Kompass Kapital Management LLC is a private equity firm based in Overland Park, Kansas, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in providing expansion and growth capital, focusing on investments in operating companies, partnerships, funds, financial instruments, and real assets. Kompass Kapital Management typically makes equity investments ranging from $3 million to $15 million, often preferring to acquire minority stakes in the companies in which it invests. The firm is dedicated to enhancing value and supporting the growth of its portfolio companies through strategic capital injection.

KCRise Fund, established in 2016 by Darcy Howe, is a Kansas City-based venture capital firm dedicated to fostering regional economic growth. It invests in early-stage companies across Kansas and western Missouri, focusing on sectors such as information technology, business services, and advanced manufacturing. KCRise Fund typically co-invests with other institutional investors, committing between $200,000 to $500,000 per company. Its investors include corporations, university endowments, family offices, and prominent local business leaders. As of 2019, KCRise Fund has raised over $70 million across its funds, with a focus on software and technology sectors in its latest fund, KCRise Fund III.

Accelerate Venture Partners, established in 2018 and based in Wichita, Kansas, is an angel group firm focused on investing in early-stage, high-growth potential companies within the Wichita and broader Midwest region. The firm, a program of NXTUS, offers more than just capital, providing entrepreneurs with connections, expertise, mentoring, and operational assistance to help them succeed.

Stray Dog Capital, established in 2013 and headquartered in Leawood, Kansas, is a private equity and venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments. It specializes in backing businesses that promote alternatives to animal use in supply chains, primarily in the food, beverage, and biotechnology sectors across the United States and Europe. The firm provides not only capital but also expertise and support to help these companies grow and succeed.

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.

Five Elms Capital, established in 2007 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is a global growth equity firm specializing in investments in fast-growing B2B software businesses. The firm provides capital and resources to accelerate growth and solidify industry leadership. With over $2.4 billion in assets under management and a team of over 70 investment professionals, Five Elms has invested in more than 65 software platforms globally, demonstrating a deep domain expertise and extensive network in the software sector.

OpenAir Equity Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2008 and based in Overland Park, Kansas. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting startups in the mobile, wireless, and connected device sectors within the technology industry. OpenAir Equity Partners aims to support innovative companies that seek to advance technology and enhance connectivity.

Nueterra Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Leawood, Kansas, founded in 1997. The firm focuses on investing exclusively in early and growth-stage healthcare companies, aiming to empower entrepreneurs by providing them with the necessary capital, resources, and expertise to drive innovation in the healthcare sector. By aligning its investments with the needs of these companies, Nueterra Capital facilitates business expansion and the creation of new growth opportunities. In addition to healthcare, the firm has interests in consumer products and services, real estate, and technology sectors.

The Kansas Bioscience Authority is a venture capital provider focused on advancing bioscience innovations across various sectors, including agribusiness, animal health, human health, and life sciences technology. With the largest concentration of animal health companies globally, Kansas serves as a hub for groundbreaking research in oncology, information technology, medical devices, and other critical areas impacting human health. The authority leverages the state's strong agricultural heritage to foster advancements that benefit both the bioscience industry and the broader economy.

Leawood Venture Capital, established in 2016, is a Kansas-based private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments in tech companies across the United States. With a team comprising successful founders and experienced business operators, the firm leverages its extensive market and technology expertise to add value to its portfolio. Focusing on sectors such as technology, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, Leawood Venture Capital has invested in over 25 companies since its inception.

Firebrand Ventures, established in 2016, is a Kansas City-based venture capital firm focusing on early-stage, innovative software startups in the United States and Canada. The company operates from offices in Austin, Boulder, and Kansas City, aiming to support underserved communities by providing capital and resources to promising tech ventures.

Novel Capital, founded in 2018 and based in Mission, Kansas, is a fintech company that offers innovative funding solutions tailored for early-stage B2B software companies. By leveraging a tech-first approach, Novel Capital enables its customers to access non-dilutive capital based on future recurring revenue, effectively breaking down traditional growth barriers. The platform also provides online data-driven insights and curated learning resources, empowering entrepreneurs to capitalize on their momentum and scale their businesses without relinquishing equity. Through its flexible revenue-based financing and operational sales expertise, Novel Capital aims to foster a thriving startup ecosystem and support the growth of emerging businesses.

