Advantage Capital, established in 1992, is a venture capital firm specializing in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments. It focuses on small businesses, particularly those in low-income communities and underserved areas, supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm invests across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, business services, and renewable energy, with a typical initial investment range of $0.5 million to $10 million. Advantage Capital provides debt capital in forms such as senior debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, as well as equity capital to real estate development firms. It operates from multiple offices across the United States, with a headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Enhanced Capital, established in 1999, is a New York-based investment firm managing over $400 million. It specializes in providing flexible equity and debt financing to small and mid-sized businesses, promoting their growth and expansion. The firm's investment approach is practical and tailored, aiming to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid growth. Enhanced Capital also invests in renewable energy, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing projects, often leveraging federal and state incentive programs.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is a member-owned cooperative that provides credit products and financial services to support housing and economic development in its member institutions across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. By offering various financial tools, the bank enables its members to deliver essential financial products that fund housing, small businesses, rural development, and agriculture. Additionally, the bank focuses on specialized community investment, along with affordable housing loan and grant programs, aimed at financing community redevelopment and enhancing affordable housing opportunities in the regions it serves.

Bernhard Capital Partners is an infrastructure firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with an additional office in Brentwood. Founded by Jim Bernhard, Jeff Jenkins, and a team of seasoned private equity professionals, the firm specializes in energy services, focusing on investments in electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities. Bernhard Capital Partners aims to create sustainable value by leveraging the extensive experience of its founding partners in acquiring, operating, and growing energy services businesses. The firm employs a value-added investment strategy, which encompasses providing strategic insights, operational efficiencies, and best-practice management to enhance the performance of its portfolio companies.

Humana is a prominent private health insurer based in Louisville, Kentucky, specializing in government-sponsored healthcare programs. Established in 1964, the company primarily focuses on administering Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, and the TRICARE program for military service members and their families. Humana serves a diverse membership base, with a significant portion of its medical coverage stemming from individual and group plans. In addition to its insurance offerings, Humana provides a range of healthcare services, including primary care, at-home care, and pharmacy benefit management. The company also operates Humana Veterans, a subsidiary dedicated to delivering healthcare solutions to veterans when services are unavailable through Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. Humana's commitment to innovation, choice, and engagement informs its approach to meeting the healthcare needs of its members.

Innovation Catalyst is a nonprofit venture development organization based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, dedicated to enhancing the state's entrepreneurial ecosystem. Formed by community leaders, the organization focuses on fostering high-tech company formation by providing coaching, connections, and access to capital. It collaborates with existing resources throughout Louisiana to identify and engage with entrepreneurs, offering education and support to help accelerate their business ventures. Through these efforts, Innovation Catalyst aims to strengthen and broaden the landscape for startups in the region, particularly in the Baton Rouge area.

Callais Capital Management, LLC, established in 2014 and based in Thibodaux, Louisiana, is a family office that specializes in private equity and venture capital investments. The firm focuses on early-stage companies, seeking opportunities in diverse sectors such as sports/social media, carbon production, and financial technology. It also invests in real estate projects and corporate expansion financing, as well as debt financing. Notably, Callais Capital builds regional portfolios of startups, actively investing in the burgeoning startup ecosystems along the Third Coast and Mississippi River Valley, with a commitment to diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams.

Entergy Corporation, a Fortune 500 integrated energy company, is primarily engaged in electric power production and retail distribution. It operates through three segments: Utility, Entergy Wholesale Commodities, and Parent and Other. The Utility segment, comprising five regulated integrated utilities, generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity to approximately 3 million customers across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. Entergy owns and operates around 24 gigawatts of rate-regulated owned and leased power generation capacity, making it one of the largest power producers in the U.S. The Wholesale Commodities segment owns and operates nuclear power plants, selling their output to wholesale customers. Entergy also provides energy marketing, trading, restoration, and mutual-assistance services.

ProFrac Holding Corp. is a growth-oriented energy services company that specializes in hydraulic fracturing and completion services for upstream oil and gas companies involved in the exploration and production of unconventional oil and natural gas resources in North America. The company operates primarily in regions such as West Texas, East Texas/Louisiana, South Texas, Oklahoma, Uinta, and Appalachia. ProFrac is structured into three segments: stimulation services, manufacturing, and proppant production. Its stimulation services segment, which is the largest revenue generator, operates a fleet of mobile hydraulic fracturing units and auxiliary equipment, providing essential support for oil and gas extraction operations.

