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.

BankFirst Financial Services, headquartered in Columbus, Mississippi, has been serving its community since 1888. With 16 branch locations across Mississippi and Alabama, the institution operates as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) since 2010. The company offers a wide range of banking services, including personal checking and savings accounts, debit and credit cards, home mortgages, and various personal and business loans. BankFirst also provides modern banking conveniences such as online and mobile banking, online bill pay, and wealth management services. The commitment of its Board of Directors and management team is to establish BankFirst as a leading, community-focused, independent bank in the regions it serves.

leading global alternative asset manager

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.

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.

Southern Motion is a manufacturer of upholstered motion furniture located in Pontotoc, Mississippi. The company specializes in a variety of products, including motion sofas, recliners, accent chairs, lift recliners, and home entertainment furniture. Southern Motion is known for its original designs and high-quality standards, offering one of the most comprehensive special order programs in the industry. By focusing on quick delivery and ultimate comfort, the company aims to meet the diverse needs of its customers, enhancing their seating experience with innovative mechanisms that allow for adjustable positions.

Cadence Bank is a regional banking institution based in Tupelo, Mississippi, with over $6.7 billion in assets. It operates more than 95 branches across Alabama, Florida, Mississippi, Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas. The bank offers a range of commercial banking and financial services tailored to individuals and small-to-medium-sized businesses. In addition to traditional banking, Cadence Bank provides wealth management services, including investment brokerage, personal trust, estate planning, and retirement accounts. The bank also has an insurance agency subsidiary that sells various insurance products. Committed to customer service, Cadence Bank emphasizes building strong relationships with clients and enhancing community development through its operations.

Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) is a prominent gaming entertainment and horse racing company based in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 1875, it is best known for its iconic racetrack, Churchill Downs, which hosts the renowned Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks. CDI operates a diverse portfolio, including racetrack and casino operations in locations such as Miami Gardens, New Orleans, and Arlington Heights, as well as casino resorts in Mississippi and a casino in Maine. The company is also involved in online wagering through its premier platform, TwinSpires.com, and owns Big Fish Games, a leading producer of casual games. CDI's operations span several segments, including live and historical racing, online betting, and gaming, generating revenue from various activities such as slot machines and table games. The company continues to enhance its facilities with modern amenities, ensuring a dynamic experience for its patrons.

Renasant Corporation is a bank holding company based in Tupelo, Mississippi, that operates Renasant Bank, which provides a wide range of financial services across Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. Established in 1904, Renasant Bank offers personal banking services such as checking and savings accounts, personal loans, and wealth management, as well as retirement planning and credit services. For businesses, it provides checking accounts, treasury management, various loan options including SBA loans, and business insurance services. Additionally, Renasant Insurance, a wholly owned subsidiary, delivers insurance products. The company features automated teller machines throughout its service areas and offers online and mobile banking for convenient, round-the-clock access to banking services. Renasant Corporation further expanded its footprint through a merger with First M&F Corporation in 2013.

Meritus Ventures, established in 2002 and based in London, Kentucky, is a venture capital firm focused on making equity investments in private, expansion-stage companies primarily located in rural areas of central and southern Appalachia. The firm targets investments in various sectors, including information technology, industrials, and telecommunications. Meritus Ventures operates in several states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and the Appalachian counties of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. In addition to financial support, Meritus Ventures offers operational assistance to its portfolio companies, aiming to foster growth and development in the communities it serves.

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.

Epika Fleet Services operates a network of mobile and in-shop preventative maintenance service centers dedicated to supporting commercial fleets throughout the United States. The company partners with top industry players and operates under well-regarded brands such as LubeZone, ProFleet, All Star Truck Service, and Deaton Fleet Solutions. With a presence in California, Texas, Oklahoma, and Georgia, Epika maintains 11 quick service preventative maintenance locations, five full-service repair facilities, and 15 branch locations. Additionally, the company operates nearly 50 mobile service units across Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Mississippi. By focusing on preventative maintenance, mechanical repair, and mobile services, Epika helps clients minimize downtime and maintain their fleet operations at competitive costs.