Sunflower Bank is a commercial banking institution founded in 1892 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with additional locations across Kansas and Missouri. The bank provides a wide range of financial services, including personal checking and savings accounts, mortgage options, and loans. For businesses, Sunflower Bank offers deposit accounts, loans, treasury management services, and trust and wealth management services. As a member of the FDIC, Sunflower Bank is committed to ensuring the safety and security of its customers' deposits while serving the financial needs of individuals and businesses alike. Sunflower Financial serves as the holding company for the bank.

Equity Bancshares, Inc. serves as the bank holding company for Equity Bank, a commercial bank based in Wichita, Kansas. Founded in 2002, the bank offers a comprehensive range of financial services primarily targeting businesses, business owners, and individuals. It accepts various deposits, including demand, savings, money market, and time deposits. The bank's loan offerings encompass commercial loans, real estate-backed financing, working capital loans, and various consumer loans, catering to a diverse clientele that includes national and regional companies, restaurant franchisees, hoteliers, and agribusinesses. Additionally, Equity Bank provides a suite of online and mobile banking solutions, debit card services, and treasury management options. As of December 31, 2019, the bank operated 52 full-service branches across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma, making it a significant player in the regional banking landscape.

Koch, Inc., headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, is a multinational corporation with subsidiaries engaged in manufacturing, trading, and investments. It operates in various industries, including petroleum and chemical manufacturing, energy, fiber and polymer production, minerals and fertilizers, pulp and paper, and ranching. Koch employs over 100,000 people worldwide, with a significant presence in the United States. Its Koch Chemical Technology Group designs, manufactures, and services process and pollution control equipment for industries and municipalities globally. Koch Equity Development, the acquisition and investment subsidiary, focuses on strategic acquisitions and principal investments to enhance Koch's capabilities.

PeakSpan Capital, established in 2014, is a California-based investment firm with an additional office in New York. The company specializes in backing growth-stage, B2B and enterprise software businesses across the United States. PeakSpan focuses on companies serving a wide range of customers, from small businesses to large enterprises, and brings a wealth of sector-specific knowledge and resources to its portfolio companies.

RET Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in Park City, Utah, is a venture capital firm focused on the real estate technology sector. It is the first industry-backed seed-stage venture firm dedicated to developing innovative technology solutions for the multifamily and single-family rental markets. RET Ventures collaborates with high-quality entrepreneurs to scale their businesses by leveraging the extensive knowledge and expertise of its team and limited partners, who collectively manage a significant network of rental units across North America. This collaboration enables property owners to gain early access to effective technology solutions tailored to their needs.

Prospect Capital Management, established in 1988 and headquartered in New York, is an alternative credit asset manager specializing in middle-market investments. The company provides a range of financing solutions, including debt and equity, to both sponsor-owned and non-sponsor-owned businesses in the United States and Canada. Prospect focuses on companies with EBITDA between $5 million and $150 million, investing amounts ranging from $10 million to $500 million per transaction. It has a broad investment portfolio across various sectors, with a particular expertise in energy and industrial sectors. The company's strategy involves primary origination and secondary loans/portfolios, catering to debt financings, acquisitions, recapitalizations, growth financings, and real estate investments. Prospect seeks to deliver steady, attractive returns to its investors through a disciplined, rigorous credit process and proprietary investment origination.

Blackbird Ventures, established in 2012, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Surry Hills, Australia. The company specializes in investing in early-stage to late-stage startups across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, primarily in Australia and New Zealand. Blackbird's mission is to back ambitious entrepreneurs with transformative ideas, providing them with generational ownership and support throughout their journey from inception to IPO. Notable investments include Canva, Zoox, and CultureAmp.

Riley Permian specializes in the exploration and production of oil and natural gas, with a primary focus on high-growth opportunities in the Permian Basin. The company emphasizes the horizontal development of the San Andres Formation, leveraging its technical expertise and advanced evaluation techniques. In addition to its core operations in the Permian Basin, Riley Permian also manages properties in Kansas and Tennessee. The company is recognized for its operational experience, which positions it as a leader in acquiring, developing, and producing energy resources.

