South Central Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2015, with its headquarters in Belgrade, Serbia, and additional offices in Zagreb, Croatia; Ljubljana, Slovenia; and Skopje, Macedonia. The firm specializes in both direct and fund of fund investments, focusing primarily on early stage and growth investments in the technology sector, which includes Information and Communications Technology (ICT), SaaS, mobile, IoT, HealthTech, FinTech, and digital media. South Central Ventures aims to support small and medium enterprises in the Balkans, investing up to €0.5 million in total per company, with a maximum of €0.1 million for seed stage investments and up to €3 million for early and growth stage investments. The firm seeks to take equity stakes between 25 percent and 49 percent in its portfolio companies, prioritizing those with strong management teams and significant growth potential.

Viaduct Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and located in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology startups, particularly those that operate within the big data, internet of things, fintech, and digital health sectors. Viaduct Ventures seeks to support companies that function as data refineries, providing actionable intelligence to empower businesses. With a preference for investments in European and Silicon Valley-based companies, Viaduct Ventures aims to foster innovation and growth in its target industries.

ARX Equity Partners is a private equity firm based in Prague, Czech Republic, with additional offices in Budapest, Hungary, and Warsaw, Poland. Founded in 1996, the firm specializes in mid-market investments across various sectors, including financial services, consumer goods, healthcare, business services, and technology. ARX focuses on expansion financing, management buyouts, buy-ins, and industry consolidation transactions, primarily targeting later-stage companies in Central and Eastern Europe. It seeks to invest between €3 million and €15 million in companies with a minimum EBITDA of €1 million, and it considers both majority and minority ownership positions. The firm is particularly interested in management or family-owned enterprises that are looking to divest subsidiaries. ARX plans to exit investments through trade sales within a timeframe of three to six years. Its investment strategy emphasizes companies engaged in the production of goods and the provision of services, reflecting a diverse portfolio approach.

Lead Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Budapest, Hungary, that focuses on financing scale-ups and emerging growth companies in Central and Eastern Europe. Established in 2017, it specializes in investments across various sectors, including mobility, energy and sustainability, as well as B2B services, software, chemicals, IoT, and retail. The firm typically invests between €1 million and €10 million, targeting dynamic teams with strong growth potential and validated market solutions. With €100 million under management, Lead Ventures is backed by MOL, a leading energy company in the region, along with two financial institutions dedicated to supporting the startup ecosystem. The firm aims to empower promising ventures with not only capital but also experience and a robust professional network, fostering innovation to transform industries.

Founded in 1992, Pro Partners Holding is a private equity firm based in Bratislava, Slovakia. The firm seeks to make investments in the finance, real estate, renewable energy, and healthcare sectors in Central and Eastern Europe.

Bancroft 2 is a buyout fund managed by Bancroft Private Equity, which was founded in 1989 and is based in the Channel Islands, United Kingdom. Launched in November 2002, Bancroft 2 expanded its investment focus to include Turkey alongside Eastern Europe. The fund primarily targets mid-market investments across various sectors, including commercial products, consumer durables, industrials, and telecommunications, media, and technology. Bancroft Private Equity specializes in private equity investments and has a history of providing mergers and acquisition advice, as well as making direct acquisitions for its own account. The firm’s strategic approach encompasses investments in financial services, consumer goods, and transportation, reflecting its commitment to enhancing value in the regions it serves.

SEAF is a global investment firm that specializes in providing growth capital and operational support to businesses in emerging markets, particularly those underserved by traditional financial sources. Established in 1989 in Washington, D.C., as a subsidiary of the development organization CARE, SEAF focuses on investing in locally owned enterprises with significant growth potential. The firm operates in 18 countries, with a strong presence in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as fund operations in Asia and Latin America. SEAF employs a strategy of making structured debt and equity investments while actively partnering with entrepreneurs to enhance their business capabilities. Its investment approach emphasizes economic development, diversity, inclusion, and measurable impacts in local communities, targeting sectors such as tourism, education, logistics, healthcare, and technology. SEAF aims to create attractive returns for its investors while fostering sustainable growth in the regions it serves.

