Startup Wise Guys, founded in 2012 and based in Tallinn, Estonia, is a prominent early-stage investor and accelerator in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and the Nordics. The organization has accelerated over 165 startups, primarily in B2B SaaS, fintech, and cybersecurity, achieving a startup survival and success rate exceeding 77%. Its intensive three-month accelerator program focuses on product validation, development, and sales to business customers, supported by a network of over 200 international and local mentors. The program culminates in Demo Days and major tech events where startups present their ventures to potential investors. Additionally, participants gain access to an alumni community of more than 145 startups across 40 countries and exclusive alumni events centered on business development and fundraising. Startup Wise Guys also manages dedicated funds targeting various sectors, including an Africa Fund that invests in fintech, health tech, and digital SaaS, among others.

Imprimatur Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2003, with headquarters in London and additional offices in Latvia and various regions including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in technology and energy sectors. It focuses on high-growth potential companies that leverage innovative intellectual property, particularly in areas such as the Internet of Things, energy efficiency, cybersecurity, big data, gaming technology, digital health, and robotics. Imprimatur Capital typically invests up to €0.4 million per company and may take board seats to support its portfolio. The firm sources investment opportunities globally, with a notable emphasis on the Asian market, as well as regions such as the Baltic, Nordic, and Russia.

Expansion Capital is a Latvian investment firm based in Riga, established in 2013. It manages a mezzanine fund that focuses on financing promising ideas, projects, and companies primarily in Latvia. The fund targets various sectors, including wood products, information technology, metals, minerals and mining, commercial transportation, healthcare, containers and packaging, and manufacturing. Investments typically range from EUR 150,000 to EUR 2,730,000. Expansion Capital aims to participate in initiatives organized by the Latvian state-owned development finance institution ALTUM, furthering its commitment to support the growth of innovative local enterprises.

BaltCap is an independent private equity firm established in 1995, based in Tallinn, Estonia, specializing in small and midmarket buyout and expansion capital investments across the Baltic States. With a team of 16 experienced professionals and local offices in all three Baltic countries, BaltCap has managed several private equity and venture capital funds, amassing over EUR 260 million in total capital and executing more than 60 investments. The firm targets established companies with growth potential, focusing on sectors such as business and financial services, healthcare, technology, media, telecommunications, consumer goods, renewable energy, and logistics. Additionally, BaltCap manages specific funds, including an infrastructure fund aimed at energy and clean technology projects. The firm is a member of various private equity associations and has been a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment since 2008.

Overkill Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Riga, Latvia, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in investing in business-to-business technology startups primarily in the Baltics, Nordics, Central and Eastern Europe, and the Commonwealth of Independent States. Overkill acts as an angel investor, providing early-stage funding while leveraging its resources, expertise, and network to assist startups in achieving product-market fit and scaling their operations effectively.

FlyCap is a venture capital firm based in Riga, Latvia, founded in 2013. It specializes in providing growth capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through equity and mezzanine investments. The firm focuses on sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and B2B services, with a preference for environmentally friendly companies and projects that reduce CO2 emissions. FlyCap avoids investments in industries considered immoral, such as alcohol, tobacco, and weapons, as well as sectors like fisheries and financial intermediation. It typically invests in companies with a minimum sales value of 1 million euros and limits its investment to a maximum of 1.5 million euros per entity. For startups, initial investments range from 50,000 to 200,000 euros, with the potential for follow-on funding. The firm prioritizes taking advisory roles and aims to exit its investments within four to six years through various means, including sales to management or strategic investors.

ZGI Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Riga, Latvia, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investments in seed and startup stages, as well as in early to late venture and growth capital opportunities, primarily focusing on the Fintech sector. ZGI Capital aims to support entrepreneurs who lack start-up capital, managing a total of €7.4 million in assets, which, when combined with bank financing, can support investment projects totaling up to €30 million. The firm typically invests between €0.5 million and €1 million, with potential investments reaching up to €5.7 million depending on the project. ZGI Capital generally prefers equity investments and acts as a minority shareholder, holding a maximum of 49% of equity. Investment terms range from three to six years, with exits achieved through the sale of stakes to other investors. The firm focuses its investments in the Baltics and CIS countries, while deliberately avoiding sectors such as synthetic fiber manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics.