MPM Capital, established in 1996, is a Boston-based private equity and venture capital firm focused on the healthcare and life sciences sectors. It invests in growth-stage biotechnology, healthcare, and life sciences companies, with a particular emphasis on medical technology, oncology, and specialty pharma. MPM Capital typically invests between $5 million and $50 million, often as a lead investor, and may take interim operating positions in its portfolio companies. It has a global investment scope, with a focus on the United States, Europe, and Asia, including India. The firm's investment strategy spans from seed and startup stages through to late-stage biopharmaceutical and diagnostics companies with clinical proof-of-concept data.

Physician Housecalls is an organization dedicated to serving the unique needs of home-bound patients in Oklahoma and Kansas. It offers a range of services, including home-based primary care, geriatric care, and family practice, ensuring that individuals receive essential medical support in the comfort of their own homes. The company specializes in chronic care management, care plan oversight, transition management, wellness visits, and behavioral health integration. By providing these services, Physician Housecalls aims to improve the health and quality of life for patients residing in post-acute facilities, assisted living centers, and independent senior apartments.

Littlejohn Capital, LLC is a private equity firm headquartered in Savannah, Georgia, that focuses on investments in mature companies undergoing significant transitions, including management buyouts, corporate carve-outs, and growth equity opportunities. Established in 2013, it specializes in small to mid-sized private companies with enterprise values under $75 million and EBITDA ranging from $2 million to $12.5 million. The firm typically invests between $5 million and $15 million, with the potential for co-investments up to $30 million, targeting transaction values between $20 million and $75 million. Littlejohn Capital avoids sectors such as retail, consumer products, fashion, gambling, startup technologies, and biotechnology, instead concentrating on industries like manufacturing, logistics, materials, and business services within North America. The firm aims to make control investments that facilitate operational or strategic improvements in its portfolio companies.

Fulcrum Global Capital, established in 2016, is a corporate venture capital firm based in Kansas City, Missouri. As a registered investment adviser, it invests in innovative companies operating in the agriculture, agtech, food production, food safety, food waste, and animal health sectors, both domestically and internationally. The firm seeks to disrupt and improve these industries by backing promising startups.

Spell Capital Partners, LLC, established in 1988, is a Minneapolis-based private equity and mezzanine capital manager. With over three decades of experience, the firm focuses on investing in industrial sectors across the United States, targeting both equity and debt opportunities. Its investment professionals, known for their diverse backgrounds and successful track records, are currently deploying capital from Spell Capital Partners Fund IV and Spell Capital Mezzanine Partners, their first mezzanine fund. The firm's primary areas of interest include industrial, manufacturing, plastics, packaging, precision metal fabrications, commercial products, and services.

C3 Capital Partners, LP is a private equity firm based in Kansas City, Missouri, with additional offices in Dallas, Texas. Established in 1994, the firm specializes in investing in small to middle-market companies across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, specialty chemicals, consumer products, and business services. C3 Capital focuses on growth capital, buyouts, industry consolidation, and recapitalization transactions, typically investing between $2 million and $15 million in companies with sales ranging from $10 million to $210 million and EBITDA between $1 million and $20 million. The firm prefers to take board representation but does not seek controlling stakes in its investments. C3 Capital has a history of investing over $300 million in 63 small businesses and is led by experienced principals with extensive backgrounds in private equity and management across several industries.

Great Range Capital, established in 2010 and headquartered in Mission Woods, Kansas, is a private equity firm specializing in mid-market investments, primarily in the Midwest. The firm focuses on buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth financings, targeting companies in business and industrial services, healthcare services, retail and consumer, and niche manufacturing sectors. Great Range Capital typically invests between $5 million and $30 million in companies with revenues of $150 million and EBITDA of $20 million, aiming to partner with Midwestern companies and executives.

Hostess Brands, Inc. is a packaged food company specializing in the development, manufacturing, marketing, sale, and distribution of fresh sweet baked goods across the United States. Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Lenexa, Kansas, the company offers a diverse portfolio of products, including snack cakes, donuts, sweet rolls, breakfast pastries, cookies, and snack pies. Hostess operates through two primary segments: Sweet Baked Goods, which includes both fresh and frozen offerings under renowned brands such as Hostess, Dolly Madison, Cloverhill, and Big Texas, as well as store-branded products, and In-Store Bakery, which focuses on items like eclairs, madeleines, brownies, and iced cookies sold in grocery and club store bakery sections. Hostess Brands aims to deliver beloved treats to consumers, maintaining a strong presence in the North American market.

