Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Elevate Ventures nurtures and develops emerging and existing high-potential businesses into high-performing, Indiana-based companies. They accomplish this by providing rigorous business analysis and robust advisory serivces that connect companies with the resources they need to succeed long-term. As a not-for-profit organization, they are able to offer unbiased, in-depth perspective and recommendations. Emerging, high-potential businesses Elevate Ventures seeks out business endeavors that identify a need in the marketplace and are well-positioned to successfully transition from research to product development to market. High-performing, Indiana-based Companies These companies grow local economies and employment throughout Indiana, in addition to attracting and retaining top-level talent for the Hoosier state. Rigorous business analysis Comprehensive due diligence is critical to determining the long-term financial viability of these companies. Robust advisory services Elevate Ventures provides more than just capital, they partner with entrepreneurs, investors and other local and state organizations to ensure the best return on investment. Resources to succeed long-term In addition to financial resources, Elevate addressees other market barriers, which may include management, business development, talent identification and retention, and specific technology development challenges. They don't just write a check and walk away - they help sustain business success and growth over time. Unbiased, in-depth perspective and recommendations With a seasoned staff and a host of proven outside partners, they provide objectivity and insights that are among the best in their profession.

Red Cedar Ventures, founded in 2014 and based in East Lansing, Michigan, is a venture capital firm that concentrates on supporting startup companies affiliated with Michigan State University. The firm aims to accelerate the commercialization of university technologies by providing growth-stage capital to ventures that have already secured lead funding from other venture capital firms. Their latest initiative, Michigan Rise, focuses on pre-seed to Series A investments and seeks to bolster Michigan's entrepreneurial ecosystem across various industries. By investing in early-stage technology entrepreneurs and companies, Red Cedar Ventures plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation and economic development within the state.

Invest Nebraska Corporation is a venture capital firm based in Lincoln, Nebraska, that focuses on seed, early-stage, and growth capital investments across various industries. The firm primarily targets companies within Nebraska or those willing to establish operations in the state. Invest Nebraska typically invests an average of $250,000 in businesses with revenues up to $1 million, utilizing equity, debt, and convertible debt instruments. The firm is industry agnostic, with particular interest in sectors such as Internet-of-Things, medical devices, financial technology, cloud services, and agriculture technology, among others. Invest Nebraska also emphasizes collaboration with strategic partners, state government, communities, and educational institutions to foster economic growth in Nebraska. The firm's experienced team is dedicated to supporting high-impact entrepreneurs and investors to enhance the region's business landscape.

Michigan Rise is a venture capital firm based in East Lansing, Michigan, established in 2020 as a subsidiary of the Michigan State University Foundation. The firm is committed to supporting innovative technology startups in Michigan, particularly in sectors such as advanced automotive and mobility, advanced manufacturing, agricultural processing, alternative energy, homeland security, information technology, life sciences, and medical devices. Michigan Rise operates the Pre-Seed Fund III, which provides capital support, coaching, and assistance with grant funding to help entrepreneurs advance their projects toward commercialization. This initiative is backed by funding from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Michigan State University Foundation, which has a long-standing mission to foster economic development through the commercialization of new intellectual property. Through its efforts, Michigan Rise aims to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Michigan and contribute to the state's economic growth.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt investments, focusing primarily on small businesses at various stages of development, excluding seed stage. Advantage Capital targets investments in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports economic development initiatives. The firm seeks to invest in companies that utilize proprietary technologies in sectors such as communication, information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and energy, among others. It offers various forms of debt capital, including senior and mezzanine debt, and has a preference for co-investing with other firms. Initial investments typically range from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales under $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital is committed to addressing the funding gaps in underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities that lack traditional sources of risk capital.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado. The firm specializes in co-investing in Series A deals, primarily alongside institutional venture funds. It focuses on seed-stage companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and healthcare. Additionally, Service Provider Capital manages funds that target specific regional markets, such as the Midwest, emphasizing investments in software and healthcare technology systems. The firm typically seeks minority stakes and engages in syndicated investments to support the growth of innovative startups.