J12 Ventures AB is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, with additional offices in the United Kingdom and Finland. The firm focuses on pre-seed and early-stage investments, primarily in the Nordic region, including Sweden, Finland, and the Baltics. While J12 Ventures is industry agnostic, it has a preference for technology and software companies. The firm typically invests between €0.1 million and €2 million in equity, targeting innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential.

The Untitled is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and headquartered in Riga, Latvia, with additional offices in Moscow and London. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, including seed stage and growth capital for startups across diverse sectors, particularly focusing on retail performance, digital technologies, and new media. It primarily targets companies in Eastern Europe, including Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, while also considering opportunities in Western Europe. The Untitled invests in projects that have a finished product or a working prototype, aiming for operational payback. Investment amounts typically range from $0.15 million to $2 million, depending on the stage and estimated value of the company, with stakes of 15% to 30%. The firm operates several investment programs, such as the Untitled Seed program and the U Growth program, which cater to various funding needs. Overall, The Untitled is committed to fostering innovation and supporting technology-driven enterprises in the region.

Trind Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm located in Tallinn, Estonia, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in start-ups across Northern and Central Europe, focusing on various sectors, including information and communication technology, business-to-business, business-to-consumer, and marketplaces. Trind Ventures aims to support companies from seed rounds through to sustainability, leveraging its expertise to foster growth in innovative enterprises. The team comprises experienced partners, including Joel Aasmäe, Ivar Siimar, Kimmo Irpola, and Taavi Lepmets.

Practica Capital UAB is a venture capital firm based in Vilnius, Lithuania, founded in 2011. It specializes in investments across various stages, including incubation, seed, early venture, and growth capital, primarily targeting technology-driven micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. The firm invests in companies located in the Baltic region—Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia—as well as in Nordic countries and select European markets. Practica Capital typically invests between €0.003 million and €3 million, focusing on equity and quasi-equity instruments while aiming for a minority stake in its portfolio companies. The firm actively engages with its investments by offering guidance and often taking board seats. Practica Capital seeks to exit its investments within two to five years through various means, including trade sales, IPOs, or refinancing. Currently managing €50 million across multiple funds, it has made over 50 investments and continues to be a prominent player in the Baltic venture capital landscape.

HansaMatrix operates as an original design manufacturer (ODM), specializing in the production of electronic systems and components for various sectors including transportation, telecommunications, energy management, the Internet of Things (IoT), medicine, and defense technology. The company focuses on developing customized products and solutions, collaborating closely with clients to meet specific design objectives. HansaMatrix offers a range of manufacturing services, such as prototyping, printed circuit board assembly, and precise mechanical part manufacturing, ensuring that its products adhere to international quality standards. By prioritizing the creation of high-value-added electronics, HansaMatrix aims to achieve premium pricing for its successful product designs.

Change Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. It is the first pre-seed and seed fund actively investing in all three Baltic states—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—and also supports Baltic diaspora entrepreneurs globally. The firm focuses on technology startups, particularly in the B2B and SaaS sectors, making initial investments between €100,000 and €750,000, with opportunities for follow-on funding in later rounds. Change Ventures adopts a founder-friendly investment approach, aiming to expedite decision-making processes and assist entrepreneurs in achieving product-market fit, raising additional capital, and scaling their businesses, all while leveraging a strong network of investors and partners.

UNIQA Ventures GmbH, established in 2016, is the venture capital arm of UNIQA Insurance Group, a prominent insurance provider in Central and Eastern Europe. Located in Vienna, Austria, the firm focuses on investing in innovative business models led by strong teams with a clear vision. UNIQA Ventures primarily targets sectors such as financial technology, insurance technology, digital health, mobility, and intelligent home solutions. Additionally, the firm is interested in enabling technologies, including the Internet of Things, blockchain, and machine learning/artificial intelligence, aiming to shape the future of these key industries.