212 Limited is a venture capital firm established in 2011 and based in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg. The firm specializes in start-up to late venture investments, primarily focusing on internet, communication, and technology sectors, including software, social gaming, eCommerce, mobile applications, social media, and cloud services. It targets investment opportunities in Turkey, the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. 212 Limited typically invests between $0.5 million and $3 million in portfolio companies and generally prefers to acquire minority stakes. The firm is driven by a vision to cultivate a robust ecosystem in Turkey and its surrounding areas, leveraging the diverse expertise of its team members.

Addiko Bank AG is an international banking group headquartered in Vienna, Austria, providing a comprehensive range of financial products and services across Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Austria, and Germany. The bank caters to a diverse clientele, including private individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, and public institutions, with offerings such as personal loans, mortgage loans, consumer finance, working capital and investment loans, trade finance, and daily banking services. In addition to traditional banking services, Addiko Bank emphasizes digital solutions, including online deposit services and mobile banking. As of the end of 2019, the bank operated a network of 179 branches and served approximately 860,000 clients. The Addiko Group, which has been operating under this name since 2016, is directly owned by AI Lake (Luxembourg) S.á r.l. and backed by funds advised by Advent International and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

ESPIRA Fund I is a private equity growth expansion fund managed by ESPIRA Investments, a Prague-based investment firm established in 2016. The fund focuses on early-stage and mid-market investments in small and medium-sized enterprises across Central and Eastern Europe, specifically targeting the consumer durable, service, and manufacturing sectors. With investments ranging from EUR 1 to EUR 3 million per company, ESPIRA Fund I aims to partner with high-potential businesses and their owners to accelerate growth and enhance market share. The firm emphasizes impact investing, prioritizing companies that aim for positive social and environmental outcomes. By combining capital infusion with strategic expertise from a network of experienced professionals, ESPIRA fosters transparent collaborations that respect each company's unique culture and values.

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

Simest is a financial firm based in Rome, Italy, established in 1991, that specializes in supporting the international development of Italian enterprises. The firm invests in foreign companies outside the European Union, acquiring up to 49% of their equity capital, either in wholly-owned subsidiaries or joint ventures with local partners. Simest offers various forms of financing, including start-up and growth capital, as well as participation in buyouts. Its investment focus includes regions such as BRIC, the Americas, and the Middle East, targeting sectors like business services, consumer products, and manufacturing. Additionally, Simest provides technical assistance and advisory services to Italian companies looking to expand internationally. The firm is affiliated with the European Development Finance Institutions and the Italian Venture Capital and Private Equity Association.

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

Integral Venture Partners is a private equity firm established in 2019, headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with additional offices in Budapest, Hungary, and Belgrade, Serbia. The firm specializes in growth capital investments, focusing on central and south-eastern Europe. Integral Venture Partners seeks to invest up to EUR25 million in companies with significant growth and value-add potential across various sectors, including technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT), healthcare, consumer goods and services, B2B services, and niche manufacturing. As an independently owned firm, it aims to identify and support businesses that demonstrate strong prospects for development and profitability.

Alfabeat is a venture capital firm based in Gdansk, Poland, with an additional office in Warsaw. Founded in 2015, the firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments in B2B enterprise software start-ups, primarily targeting companies in Central and Eastern Europe. Alfabeat aims to tap into the region's emerging technology hubs and engineering talent, addressing the challenges of limited capital and connections within the global ecosystem. By supporting startup founders, Alfabeat seeks to foster the development of companies with the potential to achieve global success and create significant market impact.

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

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

EMF Capital Partners Limited is a private equity firm based in London, specializing in investments in financial institutions, particularly within the insurance sector, encompassing both life and non-life insurers. Established in 2011, the firm focuses on emerging markets across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with specific interest in countries such as Albania, Turkey, and Ukraine. EMF Capital aims to invest between $5 million and $20 million, typically seeking a majority stake in its portfolio companies. The firm has additional offices in Moscow and Istanbul, emphasizing its commitment to connecting capital consumers in emerging markets with capital providers in developed markets.

