NC IDEA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies in North Carolina. It primarily offers financial assistance through its NC IDEA SEED and NC IDEA MICRO programs. NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 grants to innovative startups with viable concepts, helping them scale more quickly, while also offering mentorship to mitigate growth risks. Since its inception in 2006, this initiative has granted over $7.2 million to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent of these businesses still operational today. Collectively, they have secured over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs. The NC IDEA MICRO program complements this by offering $10,000 grants to early-stage companies seeking to validate and advance their ideas. Through these efforts, NC IDEA plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of technology-driven entrepreneurship in the region.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, established in 1981 as a private, non-profit corporation by the state's General Assembly, is dedicated to enhancing the biotechnology sector in North Carolina. It focuses on fostering biotechnology research, business development, and educational initiatives to create long-term economic benefits for the state. Although it does not conduct laboratory research itself, the Center plays a crucial role in supporting job creation and promoting strategic policies that bolster the biotechnology industry. By facilitating collaboration among researchers, businesses, and educational institutions, the Center aims to position North Carolina as a leader in biotechnology innovation and economic growth.

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.

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.

Idea Fund Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2007, based in Wisconsin. The firm specializes in providing seed and early-stage equity funding along with company-building expertise. It targets investment opportunities in technology, healthcare, engineered products, agriculture, education, and financial services across the United States, with a particular focus on emerging geographies. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs, their customers, and local communities through its investments, fostering growth in various sectors, including IT, materials technologies, and medical devices.

Cofounders Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cary, North Carolina, that specializes in early-stage, seed, and startup investments. Established in 2015, the firm focuses primarily on the business-to-business software sector and typically invests around $0.3 million per venture, often taking minority stakes. Cofounders Capital collaborates with the Town of Cary to offer free lab space to entrepreneurs, providing them with expert guidance in modeling and vetting their startup ideas. The firm assists in prototyping and connecting ventures with beta customers, ultimately funding the most promising projects through its seed fund. Cofounders Capital is managed by David Gardner, a serially successful entrepreneur, and supported by a team of over seventy advisers and volunteer mentors who are committed to fostering entrepreneurship in the Triangle region.

VentureSouth is a venture capital firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in startup and early-stage investments. Established in 2014, the firm primarily focuses on manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors within the Southeastern United States, particularly in the Carolinas and neighboring states. VentureSouth typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million for a preferred equity stake ranging from 15% to 35%. The firm aims for investments that have the potential to achieve a 50% annualized rate of return over a 3-5 year horizon. Unlike many investors, VentureSouth does not engage in common equity or debt investments, and it rarely considers convertible debt.

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.

Southeast TechInventures, Inc. incubator firm that typically works with university-based inventors to accelerate the commercialization of technologies and intellectual property (IP) in the areas of, medical devices, diagnostics, nanotechnology, electronics, agriculture, bioengineering; photonics and communications; information technology; materials science; and surveillance and security networks. It helps in establishing the entity as a spin-off company. The firm takes an equity and/or royalty stake in the company. At the present time, it is not involved in the commercialization of drug development or websites. Southeast TechInventures, Inc. was co-founded by Ms. Karen LeVert and Dr. Kristina M. Johnson in January, 2003 and is based in Morrisville, North Carolina.

Hatteras Discovery is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, focusing on early and seed stage investments in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Established in August 2011 as a subsidiary of Hatteras Venture Partners, it primarily targets therapeutic areas such as ophthalmology, cardiovascular, pulmonary, anti-infectives, oncology, immunology, and orphan diseases. The firm aims to invest between $0.25 million and $1 million in portfolio companies located in North Carolina, emphasizing its commitment to supporting regional innovation in healthcare. Hatteras Discovery leverages the expertise and resources of its parent company, which has a broader focus on biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and healthcare technologies, thereby enhancing its ability to foster the growth of emerging companies in the healthcare landscape.

Bull City Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on early-stage investments in technology and healthcare companies. Founded in 2012, the firm primarily targets investments in sectors such as software, health information technology, mobile, internet, e-commerce, and digital media. Bull City Venture Partners aims to invest in companies located in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, although it remains open to opportunities in other areas as well. The firm often seeks to lead investment rounds and typically prefers to take a board seat to support the growth and capital needs of the businesses they invest in. Their investment range typically spans from $0.3 million to $3 million.

