Smartup Ventures is a venture capital investment firm based in Tehran, Iran, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in creating value by accelerating the growth of businesses through strategic partnerships. It collaborates with entrepreneurs, talents, business developers, angel investors, and venture investors who share similar values and ambitions. Smartup Ventures emphasizes mentoring and provides support across various sectors, including human resources, finance, and legal services, to foster sustainable business development.

Sarava is a venture capital firm based in Tehran, Iran, that specializes in early, mid, and growth-stage investments. Founded in 2011, the firm focuses on technology-related sectors, including internet, mobile, e-commerce, games, cloud computing, and software as a service. Sarava aims to support entrepreneurs by providing not only capital, with investments typically up to $0.03 million per deal, but also essential management experience and additional services such as talent acquisition, legal support, technology assistance, design, marketing, finance, and business development.

Anetwork is the leading cost per click platform in Iran, specializing in digital marketing and online advertising services. Based in Tehran, the company operates a platform that displays banners across over 6,100 websites, allowing brands to effectively reach their target audience by charging only for clicks received. Anetwork offers a comprehensive suite of services, including banner design, landing page creation, campaign management, email marketing, search engine optimization, and social media marketing. Additionally, the platform features advanced targeting options such as geo-targeting, time-based targeting, and retargeting, enabling clients to optimize their advertising efforts. Through these services, Anetwork helps businesses introduce and sell their products and services online, enhancing their customer acquisition and sales experience.

International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, is the private equity and venture capital arm of The World Bank Group. It focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investments and mobilizing capital in international financial markets. IFC provides a wide range of financial products, including loans, equity, quasi-equity, and advisory services, targeting sectors such as agriculture, forestry, financial services, education, healthcare, infrastructure, manufacturing, retail, tourism, and technology. The organization aims to support businesses and financial institutions in emerging markets to create jobs, improve corporate governance, and enhance environmental performance. IFC typically invests between $1 million and $100 million, often taking minority stakes but preferring majority ownership in its portfolio companies. It does not engage directly in the management of its investments and usually exits through domestic stock markets or other arrangements after several years. By focusing on initiatives that benefit underserved communities, IFC contributes to local economic development and improves the quality of life for people in developing regions.

Cairo Angels is an angel investment network established in 2012 and headquartered in Cairo, Egypt. The organization focuses on investing in early-stage startups primarily located in Egypt and the broader MENA region, with particular interest in sectors such as technology, logistics, renewable energy, and agri-business. Cairo Angels organizes regular investment meetings where members can review pre-selected startups that align with their investment criteria. While each angel investor makes independent decisions regarding their investments, the network facilitates due diligence, negotiates terms, and assists in closing deals for interested opportunities. Investments typically range from 250,000 to 2 million Egyptian Pounds per company, with members investing their personal funds in exchange for minority equity stakes. Additionally, Cairo Angels offers portfolio management services to its investors after the investment process is complete. Members can participate in meetings either virtually or in person in Cairo or London.

GE Equity is a division of General Electric that focuses on maximizing returns on investment capital through equity investing. It specializes in acquiring minority ownership stakes in established companies with significant growth potential. The division pursues various investment strategies, including growth capital, buy-out co-investments, secondary direct purchases, recapitalizations, and limited partner investments. Leveraging GE's extensive industry knowledge and global reach, GE Equity seeks to identify and capitalize on high-potential opportunities across multiple sectors. By combining financial acumen with operational expertise, GE Equity plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall value of General Electric's investment portfolio.

Bancroft 2 is a buyout fund managed by Bancroft Private Equity, which was founded in 1989 and is based in the Channel Islands, United Kingdom. Launched in November 2002, Bancroft 2 expanded its investment focus to include Turkey alongside Eastern Europe. The fund primarily targets mid-market investments across various sectors, including commercial products, consumer durables, industrials, and telecommunications, media, and technology. Bancroft Private Equity specializes in private equity investments and has a history of providing mergers and acquisition advice, as well as making direct acquisitions for its own account. The firm’s strategic approach encompasses investments in financial services, consumer goods, and transportation, reflecting its commitment to enhancing value in the regions it serves.