Pearl Energy Investments, established in 2015 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a private equity firm specializing in buyouts and investments in the small to mid-market energy sector. It focuses on upstream, midstream, and oilfield services companies in North America, typically investing between $25 million and $75 million per deal, with the capacity to lead investments requiring over $125 million.

Southeastern Grocers LLC is a prominent grocery retailer in the United States, operating under the brands BI-LO, Harveys, and Winn-Dixie. As the fifth-largest conventional supermarket chain nationally and the second-largest in the Southeast by store count, the company plays a significant role in the regional grocery landscape. With a workforce of nearly 66,000 associates, Southeastern Grocers operates 756 grocery stores, 145 liquor stores, and 504 in-store pharmacies across seven southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina. The company is dedicated to serving its communities by providing a diverse range of consumable products in one convenient location.

Rotolo Consultants is a landscape construction firm based in Slidell, Louisiana, that specializes in creating exceptional outdoor environments. The company offers a range of services, including landscape design, construction, and maintenance. Its expertise encompasses specialty concrete landscape development, masonry work, signage, and hardscape solutions. Additionally, Rotolo Consultants provides aquatic construction and disaster relief services, assisting clients in maintaining their properties and recovering from unforeseen disasters. Through its comprehensive offerings, the company aims to enhance outdoor spaces and support community resilience.

HPS Investment Partners, established in 2007, is a global investment firm specializing in non-investment grade credit. With over 200 employees, including 93 investment professionals, and offices in New York and nine other global locations, HPS manages approximately $30 billion in assets. The firm offers a range of investment strategies, from syndicated leveraged loans and high-yield bonds to senior secured debt, mezzanine financing, and asset-based leasing. HPS caters to companies of various sizes, providing customized investment solutions. Originally formed as a unit of Highbridge Capital Management, a subsidiary of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, HPS was acquired by its principals in 2016.

Sunoco LP is a prominent fuel distributor in the United States, focusing on the provision of motor and racing fuels to convenience stores, independent dealers, commercial customers, and distributors. Originating from a family gasoline business in Texas, Sunoco has evolved into the largest non-refiner fuel distributor in the state. The company operates through its Fuel Distribution and Marketing segment, supplying fuel to various retail sites, including more than 560 Stripes convenience stores, as well as locations under the APlus, Aloha Island Mart, and Tigermarket brands. In addition to its retail operations, Sunoco specializes in the wholesale, storage, and delivery of fuel, ensuring a comprehensive service offering to meet diverse customer needs across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. The company has a long-standing history of innovation, having pioneered the “pay-at-the-pump” system, enhancing customer convenience in fuel purchasing.

Carriage Services, Inc. is a provider of death care services and merchandise in the United States, operating through two main segments: funeral home operations and cemetery operations. The funeral home operations offer a range of services, including burial, cremation, and consultation, as well as the sale of caskets and urns, and access to facilities for visitation and transportation. The cemetery operations provide various interment options, including mausoleum crypts, burial gravesites, and burial vaults. The company serves clients both at-need, during times of death, and preneed, allowing individuals to plan for their funeral and cemetery needs in advance. Carriage Services has expanded its footprint through acquisitions, enhancing its service offerings across multiple states. The majority of its revenue is generated from the funeral home operations segment.

Contango Oil & Gas Company is an independent oil and natural gas enterprise focused on the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of crude oil and natural gas properties. The company operates primarily in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico and has onshore assets in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Wyoming. As of December 31, 2019, Contango reported proved reserves totaling approximately 316.4 billion cubic feet equivalent, which includes 131.3 billion cubic feet of natural gas, 19.1 million barrels of crude oil and condensate, and 11.8 million barrels of natural gas liquids. Founded in 1986, Contango is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

CITGO Petroleum Corporation is a Houston-based company that specializes in refining, transporting, and marketing a variety of petroleum products. Founded in 1910, CITGO provides consumer products such as gasoline, jet fuel, kerosene, and lubricants, alongside business offerings including oils, lubricants, petrochemicals, and solvents. The company operates as a subsidiary of CITGO Holding, Inc. and has established itself as a key player in the energy sector, focusing on delivering quality products to meet diverse consumer and industrial needs.