Intersouth Partners is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, specializing in seed and early-stage investments primarily within the technology and life sciences sectors. Established in 1985, the firm has invested in over 100 private companies and manages $780 million across seven limited partnerships, making it one of the largest venture capital funds in the Southeast. Intersouth focuses on technology areas such as software, semiconductors, digital media, clean technology, and security, while in life sciences, it targets medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, and agricultural biotechnology. The firm typically leads or co-leads investment rounds, making initial equity investments ranging from $0.5 million to $8 million, with an average total investment of $12 million per company over multiple financing rounds. It seeks to take a board seat in its portfolio companies and aims for exits within two to six years. Intersouth does not invest in industries such as airline, apparel, or real estate, and primarily focuses on companies located in the Southeast corridor from Baltimore to Florida.

Lookout Capital is a venture capital firm focused on investing in startups and early-stage companies, particularly in the information technology, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. The firm also considers investments in non-technology startups, including manufacturers and service businesses. Primarily targeting companies based in North Carolina or nearby areas, Lookout Capital typically invests between $250,000 and $1 million in firms with revenues up to $5 million. The firm aims to establish a controlling stake in its portfolio companies, often appointing an interim executive to lead management and governance. With a team of over 60 qualified principals, advisors, and investors, Lookout Capital is well-equipped to identify and nurture growth opportunities in the region. The firm is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina, and operates as a subsidiary of Lookout Capital, LLC.

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

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.

Sovereign's Capital, founded in 2012 and based in California, is a venture capital firm that specializes in growth-stage investments. The firm primarily targets sectors such as consumer software as a service (SaaS), business-to-business technology, healthcare information technology, and medical devices. These industries are seen as poised for growth due to the expanding middle class and the limited representation of such companies in public markets, particularly in Southeast Asia. Sovereign's Capital leverages the deep expertise of its principals and advisers to identify and invest in promising opportunities within these focus areas. Additionally, the firm manages Sovereign's E&S, a buyout fund located in Atlanta, Georgia, further enhancing its investment portfolio.

Piedmont Angel Network LLC is a venture capital firm based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, that specializes in investing in seed and early-stage companies with high growth potential. Since its founding in 2001, the firm has focused on sectors such as life sciences, software, technology, and advanced materials. Piedmont Angel Network typically invests between $250,000 and $350,000 in companies with enterprise values ranging from $1 million to $5 million and aims for firms that can achieve annual revenues of $50 million to $100 million. While it primarily targets opportunities within North Carolina, the firm is open to evaluating prospects in neighboring states such as South Carolina and Virginia. Piedmont Angel Network often collaborates with other angel investors, investment networks, and venture firms, participating in funding rounds as either a lead or follow-on investor. The firm seeks to exit its investments within three to five years through the sale of the portfolio companies. Since its inception, it has invested in 23 companies, demonstrating its commitment to fostering growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Oval Park Capital is a multi-family investment manager focused on investments in early and growth stage companies and real estate.

Charlotte Angel Fund is a member-driven angel investment fund designed to make investments in early stage high growth companies. The fund is a part of the Inception Micro Angel Fund (IMAF) family of funds. Members of the fund are individuals who are accredited investors with an interest in making investments in early stage companies. The fund consists of a buy-in portion in which members share pro-rata based upon their initial capital contribution, and an add-on portion through which members can direct additional investment towards portfolio companies of particular interest to the individual member.

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.

Grotech Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1984, headquartered in Hunt Valley, Maryland, with additional offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Denver, Colorado. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on high-growth technology sectors such as social and digital media, e-commerce, mobile and cloud software, enterprise software, big data analytics, security technologies, and healthcare IT. Grotech Ventures does not invest in life sciences, biotech sectors, or foreign entities. It primarily targets underserved venture markets across the United States, including areas like Charlotte, Northern Virginia, Atlanta, and the Rocky Mountain region. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $500,000 to $5 million and seeks to support portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds. Grotech Ventures prefers to take a lead role in its investments and often secures a board seat, emphasizing a collaborative, long-term partnership with entrepreneurs to drive growth and innovation.