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

Portobello Capital is an independent mid-market private equity manager based in Madrid, Spain, established in 2010. The firm focuses on investing in growing businesses across Southern Europe, particularly in sectors such as food, manufacturing, and services. With approximately 1.3 billion euros in capital committed and under management, Portobello Capital employs a team of thirty professionals and manages a diverse portfolio of fifteen companies. The firm primarily attracts institutional international investors, who represent 88% of its funding commitments. Portobello Capital aims to create long-lasting value through innovative thinking and a bold approach to investment, challenging conventional methods in the pursuit of sound business rationale.

bValue Fund is a venture capital firm based in Warsaw, Poland, focused on investing in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage companies across various sectors. Established in 2016, the firm primarily targets enterprises within the CEE region, particularly in Poland and Ukraine. Its investment strategy emphasizes industries undergoing digital transformation, including hi-tech, engineering, fintech, logistics, healthcare, and e-commerce. bValue Fund typically invests between €0.25 million and €1 million in companies that demonstrate potential for growth, preferably those with recurring revenues or a minimum viable product. The firm seeks minority stakes in its portfolio companies and leverages the extensive experience and networks of its management team and investors to help businesses scale and navigate challenges. With a diversified portfolio, bValue Fund aims to support innovative solutions that have the potential to become global leaders.

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

Hiventures is a prominent venture capital firm based in Budapest, Hungary, founded in 1999. It focuses on providing equity funding to innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential, as well as more traditional businesses. By investing across various sectors, Hiventures aims to foster a sustainable and competitive ecosystem for SMEs in Hungary and the broader Central and Eastern European region. The firm is recognized as one of the largest and most active venture capital partners in the area, dedicated to creating new funding avenues for enterprises.

Turkven is a private equity firm based in Istanbul, Turkey, established in 2000. With assets under management of $2 billion, the firm focuses on both equity and debt investments across various sectors, including energy, healthcare, retail, consumer goods, technology, and manufacturing. Turkven's team of investment professionals brings extensive experience and insights to portfolio management, emphasizing a culture of company-building and sectoral expertise. The firm has consistently partnered with leading companies, demonstrating a commitment to fostering growth and development within its investment landscape.

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

MSIN Group, founded in 2002 and based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, is a private equity firm focused on investing in mid-sized Slovenian companies across various sectors. The firm targets industries such as proprietary technologies, security printing and packaging, traffic management, microelectronics, alternative energies, sustainable food and agriculture, as well as mining and quarrying. Additionally, MSIN aims to invest in commercial real estate, including parking spaces and warehouses. The company supports its portfolio through expert guidance in restructuring, optimization, and business development, enabling firms to achieve faster growth, enhance competitiveness, and improve operational transparency.

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.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is an investment firm established in 1991 to support the development of market economies and democracies in Central and Eastern Europe and Central Asia. As the largest single investor in the region, the EBRD focuses on private enterprises, investing primarily in minority equity positions and participating in private equity funds that target medium-sized companies seeking expansion. The firm mobilizes significant foreign direct investment and provides project financing for a variety of sectors, including banking, industry, and municipal services. It collaborates with publicly owned companies to facilitate privatization and restructuring efforts. The EBRD operates in countries committed to democratic principles and emphasizes strong corporate governance and environmental respect in all its investments. With a portfolio exceeding €130 billion across over 5,200 projects, the EBRD has also extended its financing initiatives to the Middle East and Africa, leveraging its expertise to foster economic growth and transformation.

HBM Healthcare Investments is a principal investment firm established in 2001 and based in Zug, Switzerland, with a focus on the biotechnology, human medicine, diagnostics, and medical technology sectors. The firm invests globally in approximately 40 mature emerging companies, primarily targeting private firms that demonstrate significant value creation potential. Approximately two-thirds of its portfolio consists of investments in unquoted companies, while the remainder includes public companies and funds. HBM Healthcare Investments has developed a distinctive market position through its strategic investments in firms whose products are either at advanced stages of development or already available in the market. This diversified approach allows the firm to leverage opportunities across Europe, Asia, and North America, contributing to its broad shareholder base and enhancing its investment capabilities.

