The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

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.

DataTribe is a venture capital firm established in 2015, based in Fulton, Maryland, with an additional office in the Bay Area. The firm specializes in investing and co-building companies focused on cybersecurity and data science, leveraging the expertise of teams with extensive backgrounds in the Intelligence community. DataTribe differentiates itself by offering significant seed capital, up to $2 million, along with more than $1 million in in-kind services, which include office space, legal support, and accounting. This approach is designed to support entrepreneurs aiming to develop next-generation cyber techniques and products. Additionally, DataTribe hosts the annual DataTribe Challenge, a competition that attracts innovative entrepreneurs seeking to disrupt the fields of cybersecurity and data science.

The Abell Foundation, established in 1953 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, is a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life in the region. With assets exceeding $314 million, the Foundation prioritizes grant allocations to schools, hospitals, and human service organizations that assist disadvantaged communities. Over the past three decades, its focus has intensified on addressing the complex challenges of urban poverty through innovative solutions and accountability. The Foundation supports initiatives across various sectors, including community development, education, health and human services, criminal justice, workforce development, and, to a lesser extent, conservation and the arts. Additionally, the Abell Venture Fund invests in companies located in Baltimore City, furthering its commitment to local economic development. The Foundation aims to create opportunities for marginalized individuals, believing that community success hinges on the inclusion of all its members.

Blu Venture Investors, LLC is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Vienna, Virginia, established in 2010. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies across various sectors, including software, cybersecurity, healthcare technology, and digital media. It actively seeks opportunities in disruptive technologies related to materials, chemicals, and biological sciences, as well as solutions for the defense and intelligence communities. Blu Venture Investors typically invests between $0.05 million and $3 million in each funding round and often collaborates with other investment groups for larger financings. The firm prefers to acquire majority stakes and is involved in governance by taking board seats and providing mentorship, leveraging the extensive experience of its investors, who are seasoned executives from diverse industries. Its investment activities primarily target the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a global venture capital and private equity firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, from seed and startup to later-stage growth and public investments. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, NEA focuses on technology and healthcare sectors, particularly in areas such as consumer internet, financial technology, software, healthcare services, life sciences, and energy technology. The firm also invests in semiconductor companies and alternative energy initiatives in India. NEA has a proven track record, with more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a global perspective, targeting opportunities in North America, Asia, and South America, and typically involves investments ranging from $0.05 million to $20 million.

TCP Venture Capital, established in November 2012 by Christopher College and Stuart Sutley, is a venture capital firm located in Baltimore, Maryland. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage technology companies, primarily within the Baltimore region. By supporting innovative startups, TCP Venture Capital aims to foster growth and development in the local technology ecosystem.

The Maryland Innovation Initiative (MII) was created as a partnership between the State of Maryland and five Maryland academic research institutions (Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, University of Maryland College Park, University of Maryland Baltimore and University of Maryland Baltimore County.) The program is designed to promote commercialization of research conducted in the partnership universities and leverage each institution’s strengths.

Grotech Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1984, headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, with additional offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Denver, Colorado. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in high-growth technology companies, focusing on sectors such as social and digital media, e-commerce, mobile and cloud software, enterprise software, big data analytics, security technologies, and healthcare information technology. Grotech Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $5 million initially, with a total target investment size of $5 million to $8 million, seeking to lead investments and acquire board seats in portfolio companies. The firm is committed to partnering with entrepreneurs who present innovative ideas and unconventional approaches, emphasizing collaboration and long-term support throughout the growth stages of their businesses. It specifically targets underserved venture markets across the United States, including regions like the Southeast and Rocky Mountain areas.

Gula Tech Adventures, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Ellicott City, Maryland, that specializes in investing in early-stage start-ups within the cybersecurity sector. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on seed and Series A investments, particularly in areas such as cyber hygiene, threat management, security engineering, and national security technology. The founders, Ron and Cyndi Gula, are veterans of the cybersecurity industry, having previously co-founded Tenable Network Security. They leverage their extensive experience to support the next generation of cybersecurity start-ups by providing funding, assisting with product development, and guiding capital raises. Gula Tech Adventures aims to foster innovation and growth in the cybersecurity landscape.

Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and has been providing a wide range of commercial banking and retail financial services since its founding in 1969. The bank offers personal banking, business banking, and wealth management products, alongside services in asset and mortgage-backed securitization, institutional and commodity financing, and capital management. It also engages in trading fixed income, equities, foreign exchange, and commodities, while providing broking services. Macquarie Bank operates across multiple regions, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, serving a diverse clientele ranging from individual customers to corporate and government entities. The bank is regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and emphasizes strong risk management practices and an entrepreneurial culture to foster its business growth.

Camden Partners Holdings, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1995 and based in Baltimore, Maryland, with a focus on providing growth capital to lower-middle-market companies primarily in the healthcare, technology, education, and business services sectors. The firm engages in direct and fund of funds investments, targeting opportunities in late venture, growth stage, and middle market private companies, with investments typically ranging from $3 million to $15 million. Camden Partners emphasizes sectors such as life sciences, software, and financial services and aims to invest in companies with revenues between $1 million and $100 million. The firm seeks to hold board seats and controlling stakes in its portfolio companies, and aims for exit strategies between two to five years. Additionally, Camden Partners employs internal research to inform its investment decisions and considers opportunities in North America, with some interest in Asia and Europe.

Gaingels is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont. It specializes in investing in companies led by LGBT+ founders and C-suite leaders across various stages of growth, as well as in established firms aiming to create more inclusive teams. With a global portfolio of over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels actively supports its portfolio by helping to identify and recruit diverse talent for leadership roles. The firm fosters a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, operators, and entrepreneurs who are united in their mission to drive positive social change through business and successful investments.

MedTech Innovator is a nonprofit global competition and accelerator based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It focuses on supporting companies in the medical device, digital health, and diagnostic sectors. The organization aims to enhance patient outcomes by fostering the growth of businesses that contribute to the transformation of the healthcare system. Each year, MedTech Innovator showcases 100 companies that align with key themes identified through surveys of industry leaders. The accelerator's diverse portfolio includes firms involved in consumer healthcare, imaging, remote patient monitoring, clinical studies, and workflow optimization, emphasizing its commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions.

Edison Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, founded in 1986. The firm specializes in growth equity investments primarily in technology-enabled companies across various sectors, including financial technology, healthcare information technology, and enterprise software. Edison focuses on late and mid-venture financing, expansion capital, management buyouts, and recapitalizations, typically investing between $10 million and $30 million in companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $30 million. The firm's investment strategy involves nurturing growth-stage businesses with a 30 percent growth rate, often acting as a lead investor and seeking board representation. Edison has a robust portfolio valued at over $5 billion and manages more than $1 billion in assets, primarily targeting companies located in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States. Through its Edison Edge platform, the firm offers strategic advisory services and executive education to enhance value creation for its portfolio companies.

AccelerateBaltimore is an initiative of the Emerging Technology Centers and the Abell Foundation, based in Baltimore, Maryland. This accelerator focuses on supporting innovative startup technology companies by providing seed capital, resources, mentorship, and coworking space. With an emphasis on modern technology sectors, AccelerateBaltimore seeks to invest in six promising startups each cycle, offering a four-month program designed to help them bring their solutions to market swiftly. The initiative has previously invested $250,000 in ten companies, aiming to bridge the gap between innovative ideas and market readiness. Ideal candidates are those addressing existing customer problems with new technology, offering substantial improvements over current solutions, or creating entirely new market opportunities.

Revolution, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2005, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in growth capital investments across various sectors, including Financial Services, Sports, Media & Entertainment, Marketplaces, Software & Services, Transportation, Hospitality & Travel, E-Commerce, Manufacturing, Education, Health, and Food. Revolution typically invests between $1 million and $12 million in portfolio companies, often aiming for a controlling stake. As part of its operations, Revolution encompasses several funds, such as Revolution Ventures and Revolution Growth, that target early-stage and growth-stage investments in technology-enabled businesses and innovative companies. The firm emphasizes collaboration with top-tier investors and actively participates in the governance of its portfolio companies. Revolution is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in high-potential geographies, advocating for the belief that great companies can emerge and thrive from diverse locations.