Capital For Business, Inc. is a private equity investment firm based in St. Louis, Missouri, with an additional office in Kansas City. Founded in 1959, the firm focuses on investing in middle-market, family-owned businesses, particularly in the manufacturing and value-added industrial services sectors. Capital For Business specializes in various investment strategies, including management buyouts, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and corporate divestitures, while avoiding sectors such as real estate, financial institutions, and unproven technologies. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $30 million in companies with revenues ranging from $10 million to $100 million and targets enterprise values between $5 million and $100 million. It has a patient investment approach, generally holding investments for five to seven years, and actively seeks to participate in the management of its portfolio companies by taking board positions. Capital For Business also leverages its extensive network within the private equity community to support its investments and facilitate follow-on funding when necessary.

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.

St. Croix Hospice is a prominent provider of hospice services for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. With 21 office locations across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, the company offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support patients, their families, and caregivers. These services include physician care, nursing, hospice aide assistance, continuous care nursing during crises, social services, spiritual care, therapy, nutritional counseling, and routine medical check-ups. St. Croix Hospice focuses on enhancing the comfort and quality of life for those with terminal diagnoses while addressing their physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.

Morpheus Ventures, established in 2016 and based in Los Angeles, is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies. It focuses on sectors such as data analytics, machine learning, robotics, and SaaS, supporting both consumer and enterprise technologies. The firm manages multiple funds, including Morpheus Ventures I (2016) and Morpheus Ventures II (2019), with a particular interest in frontier technologies like fintech, insurtech, proptech, and automation.

DataBank Holdings, Ltd. is a data center and co-location company headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with additional facilities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Minneapolis/St. Paul, Eagan, Kansas City, and Atlanta. Founded in 2004, DataBank provides a comprehensive array of services, including co-location solutions that ensure security, power configurations, and cooling. The company also offers managed services such as cloud computing, virtual hosting, network connectivity, and security, along with consulting services that encompass design and implementation, migration, and continuity planning. DataBank emphasizes compliance with various industry standards, including those for payment card security and health data protection. Catering to a diverse clientele across sectors like healthcare, finance, gaming, and hospitality, DataBank is committed to optimizing IT environments and ensuring data availability for enterprises.

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.

SafetyCulture Pty Ltd is a technology company based in Sydney, Australia, specializing in mobile applications that enhance workplace safety and quality management. Its flagship product, SafetyCulture iAuditor, enables real-time audits, allowing workers to identify potential hazards and evaluate safety standards efficiently. The platform supports various industries, including construction, hospitality, retail, manufacturing, and cleaning, by digitizing inspections, audits, and training processes. SafetyCulture's solutions are customizable, helping businesses standardize operations, manage assets, and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. The company, originally founded as Wades Business Solutions Pty Ltd in 1999, rebranded in 2010 and has expanded its presence with offices in Kansas City, Manchester, Townsville, and Manila. Through its innovative technology, SafetyCulture promotes a culture of safety and operational excellence across diverse sectors.

Arvest Bank, established in 1961 and headquartered in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is a regional bank operating over 250 branches across Arkansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, and Kansas. It offers a wide range of banking services, including loans, deposits, treasury management, credit cards, mortgage loans, and mortgage servicing. Arvest also provides investment and wealth management services through its subsidiary, Arvest Investments, Inc. The company is known for its local management structure, with each of its 16 markets having its own local board and management team, serving customers in over 120 communities. Arvest is recognized as an Equal Housing Lender and is a member of the FDIC.

EiKO Global, LLC is a manufacturer and distributor of a wide range of lamps and lighting products. Its extensive product lineup includes ceramic metal halides, various types of lamps such as LED, HID, fluorescent, halogen, and incandescent, as well as specialized lighting solutions for automotive, industrial, and healthcare applications. The company serves diverse industries, including audio/video, commercial, stage/studio, and photographic sectors. Founded in 1978 and headquartered in Shawnee, Kansas, EiKO Global maintains a global presence with additional offices in Canada, China, Europe, Korea, and Taiwan, along with warehouses located in several U.S. states. The company collaborates with strategic partners like vosla GMBH and Sansi to enhance its product offerings and customer support.