Rev1 Fund II is a venture capital fund managed by Rev1 Ventures, based in Columbus, Ohio. Established in 2005, Rev1 Ventures specializes in seed-stage investments across various sectors, including software, advanced manufacturing, fintech, health-tech, insur-tech, and life sciences. The fund typically invests between $0.5 million and $2 million in each company, focusing on startups with high growth potential. Rev1 Ventures combines access to capital with strategic support, linking innovators with corporate and research partners to facilitate market entry and business development. The firm has a strong reputation in the Great Lakes Region, recognized as one of the most active venture capital firms in recent years. With over $100 million in capital under management, Rev1 Ventures aims to help entrepreneurs address real market needs through innovative solutions.

M25 is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2015, focusing on early-stage investments in technology startups primarily located in the Midwest and Great Lakes regions. The firm has built a diverse portfolio by investing in over 90 startups across various sectors, including healthcare technology, information technology, financial services, and consumer products. M25's analytical and collaborative approach enables it to play a significant role within the Midwest startup ecosystem, fostering innovation and supporting the growth of emerging companies. The firm is led by Victor Gutwein and Mike Asem and seeks to identify promising investment opportunities that align with its objective of driving economic growth in the region.

Serra Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Champaign, Illinois, focused on investing in technology companies primarily located in emerging Midwest technology centers and selected areas in Southern California. Founded in 1998, the firm specializes in sectors such as information technology, devices and instrumentation, and agricultural technologies. Serra Ventures aims to support innovative companies that are poised for growth, leveraging its expertise and regional knowledge to identify promising investment opportunities.

TechGROWTH Ohio connects early-stage, technologically-innovative companies with valuable tools for growth and sources of capital.

Cultivation Capital is a venture capital firm based in St. Louis, founded in 2012, that focuses on early-stage investments in the United States. The firm manages multiple funds, primarily investing during the Seed and Series A stages, with initial investment amounts typically ranging from $100,000 to $3.5 million. Cultivation Capital specializes in various sectors, including life sciences, healthcare, agriculture technology, software, and information technology. Its Life Sciences Fund II primarily targets early-stage companies in healthcare, therapeutics, diagnostics, and medical devices, while its Tech Fund II focuses on IT and related technologies. The firm aims to support innovative startups and foster growth in these critical industries.

Gener8tor is a nationally recognized accelerator based in Madison, Wisconsin, that focuses on investing in high-growth startups across various sectors, including software, IT, SaaS, life sciences, MedTech, e-commerce, and hardware. The accelerator operates three times a year, investing $100,000 in each of five selected startups during a 12-week program designed to provide a concierge experience. Startups benefit from extensive mentorship and guidance through a network of experienced mentors, technologists, corporate partners, angel investors, and venture capitalists. Gener8tor is a GOLD-tier member of the Global Accelerator Network and is ranked among the top accelerators in the United States by the Seed Accelerator Rankings Project. Additionally, Gener8tor manages a venture capital fund that aims to invest in the software and technology, media, and telecommunications sectors, supporting a minimum of ten companies with investments ranging from $90,000 to $140,000.

Hyde Park Angels is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, Illinois, that focuses on seed and early-stage investments. Established in April 2007, the firm targets investments in technology, healthcare, business and financial services, as well as consumer and industrial products. Hyde Park Angels primarily seeks opportunities within the Midwest, aiming to drive startup growth and foster investment success for entrepreneurs and investors alike.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.

Hyde Park Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2011 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with an additional office in Indianapolis, Indiana. The firm specializes in seed and series A investments in high-growth technology companies, primarily within the Midwest region, including cities such as Toronto, Atlanta, Ontario, Chicago, and Indianapolis. Hyde Park Venture Partners focuses on sectors such as B2B software, software-as-a-service, consumer marketplaces, healthcare IT, and technology-enabled services. It typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.75 million in startups, with a maximum investment of $2.5 million for companies with pre-money valuations under $7 million. The firm actively supports its portfolio companies through mentoring in product development and business strategy, often co-investing with Hyde Park Angels. Hyde Park Venture Partners aims to back exceptional founding teams with significant growth potential, contributing value to early-stage investments while maintaining a rigorous focus on the Midwest technology landscape.

Cleveland Avenue deals with seed ventures, early stage and private equity deals focused on emerging restaurants, beverages, services, and technologies designed for foodservice and hospitality channels. They bring unparalleled resources and expertise to support remarkable companies and the people behind them.