PAPCEL, a.s. is a manufacturer of machines and technological equipment for the paper industry, based in Litovel, Czech Republic. Founded in 1950, the company specializes in producing a variety of paper machines and processing lines for waste paper, chemical pulp refining, broke processing, and wood pulp sorting. Additionally, PAPCEL offers solutions for non-traditional fibers, such as mineral and synthetic materials. The company's product range includes spare parts and various equipment, such as conveyors, dewatering machines, and refining tools. Beyond manufacturing, PAPCEL provides extensive services, including assembly control, engineering support, staff training, and both warranty and post-warranty technical assistance. The company serves markets across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, with notable expansions into Egypt, Turkey, Iran, Ecuador, and Colombia. PAPCEL operates as a subsidiary of VEGA-HSH.

Abu Dhabi Investment Council is a sovereign wealth fund established in 2007 and based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The Council manages the government's surplus financial resources through a globally diversified investment strategy encompassing various asset classes. Its investment portfolio includes private equity, real estate, infrastructure, global special situations, hedge funds, public equity, and fixed income markets. In private equity, the Council engages in direct, secondary, and fund of fund investments, with a focus on the MENA region. Its real estate investments span multiple sectors, including retail, office, industrial, and residential properties. The Council's infrastructure investments target large-scale public systems, such as transportation and utilities. Additionally, it pursues hedge fund investments across various strategies and maintains a diverse fixed income portfolio. Through its global special situations investments, the Council seeks unique opportunities that do not fit traditional asset classifications but promise higher returns, emphasizing a strategic focus on Abu Dhabi and the broader MENA region.

Fiera Capital (Asia) operates through Clearwater Capital Partners, an investment firm specializing in private equity, distressed debt, and credit investments within the Asia region. Established in 2001 and merging with Fiera Capital in 2018, Clearwater offers investors diverse opportunities in performing high-yield credit, direct lending, and special situations. The firm has successfully executed over 350 investments totaling more than $5.7 billion across various sectors and geographies, both onshore and offshore. Clearwater is particularly focused on assisting small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Asia, providing them with essential financial and operational restructuring support. With a strong on-the-ground presence in key Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Mumbai, Seoul, and Chongqing, Clearwater has established itself as a trusted resource for banks, brokers, and business intermediaries in the region.

Tricap Investments is a diversified principal investment group located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The firm primarily focuses on private equity investments, particularly in the real estate sector, where it structures and launches platforms and acquires commercial properties in the United States. Additionally, Tricap seeks opportunities in various other sectors, including industrial technology, mining, resources, power generation, and pharmaceuticals. The company is involved in sourcing, developing, structuring, and executing both direct investments and fund investments on behalf of its principals, shareholders, and partners.

Global Ventures is an international venture capital firm, investing in founders and ideas across emerging markets. They back global-minded founders that are leading growth-stage companies and using technology to transform emerging markets and the world. The Global Ventures team is a diverse, collaborative, talented and curious group of professionals who, combined, have years of experience and expertise building and scaling companies.

Millennial Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2020, with its base in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The firm aims to become the leading female-founded venture capital investor from Dubai, focusing on global consumer disruptive opportunities. Millennial Partners has successfully managed funds, including Millennial Beauty Ltd and Millennial Consumer Innovation, which has an assets under management of USD 25 million. The firm is notable for its first AI data-driven investment product from the GCC region, utilizing a proprietary algorithm to enhance and automate the investment origination process. The team consists of entrepreneurs, consultants, and investment bankers, supported by a diverse group of advisors across key entrepreneurial hubs such as Dubai, California, and New York. Millennial Partners has established partnerships with major incubators and targets late Seed or Series A investments primarily in the Middle East and the USA, leveraging a global perspective to bring expertise and talent back to Dubai. Through a focus on high-growth opportunities, the firm aims to outperform regional venture capital investments.

Enabling Future is a family office-backed venture capital firm headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The firm focuses on seed and early-stage investments across a diverse range of sectors, including consumer goods and services, data and enterprise technology, blockchain infrastructure, fintech, and gaming. Enabling Future aims to support entrepreneurs who seek to disrupt traditional markets and innovate for the future. To achieve this, the firm provides its portfolio companies with essential resources such as capital, strategic guidance, and access to a robust network, facilitating their growth and development in an ever-evolving business landscape.