EnLink Midstream is an integrated midstream energy company that provides a range of services across five operating segments: Permian, North Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Corporate. The company specializes in the gathering, processing, transportation, and storage of natural gas, natural gas liquids, crude oil, and condensate, as well as offering brine disposal services. EnLink operates approximately 12,000 miles of pipelines, 21 natural gas processing plants, seven fractionation facilities, and various storage and terminal facilities. It plays a significant role in key North American oil and gas regions, including the Gulf Coast, Haynesville, and Permian basins. EnLink Midstream aims to deliver customized solutions that foster sustainable growth and value for its customers and stakeholders, leveraging its diverse asset base and strategic industry relationships. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company was previously known as Crosstex Energy L.P. before rebranding in 2014.

Louisiana Funds, established in 2003, is a Baton Rouge-based private equity firm specializing in early-stage venture capital investments. The company primarily focuses on Louisiana-based businesses, with a strong emphasis on life sciences, including pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as technology sectors such as agritechnology and information technology.

LongueVue Capital, established in 2001, is a private equity firm based in Metairie, Louisiana. It focuses on mid-market buyout and distressed investments in the United States, primarily targeting companies in the healthcare, transportation, logistics, specialty manufacturing, industrial services, consumer, food, and beverage sectors.

Apache Industrial Services, Inc. is a Houston-based company specializing in a wide range of industrial services, including coatings and linings, fireproofing, scaffolding, and abatement. Established in 2009, the company provides various blasting services, such as robotic and mineral abrasive blasting, as well as water washing and high-frequency induction stripping. Its fireproofing services encompass multiple methods, including epoxy fireproofing and cementitious fireproofing for diverse applications such as vessels and offshore systems. Additionally, Apache Industrial offers insulation services, lead and asbestos containment, and maintenance for power and petrochemical plants. The company is also involved in refractory installations for industrial furnaces and provides scaffolding systems for various operational needs. Apache Industrial serves multiple sectors, including petrochemical, power generation, marine, and oil and gas transportation, with operations extending to locations in Texas and Louisiana.

Globalstar, Inc. is a telecommunications company that specializes in providing mobile satellite services globally. Established in 1991 and headquartered in Covington, Louisiana, the company offers a range of products, including duplex two-way voice and data communication services, fixed communication solutions for various settings, and satellite data modem services. Its offerings cater to both commercial and recreational users, facilitating communication in areas where traditional networks are unavailable or unreliable. Globalstar also provides consumer products like the SPOT satellite GPS messenger for personal tracking and emergency messaging, as well as commercial Internet of Things (IoT) solutions for monitoring assets such as cargo containers and utility meters. The company serves diverse markets, including government, public safety, oil and gas, maritime, construction, and transportation. With a subscriber base of approximately 775,000 as of December 31, 2019, Globalstar operates through a combination of direct sales, independent agents, and online platforms.

IBERIABANK Corporation is a financial holding company based in Lafayette, Louisiana, that operates IBERIABANK, a commercial bank founded in 1887. The bank provides a wide range of services, including commercial and private banking, mortgage lending, business and personal loans, and treasury management. In addition to retail banking, it offers wealth management and online banking services to clients across six states in the Southeast. IBERIABANK also encompasses Lenders Title Company, which provides title insurance and closing services, IBERIA Capital Partners, focusing on corporate finance, and IBERIA Asset Management, which delivers wealth management and trust services. Furthermore, IBERIA CDE LLC invests in purchased tax credits, contributing to the company's diverse portfolio. The acquisition of First Private Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary bank in 2014 further expanded its service offerings and market presence.

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.

Dos Rios Partners, established in 2012, is a private equity firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, with an additional office in Dallas. The firm specializes in investing in small, growing businesses in the underserved market, focusing on companies based between the Rio Grande and Mississippi rivers, primarily in Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Dos Rios Partners targets companies with EBITDA between $2 million and $8 million, investing between $5 million and $15 million, and considers larger investments in conjunction with other capital sources. The firm invests in various sectors, including retail, manufacturing, distribution, business-to-business services, and consumer, and structures its investments as common, preferred, or mezzanine securities, often in the form of subordinated debt with warrants. Dos Rios Partners does not invest in seed, startup, or early-stage companies, turnarounds, or companies vulnerable to technological obsolescence.