PotlatchDeltic is a timber manufacturing company that specializes in producing high-quality lumber and plywood. The company operates primarily through three segments: timberlands, wood products, and real estate. Its timberlands segment is responsible for the planting and harvesting of trees, along with the construction and maintenance of access roads. The wood products segment focuses on the manufacturing and distribution of various wood products, including lumber and plywood. The real estate segment involves generating sales from company-owned timberlands and managing commercial and residential properties. The timberlands and wood products segments together account for the majority of PotlatchDeltic's revenue, reflecting the company's integral role in the forestry and wood manufacturing industries across multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Minnesota, and Mississippi.

Landscape Workshop LLC is a full-service grounds management company based in Birmingham, Alabama, with branch locations across the Southeast, including Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. Founded in 1984, the company specializes in providing comprehensive landscaping services for commercial properties, including landscape construction and installation, maintenance, design, and irrigation services. Its offerings also encompass seasonal color programs, weed and insect control, arbor care, snow and ice removal, as well as power sweeping and pressure washing. Landscape Workshop serves a diverse clientele, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, municipalities, retail businesses, office parks, multifamily residences, and industrial clients. The company's focus is on helping clients maintain property value and attract new customers and tenants through expert outdoor management.

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.

Southern Bancorp, Inc. is a community development bank dedicated to providing banking and lending services to underserved communities in Arkansas and Mississippi. Founded in 1986 and formerly known as Southern Development Bancorporation, the company has originated over $2 billion in development loans, primarily targeting individuals and organizations in economically disadvantaged areas. As a certified community development financial institution, Southern Bancorp aims to enhance financial access and investment, fostering economic growth in rural regions. The organization focuses on comprehensive community engagement, recognizing that access to capital alone is insufficient for meaningful change. Its efforts extend beyond traditional banking to include credit counseling and public policy advocacy, all aimed at empowering families and communities to achieve financial stability and growth.

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.

Tencarva Machinery is a prominent distributor of process equipment and services, catering to industrial and municipal clients across the Southeast United States since 1978. The company specializes in providing a wide range of pumping systems, fluid handling systems, air handling equipment, and liquid process equipment tailored for various industries, including chemical, citrus, paper, textile, and power. In addition to its diverse product offerings, Tencarva also operates repair centers and field service teams capable of servicing most types of rotating process equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive reliable and cost-effective solutions that meet their specific application needs.

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.

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.

TT Capital Partners, LLC, established in 1997, is a Minnesota-based independent firm that operates as the private equity arm of TripleTree. It specializes in growth equity investments, focusing on the healthcare sector, particularly healthcare technology and services. The firm invests in innovative, high-growth companies expanding their customer base or entering new markets, often taking majority stakes. TT Capital Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an additional office in New York, New York.

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.

Truist is a banking organization formed through the merger of BB&T and SunTrust, with a history spanning over 275 years. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist serves approximately 12 million households and stands as the sixth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company offers a diverse range of services, including retail and commercial banking, asset management, insurance, mortgage lending, and wealth management. Truist also provides specialized services for small businesses and corporate clients, encompassing areas such as asset-based lending, treasury services, and supply chain financing. With a commitment to innovation and community development, Truist aims to enhance financial experiences for individuals and businesses alike.

Triangle Tweener Fund, established in 2021 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage, high-technology startups within the Triangle area, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding regions. The firm aims to build a comprehensive index of private company investments that meet its specific 'Tweener List' criteria, targeting promising ventures at a critical stage of their development. By concentrating on seed and early-stage investments, Triangle Tweener Fund seeks to support the growth of innovative companies that have the potential to contribute significantly to the local economy and the tech landscape.