M Capital Partners is an independent investment firm established in 2001 and based in Toulouse, France, with over €500 million in assets under management. It serves as a unique hub for entrepreneurs, providing both equity and quasi-equity financing, along with continuous support to help accelerate business growth. The firm focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including business and consumer products and services, healthcare, real estate, distribution, personal and home equipment, information technology, materials, and resources. In 2020, M Capital Partners successfully funded more than 200 companies in France, underscoring its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

Omnes Capital S.A.S. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Paris, France, with additional offices in Brussels and Zurich. Founded in 2000, the firm specializes in a range of investment strategies, including direct investments in seed and growth-stage companies as well as fund of funds investments. Omnes Capital has a strong focus on sectors such as information technology, life sciences, and renewable energy, and has invested over €500 million in various innovative SMEs. With a total of €3.4 billion in assets under management, the firm has completed 65 business sales, including 14 IPOs, showcasing its expertise in financing companies through buyouts, growth capital, and private debt. Omnes Capital aims to support small and mid-cap enterprises, taking minority stakes and often seeking board representation in its portfolio companies. The firm is recognized for its strategic investments in both established markets and emerging sectors, demonstrating a commitment to fostering growth across various industries.

Cento Ventures is a Singapore-based venture capital firm founded in 2011, with a focus on under-invested emerging digital markets in Southeast Asia, particularly Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. The firm, which was previously known as Digital Media Partners, specializes in Series A investments, typically committing an initial average of $1 million and potentially up to $4 million throughout the investment's lifecycle. Cento Ventures aims to support technology-related companies that integrate local insights with established digital business models, helping entrepreneurs in their pursuit of building regional leaders in the digital landscape of Southeast Asia. The firm also maintains an office in Seoul, expanding its reach within the region.

DBS Bank, founded in 1968 and headquartered in Singapore, is a leading financial services firm that operates across Asia and the Middle East. The bank provides a comprehensive range of services, including consumer banking, wealth management, institutional banking, and treasury markets. Its consumer banking segment offers products such as savings accounts, loans, and insurance to individual customers, while the institutional banking division serves large corporations, government-linked companies, and small and medium-sized enterprises with services like cash management and corporate finance. Additionally, DBS Bank is involved in private banking and has ventured into venture capital through funds that target various sectors like technology and media. With a workforce of over 17,000 employees from diverse nationalities, DBS Bank leverages its regional expertise to build lasting client relationships and facilitate trade and investment flows, particularly in fast-growing markets such as mainland China, Indonesia, and India.

Bank of Baroda, established in 1908 and headquartered in Maharashtra, India, is a commercial bank that provides a comprehensive range of financial services. The bank operates across 17 countries, offering personal and corporate banking solutions, including accounts, deposits, loans, insurance, and investment services. In addition to traditional banking, Bank of Baroda features digital banking services, supply chain finance, and government schemes to meet diverse customer needs. The bank has also expanded its offerings through the merger with Vijaya Bank, enhancing its capabilities in commercial and corporate banking, as well as cash management and treasury services.

Région Sud Investissement is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and located in Marseille, France. The firm focuses on supporting startups through a variety of financing options, including venture capital investments, participatory loans, and convertible loans. By investing in early-stage companies, Région Sud Investissement aims to foster innovation and economic growth within the region.

CapHorn Invest is an independent venture capital firm based in Paris, France, established in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in B2B digital companies, primarily focusing on sectors such as climate technology, health technology, and enterprise technology. CapHorn Invest manages approximately 180 million euros across two funds and has built a portfolio of over 20 companies. The firm typically invests in Series A and B funding rounds, with investments ranging from 2 to 20 million euros, targeting startups that contribute to digital transformation.

Fraser Finance is a specialist M&A advisory and investment firm established in 2005, with offices in London, Berlin, Geneva, and Chicago. The firm focuses on the enterprise software, SaaS, and services sectors, providing strategic advice to entrepreneurs, management teams, and boards regarding crucial decisions and transactions. Fraser Finance has a strong track record in facilitating significant M&A activities, having completed over $1 billion in transactions. Their clientele includes both emerging and established technology companies, as well as growth equity and buy-out investors. In addition to advisory services, Fraser Finance also invests in select opportunities alongside its clients and partners. The firm emphasizes its expertise in digital services and health, helping clients navigate the complexities of digital M&A and financing transactions.

The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is an independent philanthropic nonprofit organization based in New York City, established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., the former President and CEO of General Motors. Its primary mission is to provide grants that support original research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. The foundation aims to promote advancements in these disciplines through its funding initiatives, which are governed and administered by a board of trustees. By focusing on these areas, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation seeks to foster innovation and improve understanding in critical fields that impact society.

Rockstart is an accelerator and venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. It focuses on incubating and investing in early-stage startups, particularly in the sectors of energy, health, agrifood, and emerging technologies. Rockstart aims to empower purpose-driven founders by providing access to capital, mentorship, and a robust network of partners and investors. The firm has established itself as a global player in startup acceleration, offering customized programs that foster collaboration between startups and corporates. With additional offices in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Bogotá, Colombia, Rockstart has invested in more than 230 startups, helping them raise over €90 million and create over 700 jobs. The firm also manages specialized funds, such as Rockstart Emerging Tech, which targets innovative sectors including artificial intelligence and blockchain.