Valor Equity Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Chicago, established in 1995. The firm specializes in making investments across various stages of company development, including seed-stage, early-stage, growth-stage, and late-stage investments. Valor primarily focuses on sectors such as industrial products, manufacturing, infrastructure services, healthcare, food technology, retail technology, fintech, and clean energy. The firm seeks to partner with high-growth companies and entrepreneurs who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and industry transformation. Investment sizes typically range from $10 million to $75 million for new platforms, while add-on investments do not have a minimum size requirement. Valor Equity Partners primarily invests in North America and India, aiming to support companies with revenues between $30 million and $200 million. The firm prefers to take a leading role in investments, pursuing both control and non-control equity opportunities.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 7.5 million customers across six states, including Ohio and Kentucky. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas, and boasts an electric generating capacity of about 35,000 megawatts in the Carolinas and the Midwest. In addition to electricity, Duke Energy also offers natural gas transportation and distribution services. The company is committed to sustainability and community support, further evidenced by its philanthropic efforts through the Duke Energy Foundation, which focuses on enhancing community vitality and promoting climate resilience. Founded in 1837 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy continues to play a significant role in the energy sector.

Right Side Capital Management is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the pre-seed round of technology startups. Right Side Capital Management aims to support companies with capital-efficient business models that are typically located outside major hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. The firm invests in a range of technology sectors, including internet and cloud technologies, and operates primarily within the United States and Canada, with occasional investments in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. Right Side Capital Management conducts 75 to 100 investments annually, with portfolio companies spanning 19 states. The firm seeks to provide a clear response to entrepreneurs within two weeks, with investments generally ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 and pre-money valuations between $1 million and $3 million.

Allos Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Carmel, Indiana, established in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage investments primarily in business-to-business software and technology-enabled service sectors, targeting companies in the Midwest. Allos Ventures aims to bridge the funding gap for early-stage companies that have outgrown initial support from angel investors but are not yet ready for larger institutional financing. The firm manages the Allos Opportunity Fund, which emphasizes minority stake investments in revenue-generating technology and healthcare companies. By concentrating on this region, Allos Ventures addresses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in securing necessary capital amidst a shifting investment landscape where many traditional early-stage firms have exited or moved to later-stage investments.

High Alpha, located in Indianapolis, Indiana, is a venture studio and private equity firm focused on the development of early-stage B2B SaaS companies. Established in 2015, High Alpha Studio is dedicated to conceiving, launching, and scaling these companies by offering a comprehensive range of services, including design, finance, talent acquisition, marketing, and brand development. In addition to its studio operations, High Alpha Capital invests in both its own studio companies and other emerging B2B SaaS ventures. This integrated approach represents a novel model for entrepreneurship, aiming to streamline processes and enhance growth potential for technology startups.

JumpStart, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Ohio that specializes in investing in early-stage companies led by women and minority entrepreneurs. Established in 2004, it primarily focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, medical technology, and advanced energy solutions. JumpStart typically invests between $50,000 and $1.5 million in companies with less than $5 million in revenues, aiming to support those with the potential to grow significantly within five to seven years. The firm emphasizes economic inclusion and actively seeks to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northeast Ohio. It provides not only financial resources but also intensive entrepreneurial development assistance to help startups secure follow-on funding. Additionally, JumpStart aims to exit its investments through acquisitions or initial public offerings, often seeking a board observer or director seat in its portfolio companies. With a commitment to fostering high-impact ventures, JumpStart collaborates with regional leaders to enhance the startup landscape in the 21-county area surrounding Akron.

Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund is an outgrowth of Revolution’s Rise of the Rest platform, a national initiative launched in 2014 to spotlight emerging startup hubs. Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund invests in seed- and early-stage companies located outside of New York City, Silicon Valley, and Boston. By partnering with regional ecosystem leaders and co-investors, Rise of the Rest is helping to build and scale the next wave of transformational companies. The Rise of the Rest Seed Funds are backed by a group of iconic entrepreneurs and business leaders committed to the vision that the next great startups will be located outside of the coastal tech hubs.

Capital Midwest Fund is a Wisconsin-based venture capital and private equity firm that focuses on early-stage investments in life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, consumer goods, and business services. The firm primarily targets opportunities within the Midwest region of the United States, with a particular emphasis on Wisconsin. Its investment strategy is designed to support innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential in these sectors.