Black Pearls VC is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Gdansk, Poland, founded in 2008. The firm specializes in investing in deep tech and enterprise software, focusing on companies in Northern and Central Europe. With a commitment to supporting ambitious entrepreneurs, Black Pearls VC aims to help these companies scale and achieve global reach. The firm has invested in over 30 companies across Poland and the Baltic Sea region. In addition to being a member of Invest Europe, Black Pearls VC participates in the Kauffman Fellows Program, which further enhances its network and expertise in the venture capital landscape. The firm manages multiple funds, including the Black Pearls Seed Fund, which targets investments in the information technology and TMT sectors across various countries in the region.

Presto II is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Presto Ventures, which was founded in 2016 and is based in Prague, Czech Republic. The fund focuses on investing in emerging markets within the Central and Eastern Europe region, including the Baltics, Balkans, and Ukraine. It targets promising business-to-business technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, providing investments of up to EUR 3 million. Presto II aims to support around 40 startups, offering not just financial backing but also resources and guidance to help these companies achieve significant growth and success in both local and global markets.

Inventure is a prominent early-stage venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Finland, with a focus on the Nordic and Baltic regions. Founded in 2005, Inventure specializes in investing in innovative and rapidly growing companies led by exceptional entrepreneurs across various sectors, including technology, software, and digital services. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from 100,000 euros to 10 million euros throughout the lifecycle of a company. With a team comprising experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts, Inventure is dedicated to supporting startups in their journey to achieve global success. The firm operates not only in Helsinki but also in Stockholm and Shanghai, emphasizing its commitment to fostering growth in the startup ecosystem.

Eleving Group is an international financial technology company that operates across three continents, focusing on providing financial solutions in the used car and consumer financing sectors. With a strong presence in the Baltics region and Georgia, the company addresses the needs of underserved markets often overlooked by traditional lenders. Eleving Group offers various services, including standard financial leasing, secured loans, vehicle finance leases, and leaseback options, thereby facilitating greater access to financial resources for its clients. Through its innovative approach, Eleving Group aims to enhance financial inclusion and disrupt conventional financing practices.

Livonia Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2013 and based in Rīga, Latvia, with additional offices in Tallinn, Estonia, and Vilnius, Lithuania. The firm focuses on buyout and growth capital investments in small to mid-sized companies, primarily in the Baltic region. It targets sectors such as manufacturing, technology, consumer products, healthcare, and financial services. Livonia Partners typically invests between €3 million and €15 million in companies with an enterprise value ranging from €10 million to €100 million, preferring majority ownership but also considering minority stakes. The firm has a strong emphasis on businesses that employ fewer than 500 people and is capable of co-investing in larger transactions of up to €70 million. With assets under management exceeding €100 million, Livonia Partners is supported by a highly experienced team with a broad range of operational expertise across various industries in the Baltic region and beyond.

Superhero Capital is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Finland, established in 2015. It specializes in seed-stage investments, targeting startups and early-stage companies primarily in the business-to-business software sector. The firm focuses on technology-enabled companies in areas such as healthcare, financial services, and various business services. Superhero Capital aims to make investments ranging from €100,000 to €500,000, concentrating on opportunities within Finland and the Baltic region. The firm is committed to supporting insight-driven startups that demonstrate potential for growth and innovation.

Avallon Sp. z o.o. is a private equity firm based in Lodz, Poland, established in 2001. It specializes in small to mid-sized management buyouts and other investment strategies, focusing on high-growth companies across various sectors, including orthopedics, rehabilitation, fast-moving consumer goods, and manufacturing. The firm typically invests between €4 million and €15 million, with the potential for transaction values to reach €30 million through debt or co-investment. Avallon prefers to acquire a majority stake, aiming for a minimum share of 30% in the companies it invests in. It targets businesses with annual sales between PLN 50 million and PLN 250 million, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, with a strong emphasis on Poland. The firm does not engage in investments related to industries such as gambling, alcohol, tobacco, or defense and seeks to exit its investments within three to seven years. Through over 100 capital investments, Avallon collaborates closely with management teams, providing them with expertise and resources to drive growth.

mikrotik is a provider of hardware and software for Internet connectivity in most of the countries around the world.