Ferro Corporation is a producer of specialty materials and chemicals, serving a diverse range of manufacturers across various industries. The company operates through two primary segments: Performance Colors and Glass, and Color Solutions. Ferro's extensive product portfolio includes frits, porcelain and glass enamels, glazes, stains, pigments, inks, and polishing materials, as well as dielectrics and electronic glasses. These products are utilized in numerous applications, including electronics, appliances, automotive components, consumer goods, and packaging. Ferro markets its offerings both directly and through agents and distributors, catering to manufacturers of ceramic tiles, glass, and electronic devices. Headquartered in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Ferro Corporation has been in operation since 1919 and has a global presence, serving markets in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and Latin America.

Samsung NEXT is a multifaceted innovation group within Samsung Electronics, established in 2013 and headquartered in Mountain View, California. The group focuses on identifying new growth opportunities that will shape the future. Samsung NEXT Ventures, its investment arm, specializes in venture capital, targeting sectors such as artificial intelligence, financial technology, blockchain, health technology, infrastructure, and media technology. By investing in these areas, Samsung NEXT aims to foster innovation and technological advancements that align with its long-term vision for growth.

Goldfish Fund is a venture capital firm established in 2001 and based in Vilnius, Lithuania. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups within Frontier Markets, seeking opportunities that demonstrate strong potential for growth. Goldfish Fund focuses on a diverse array of sectors, including e-commerce, security, retail, food, restaurant chains, beauty, entertainment, robotics, travel technology, mobile applications, marketplaces, and internet technology. The firm aims to support companies with exceptional products and talented teams that aspire to develop into world-class enterprises.

Turenne Groupe is an independent private equity management company based in Paris, France, with additional offices in Lyon, Marseille, and Lille. Founded in 1999, it specializes in investing in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with revenues ranging from €5 million to €100 million. The firm typically invests between €1 million and €10 million per transaction, focusing on sectors such as health, innovation, deep tech, hospitality, and various B2B services. Turenne Groupe actively supports its portfolio companies in their growth and transition projects while promoting corporate social responsibility initiatives. The firm manages and advises over €500 million in capital, employing a team of 32 professionals, including 21 dedicated investors. Additionally, Turenne Groupe finances and operates the Béatrice Denys Foundation, which is dedicated to therapeutic innovation.

Chernovetsky Investment Group (CIG), founded in 2012 and based in Kyiv, Ukraine, is a prominent venture capital firm in Eastern Europe. The company focuses on investing in startups and companies at various stages of development, including early and later stages. CIG prioritizes innovative projects, particularly in the fields of information technology, internet services, cloud computing, mobile applications, data management, big data, and electronic payment systems. Rather than pursuing commercial takeovers, CIG emphasizes collaboration with current project owners, aiming to support and elevate businesses by identifying and partnering with talented and creative entrepreneurs.

CodeBase, founded in 2014, is the largest tech incubator in the UK and one of the fastest growing in Europe. Located in a central Edinburgh facility, CodeBase provides affordable workspace with excellent WiFi, enabling tech startups and scaleups to focus on business development without the burden of long-term leases. Since its inception, it has expanded significantly, establishing additional locations in Stirling and Aberdeen. CodeBase operates on private equity and aims to foster the growth of emerging tech companies, particularly in sectors such as mobile, analytics, applications, software, and information technology. The organization has formed strategic partnerships with major corporations like Barclays and PwC, which enhance its mentorship and business support initiatives across numerous locations in the UK.

Lok Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Gurugram, India, specializing in early-stage and startup investments across various sectors, including fintech, healthcare, agriculture, and financial services. Founded in 2004, Lok Capital aims to promote financial and social inclusion, focusing on affordable financial solutions for low-income households. The firm invests in microfinance, small business financing, insurance, and renewable energy, among other areas, prioritizing businesses that create a social impact and enhance livelihoods, education, and healthcare. It manages two funds with over $85 million in assets and typically invests between $1 million and $7 million in companies that have not yet received small finance bank licenses, with a particular focus on the Indian market. Lok Capital was initiated with support from the Rockefeller Foundation and operates additional offices in Mauritius, Chennai, and Mumbai.