CincyTech, founded in 2007, is a Cincinnati-based private equity firm specializing in seed-stage investments in healthcare, business services, life sciences, and technology companies, primarily in southwest Ohio. The firm aims to identify and transform innovative ideas into viable businesses by providing entrepreneurs with capital and advice, while also assisting research institutions in commercializing technology through startups. CincyTech plays a crucial role in catalyzing investment from various stakeholders, including foundations, corporations, and individuals, into regional companies. It is recognized as one of the most active seed funds in the Midwest, supported by partnerships with notable institutions such as Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati. The fund focuses on sectors like information technology, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing, seeking to invest in companies that are based in or willing to relocate to Southwest Ohio.

Chicago Ventures is a private equity firm founded in 2012, focusing on seed-stage investments in healthcare, business services, and technology-driven companies primarily located in Chicago and the central United States. The firm partners closely with exceptional entrepreneurs in undercapitalized, high-potential ecosystems, seeking to support well-managed technology companies that have demonstrated a clear value proposition for their products or services. Chicago Ventures typically makes initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, targeting sectors such as technology-enabled products and services, new media and education, as well as consumer web and mobile platforms. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to foster innovation and growth in the Midwest's entrepreneurial landscape.

OCA Ventures is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 1999, specializing in early-stage investments, including Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds. The firm focuses on equity investments in companies with significant growth potential, primarily within the technology and high-scalability services sectors. OCA Ventures has a diverse investment portfolio that spans various industries, with a particular emphasis on technology, financial services, education, and healthcare technology. Currently investing from its fourth fund, OCA Ventures is dedicated to supporting innovative companies across the United States.

Pritzker Group is an investment holding firm based in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices in Los Angeles, California. Established in 1996, it focuses on middle-market acquisitions, technology venture capital, and asset management through its subsidiaries: Pritzker Group Private Capital, Pritzker Group Venture Capital, and Pritzker Group Asset Management. Pritzker Group Private Capital specializes in acquiring mid-sized companies, particularly in the manufactured products, services, and healthcare sectors, targeting businesses with enterprise values between $100 million and $750 million. Pritzker Group Venture Capital invests in technology companies across various stages, primarily in the United States, concentrating on sectors such as healthcare IT, consumer technology, and artificial intelligence, with initial investments typically ranging from $2 million to $8 million. Pritzker Group Asset Management invests in public equity markets globally, employing external managers for its investments. The firm emphasizes partnerships with family- or entrepreneur-owned businesses and seeks to align closely with management teams to foster growth and operational efficiency.

Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center is the venture capital investment arm of Western Michigan University specializing in startup and gap funding. The firm seeks to invest in the life sciences sector with a focus on pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and diagnostics. It seeks to invest in companies which have a substantial presence in the State of Michigan and a presence in, or business link to Southwest Michigan. The firm typically invests between $25,000 and $250,000 per deal. Biosciences Research and Commercialization Center was founded in 2003 and is based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The Cleveland Foundation, established in 1914, is the world's first community foundation and ranks as the third-largest in the United States, managing assets of $1.8 billion. As a non-profit organization based in Greater Cleveland, it is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for local residents. The foundation collaborates with donors, community members, and various partners to improve neighborhoods and public spaces. Its investment portfolio is diversified across multiple asset classes, including short-term investments, U.S. government obligations, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, and alternative investments. Through its initiatives and investments, the Cleveland Foundation aims to foster community development and address pressing local needs.

Bank of America is a prominent financial institution based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing a comprehensive range of banking, investment, asset management, and risk management services. It caters to approximately 51 million consumer and small business relationships through around 5,300 retail banking offices, 16,350 ATMs, and a robust online banking platform with 30 million active users. The institution offers specialized support to about 3 million small business owners with innovative online products and services. With operations in over 40 countries, Bank of America is recognized as a leader in wealth management and corporate and investment banking, serving corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals globally. Founded in 1874, the company has established itself as a key player in the financial sector, focusing on delivering a diverse array of financial solutions tailored to meet the needs of its varied clientele.

IrishAngels is an early-stage venture firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in high-potential startups across the United States, specifically in sectors such as software, consumer products, and medical devices. The IrishAngels network comprises 225 investors, including prominent venture capital and private equity professionals, along with experienced entrepreneurs. This diverse group collaborates to identify and support innovative companies in their early stages, facilitating growth and development within the startup ecosystem.