Xevin Investments is a venture capital firm established in 2008 and based in Warsaw, Poland. The firm specializes in providing investment and advisory services, focusing on both early-stage companies that require capital to advance their business objectives and established firms seeking additional funding to reach critical milestones. Xevin Investments is particularly interested in sectors such as software as a service, education technology, financial technology, digital health, advertising technology, Internet of Things, and e-commerce. Through its investments, the firm aims to support innovation and growth across these diverse industries.

3TS Capital Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and buyout funding to small and medium-sized businesses, with a strong emphasis on technology and related sectors, including media, communications, and technology-enabled services. It primarily focuses on investment opportunities in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in European Union accession countries, but may also consider exceptional cases in Ukraine and Turkey. The firm typically invests between €1 million and €30 million in companies with enterprise values ranging from €1.5 million to €300 million, often seeking significant minority or majority stakes. 3TS aims to enhance the value of its portfolio companies through active partnership and strategic support, while planning to exit investments within three to five years through sales or initial public offerings. The firm has garnered over €300 million from various investors, including prominent financial institutions and corporations.

Nordic Growth, founded in 2005 and based in Helsinki, Finland, specializes in independent investment banking services. The firm offers a range of services including mergers and acquisitions, deal structuring, capital raising, strategic and financial advisory, company valuation, and private equity investments. With a focus on business analytics, Nordic Growth assists clients in effectively investing their capital. Its clientele includes corporate management, investors, private equity firms, and entrepreneurs, highlighting its commitment to providing tailored financial solutions.

Spring Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2008 and located in Tallinn, Estonia. Specializing in seed-stage investments, the firm focuses primarily on technology companies within the Baltics and Scandinavia. It typically invests between EUR 50,000 and EUR 200,000 in equity per transaction, aiming for a minority stake in the companies. In addition to technology startups, Spring Capital also seeks opportunities in traditional sectors, targeting small to medium-sized enterprises with a proven track record and clear growth plans. For these investments, the firm may provide funding ranging from EUR 300,000 to EUR 700,000. The firm utilizes personal capital from its management team to support its investment activities.

Cogito Capital Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2018, with headquarters in Warsaw, Poland, and additional offices in Luxembourg, New York, and Berlin. The firm specializes in providing growth and late-stage venture capital to emerging technology companies, primarily focusing on B2B sectors such as enterprise software, fintech, insurtech, and mobility. Cogito aims to invest in companies that demonstrate potential for global expansion, particularly in the Central and Eastern European markets as well as the United States. The firm typically acquires minority stakes in its portfolio companies, partnering with entrepreneurs who seek strategic investors with regional presence and global reach.

Renaissance Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Warsaw, Poland, founded in 1994. The firm specializes in seed, startup, early venture, and growth capital investments across all industries, with a particular emphasis on new technology, information technology, medical projects, clean energy, and environmental sectors. It primarily focuses its investments in Central Europe, specifically in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, with occasional investments in the Baltic States. Renaissance Partners typically invests between $0.1 million and $2.2 million in private companies, preferably those with one to two shareholders, although it may consider companies with up to five shareholders if majority control is maintained by the primary stakeholders. The firm does not engage in investments related to strong alcohol production, tobacco, gambling, or cooperative companies, and it prefers to invest in corporate entities.

MB Funds is an independent private equity firm based in Helsinki, Finland, established in 1998. The firm specializes in mid-market investments, focusing on buyout, privatization, buy-and-build, and growth capital transactions. It manages multiple funds, including MB Equity Fund III and MB Equity Fund V, which target various sectors such as commercial products, healthcare services, manufacturing, industrials, and 3D printing. MB Funds aims to invest in promising companies across Europe, leveraging its expertise to foster growth and enhance value within its portfolio.