The McClatchy Company is a prominent newspaper publisher in the United States, operating 30 daily newspapers across 29 markets, including notable titles such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, and The Sacramento Bee. Founded in 1857 by James McClatchy during the California Gold Rush, the company initially focused on California but later expanded its reach to the Northwest and East Coast through strategic acquisitions. McClatchy has established itself as the leading local news provider in its markets, offering a range of services that include print and digital publications, community newspapers, and direct marketing. The company delivers content through its own websites, mobile applications, and various digital platforms. In 2006, McClatchy became the second-largest newspaper publisher in the U.S. after acquiring Knight Ridder Inc., although it subsequently streamlined its portfolio by selling non-strategic newspapers. McClatchy filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 in 2020, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional media in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Its headquarters are located in Sacramento, California.

H&R Block, Inc. is a leading provider of consumer tax services, specializing in assisted income tax return preparation, do-it-yourself (DIY) tax solutions, and virtual tax preparation services. Established in 1955 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, the company operates approximately 12,000 retail locations, including company-owned and franchise offices, across the United States, Canada, and Australia. H&R Block offers a range of services, including federal and state tax return preparation, tax planning tools, electronic filing, and various financial products such as Refund Transfers and prepaid debit cards. The company has prepared over 680 million tax returns and focuses primarily on generating revenue from assisted tax preparation fees in the U.S. Its extensive network ensures that an H&R Block office is conveniently located within five miles of most Americans, making tax assistance readily accessible.

Block Real Estate Services, LLC is a comprehensive commercial real estate firm based in Kansas City, Missouri, with additional offices in Overland Park and Lenexa, Kansas, as well as various locations in Missouri. The company manages over 43 million square feet of retail, office, and industrial properties, and its affiliate, Block Multifamily Group, oversees 7,350 multifamily units for equity partnerships and third-party owners. Block Real Estate Services offers a wide range of services including owner representation, acquisition and disposition management, construction management, and property management. The firm also provides strategic advisory services, investment management, and consultation for technology systems. Established in 2004, Block Real Estate Services aims to deliver tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of its clients in the commercial real estate market.

VantEdge Partners, LP is a private equity investment firm founded in 2015 and located in Overland Park, Kansas. The firm specializes in middle market investments and focuses on various sectors, including industrial, distribution, business services, restaurants, sports, infrastructure, technology, and consumer markets. VantEdge Partners typically invests between $20 million to $75 million, and it is open to minority investments when collaborating with co-investors. The firm is dedicated to building partnerships that foster growth and value creation in its portfolio companies.

The Anschutz Family Foundation, established in 1982 by Fred and Marian Pfister Anschutz, is an independent family foundation based in Denver, Colorado. It was founded on the principles of hard work, community involvement, and a commitment to enhancing the lives of others. The Foundation focuses on grantmaking to support nonprofit organizations that address human and community needs, particularly in areas such as community building, economic development, crisis intervention, services for disabled individuals, shelter for the homeless, low-income housing, literacy, senior programs, youth development, and children's services. Over the years, the Foundation's assets have grown significantly, allowing for the distribution of numerous grants aimed at fostering diversified funding streams for nonprofits. Notably, the Foundation has organized initiatives like Colorado Rural Philanthropy Days, which facilitate collaboration between funders and rural communities, thereby increasing awareness and support for the unique challenges these areas face. The Anschutz Family Foundation continues to prioritize efforts that strengthen families and communities while empowering individuals to achieve self-sufficiency.

Enterprise Bank & Trust, founded in 1988 and headquartered in Clayton, Missouri, is a commercial bank that provides a variety of banking products and services to privately held businesses. With 28 branch offices located in the metropolitan areas of St. Louis, Kansas City, and Phoenix, the bank specializes in two main areas: commercial banking and wealth management. It serves a diverse range of industries, including construction, engineering, real estate, and financial services. The bank also offers personal banking services and operates a division called Enterprise Trust, which provides financial planning, estate planning, investment management, and trust services to individuals, businesses, institutions, retirement plans, and non-profit organizations.

NQV8 is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in Manhattan, Kansas. The firm specializes in making equity investments in the pet industry, with a particular focus on innovations in pet food. By targeting emerging trends and advancements within this sector, NQV8 aims to support and promote the growth of businesses that enhance the quality of products and services available for pets.