Wellington Management Company LLP, founded in 1928 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent investment management firm providing comprehensive solutions to institutional clients worldwide. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative investments, tailored to meet the unique return and risk objectives of its clients. Wellington Management employs a collaborative approach, leveraging proprietary research and analytical tools to identify opportunities and manage risks across global capital markets. The firm caters to a wide array of clients, including sovereign institutions, endowments, foundations, wealth managers, and insurance companies, spanning more than 50 countries. With a focus on long-term investment principles, Wellington Management fosters independent thought and debate within its teams, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to deliver consistent results. The firm also emphasizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in its research and investment processes, engaging with companies on key ESG topics.

Eleven Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sofia, Bulgaria, specializing in early-stage investments, particularly in technology companies across Southeast Europe. Founded in 2012, the firm focuses on sectors such as Fintech, HealthTech, eCommerce, Future of Food, Future of Work, software tools, consumer products, Sportstech, ERP, gaming, Adtech, Mobility, and Home Automation. Eleven Ventures does not invest in not-for-profit projects and instead targets companies that have a legal entity in Bulgaria and are expected to participate in a three-month acceleration program. The firm typically invests between €0.025 million and €0.5 million, taking minority stakes ranging from 6% to 30% depending on the stage of investment. In addition to funding, Eleven Ventures offers office accommodation, back office services, and access to over €0.1 million in free deals from technology service providers. Each quarter, the firm accepts 10-15 teams into its mentor-led program, providing strategic support and follow-on funding opportunities for companies with fully developed products.

Mérieux Equity Partners, established in 2009 and based in Lyon, France, is a private equity firm focused on venture, growth, and leveraged buyout (LBO) investments within the healthcare and nutrition sectors. The firm targets early-stage and growth capital opportunities in areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medtech, and life sciences. Mérieux Equity Partners actively supports entrepreneurs and companies offering innovative products and services by leveraging its extensive expertise and international network. Currently, the firm manages over €600 million in assets under management and has recently introduced a new investment vehicle, MP3, with €350 million allocated for growth and LBO opportunities.

Nomad Foods Limited, headquartered in Feltham, United Kingdom, specializes in the production and distribution of frozen foods across Western Europe, including the UK, Italy, Germany, and several Scandinavian countries. The company’s product range includes fish items such as fish fingers and coated fish, as well as vegetables, poultry, and ready-made meals like pasta and lasagne. Nomad Foods markets its offerings primarily under well-known brands such as Birds Eye, Iglo, Findus, and Goodfella's, selling products directly to supermarkets and food retail chains. Founded in 2014, Nomad Foods aims to support organic growth initiatives and pursue strategic acquisitions to expand its portfolio within the frozen food sector. The majority of its revenue is generated in the United Kingdom, with a focus on delivering high-quality frozen food options to a wide consumer base.

Citigroup Inc. is a global diversified financial services holding company headquartered in New York. It offers a wide range of financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions across various regions, including North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through two main segments: Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG). The GCB segment provides traditional banking services such as retail banking, commercial banking, credit cards, and retail services to individual customers. In contrast, the ICG segment focuses on wholesale banking products and services, including investment banking, corporate lending, foreign exchange, cash management, and wealth management for corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth clients. Founded in 1812, Citigroup has a significant global presence and is committed to facilitating growth and economic progress for its diverse clientele.