T. Rowe Price Group, Inc. is a publicly owned investment management firm founded in 1937 and headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland. The company offers a diverse range of services, including separate account management, mutual funds, and sub-advisory services, catering to individuals, institutional investors, retirement plans, and financial intermediaries. T. Rowe Price manages investments in both public equity and fixed income markets globally, employing a combination of fundamental and quantitative analysis with a bottom-up investment approach. The firm also engages in socially responsible investing, focusing on environmental, social, and governance issues. In addition to traditional investment strategies, T. Rowe Price participates in late-stage venture capital investments, typically investing between $3 million and $5 million. The company operates numerous offices worldwide, reinforcing its commitment to delivering investment excellence over the long term.

The Hilb Group is a prominent middle market insurance agency based in Richmond, Virginia, and operates as a portfolio company of ABRY Partners. The agency focuses on providing risk management, insurance, and employee benefit consulting services primarily to small and medium-sized businesses across the East Coast of the United States. With a presence in 35 offices located in states including Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia, The Hilb Group aims to expand its reach through targeted acquisitions. The company offers a range of general insurance lines and specializes in niches such as cosmetic protection, passenger transportation, restaurants, education, and habitational insurance, helping organizations safeguard their assets and employees.

The Maryland Department of Commerce, established in 1884 and based in Baltimore, serves as the state's primary economic development agency. Its mission is to stimulate private investment and job creation by attracting new businesses and supporting the growth and retention of existing companies. The agency provides workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland businesses, enhancing their competitiveness. Additionally, it promotes the state's economic advantages, marketing local products and services both domestically and internationally to foster economic development, trade, and tourism.

Enlightenment Capital is a private investment firm founded in 2012 and based in Chevy Chase, Maryland. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt investment solutions primarily to companies in the aerospace, defense, government, and technology sectors. With a focus on middle-market investments, Enlightenment Capital employs strategies including senior debt, mezzanine debt, and minority equity to support businesses that deliver mission-critical products and services. The firm's principals possess extensive experience in investing and advising within the aerospace and defense industry, allowing them to identify compelling investment opportunities and foster enduring partnerships. Enlightenment Capital's deep industry ties and understanding of evolving market dynamics inform its approach, positioning the firm as a valuable partner for management teams and equity sponsors dedicated to building leading companies in their fields.

MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Provider of investment services based in Baltimore, Maryland. The company's investment services include investment management, alternative investment, financial management, investment strategies as well as research and insights, thereby enabling clients to get lowly correlated returns to complement a portfolio of traditional assets.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm specializing in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology, renewable energy, and affordable housing projects. Enhanced Capital employs a flexible investment approach that includes offering tax credits, tax credit lending, and impact lending to foster the growth and expansion of businesses. The firm manages multiple funds that primarily target the lower middle market, utilizing federal and state incentive programs along with public policy investment strategies to maximize growth potential and support rapid development for its portfolio companies.

Baltimore Angels is an angel investor group established in 2009, based in Baltimore, Maryland. The organization focuses on early-stage technology investments, targeting companies that are typically beyond the friends-and-family funding stage. Its investors, comprised of experienced entrepreneurs, aim to provide strategic support to emerging businesses with strong visions. Baltimore Angels is particularly interested in sectors such as business products and services, consumer goods, education, IT services, media and entertainment, and software, among others. The group convenes monthly to discuss investment opportunities and actively encourages participation from potential investors and entrepreneurs in the Baltimore/Washington area.

Conscious Venture Lab is an early-stage business accelerator based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 2013 to support the creation of purpose-driven companies. The organization focuses on empowering entrepreneurs who aim to leverage capitalism to foster a more just, joyful, and equitable society. It specializes in sectors such as cybersecurity, biotechnology, technology-enhanced professional services, hospitality, consumer products, and various technology applications. The accelerator offers a six-month program and typically invests between $25,000 and $50,000, taking an equity stake of 5 to 10 percent. The curriculum is informed by leading thinkers in "Conscious Capitalism," and the initiative is dedicated to honoring the legacy of David B. Wolfe, a mentor to its founder, Jeff Cherry. Conscious Venture Lab aims to develop "Companies that Matter," reinforcing its commitment to social impact through entrepreneurship.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in major cities across North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies with an alumni connection and supported by established institutional lead investors. Alumni Ventures aims to provide accredited investors, particularly alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, with access to diversified venture portfolios that span various sectors and geographic regions. The firm typically invests between $0.01 million and $3 million and does not require board or observer seats in its portfolio companies. Through its managed fund families, Alumni Ventures enables investors to participate in a collaborative investment approach, fostering connections among alumni while facilitating investment opportunities in innovative ventures.