URALCHEM Holding P.L.C., based in Cyprus, oversees URALCHEM Group, a leading producer of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers in Russia and the CIS. It is recognized as the largest producer of ammonium nitrate in Russia and the second-largest manufacturer of ammonia and nitrogen fertilizers. The company operates facilities capable of producing over 2.9 million tonnes of ammonia, 2.9 million tonnes of ammonium nitrate, 1.2 million tonnes of urea, and 0.8 million tonnes of phosphate and compound fertilizers annually. In 2015, URALCHEM accounted for significant portions of the Russian market, producing 26.5% of ammonium nitrate, 18.6% of ammonia, and 19.7% of urea. Its key assets include production branches in Kirovo-Chepetsk, Berezniki, and Voskresensk, as well as trading operations in Latvia and Brazil. The company’s competitive advantage lies in its ability to develop innovative fertilizers tailored to specific markets, supported by long-term contracts for natural gas supply from Gazprom and Novatek, which is essential for its nitrogen fertilizer production. The growing demand for mineral fertilizers, particularly in BRIC countries and Southeast Asia, indicates strong long-term growth potential for URALCHEM.

Royalton Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1996 and headquartered in Luxembourg, with additional offices in Romania, Hungary, and Switzerland. The firm specializes in equity investments in late-stage venture, buyouts, and restructuring of underperforming companies. It targets a diverse range of sectors, including financial services, media, education, retail, green energy, telecommunications, and environmental services, without confining its strategy to specific industries. Royalton Partners primarily focuses on opportunities in Central and Southeastern Europe, particularly in countries that are candidates for European Union accession. The firm typically invests between $6.92 million and $23.53 million in companies with EBITDA ranging from $1.38 million to $8.3 million and aims to acquire a majority stake in its portfolio companies. The firm is also recognized as an authorized Alternative Investment Fund Manager, managing illiquid assets within closed and open-ended fund structures.

Core Equity Holdings is a private equity investment firm established in 2015 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The firm focuses on making long-term investments in the retail and commercial services sectors across Europe. By targeting these industries, Core Equity Holdings aims to identify growth opportunities and generate sustainable returns for its investors.

Horizon Capital is a private equity firm established in 2006 and headquartered in Kyiv, Ukraine, with an additional office in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in buyouts, growth capital, and expansion investments, primarily focusing on later-stage opportunities in small and mid-cap companies. The firm invests in various sectors, including light manufacturing, information technology, financial services, fast-moving consumer goods, and e-commerce, with a particular emphasis on industry leaders and companies with consolidation potential. Horizon Capital manages four funds with assets exceeding $850 million and is backed by over 40 institutional investors. The firm actively seeks to partner with visionary entrepreneurs and aims to generate value through governance and operational improvements. Investments typically range from $5 million to $20 million, with a preference for acquiring control stakes, though minority interests are also considered. Horizon Capital generally seeks to exit its investments within three to five years via trade sales or initial public offerings. With a team that boasts over 75 years of regional investment experience, the firm is committed to integrity, transparency, and successful value creation.

Creandum is a prominent European venture capital firm founded in 2003 and headquartered in Stockholm, with additional offices in California and Berlin. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth-stage investments, focusing on innovative technology companies within the consumer internet, software, hardware, and emerging sectors such as climate tech, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Over the past decade, Creandum has invested in more than 80 companies, including notable names like Spotify, iZettle, Small Giant Games, Kry, and Depop. The firm aims to support fast-growing companies across Western Europe and North America, leveraging its expertise to foster innovation in the technology and consumer goods industries.

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.