UBS is a prominent global financial services firm headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, specializing in wealth management, investment banking, and asset management. The company serves a diverse clientele, including individuals, families, institutions, and corporations, offering tailored solutions that encompass traditional and alternative investments, real estate, and infrastructure. UBS Wealth Management provides comprehensive asset management services to both individual and institutional clients through a network of offices worldwide. Its investment banking division delivers financial advisory services, capital market access, and risk management solutions. Additionally, UBS Global Asset Management operates subsidiaries across various regions, including Asia-Pacific and Europe, focusing on investment strategies that cater to pension funds, financial intermediaries, and private clients. The firm emphasizes building trusted relationships and understanding clients' needs to deliver informed financial advice and superior investment performance.

Wayra UK Limited is an accelerator focused on early-stage technology startups, primarily in sectors such as healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, and smart transport. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in London, it operates as a subsidiary of Wayra Investigación y Desarrollo, S.L.U. Wayra UK provides various acceleration programs that include direct cash investments, such as up to €0.25 million for its Wayra Call and £34,000 for the Velocity Health program, which also offers an additional cash prize. Other initiatives include the Wayra Fair By Design program and the GCHQ Cyber Accelerator, which supports cybersecurity startups with grants. The firm aims to connect innovative entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and a network of partners to foster business growth, leveraging its affiliation with Telefónica to enhance its reach within the global entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Masdar, established in 2006 and based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is a prominent renewable energy company dedicated to developing renewable energy projects and advancing clean technology innovations. The firm is also involved in low-carbon urban development, aiming to promote sustainability in urban environments. In addition to its project development activities, Masdar Capital focuses on venture capital investments in sectors such as energy, commercial services, and technology. Furthermore, Masdar is linked to the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, which is recognized as the world's first graduate-level university devoted to addressing sustainability challenges through research and education in advanced energy and sustainable technologies. Overall, Masdar plays a significant role in driving the transition to sustainable energy and urban solutions in the region and beyond.

Medtronic is a global leader in healthcare technology, focused on developing and manufacturing medical devices and therapies for the treatment of chronic diseases. Founded in 1949 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company operates through four main business units: the Minimally Invasive Therapies Group, the Diabetes Group, the Restorative Therapies Group, and the Cardiac and Vascular Group. Medtronic's portfolio includes solutions for a wide range of conditions, such as heart failure, diabetes, chronic pain, and spinal disorders. The company aims to improve patients' lives by providing innovative medical technologies and services, which are designed to offer lifelong solutions for managing chronic health issues. Additionally, Medtronic has expanded its reach by operating subsidiaries, such as Medina Medical Inc., which specializes in minimally invasive devices for treating brain aneurysms and stroke.

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.

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.

Morgenthaler Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Portola Valley, California, with over 45 years of experience in the industry. Founded in 1968, the firm focuses on investing across various sectors, including business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), healthcare, information technology, software as a service (SaaS), manufacturing, and life sciences. Morgenthaler Ventures aims to partner with innovative companies and supports their growth through strategic guidance and substantial capital investment. The firm has a history of investing in notable IT companies, including Evernote, Lending Club, and Siri. In addition to its venture capital activities, Morgenthaler also engages in lower middle market private equity through Morgenthaler Private Equity, focusing on leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and investments in entrepreneurial and family-owned businesses. The firm seeks to create long-term shareholder value by collaborating closely with management teams to enhance operational and financial performance.

Advanced Technology Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1979, with offices in Menlo Park, California, and Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in seed, early stage, late venture, and growth capital investments, focusing on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and cleantech. In healthcare, it targets next-generation biologics, immunomodulation, and minimally invasive therapeutics, while in information technology, it emphasizes software as a service, cloud computing, and mobile platforms. In the cleantech sector, investments are made in smart grid technologies and energy efficiency solutions. The firm typically invests between $10 million and $15 million in its portfolio companies, leads syndicated deals, and seeks board representation. Advanced Technology Ventures has managed six investment funds and has made a total of 249 investments to date, exiting from 69 of them. The firm primarily targets opportunities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Israel.

Vestigo Capital Advisors LLP is a private equity firm based in London, United Kingdom, with an additional office in St. Peter Port, Channel Islands. Founded in 2014, the firm focuses on investments in South East Europe, targeting sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, and specialist manufacturing. Vestigo typically invests in companies with an enterprise value ranging from €10 million to €40 million and prefers to take control positions in its investments. In addition to private equity, Vestigo also offers advisory services related to funds and various types of assets under management, with current opportunities in real estate, renewable energy, and infrastructure.