Catalio Capital Management is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 and based in New York, specializing in investments within the biomedical technology sector. The firm manages multiple funds, including the Catalio Access Funds and various special opportunities and credit funds. Catalio employs a diverse investment strategy that encompasses private equity, private credit, and public equity, utilizing a long bias and fundamental analysis approach. With a focus on breakthrough biomedical technologies, Catalio aims to support innovative companies in this rapidly evolving industry. Additionally, the firm is a Registered Investment Adviser, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards in its investment activities.

JMI Equity is a growth equity firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, established in 1992. The firm specializes in investing in leading software companies and targets North American businesses across various sectors, including cloud computing, digital health, finance, and information technology. JMI Equity has invested in over 145 companies and has successfully completed more than 95 exits, raising over $4 billion in committed capital. The firm collaborates with experienced management teams to enhance their companies' growth and develop them into industry leaders. JMI Equity manages multiple private equity funds, focusing on investments ranging from $25 million to $250 million.

OrbiMed Advisors LLC is a healthcare-focused investment firm founded in 1989, headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in various global locations. The firm manages approximately $5 billion in assets and specializes in private equity and venture capital investments across the healthcare sector, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, and healthcare services. OrbiMed invests in companies at various stages, from early startups to established multinationals, and typically seeks to take majority stakes in its private equity investments. The firm employs fundamental analysis to guide its investment decisions and offers a range of financial services, including debt financing and structured capital, to both public and private healthcare companies. OrbiMed's investment strategy encompasses a broad spectrum of healthcare-related opportunities, targeting investments globally, primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia.

NewSpring Capital, founded in 1999 and based in Radnor, Pennsylvania, is a private equity firm that focuses on equity and debt investments across the United States. The firm manages over $2 billion and employs multiple investment strategies, including growth equity, control buyouts, and mezzanine debt. NewSpring invests in innovative franchise and multi-unit concepts, primarily targeting dynamic industries such as technology, communication, and business services. With a history of investing in over 150 companies, NewSpring partners with management teams to foster growth and develop businesses into market leaders. The firm emphasizes building relationships within its extensive network of industry leaders to identify and capitalize on compelling investment opportunities.

Bonsal Capital is a private equity firm based in Baltimore, Maryland, focused on investing in technology-enabled services primarily within the Capital Region. Established in 1999 by Frank A. Bonsal, Jr., a cofounder of New Enterprise Associates, the firm targets companies that address challenges in education, healthcare, and cybersecurity. Bonsal Capital emphasizes a mission-driven approach to its investments, concentrating on the information technology and life sciences sectors.

Novak Biddle Venture Partners was a private equity and venture capital firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, founded in 1997. The firm specialized in seed, startup, and early-stage investments, while also considering opportunities in later-stage companies and spinouts. It focused primarily on information technology companies located in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, with particular interest in sectors such as education, security, big data analytics, and business-to-business-to-consumer markets. The firm typically made equity investments ranging from $100,000 to $10 million and aimed to exit its investments within five to seven years. Novak Biddle Venture Partners ceased operations on March 29, 2019.

Moonshots Capital, founded in 2014 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm that focuses on seed stage investments in technology startups. The firm targets exceptional founders who are creating innovative products in large and growing markets, aiming to "re-imagine" work and personal life. Moonshots Capital adopts a disciplined investment approach to identify companies with significant growth potential, often referred to as "moonshot" opportunities. The firm invests across various sectors, including dual-use technology, fintech, cybersecurity, consumer internet, and web3. Additionally, it operates as a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA).

ABS Capital Partners is a private equity firm founded in 1990 and headquartered in Maryland. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, primarily focusing on healthcare, education, and tech-enabled service industries in the United States. With a 30-year history, ABS Capital Partners aims to support growth-oriented companies in realizing their full potential beyond their initial stages. The firm is known for its commitment to fostering the development of businesses and helping them navigate the challenges of scaling operations.