Lightbank is a Chicago-based venture capital firm established in 2010, focusing on seed and series A investments across various sectors, including fintech, consumer goods, technology, life sciences, social media, and energy. The firm aims to support emerging entrepreneurs by taking contrarian investment approaches and empowering underdog founders. Lightbank seeks to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies by providing more than just capital, leveraging its extensive networks and actively engaging with entrepreneurs. The firm believes that great businesses can emerge from anywhere and is committed to partnering with innovative founders, regardless of their location or market trends. Investment amounts typically range from $100,000 to $1 million.

North Coast Ventures, previously known as North Coast Angel Fund, is a Cleveland-based private equity firm established in 2006 that focuses on early-stage technology investments. The firm comprises four contributed capital funds and is supported by a network of prominent investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from Ohio. Members of North Coast Ventures actively contribute by generating deal flow, participating in due diligence, and collaborating with portfolio companies. The firm aims to foster a supportive environment for its investments, enhancing the performance of its funds. By being the region's first professionally managed angel fund, North Coast Ventures seeks to improve the early-stage funding landscape for both entrepreneurs and investors in Northeast Ohio, where there has been a historical tradition of angel investing.

Drive Capital is a private equity firm based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in innovative technology, healthcare, and consumer companies primarily within the Midwest, targeting a region extending from Pittsburgh to Kansas City to Minneapolis. Drive Capital seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who are addressing significant market opportunities and have ambitious goals for building sustainable businesses. The firm is open to investments ranging from $100,000 to several million dollars, focusing on sectors such as technology, technology-enabled services, healthcare, and financial services. Founded by experienced venture capitalists Mark Kvamme and Chris Olsen, Drive Capital aims to support companies that have the potential for substantial growth.

Detroit Venture Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, established in 2010. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as internet, digital media, marketing technology, consumer web, mobile software, social media, advertisement technology, enterprise SaaS, and e-commerce. Detroit Venture Partners typically invests between $0.25 million and $0.75 million per transaction, with the capacity for follow-on investments ranging from $2 million to $3 million. The firm primarily targets companies based in the United States, emphasizing opportunities in Detroit and Ontario. Notably, it does not invest in biotech or advanced manufacturing sectors, preferring to support passionate entrepreneurs capable of both dreaming and executing innovative ideas.

Plug and Play, founded in 2006 and based in Sunnyvale, California, operates as a business accelerator and venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in technology startups. The firm runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting startups with corporate partners and investors to foster collaboration and growth. Plug and Play's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, travel, cybersecurity, and sustainability, allowing it to support diverse startups from any country. The firm provides various resources, including funding, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities, and has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Plug and Play has a strong track record, having helped numerous startups secure over $9 billion in funding since its inception. Its programs aim to refine business models and facilitate introductions to potential investors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.

IU Ventures is dedicated to investing in and supporting early-stage startup companies affiliated with Indiana University. Through the IU Angel Network, it connects these startups with prospective investors from Indiana University's extensive global community, which includes alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends. This initiative aims to promote a strong entrepreneurial culture that not only benefits Indiana University but also contributes to the economic development of the State of Indiana, the nation, and beyond. By fostering these connections, IU Ventures plays a significant role in advancing innovation and entrepreneurship within the university ecosystem.

KCRise Fund co-invests with institutional venture capital investors in early stage companies based in the Greater Kansas City area

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm established in 1995, specializing in growth-stage investments in the software, internet, and data services sectors. Headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide. Insight Partners focuses on partnering with high-growth technology and software companies that are driving significant change in their industries. The firm aims to support visionary executives by providing practical, hands-on expertise throughout their growth journey, from initial investment to public offering. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity, Insight Partners has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve IPO status.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1977 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in India and China. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, including seed, start-up, early stage, and later stage, with a focus on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and energy technology. NEA's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries, including consumer internet, software, biotechnology, medical devices, and alternative energy. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, the firm has a notable track record, having participated in more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. NEA aims to invest between $0.05 million and $20 million, targeting both domestic and international markets, particularly in Asia and the Americas.