WisdomTree Investments, Inc. is a financial services company based in New York, specializing in the sponsorship and management of exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Founded in 1985, it has established itself as one of the largest ETF providers globally, offering a diverse range of products across asset classes, including equities, currency, fixed income, and alternatives. WisdomTree employs a fundamentally weighted index methodology to develop its indexes, which are also licensed to third parties. The company is focused on innovation, actively developing next-generation digital products such as digital funds, tokenized assets, and its blockchain-native digital wallet, WisdomTree Prime. Additionally, WisdomTree provides investment advisory services and promotes the integration of its ETFs into retirement plans, thereby enhancing access and transparency for investors and financial professionals alike.

Pine Street Capital Partners, established in 2004, is a Massachusetts-based independent firm that provides financing solutions and transactional services to lower mid-market companies in the United States. They focus on established businesses with revenues typically ranging from $10 to $75 million, investing alongside experienced management teams. Pine Street offers mezzanine and equity capital for strategic acquisitions, private equity-sponsored buyouts, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and shareholder dividends. Their investment preferences include manufacturing, business services, healthcare, and industrial sectors, with a typical investment size of $2 to $6 million.

Castle Crow & Company, LLC is a private equity and merchant banking firm that specializes in equity and debt investments in privately held companies, as well as subsidiaries and divisions of public companies. Founded in 2001 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, with additional offices in Atlanta, Georgia, and Reno, Nevada, the firm focuses on transactions such as leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, recapitalizations, minority equity investments, and mezzanine capital investments. In addition to its investment activities, Castle Crow & Company provides advisory services to business owners and management teams, helping them develop growth and exit strategies to enhance shareholder value. The firm primarily operates within the United States and Canada.

Ameris Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, established in 1971. It operates as a full-service financial institution, offering a comprehensive range of banking and mortgage services across Alabama, Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, and Tennessee. With nearly $7 billion in assets, Ameris Bank has demonstrated consistent growth over more than two decades and has maintained profitability for over 16 consecutive quarters. The bank serves small to middle-market companies and individual customers, providing products such as mortgage and refinancing services, treasury support, and various investment and savings options. Ameris Bank caters to diverse sectors, including insurance, software, retail, chemicals, healthcare, energy, and transportation.

Equativ is an ad tech company that specializes in developing direct and programmatic advertising software aimed at optimizing the value of each advertisement impression. Their platform efficiently manages inventory and ad delivery across multiple formats and devices, utilizing advanced forecasting, targeting, and big data analytics. This approach allows publishers to enhance their revenue from both premium and programmatic advertisements while minimizing reliance on third-party vendors. Equativ is committed to providing brand and privacy-safe solutions that empower clients to uphold consumer rights, combining technical expertise with a focus on professionalism and innovation.

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is an independent federal agency that funds and promotes artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. Since its founding in 1965, the NEA has awarded more than $5 billion to support diverse opportunities for arts participation. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA works to strengthen the creative capacity of communities across the United States. Headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, the NEA plays a crucial role in advancing artistic excellence and enriching the cultural landscape of the nation.

PNC, established in 1845, is a prominent commercial bank headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide array of financial services, including personal and business banking, residential mortgage banking, real estate finance, asset-based lending, wealth management, and specialized banking for corporations and government entities. PNC's primary geographic markets span across the Mid Atlantic and Northeast United States. PNC Mezzanine Capital, an investment arm of PNC Financial Services Group, specializes in acquisitions, mezzanine, recapitalization, growth capital, and buyout transactions. It primarily invests in middle market companies in the United States and Canada, focusing on niche manufacturing, value-added distribution, commercial services, and business and consumer services sectors. The firm typically invests between $5 million and $70 million, often taking majority stakes, and structures investments as second lien debt, subordinated debt, or equity.