Early Light Ventures, founded in 2019 and located in Rockville, Maryland, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in seed-stage and early-stage B2B software companies. The firm prioritizes companies within the technology sector, particularly those that are growing rapidly, with an annual run rate between $400,000 and $3 million, and valuations ranging from $3 million to $12 million. Early Light Ventures seeks businesses with strong growth metrics, aiming for at least 80% year-over-year growth and low gross churn rates. The firm is particularly interested in companies based in the mid-Atlantic region and is committed to providing substantial support to its portfolio companies throughout their development.

Rock Springs Capital is a Baltimore, Maryland-based investment firm established in 2013 that focuses primarily on the healthcare and biotechnology sectors. The firm engages in early-stage investments while offering management services for security portfolios and portfolio management tailored for businesses and institutional clients. With a strategy that includes long/short equity, Rock Springs Capital aims to leverage opportunities within the healthcare industry to drive growth and deliver value to its investors.

F Prime, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in San Francisco and London. Founded in 1969, it has a strong legacy rooted in Fidelity Investments, which has been a significant player in asset management since 1946. F Prime focuses on early-stage investments in North America and Europe, primarily in the healthcare, life sciences, technology, therapeutics, fashion, medtech, and health information technology sectors. The firm operates several funds, including those dedicated to healthcare, oncology, life sciences, and health technology services. F Prime Capital Partners emphasizes supporting entrepreneurs without the pressure of external fundraising, allowing them to concentrate on identifying and nurturing promising companies.

Goldman Sachs is a prominent global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm, established in 1869 and headquartered in New York City. The firm provides a range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Its Investment Banking segment offers advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and restructuring, as well as underwriting for public offerings and private placements of various securities. The Institutional Client Services segment focuses on client execution across fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, while also offering financing and securities lending to institutional clients. The Investing & Lending segment engages in originating long-term loans and investing in debt securities and real estate. Additionally, Goldman Sachs Asset Management serves both institutional and individual investors with comprehensive investment and advisory solutions across diverse asset classes. The firm also operates several specialized investment groups, including private equity and infrastructure funds, targeting a variety of sectors and investment strategies worldwide.

TDF Ventures LLC is a venture capital firm based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting seed and Series A startups in sectors such as infrastructure, software, cybersecurity, and various "as-a-service" models, including IaaS and SaaS. TDF Ventures aims to support companies that enhance broadband access, facilitate digital transitions, and innovate in areas like artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud services. With a focus on enterprise customers and carriers, the firm also explores opportunities in consumer technology that aligns with its core investments. TDF Ventures typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million per transaction and emphasizes long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs, leveraging its extensive networks to provide strategic support and expertise. The firm operates with an evergreen pool of capital, allowing it flexibility in investment timing and a focus on nurturing its portfolio companies.

Highland Europe is a venture capital firm founded in 2012, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with an additional office in Geneva, Switzerland. The firm specializes in investing in growth-stage companies within the internet, mobile, and software sectors across Europe. Highland Europe typically makes equity investments ranging from €5 million to €75 million in companies that have achieved annual revenues of at least €10 million. The firm aims to support management teams in accelerating growth and building sustainable businesses by providing capital for both primary investments and secondary transactions. Highland Europe works closely with Highland Capital Partners, leveraging their extensive experience in venture capital to identify and nurture companies that address large market opportunities and have the potential for global expansion.

SaaS Ventures is a Maryland-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 that focuses on seed-stage technology companies, particularly in the software-as-a-service sector. The firm aims to co-invest alongside strong lead investors, leveraging its network to enhance the value it brings to portfolio companies. SaaS Ventures typically makes smaller investments ranging from $750,000 to $3 million, targeting rounds that are mostly full, which minimizes disruption for entrepreneurs. The firm prioritizes relationships and seeks to be a supportive partner without taking significant stakes in its investments. While it invests across the United States, it particularly favors "second tier markets" that offer potential for major exits yet receive less venture funding, such as Chicago, Toronto, and Atlanta.