Excelerate Health Ventures is a private equity firm based in the Research Triangle Park, focusing on seed and early-stage investments in healthcare IT and technology sectors. Established in 2013, the firm specializes in identifying and supporting healthcare software and services startups that utilize a SaaS B2B model. The management team consists of seasoned healthcare entrepreneurs with extensive experience in growing startups. Excelerate Health Ventures employs its network of healthcare providers, payers, and strategic partners to validate, mentor, and enhance the growth of its portfolio companies, thereby accelerating the adoption and revenue generation of their products and services. The firm primarily invests in North America and aims to foster innovation within the health tech and digital technology industries.

Battery Ventures is a technology-focused venture capital firm founded in 1983 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Silicon Valley and Israel. The firm specializes in investing in innovative and potentially transformative businesses across various sectors, including application software, IT infrastructure, consumer internet and mobile services, industrial technologies, and life science tools. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Battery Ventures aims to support companies that are defining new categories and driving advancements in their respective markets.

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.

Carousel Capital is a private investment firm based in North Carolina, founded in 1996, that specializes in mid-market investments in the Southeastern United States. The firm focuses on three primary sectors: business services, consumer products and services, and healthcare services. Carousel Capital partners with management teams to build companies that aspire to achieve national and global presence. The firm is supported by a diverse investor base, which includes institutional investors and over one hundred current and former corporate Chief Executive Officers. These executives contribute by identifying investment opportunities and offering strategic guidance. Carousel Capital typically targets investments in businesses generating at least three million in EBITDA, with an investment horizon of three to five years.

Good Growth Capital (GGC) is an early stage venture capital firm known for its exceptional expertise in finding, cultivating and assessing complex science and deep-tech start-ups. The team of five Managing Partners are experienced operators having been entrepreneurs starting 18 companies. The team’s strong capacity for understanding early stage science and technology investments enables GGC to invest well at an earlier stage than most venture capital firms, giving priority access to high-performing investment opportunities. GGC invests in seed stage and Series A deals through the General Fund family and in pre-seed and seed stage companies through the Infinite Corridor Fund, which primarily targets MIT-affiliated and transformative science start-ups. GGC is majority women- and minority-owned and is uniquely positioned geographically in both the Southeast and New England.

Carlyle Group, founded in 1987, is a global alternative asset manager primarily focused on private equity, real assets, and market strategies. With over $81 billion in equity capital under management, the firm operates across various investment sectors, including leveraged buyouts, venture capital, real estate, and leveraged finance. Carlyle employs more than 575 investment professionals across 21 countries, overseeing a diverse portfolio that includes companies employing over 286,000 individuals worldwide. The firm has established multiple specialized funds, targeting sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and consumer products in regions spanning North America, Europe, and Asia. Carlyle's investment approach emphasizes long-term value creation, aiming for substantial capital appreciation by partnering with businesses and management teams to maximize their potential. This extensive network and commitment to diverse asset classes enable Carlyle to attract a broad base of institutional and private investors globally.

5Y Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Shanghai, China, specializing in seed, startup, early venture, and growth capital investments. Established in 1992, the firm focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including healthcare, technology, fintech, internet services, consumer services, media, and life sciences, among others. It aims to support entrepreneurs in building innovative companies, particularly in China and other emerging markets in Asia/Pacific. Managing approximately USD 5 billion in dual-currency funds, 5Y Capital attracts investments from global sources, including sovereign wealth funds and family offices. The firm typically makes initial investments exceeding USD 500,000 per portfolio company. 5Y Capital operates under the Morningside Group, which is committed to socially responsible investing, particularly in educational opportunities and scientific research.

The Aurora Funds is a venture capital firm based in Cary, North Carolina, with an additional office in Durham. Founded in 1994, it specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on healthcare and information technology sectors. Within healthcare, the firm targets biotechnology, therapeutics, medical devices, healthcare services, and healthcare information technology. In the information technology arena, it emphasizes internet infrastructure, software, data communications, semiconductors, and emerging technologies like photonics and nanotechnology. Aurora Funds typically invests between $50,000 and $2.5 million in initial financing rounds, with total investments ranging from $4 million to $8 million as companies develop. The firm seeks to back companies with enterprise values between $2 million and $40 million and prefers to take a lead or co-lead role while having a board seat in its portfolio companies.