Prime Capital Investment Advisors, LLC is a privately owned family office established in 1985 and headquartered in Overland Park, Kansas, with additional locations across the United States. The firm specializes in providing comprehensive asset management and financial planning services to individuals, high-net-worth clients, pooled investment vehicles, pension and profit-sharing plans, and corporations. Its offerings include wealth management, retirement plan advisory services, and educational support for plan participants. Employing a blend of fundamental, technical, and cyclical analysis, the firm constructs its investment portfolios through both top-down and bottom-up approaches. Prime Capital Investment Advisors operates as a subsidiary of CHHSZ Holdings, LLC, ensuring a balanced revenue contribution across its various advisory capabilities.

Merge Design & Interactive, Inc. is a digital advertising agency based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2004. The agency specializes in a wide array of services including digital strategy, creative advertising, UI/UX design, content development, SEO, and website development. It also provides solutions for mobile app development, digital marketing campaigns, and community-focused website design. Additionally, Merge offers packaging design, production management, and quality control services. The firm caters to a diverse clientele, ranging from Fortune 500 companies to startups, and focuses on creating engaging customer experiences through innovative design and technology. By integrating strategy and creativity, Merge addresses clients' business challenges and enhances customer engagement across various industries, including healthcare.

Flint Hills Resources is an independent refining, chemicals, and biofuels company headquartered in Wichita, Kansas. Established in 1995 as a subsidiary of Koch Industries, it has developed a diverse portfolio of products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, asphalt, ethanol, biodiesel, liquefied natural gas, polymers, and various intermediate chemicals. The company operates refineries in Alaska, Minnesota, and Texas with a combined capacity of approximately 670,000 barrels of crude oil per day. Flint Hills Resources also runs multiple ethanol plants in Iowa and Nebraska, producing a total of 550 million gallons annually, and is a significant purchaser of ethanol in Minnesota. Through strategic investments and acquisitions exceeding $7.6 billion since 2002, the company aims to enhance its operational capabilities while meeting customer demands in the refining and chemical sectors. Its manufacturing facilities, located in Illinois, Michigan, and Texas, produce essential materials used in numerous industries, including automotive and packaging. Flint Hills Resources is committed to efficient resource utilization and community involvement, striving to create value for both its customers and society at large.

TGP Investments, established in 1998 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is a merchant banking firm specializing in middle-market private equity investments. The firm, led by an experienced investment team, manages TGP Capital Partners, a private equity fund with $56.5 million under management. TGP Investments focuses on providing growth capital or facilitating liquidity events for well-managed, profitable, and growing companies in the manufacturing and business services sectors, with revenues typically ranging from $15 million to $150 million. The firm considers both control and minority equity investments, partnering with proven management teams, and usually invests between $5 million to $14 million per portfolio company.

WireCo WorldGroup Inc. is a manufacturer of steel and synthetic ropes, specialty wires, and engineered products, serving a diverse range of industries, including industrial and infrastructure, oil and gas, fishing, mining, maritime, and construction. The company produces a variety of products such as drill lines, mining ropes, cranes, mooring lines, and electromechanical cables, as well as synthetic ropes, yarns, and tapes for applications in agriculture, geotextiles, and sports products. WireCo WorldGroup also offers high carbon wire and specialty wires for various end markets. The company's products are marketed under several well-known brands and are distributed globally through a network of sales professionals targeting distributors, original equipment manufacturers, and contractors. Founded in 1931 and based in Prairie Village, Kansas, WireCo WorldGroup was previously known as Wire Rope Corporation of America and adopted its current name in 2007. It operates as a subsidiary of WireCo WorldGroup US Holdings, Inc.

FireMon, LLC, founded in 2004 and based in Overland Park, Kansas, specializes in enterprise security management solutions tailored for large organizations. The company's product suite includes FireMon Security Manager, which provides real-time analytics for network security and IT risk, and tools such as the Policy Planner Workflow Module and Policy Optimizer Module that streamline firewall management and adapt security policies to changing conditions. FireMon also offers Immediate Insight, a big data solution for threat detection and response, and the Risk Analyzer Module, which assesses security infrastructure effectiveness. The company caters to various industries, including financial services, healthcare, and technology, offering services such as continuous monitoring, change management, and compliance support. With a focus on improving security outcomes, FireMon's platform enables clients to analyze, visualize, and enhance their network security infrastructure effectively.