United Group is a prominent multi-play telecommunications and media provider in South East Europe, delivering a comprehensive range of services to both households and businesses. The company offers broadband, telephone, mobile, and data connectivity, alongside an alternative Pay TV platform that enhances its customer offerings. With the broadest network coverage in the region, United Group provides an extensive selection of content, featuring local and international programming. To facilitate its expansion and development, the company has secured partnerships with notable global investors, including KKR and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which have played a significant role in its growth trajectory.

Ahold facilitates food retail stores in the United States, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Central and Southeastern Europe. It facilitates supermarkets, convenience and specialty stores, online delivery, pick-up points, hypermarkets, and gasoline stations. Furthermore, it facilitates a number of brands, including Albert Heijn, Tempo, Shop and Go, Etos, and more. Ahold acquired bDelhaize Group and Bol.com. Ahold was founded in 1887.

Advent International is a prominent global private equity firm founded in 1984 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. With a significant presence across four continents, the firm specializes in buyouts and growth equity investments, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, technology, business and financial services, consumer and services, industrial, and retail. Since initiating its private equity strategy in 1989, Advent has invested approximately $44 billion in over 345 companies across 41 countries. The firm aims to partner with management teams of well-positioned companies to drive sustained revenue and earnings growth. Advent International operates multiple offices globally, employing a team of more than 195 investment professionals dedicated to maximizing value in its portfolio.

Blackstone is a global investment firm headquartered in New York, specializing in alternative asset management across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, credit, and life sciences. Founded in 1985 by Stephen A. Schwarzman and Peter G. Peterson, the firm serves a diverse clientele, including pension funds, institutional investors, and charitable organizations, managing significant assets on their behalf. Blackstone employs a comprehensive investment strategy that integrates qualitative and quantitative analyses to identify opportunities across public and private markets. The firm also includes subsidiaries focused on secondary private equity investments and life sciences, partnering with industries to support the development of innovative healthcare solutions. With a presence in major financial centers worldwide, Blackstone is recognized for its commitment to creating long-term value for its investors and the broader community.

Global Ports Holding (GPH), established in 2004, is an independent international port operator specializing in cruise and commercial port operations. It is recognized as a leading player in the cruise port sector, managing 14 ports across eight countries, including prominent locations such as Barcelona and Venice. GPH serves a diverse clientele, including cruise lines, ferries, yachts, and mega-yachts, catering to approximately 7.8 million passengers annually and holding a significant 25% market share in the Mediterranean. In addition to its cruise operations, the company also manages commercial ports that focus on the handling of container, bulk, and general cargo. GPH's strategic segments include various regions such as the Western Mediterranean, Central Mediterranean, Americas, and Eastern Mediterranean and Adriatic, reflecting its comprehensive approach to port management and growth in the maritime industry.

Yıldız Ventures, established in 2019 as the corporate venture arm of Yıldız Holding in Istanbul, Turkey, focuses on supporting early-stage companies across various sectors, including retail, food technology, agriculture technology, deep technology, software as a service, e-commerce, mobility, logistics, financial technology, gaming, and human resources technology. The firm offers a startup acceleration program, incubation services, and financial investments, allowing entrepreneurs to pilot their products and gain vital feedback on market compatibility through collaborations with established corporate partners. This comprehensive approach aims to foster innovation and growth within the startup ecosystem.

Droege Capital GmbH, based in Düsseldorf, Germany, is a private equity firm established in 1988. The firm specializes in equity-financed direct investments in medium-sized companies and corporate subsidiaries, including carve-outs and spin-offs. Droege Capital combines the expertise of entrepreneurial consulting with the principles of a family business, focusing on enhancing company value through investment, financing, transformation, and optimization. The firm's approach is characterized by a commitment to quality, innovation, and speed in its operations.