Rex Health Ventures, founded in 2012 and based in North Carolina, is a private equity firm focused on early-stage investments in healthcare and related technology companies. The firm is dedicated to discovering and developing innovative treatments, tools, products, and services that enhance the quality of healthcare. By investing in and partnering with entrepreneurs and companies, Rex Health Ventures aims to facilitate the entry of novel healthcare solutions into the marketplace. Their strategic initiatives include a comprehensive platform designed to support healthcare innovation, guiding promising startups from the initial idea phase through commercialization and expansion while addressing the unique challenges faced by early-stage ventures.

Novo Holdings, established in 1999, is the holding company of the Novo Group, primarily managing the investment assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Based in Copenhagen, with additional offices in San Francisco and Boston, Novo Holdings focuses on two main investment categories: Life Science Investments, which encompasses funding life science companies at various stages of development, and Financial Investments, which entails managing a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed income securities. As a prominent life science investor, Novo Holdings aims to create long-term value while ensuring that the Foundation can distribute returns for scientific, social, and humanitarian purposes to enhance public health and welfare. The company has also developed initiatives such as Novo Seeds, which supports early-stage applied research in life sciences, and invests in later-stage life science companies through growth equity. Novo Holdings maintains a strategic influence over affiliated companies, aligning their operations with the values and objectives of the Novo Group.

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is a global investment firm that manages a diverse range of alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and hedge funds through strategic partnerships. Founded in 1976 by Jerome Kohlberg, Jr., Henry Kravis, and George R. Roberts, the firm has completed numerous notable transactions, including the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco and TXU. KKR employs a disciplined investment approach aimed at generating attractive returns for its fund investors while investing its own capital alongside that of its clients. The firm's extensive operations span 21 cities across 16 countries, with its headquarters currently located in New York. KKR also offers comprehensive human resources services, further diversifying its business capabilities.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York, is a national investment firm that specializes in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm employs a flexible investment strategy aimed at promoting the growth and expansion of businesses. Enhanced Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology and technology, media, and telecommunications. As a subsidiary of P10 Holdings, it seeks to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid development through its practical investment approach.

The Startup Factory is an accelerator based in Durham, North Carolina, focused on investing in seed capital and early-stage startups. The firm provides $50,000 in exchange for 7.5% equity in participating companies. Its program spans three months, during which startups receive intensive mentorship and access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Additionally, companies that successfully complete the program can qualify for follow-on funding ranging from $20,000 to $150,000 in the form of a convertible note. The Startup Factory aims to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary resources and guidance to foster growth and development in their ventures.

S2G Ventures, established in 2014 and based in Chicago, is a multi-stage venture fund focused on food and agriculture. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs whose products and services address the growing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable, and local food options. S2G Ventures identifies various sectors within the food system that are poised for transformation and builds a diverse portfolio through seed, venture, and growth-stage investments. Its investment areas encompass agriculture, food ingredients, infrastructure and logistics, food safety and technology, as well as retail, restaurants, and consumer brands. The firm’s mission is to drive innovation in these sectors to enhance sustainability and health in the food supply chain.

Triangle Angel Partners is a principal investment firm based in the United States, established in 2012 by Craig Stone. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies within the high-tech and life sciences sectors, primarily in and around North Carolina's Research Triangle Park. Triangle Angel Partners not only provides financial support but also offers valuable counseling and mentoring to its portfolio companies. Its members leverage an extensive network to connect these businesses with potential investors, customers, strategic partners, and management talent, facilitating growth and development in the early stages of their operations.

Edison Partners L.P. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1986 and based in Princeton, New Jersey. The firm specializes in growth equity investments in technology-enabled solutions, focusing on sectors such as financial technology, healthcare information technology, and enterprise software. Edison Partners typically invests in companies with revenues between $5 million and $30 million, primarily targeting those exhibiting a growth rate of approximately 30 percent. Its investment strategy includes expansion capital, management buyouts, recapitalizations, and secondary stock purchases. The firm utilizes a holistic approach, offering strategic advisory services through its Edison Edge platform, which encompasses the Edison Director Network and executive education. Edison Partners manages over $1 billion in assets and has created an aggregate market value exceeding $5 billion across its active portfolio, which includes over 170 investments. The firm's primary geographic focus is the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States, including New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maryland.