Compass is a real estate technology company that offers an integrated online platform designed for buying, renting, and selling real estate assets. Founded in 2012 by Ugo Di Girolamo, Ori Allon, and Robert Reffkin in New York, Compass aims to enhance the real estate transaction process by combining top industry talent with advanced technology. Its platform provides an array of cloud-based software tools tailored for real estate agents, facilitating customer relationship management, marketing, and client service. Operating in over 22 regions across the United States, including major markets like New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco, Compass supports agents in delivering exceptional service to their clients, thereby streamlining the entire buying and selling workflow.

Wells Fargo & Company, established in 1852, is a diversified financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. It offers a wide range of products and services, including banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance, to individuals, businesses, and institutions worldwide. The company operates through three main segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management. Community Banking provides retail banking services such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and various lending products. Wholesale Banking offers commercial banking, capital markets, and investment banking services, including corporate loans, lines of credit, and investment banking services. Wealth and Investment Management delivers personalized wealth management, investment, and retirement products and services. Wells Fargo also provides fund administration, middle-office, and operations services to alternative investment managers through its subsidiary, Wells Fargo Global Fund Services. The company operates through approximately 7,400 locations and 13,000 ATMs, with offices in 32 countries and territories.

KeyBank Foundation is a nonprofit charitable organization. KeyBank Foundation supports organizations and programs that prepare individuals for thriving futures.

Housatonic Partners, established in 1994, is a San Francisco-based private equity firm with additional offices in Boston. The firm specializes in investing in middle market companies, focusing on small to midsized businesses with EBITDA margins above 20%. Housatonic Partners targets industries such as recurring services, media, business services, tech-enabled services, healthcare, and communications. It typically invests $10 million to $50 million in equity, taking minority or majority stakes, and often seeks a board seat in its portfolio companies. The firm has a long track record of partnering with exceptional management teams and has invested in over 50 companies across these industries since its inception.

Exact Sciences Corporation, based in Madison, Wisconsin, specializes in cancer screening and diagnostic tests. Its primary product, Cologuard, is a non-invasive, stool-based DNA test for detecting colorectal cancer and pre-cancer. The company also offers Oncotype DX, a suite of tissue-based genomic tests for breast and colon cancer, and OncoExTra, a liquid-based comprehensive genomic profiling test. Exact Sciences is committed to improving cancer detection and treatment through innovative, patient-friendly solutions.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

Battery Ventures, established in 1983 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a technology-focused private equity and venture capital firm. It invests in early and growth-stage companies across various technology sectors, including application software, IT infrastructure, consumer internet, mobile services, and industrial technologies. The firm's investment strategy is global, targeting companies primarily in the United States, Europe, and Israel. Battery Ventures is registered as an Investment Adviser.

Alaris Equity Partners is a Canadian company based in Calgary, Alberta, that specializes in providing alternative financing to a diverse range of profitable private businesses across North America. Established in 2004, Alaris focuses on offering long-term equity capital to privately held companies, particularly those for whom traditional debt or private equity options may not be suitable. The company employs an innovative financing structure that enables business owners to retain long-term control while maximizing valuations and ensuring tax efficiency. Alaris primarily invests in sectors such as business services, healthcare services, industrial services, professional services, information technology services, and construction-related services. Through its unique approach, Alaris generates predictable cash flows from its Private Company Partners, offering investors an attractive and stable yield along with liquidity.

BankNewport is a banking firm offering personal and business banking products and services in Rhode Island.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Quebec. Established in 1983, the firm specializes in investing in small and medium-sized businesses across various sectors, including natural resources, aerospace, agri-food, life sciences, and culture. It primarily focuses on projects that require funding of $3 million or more and provides loans up to $2 million. The firm actively seeks investment opportunities in Quebec, particularly in regions such as Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Montérégie. Fonds de solidarité FTQ invests in a range of activities, including business succession, financial restructuring, and market development, while avoiding sectors like retail, real estate, and biotechnology. It typically engages in equity financing and unsecured debt with investment horizons ranging from five to ten years. The firm aims to support projects that positively impact the Quebec economy and often takes either minority or majority stakes in its portfolio companies.