Meritech Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and based in Palo Alto, California, is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in late-stage technology companies, particularly within the information and medical technology sectors. The firm focuses on providing capital to growth-stage enterprises, primarily in the software, communications, and networking industries in North America. Meritech operates with a streamlined team of six partners, who are directly involved in all investment decisions, ensuring a prompt and transparent process without the delays commonly associated with larger firms. The firm typically invests between $10 million and $100 million, emphasizing its commitment to a focused investment strategy rather than diversifying across various stages of venture funding.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization established in 1982 that serves as a vital capital provider and supporter of technology development in the region. Based in Philadelphia, it has invested over $170 million in more than 2,000 early-stage and established technology companies, fostering innovation primarily in information technology, health, and physical sciences. The organization not only provides financial support but also develops partnerships between universities and industries to accelerate the commercialization of scientific discoveries. By strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, Ben Franklin Technology Partners plays a crucial role in job creation and economic transformation in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Deerfield Management is a healthcare investment management firm founded in 1994 and based in New York. With over $8 billion in assets, Deerfield specializes in long-term structured investments across both public and private healthcare companies, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and healthcare technology. The firm typically holds equity or debt interests in more than 100 companies, ranging from early-stage drug research ventures to established healthcare service and medical device providers. Additionally, Deerfield is committed to philanthropy, donating a portion of its profits to the Deerfield Foundation. The Deerfield Institute employs various research methods to provide objective market intelligence, engaging with thousands of professionals annually to address complex healthcare issues.

Kinetic Ventures, L.L.C., founded in 1983 and based in Chevy Chase, Maryland, with an additional office in Atlanta, Georgia, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments. The firm primarily focuses on the communications, information technology, and power and clean technology sectors. In communications, Kinetic Ventures looks for opportunities in last mile connectivity, wireless infrastructure, and mobile video, among others. In the information technology sector, the firm targets investments in mobile platforms, open source solutions, and security management. Its clean technology investments concentrate on smart grid technology and low carbon solutions. Kinetic Ventures typically invests between $2 million and $10 million per company and may consider larger investments through syndication. The firm generally prefers to invest in U.S.-based companies but is open to opportunities in Canada and select international markets. Kinetic Ventures seeks to secure a Board seat in its portfolio companies and typically exits investments through initial public offerings or acquisitions.

Greenspring GW I is a venture capital fund managed by Greenspring Associates, based in Owings Mills, Maryland. Established in 2000, Greenspring Associates focuses on early to growth-stage investments primarily in the Information Technology and Software sectors, including Software as a Service. The firm employs a strategy that encompasses both direct investments in companies as well as commitments to established and emerging venture capital fund managers. With a robust investment team, Greenspring Associates aims to leverage its expertise to identify and nurture promising ventures. The firm has a global reach, providing investment opportunities to a diverse group of institutions and individuals across North America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.

PS27 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Jacksonville, Florida, established in 2013. The firm specializes in funding early-stage entrepreneurs aiming to disrupt their respective industries. PS27 Ventures invests primarily in sectors such as e-commerce, software as a service, health technology, and financial technology. Additionally, the firm manages the PS27 Rhea Fund, which specifically targets investments in women-owned businesses within the information technology, health tech, cleantech, and fintech sectors. Through its focused investment strategy, PS27 Ventures seeks to support innovative startups that have the potential to drive significant change in their markets.

Healthworx is a healthcare company founded in 2017 and serves as the corporate venture arm of Carefirst of Maryland, based in Baltimore, Maryland. The organization focuses on enhancing healthcare operations, particularly targeting solutions for underserved populations. Healthworx is dedicated to improving consumer healthcare engagement and ensuring access to care across various settings. By investing in innovative healthcare solutions, the company aims to address critical needs within the healthcare sector and promote better health outcomes for individuals and communities.

Alexandria Venture Investments, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 1996 and headquartered in Pasadena, California. As the strategic investment arm of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, it focuses on providing capital to seed, early-stage, and growth-stage companies within the healthcare sector. The firm emphasizes investments in biopharma, diagnostics, life sciences, research tools, agrifoodtech, and agtech. Alexandria Venture Investments aims to support innovative entities developing breakthrough technologies and therapies, leveraging its extensive industry knowledge and relationships with leading investors. Its approach is characterized by a commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the life sciences and technology sectors.