitment to supporting best-in-class small businesses.

O2 Investment Partners, LLC is a Michigan-based private equity firm that focuses on lower middle market investments in various sectors, including industrial manufacturing, niche distribution, business services, and technology. The firm seeks to acquire a majority interest in companies with revenue between $10 million and $75 million and enterprise values between $10 million and $100 million. O2 Investment Partners aims to partner with management teams to drive growth and enhance shareholder value, often through strategies such as buy and build, management buyouts, and turnaround initiatives. The firm primarily targets opportunities in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions of the United States and Canada, investing between $1 million and $20 million in businesses with strong earnings growth potential. Founded in 2010 and based in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, O2 Investment Partners also considers co-investments and opportunistic acquisitions across various industries.

Stone Arch Capital, LLC is a private equity firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in investments in lower middle market companies primarily located in the Midwest. Founded in 2003, the firm focuses on buyouts, industry consolidations, growth capital, and recapitalizations, typically investing between $10 and $25 million in companies with annual revenues ranging from $15 million to $150 million and EBITDA of $3.5 million to $30 million. Stone Arch Capital seeks to establish partnerships with management teams in the manufacturing and service sectors, aiming for sustainable operating margins of at least 10 percent. The firm generally targets businesses with enterprise values between $15 million and $100 million and prefers to take control, either through minority or majority stakes, while avoiding hostile transactions. Although its primary focus is within the Midwest, Stone Arch Capital may consider investments outside the region under specific circumstances.

Granite Equity Partners is a private equity firm specializing in financing buyouts, middle market, mature, recapitalizations, and growth transactions. It also includes sale or purchase of a business, generational transfers, or business expansions. It typically invests in telecommunication services, distributors, media, and services. The firm prefers to invest in companies located within drive time of the office. The firm typically invests in United States with a focus on Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota. It targets companies generating revenues between $5 million and $75 million and an EBITDA between $1 million and $5 million. The firm seeks co-ownership in its portfolio companies. It seeks to co-invest and prefers a seat on the board of its portfolio companies. The firm prefer to have majority stake. Granite Equity Partners was founded in May 2002 and is based in St. Cloud, Minnesota with an additional office in Northfield, Minnesota.

AltEnergy LLC is a private equity firm established in 2006 and located in Rowayton, Connecticut. The firm focuses on investing in the alternative energy sector, targeting high-growth companies with investments typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million. AltEnergy aims to actively participate in the development and expansion of the alternative energy industry, supporting innovative solutions that contribute to a sustainable future.