Investissement Québec is a Canadian financial institution established in 1998, dedicated to supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large companies in the province of Québec. The organization offers a variety of financing solutions and consulting services to assist businesses in their expansion projects. By combining the strengths of financial institutions and economic development agencies, Investissement Québec aims to facilitate the establishment and growth of companies within the region. The institution plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and guidance to corporations looking to invest in Québec, thereby contributing to the local economy.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a United States government agency established in 1958, primarily in response to advancements in space exploration by the Soviet Union. Originating from the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, NASA has a long history of advancing aeronautics and astronautics. It gained prominence for its Apollo program, which successfully landed humans on the moon in 1969. NASA has since been instrumental in various space missions, including the development of the space shuttle, which provided regular access to space from 1981 until its retirement in 2011. The agency plays a key role in the International Space Station, furthering human presence in space through international collaboration. In addition to manned missions, NASA conducts extensive scientific research, exploring planets like Mars and monitoring Earth's climate through satellites. Its aeronautics teams continue to innovate in creating safer and more efficient aircraft. Overall, NASA's work aims to expand human knowledge and capabilities in space while contributing to advancements that benefit life on Earth.

HUB International is a full-service insurance brokerage firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 1998. It provides a wide range of insurance products and services, including business insurance such as commercial property, general liability, cyber, professional liability, and automobile coverage. The company also offers employee benefits products like health and retirement planning, personal insurance for property, casualty, health, and life, and risk management solutions. Additionally, HUB International provides human resources consulting services. It serves various industries including agribusiness, construction, education, healthcare, hospitality, real estate, sports, and transportation. The company has offices across North America and Canada.

BlackRock, established in 1988, is a global investment management corporation headquartered in New York City. It offers a wide range of services, including investment management, financial technology, and advisory services, catering to diverse clients such as institutions, intermediaries, and individual investors. BlackRock's investment focus spans multiple asset classes, strategies, sectors, and regions. Its private equity arm, BlackRock Private Equity Partners, founded in 1999, specializes in direct investments and fund of fund investments across various stages and sectors, with a global investment scope.

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.

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.

White Star Capital, established in 2007, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in New York, with additional offices in London, Montreal, Toronto, Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The company invests in early-stage technology companies across North America, Europe, and Asia, focusing on sectors such as software, big data, digital health, fintech, and artificial intelligence. White Star Capital provides multi-stage funding, typically ranging from USD 0.5 million to USD 7 million, to support exceptional entrepreneurs and help them scale their businesses internationally from Series A onwards. The firm's extensive experience and global network enable it to partner closely with founders, offering operational support and strategic guidance to facilitate international growth.

DICK’S Sporting Goods, founded in 1948 by Dick Stack in Binghamton, New York, began as a small bait-and-tackle shop and has evolved into a leading full-line sporting goods retailer. The company is headquartered in the Pittsburgh area and currently operates approximately 725 stores under its namesake brand, which includes outlet locations and specialized formats like House of Sport. Additionally, it runs around 130 specialty stores under the Golf Galaxy and Public Lands brands. DICK’S offers a wide variety of athletic apparel, footwear, and equipment, featuring both private-label products and well-known national brands such as Nike, Under Armour, and The North Face. The company is led by Ed Stack, the son of the founder, who has played a crucial role in expanding the business into a prominent player in the sporting goods industry. Through its commitment to quality products and customer service, DICK'S Sporting Goods continues to foster a passion for sports among its customers.

Carousel Capital, established in 1996, is a Charlotte, North Carolina-based private equity firm specializing in mid-market investments. The firm focuses on partnering with management teams to build leading companies in the business services, consumer services, and healthcare services sectors across the Southeastern United States. Carousel Capital's investor base includes institutional investors and an elite group of over 100 current and former corporate CEOs, who assist in sourcing opportunities and providing strategic support. The firm manages multiple buyout funds, targeting companies with at least $3 million in EBITDA and a 3-5 year investment horizon.