BioGenerator is a non-profit venture development organization affiliated with BioSTL, focusing on fostering successful bioscience companies in the St. Louis region. It specializes in pre-seed, seed, and post-seed investments, primarily targeting startups in the bioscience sector. The organization invests between $10,000 and $250,000, with up to $50,000 allocated for pre-seed companies and up to $250,000 for seed-stage firms. In addition to financial support, BioGenerator offers shared lab space equipped with specialized technology and comprehensive management assistance to its portfolio companies. As an evergreen investor, it often leads investment rounds in collaboration with local angel investors, economic development groups, and early-stage venture capital funds. Founded in 2003, BioGenerator plays a crucial role in the development and sustainability of the bioscience ecosystem in St. Louis.

Rally Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2012 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Minneapolis. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting enterprise technology companies at the Seed and Series A financing stages. Initial investments typically range from $500,000 to $8 million. Rally Ventures focuses on a variety of emerging technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, cloud technologies, and SaaS, among others. The firm employs a hands-on investment approach, leveraging its extensive network of enterprise IT executives to support entrepreneurs. With over 200 years of combined experience in investing and operating technology companies, Rally Ventures has invested in more than 100 early-stage firms, demonstrating a successful track record of delivering significant investment returns.

Capital Innovators is an accelerator firm established in 2010 and located in Saint Louis, Missouri. The firm operates an accelerator program that offers $50,000 in seed funding, along with project-based mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Over a 12-week period, participating startups receive valuable resources, networking opportunities, and potential follow-on funding that can range from $250,000 to $1 million. The program is designed to support early-stage companies by providing the necessary guidance and connections to foster growth and development in their respective markets.

Great North Labs is an early-stage venture fund focused on investing in technology startups in the upper Midwest. The firm aims to foster grassroots economic development by investing in exponential and disruptive technologies. Great North Labs provides both capital and strategic support to entrepreneurs, enhancing their chances for success while nurturing the local ecosystem to develop the next generation of transformative tech. The fund invests in companies from Seed to Series B stages, prioritizing those that leverage breakthrough technologies to innovate industries still reliant on analog processes. With a team composed of successful founders, Great North Labs emphasizes the importance of execution in its investment strategy, seeking high-potential startups regardless of their geographic location.

Baird is a global financial consulting firm that specializes in private equity, capital markets, wealth management, and asset management. Established in 1919 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the firm operates through various subsidiaries, including Baird Capital, which focuses on venture capital, growth equity, and private equity investments across strategically-targeted sectors worldwide. Baird Capital encompasses several investment arms, such as Baird Venture Partners, which targets early to growth-stage investments in technology, healthcare, and industrial solutions, and Baird Capital Partners Europe, which specializes in lower middle-market buyouts in sectors like fintech, healthcare, and manufacturing. Baird also has a presence in Asia through Baird Asia Ltd., which develops strategies for private equity portfolio companies. With a strong emphasis on partnering with experienced management teams, Baird aims to drive value in its portfolio while providing comprehensive financial advice and services to a diverse client base, including individuals, institutions, corporations, and municipalities.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Specializing in seed-to-growth stage investments, SOSV operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet ventures, Food-X for innovative food solutions, and dlab for blockchain technology. The firm focuses on investments in revolutionary deep technologies aimed at improving human and planetary health, as well as cross-border markets, particularly in Asia. SOSV invests in approximately 150 startups annually, providing support through its resources to accelerate product development and scaling. Over its two-decade history, SOSV has established a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top venture capital firms globally.

Revolution, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 and based 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, media and entertainment, e-commerce, transportation, education, and healthcare. Revolution seeks to partner with entrepreneurs to disrupt traditional industries through innovative products and services, typically investing between $1 million and $12 million in its portfolio companies. It emphasizes the importance of investing in high-potential geographic areas, believing that talent is widely distributed but opportunities are not. Revolution operates multiple funds, including Revolution Ventures and Revolution Growth, which focus on early-stage and growth-stage investments, respectively. The firm is known for taking a controlling stake in its portfolio companies and often leads financing rounds, with a preference for collaborating with other top-tier investors.

Jumpstart Ventures is a Cleveland-based venture capital firm established in 2011. The firm focuses on investing in startups that are innovating within sectors such as software, healthcare information technology, biotechnology, and business-to-business solutions. Jumpstart Ventures aims to partner with entrepreneurs who possess a blend of humility and ambition, supporting those who are dedicated to creating meaningful and positive changes in their communities through intelligent innovation. The firm seeks to back founders who are launching companies with a strong purpose and a commitment to impactful solutions.