Specialty Welding and Turnarounds, LLC is a company based in Gonzales, Louisiana, that specializes in providing installation, repair, and turnaround services for the petrochemical, chemical, and refining industries. Established in 2014, the firm offers a comprehensive range of services, including planned and unplanned turnarounds, subcontractor management, and coordination of various complex processes such as fluid catalytic cracking units, cokers, and ammonia plants. In addition to specialty welding, the company provides piping fabrication and installation services, ensuring high-quality craftsmanship and adherence to project deadlines. Its expertise extends to technical maintenance services, general contracting, and quality assurance, making it a valuable partner for clients in the oil and gas sector.

United Fire Group, established in 1946, is a Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based insurance company. It operates through over 1,000 independent agencies in 43 U.S. states and the District of Columbia, providing insurance protection for businesses and individuals. The company also offers life insurance in 36 states through more than 900 independent life agencies. United Fire Group employs over 900 individuals across offices in California, Colorado, Iowa, Louisiana, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The company's assets are managed by its executive team.

Circle Graphics, Inc., established in 2000, is a leading provider of digital printing services in the United States. Based in Longmont, Colorado, with additional locations and regional offices across the country, the company specializes in large-format digital graphics for various applications. These include out-of-home advertising (such as billboards, transit displays, and wallscapes), business signage, wall decor, art reproduction, and professional photography. Circle Graphics offers a wide range of products, from canvas gallery wraps and banners to vehicle wraps and floor graphics, all produced using state-of-the-art equipment and proprietary software. The company is renowned for its high-quality products, quick turnaround times, and exceptional customer service.

Altice USA is a prominent broadband communications and video services provider in the United States, serving over 4.9 million residential and business customers across 21 states. Established as a subsidiary of Altice NV, the company offers a range of services including broadband internet, pay television, telephony, and Wi-Fi hotspot access. It operates under the Optimum brand, which encompasses the former Cablevision and Suddenlink networks, delivering services primarily in the New York City metro area and smaller markets in states like Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana. Altice USA also provides proprietary content, international news, and hyper-local news tailored to the communities it serves. The company focuses on innovative, customer-centric products and solutions, aiming to connect users and enhance their digital experiences.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, originally founded as AFC Enterprises in Atlanta in 1992, is a prominent developer, operator, and franchisor of quick-service restaurants. The company specializes in the fast-food sector under the brand name Popeyes, offering a diverse menu that includes its signature spicy chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and various seafood options. With a focus on franchise operations, Popeyes has established a widespread presence, allowing customers access to its culinary offerings across multiple locations. In 2014, the company rebranded from AFC Enterprises to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, reflecting its dedication to the unique flavors and heritage of Louisiana cuisine.

Carr's Hill Partners is a private equity firm established in 2019 and located in New Orleans, Louisiana. The firm specializes in providing equity capital and expertise to lower middle-market companies in the industrial technology and services sectors, primarily targeting businesses based in North America, with a particular emphasis on the Gulf Coast region. Carr's Hill Partners aims to support the growth and development of these companies through strategic investments and operational guidance.

Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) is a non-profit foundation based in New York, established in 1979, dedicated to transforming distressed neighborhoods into healthy and sustainable communities across the United States. LISC provides a range of community development programs, including loans, grants, equity investments, and technical assistance aimed at housing development and organizational capacity building. The foundation also supports various initiatives focused on public policy, research, and civic engagement, enhancing the overall quality of life in communities. LISC's strategic plan, "Building Sustainable Communities," emphasizes creating environments that promote good workplaces, businesses, and family life. With operations in several states, including Washington, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Texas, LISC collaborates with local organizations to foster economic development and job creation, ultimately working to improve community health and sustainability.

Black Bay Energy Capital, LLC, established in 2015 and headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a private equity firm specializing in mid-market investments. It focuses on the North American energy sector, particularly oil and gas, and oilfield services. The firm typically invests up to $30 million in equity, preferring majority stakes, and has raised funds totaling $200 million since its inception.