Cairn Homes is a prominent homebuilder based in Dublin, Ireland, established in 2014. The company specializes in the design and development of residential properties, primarily focusing on single-family homes in the suburbs of Dublin. In addition to developing and selling these homes, Cairn Homes is also involved in property rentals. The company emphasizes quality in its construction processes and aims to understand the needs and aspirations of its customers, collaborating with skilled designers and craftsmen to deliver high-quality homes. Cairn Homes operates with a professional governance structure and draws on the extensive experience of its board members from various successful public and private companies. Through its development activities, Cairn Homes contributes to addressing the shortage of quality housing in Ireland, fostering trust and collaboration with industry stakeholders, including planners and local authorities.

Founded in 2017, Otiva is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm seeks to invest in Series A to late growth stage, public and private companies.

European Investment Bank (EIB) provides lending, borrowing, and treasury services primarily in the European Union. The company offers project loans for the public and private sectors; loans to banks and other intermediaries; structured finance products; guarantees and securitization instruments for senior and subordinated debts; project bonds; equity and fund investment products such as infrastructure equity and debt funds, and environmental funds; and venture capital funds and security packages for funds. The company also offers microfinance; risk sharing finance for research, development, and innovation projects; finance and technical expertise for sustainable energy projects; infrastructure project advisory services; support for urban development projects; guarantees for transport infrastructure; and funding for public-private partnerships and small- and medium-sized enterprises. EIB serves the transportation, global loans, energy, industry, health, education, water, sewerage, infrastructure, services, telecommunications, agriculture, and fisheries sectors. European Investment Bank was founded in 1958 and is based in Luxembourg.

Japan Tobacco Inc. is the third-largest tobacco company in the world, known for its extensive brand portfolio that includes Winston, Camel, and Mevius. The company holds significant market shares in key regions such as Japan, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Tobacco products account for approximately 90% of the company's total sales and almost all of its profits, with more than half of these revenues coming from international operations. To adapt to changing consumer preferences, Japan Tobacco has expanded its offerings to include reduced-risk products, such as the vaping brand Logic and Ploom heated tobacco lines. Established through the acquisition of R.J. Reynolds' non-US operations in 1999, Japan Tobacco has continued to grow through various strategic acquisitions, including the notable purchase of Gallaher in 2007.

Rocket Internet, founded in 2007 and based in Berlin, Germany, is a venture builder that focuses on incubating and developing internet-based business models. The company strategically invests in technology firms with proven business models, providing them with operational support to facilitate international scaling. With a diverse portfolio, Rocket Internet operates across various sectors, including information technology, consumer products, financial services, and e-commerce. Its selected companies are active in numerous countries across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Central America, South America, the Caucasus, and Asia, highlighting its global reach and commitment to fostering growth in technology and internet-based enterprises.

Tesi, also known as Finnish Industry Investment, is a government agency based in Helsinki, Finland, established in 1995 to foster Finnish business and employment. The agency manages investments derived from the privatization of state-owned enterprises, directing funds to stimulate growth and internationalization of Finnish companies. Tesi engages in both direct investments in growth companies and indirect investments through venture capital and private equity funds, targeting various sectors. Its investment strategy encompasses support for rapid growth, spin-offs, major industrial ventures, and corporate restructurings, with a total investment portfolio exceeding 570 million euros. Through these initiatives, Tesi aims to enhance the competitiveness of Finnish businesses in the global market.

Global Founders Capital (GFC) is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm is stage agnostic, meaning it invests in companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. GFC focuses on empowering talented entrepreneurs and seeks investment opportunities in sectors such as internet, retail, financial software, media, communication, and information technology. With a global perspective, GFC aims to support innovative companies across all continents.

Saab AB is a global provider of products, services, and solutions tailored for military, defense, and civil security markets. Founded in 1937 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, the company operates across four main segments: aeronautics, dynamics, surveillance, and Kockums. Aeronautics focuses on the development and support of both defense and commercial aerial systems, while dynamics specializes in combat weapons and defense training systems. The surveillance segment offers security services and traffic management technology, and Kockums is dedicated to naval mission solutions. Saab's offerings include advanced military aviation technology, ground combat weapons, missile systems, and unmanned vehicles, as well as civil security solutions like radar and electronic warfare systems. With a workforce of over 14,000 employees and operations in more than 100 countries, Saab emphasizes innovation, investing a significant portion of its annual sales into research and development. Saab Ventures, an investment arm of the company, focuses on private equity and venture capital investments in technology and industrial sectors, primarily within the Nordic region.