Fiedler Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014, headquartered in Vienna, Austria, with operations in Budapest, Hungary. The firm specializes in investing in seed and early-stage startups, primarily in the healthcare, medical technology, software, mobile applications, and data analytics sectors. Fiedler Capital focuses on companies within the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and Baltic regions, leveraging a strong network of local partnerships to support entrepreneurial talent. The firm is dedicated to helping these startups develop world-class business models and achieve sustainable growth in international markets.

Basinghall Partners Ltd. is a London-based venture capital firm established in 2017, specializing in seed and early-stage investments in startups primarily located in the UK and the European Union. The firm focuses on businesses in sectors such as B2B, SaaS, digital platforms, IoT, AI, and DeepTech. Basinghall Partners aims to support companies that drive industry transformation by enhancing efficiency, increasing market share, and creating new business models within traditional industries. The firm typically invests between EUR250,000 and EUR5 million in its portfolio companies, which are involved in cross-industry solutions that span the entire value chain, including areas like supply chain management, predictive analytics, and cybersecurity. Basinghall has additional offices in Munich, Germany, and Munsbach, Luxembourg.

Fidelio Capital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on investing in small and medium-sized non-public companies in the middle market, primarily in Northern Europe. Fidelio Capital targets businesses with an enterprise value between $10 million and $150 million and annual sales ranging from EUR 10 million to EUR 200 million. It typically makes equity investments between EUR 10 million and EUR 200 million, preferring to retain a majority stake but remaining open to minority investments. The firm aims to partner with previous owners, management, and other industrial companies to foster growth and development, utilizing its own capital for investments.

White Cloud Capital is a growth investment firm founded in 2018 and based in Luxembourg. The firm specializes in targeting investments in the healthcare and industrial services and technologies sectors. With a focus on software, healthcare services, healthcare technology systems, big data, and technology media and telecommunications, White Cloud Capital aims to support companies that demonstrate significant growth potential. The firm is committed to fostering innovation and development in its investment areas, leveraging deep industry knowledge and expertise to enhance the value of its portfolio companies. Through its strategic approach, White Cloud Capital seeks to drive advancements in healthcare and related technologies, contributing to the transformation of these critical sectors.

GRO Capital is a private equity firm based in Copenhagen, Denmark, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in providing capital and expertise to mature technology companies that have growth ambitions. GRO Capital focuses on mid-sized business-to-business software companies operating in various sectors, including telematics, Medtech, internet of things, business intelligence and analytics, and fintech. The firm aims to invest in companies with strong management, leading market positions, and high growth potential. Through active ownership, GRO Capital seeks to develop and expand the businesses in which it invests, targeting opportunities across Northern Europe.

Infogram is a software company that specializes in web-based data visualization applications. Its tools are designed for non-designers, allowing users to create professionally designed charts, reports, and infographics with ease. The platform caters to a diverse range of clients, including media companies, businesses, and educational institutions. Infogram's data visualization tool supports multiple data import options, enabling users to generate a variety of visual content such as charts, maps, and infographics to effectively communicate information.

ForeVest Capital Partners is an independent alternative investment firm based in Warsaw, Poland, established in 2016. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, targeting mid-market companies across Central and Eastern Europe. Additionally, ForeVest manages private equity investments in emerging markets and oversees portfolios of non-performing loans in these regions.

AltaIR Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in managing funds that invest in early and growth stage startups across a variety of sectors. It focuses on companies that operate in productivity tools, future of work, software as a service, financial technology, insurance technology, artificial intelligence, and digital health. AltaIR Capital aims to support innovative companies with disruptive ideas and significant return potential, often backing key players in the startup ecosystem, including top incubator graduates and promising teams.

Avedon Capital Partners is an independent private equity firm based in Amsterdam, with an additional office in Düsseldorf. Established in 2003, the firm focuses on mid-market investments, primarily targeting small and medium-sized companies in the Benelux region and Germany. Avedon specializes in sectors such as technology, industrial, consumer goods, leisure, business services, and health. With a team of nine investment professionals, along with a CFO, legal counsel, and support staff, the firm has built a robust investment track record, having successfully invested in 36 companies across Europe. Avedon Capital Partners manages three investment vehicles dedicated to providing growth capital to its portfolio companies.