Postmates Inc. is an on-demand food and grocery delivery platform based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2011, the company connects customers with local couriers to facilitate the delivery of products from a wide range of stores and restaurants across the United States. With access to over 600,000 merchants, including exclusive offerings, Postmates enables users to discover, order, and track groceries, alcohol, and meals with ease. The platform is particularly prominent in Los Angeles and covers 80% of U.S. households, serving customers in all 50 states. Additionally, Postmates offers a subscription service, Postmates Unlimited, which provides free delivery from all participating merchants, enhancing the convenience of its service.

Marucci Sports LLC is a manufacturer of baseball and softball equipment based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Established in 2004, the company specializes in providing a comprehensive range of products for players at all skill levels. Its offerings include wood and metal bats, fielding gloves, batting gloves, helmets, apparel, sunglasses, protective gear, bags, baseballs, and accessories. Additionally, Marucci Sports produces fastpitch tools, such as specialized bats and gloves, along with protective products and apparel. The company primarily sells its products online, catering to a diverse community of baseball and softball enthusiasts.

The Gray Insurance Company, founded in 1953 and based in Metairie, Louisiana, is a family-owned business that specializes in providing property and casualty insurance. The company offers a range of coverage options, including Workers' Compensation, General Liability, and Commercial Automobile insurance, catering primarily to the energy production and heavy construction sectors. In addition to its core insurance products, The Gray Insurance Company provides multi-state coverage, claims management, and loss prevention services. The firm employs a relationship-based approach, working closely with licensed agents to tailor its offerings to meet the specific needs of its clients.

South Oak Capital Partners is a principal investment firm based in Lafayette, Louisiana, founded in 2013. As an independent sponsor of private equity investments, the firm seeks to identify and capitalize on attractive investment opportunities. With a focus on fostering growth in the companies it partners with, South Oak Capital Partners operates without a dedicated fund, allowing for flexibility and a tailored approach to each investment. The firm is committed to building long-term value through strategic partnerships and operational improvements.

Union Pacific Corporation, headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska, is the largest public railroad in North America, operating the Union Pacific Railroad. It manages a vast network of over 31,800 route miles across 23 states, primarily in the western two-thirds of the United States. The company provides essential transportation services for a diverse range of goods, including agricultural products, coal, industrial chemicals, and automotive goods. In 2023, Union Pacific generated $24 billion in revenue by hauling freight, which also includes intermodal containers and construction materials. The company has expanded through acquisitions of several railroads and holds a 26% stake in the Mexican railroad Ferromex, which contributes approximately 10% of its revenue by facilitating cross-border freight movements.

Brinker International, Inc. operates casual dining restaurants, primarily under the brands Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. Chili's is known for its bar and grill offerings, featuring a menu that includes signature items such as slow-smoked baby back ribs, craft burgers, fajitas, and tableside guacamole. Maggiano's specializes in Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes appetizers, chicken, seafood, veal, prime steaks, and desserts. As of June 2013, Brinker International's system included 1,591 restaurants across 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as locations in various countries including Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The company generates the majority of its revenue from the Chili's segment, reflecting its strong presence in the casual dining market.

Craftsman Capital Partners is a private equity firm based in Dallas, Texas, established in 2014. The firm specializes in management buyouts, growth capital, control recapitalizations, family successions, corporate divestitures, and complex special situation investments. Craftsman Capital focuses on lower middle market companies primarily located in Texas and surrounding states, targeting sectors such as energy services, manufacturing, service-oriented businesses, value-added distribution, consumer products, healthcare, education services, and information technology. The firm typically invests in companies with EBITDA between $1 million and $5 million, enterprise values ranging from $5 million to $50 million, and revenues between $5 million and $100 million. Investments generally fall within the range of $5 million to $20 million, with transaction sizes between $5 million and $50 million.

Forty5 Ventures, established in 2019, is a New Orleans-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in emerging and disruptive technologies globally. The company aims to build large, impactful businesses over the long term, aligning its investments with a mission to do good.

Band of Angels, established in 1994, is a prominent angel investment group based in Menlo Park, California. Comprising over 130 former and current high-tech executives, the group invests in early-stage, high-technology companies, with a focus on internet, software, life science, and energy sectors within Silicon Valley. They typically invest between $300,000 and $750,000, often leading syndications up to $3 million, expecting to own a third of the company for a $1 million investment. Band of Angels has seeded 225 companies, with 50+ M&A exits and 9 IPOs, investing a total of over $208 million since its inception.

Tellurian Inc. is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company based in Houston, Texas, focused on developing a comprehensive portfolio in the natural gas sector. The company is engaged in natural gas production, liquefied natural gas (LNG) marketing, and infrastructure development. It is working on a significant LNG terminal facility in southwest Louisiana, which has a capacity of approximately 27.6 million tons per annum, along with associated pipeline infrastructure. Tellurian also holds interests in over 10,000 net acres and operates 67 producing wells in the Haynesville Shale region of north Louisiana. The company's operations are structured into three segments: Upstream, Midstream, and Marketing & Trading, with the majority of its revenue derived from the Marketing & Trading segment, which focuses on purchasing and selling natural gas and marketing LNG production. Founded in 2016, Tellurian aims to establish a leading position in the global LNG market.

CenturyLink is a leading telecommunications company based in Monroe, Louisiana, and ranks as the third largest in the United States. The company provides a wide range of services, including broadband internet, voice, and wireless communications for both residential and small business customers. In addition to these core offerings, CenturyLink also delivers advanced entertainment options through its Prism TV and DIRECTV brands. The company operates an extensive fiber optic network and multiple data centers, allowing it to serve various clients, including Fortune 500 companies and rural families. CenturyLink also offers managed services, security solutions, and devices for work-from-home or learning environments. Recognized for its leadership in network services, CenturyLink is included in the Fortune 500 list of America's largest corporations.

Hilcorp Energy is a privately-held independent oil and natural gas exploration and production company headquartered in Houston, Texas. Founded in 1989, Hilcorp focuses on acquiring, owning, and operating oil and natural gas fields across multiple regions in the United States, including the Gulf Coast of Texas and Louisiana, the Northeast, Wyoming, New Mexico, and Alaska's Cook Inlet and North Slope. With a workforce of over 1,825 employees, the company has gained recognition as one of the top places to work in America, according to various regional and national publications.

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

Advano, also known as NanoStar, Inc., is a New Orleans-based company that specializes in silicon nanotechnology, focusing on the development of advanced silicon anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Founded in 2014 and a graduate of Y Combinator in 2017, Advano offers scalable solutions that enhance the energy density and longevity of lithium-ion batteries by integrating or replacing traditional graphite components. Its innovative products cater to various industries, including electric vehicles and consumer electronics, and are designed to improve energy storage and charging capabilities. By providing low-cost, high-performance materials, Advano aims to support the domestic battery supply chain and facilitate the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

Apple, established in 1976, is a multinational corporation renowned for designing, manufacturing, and selling a wide array of consumer electronics, computer software, and online services. Its product portfolio includes the iconic iPhone, iPad, Mac computers, Apple Watch, AirPods, and a suite of services such as the App Store, Apple Music, iCloud, and Apple TV+. Apple operates a global retail network of Apple Stores and sells its products through various channels, including online, third-party carriers, and resellers. The company is celebrated for its innovative approach, having pioneered the graphical user interface in personal computers and consistently delivering cutting-edge technology. Apple's headquarters are located in Cupertino, California.

Sonic Automotive is one of the largest automotive retailers in the United States, operating 108 franchised stores across 18 states, with a strong presence in metropolitan areas of California, Texas, and the Southeast. The company also manages 25 EchoPark used-vehicle stores, 16 collision centers, and 13 powersports locations. Sonic Automotive provides a wide range of services, including the sale of new and used vehicles, replacement parts, and vehicle maintenance, as well as collision repair services. Additionally, it facilitates financing and insurance options for customers. Luxury and import vehicles account for approximately 86% of franchise new-vehicle revenue, with brands such as BMW, Honda, Mercedes, and Toyota being significant contributors. In 2023, Sonic Automotive reported revenue of $14.4 billion, highlighting its robust position in the automotive retail market.

ArcLight Capital Partners is a private equity firm established in 2001, specializing in energy infrastructure investments. Co-founded by Daniel R. Revers and Robb E. Turner, the firm has developed a strong reputation for its broad and profitable investment strategies across the energy sector while effectively managing downside risks. ArcLight's investment performance is attributed to its conservative investment philosophy, extensive asset-level expertise, and significant market experience. The firm has a proven track record of generating superior returns throughout the energy industry value chain and currently manages over $10 billion across five funds.