Highlander Partners, L.P., established in 2004 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a private equity firm focused on direct investments in various sectors. The firm primarily targets light manufacturing, basic materials, food products, business and industrial services, as well as value-added distribution companies. With over $600 million in capital under management, Highlander Partners allocates more than $500 million to direct private equity and mezzanine investments across North America and Central Europe. The firm also operates an office in Warsaw, Poland, to facilitate its investment activities in the region. Founded by Laurence E. Hirsch and Michael R. Nicolais, Highlander Partners has a diverse investment portfolio and emphasizes sectors such as commercial products, commercial services, information technology, financial services, materials, and resources.

NCH Capital Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1993 and headquartered in New York. The firm specializes in investment management across various sectors, including consumer products, financial services, real estate, agribusiness, and public securities. NCH Capital focuses on opportunities primarily in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Brazil, with a particular interest in agribusiness infrastructure and agricultural land. The firm engages in various investment strategies, including incubation, growth capital, and turnaround investments, while typically seeking control or minority stakes in its portfolio companies. NCH Capital also emphasizes active management and often takes board seats in its investments to enhance governance and strategic direction.

Enterprise Investors, founded in 1990 and based in Warsaw, Poland, is the oldest and one of the largest private equity firms in Central and Eastern Europe. The firm specializes in mid-market succession-driven buyout transactions and provides expansion financing to high-growth companies across various sectors, including consumer goods, retail, financial services, IT, industrial products, business process outsourcing, and healthcare. With a total capital exceeding EUR 2 billion, Enterprise Investors has raised eight funds and has invested EUR 1.7 billion in 137 companies. The firm's focus on medium-sized enterprises positions it as a key player in the region's private equity landscape.

Gecad Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Bucharest, Romania, founded in 1992. The firm focuses on investing in start-up and expansion-phase hi-tech companies from Central and Eastern Europe that demonstrate significant potential for international growth. Gecad Ventures targets a variety of sectors, including cybersecurity, fintech, artificial intelligence and machine learning, augmented and virtual reality, transportation, the Internet of Things, and agritech. By investing between €1-7 million in equity, Gecad Ventures aims to foster strong strategic relationships with founding teams and support them in achieving their business goals. With over 20 years of experience, the firm has a history of successful exits, including partnerships with major companies such as Microsoft and Fitbit.

Innovestor is a Nordic venture capital investor and financial services company based in Helsinki, Finland, with additional offices in Jyväskylä, Stockholm, and Moscow. Founded in 2014, Innovestor focuses on early-stage investments in technology, life sciences, health, and commercial real estate sectors. The firm manages multiple funds, including the Life Science & Health fund, which targets investments in life science, medicine, automation, medtech, artificial intelligence, and healthcare industries across Europe. Innovestor Growth Fund III also invests in various sectors, including commercial products, information technology, industrial, and cybersecurity, across the Nordic and Baltic regions. By providing funding on competitive terms and leveraging a team of experienced professionals, Innovestor offers valuable insights to growth companies while presenting attractive investment opportunities to its investors. Innovestor Ltd. is regulated by the Finnish Financial Supervisory Authority.

iEurope Capital, established in 2001 by Laszlo Czirjak and Kristina Perkin Davison, is a venture capital firm based in New York. The firm focuses on investing in medium- to small-sized companies primarily located in Central Eastern Europe, with interests spanning various sectors including healthcare technology, e-commerce, media, specialized industrial technology, information technology, technology-enabled business services, consumer products, and green and clean technology. iEurope Capital aims to support entrepreneurial managers in building and maintaining significant leadership positions within their industries. With a strong network of partners, investors, and advisors, the firm leverages its professional expertise and local market knowledge to identify and nurture promising companies, helping them achieve their growth potential. Its recent funds, particularly iEurope Fund I and II, have demonstrated notable performance, achieving significant annual returns for investors.