Intel Corporation is a leading global designer and manufacturer of semiconductor technologies, focused on powering the cloud, smart devices, and connected technologies. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Intel operates through various segments including Data Center Group, Internet of Things Group, Mobileye, and Client Computing Group, among others. The company offers a range of products such as central processing units, chipsets, accelerators, and memory solutions, catering to original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and cloud service providers. Intel has been transitioning from a PC-centric to a data-centric business model, emphasizing advancements in performance, power, and connectivity across various workloads. With a strong commitment to innovation, Intel also invests through Intel Capital in startups that drive technologies in cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and 5G, among others. The company’s collaborations with prominent organizations aim to develop privacy-preserving analytics and enhance computing capabilities. As one of the largest semiconductor manufacturers by revenue, Intel continues to shape the future of computing and communications.

Trinity Capital is a managed investment company based in Chandler, Arizona, that specializes in providing venture debt and equipment lease financing to growth-stage companies, particularly in the technology sector. Founded in 2007, the firm primarily targets private and venture-backed businesses, offering financial solutions that enable these companies to access capital while minimizing equity dilution. Trinity Capital typically invests between $2 million and $20 million in firms with revenues exceeding $5 million, focusing on customized debt structures with low or no covenants. The company collaborates with top-tier venture capital firms, private equity investors, and technology banks to deliver tailored financial solutions. Its investment portfolio includes a diverse range of sectors such as healthcare, telecommunications, and clean technology, with a particular emphasis on the California Bay Area. By providing debt capital without seeking significant ownership stakes, Trinity Capital aims to support the growth of innovative start-ups while managing its funds effectively.

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), founded in 1983, specializes in providing diversified financial services to emerging and mature companies primarily in the technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity, and premium wine sectors. With a network of 27 offices in the United States and seven international locations, SVB offers a range of services including financing, treasury management, corporate investment, and international banking. The bank is known for its industry expertise and global connections, which enhance its clients' chances of success. In the UK, SVB has operated since 2010, facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting clients' strategic needs. Recognized for its exceptional service, SVB has received accolades such as being listed among America's Best Banks by Forbes Magazine.

NovaQuest Capital Management is a private equity firm based in Raleigh, North Carolina, established in 2000. The firm specializes in structured finance investments primarily within the healthcare and biopharmaceutical sectors, focusing on late-stage clinical and commercialized products. NovaQuest collaborates with global companies on strategic product programs, offering customized investment solutions that diverge from traditional biopharmaceutical deal-making. The firm also invests in select private equity and other securities, maintaining a commitment to enhancing the value of product portfolios. With over $1 billion invested in the healthcare industry, the experienced team at NovaQuest has developed a consistent investment strategy that adapts to the evolving needs of healthcare companies and their investors. The firm's product and co-investment funds target various sectors, including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and healthcare technology systems.

Frontier Growth, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1999 that specializes in growth equity investments in software and technology-enabled business services companies. The firm typically targets businesses with revenues between $5 million and $30 million and a growth rate exceeding 20 percent, seeking equity investments ranging from $5 million to $50 million. Frontier Growth focuses on both B2B software and technology services, investing in areas such as software as a service, managed services, human resources technology, and cybersecurity, among others. The firm aims to partner with management teams to provide the necessary capital to accelerate growth, support product development, and facilitate geographic expansion or acquisitions. Frontier Growth is flexible in its investment approach, often taking on roles as minority or majority shareholders and preferring to be the lead institutional investor. The firm primarily operates across the United States and Canada, with a notable focus on the North Texas and North Carolina regions.

Eshelman Ventures, based in New Castle, provides investment to private healthcare companies.

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.

Noro-Moseley Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, with an additional office in Alpharetta. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in the technology and healthcare sectors, with a strong focus on companies located in the Southeastern United States. Noro-Moseley Partners has invested in over 160 start-ups and early-growth-stage companies, particularly in areas such as internet security, cloud services, healthcare infrastructure, and business process outsourcing. The firm typically invests between $6 million and $10 million in companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $20 million and aims to take a board seat in its portfolio companies. Noro-Moseley Partners emphasizes sectors like technology, healthcare, and financial services, actively participating in opportunities that align with its expertise while avoiding pure drug development ventures.

NexPhase Capital is an independent private equity firm based in New York, established in 2016 by former principals of Moelis Capital Partners. The firm focuses on making control investments in lower middle market companies that exhibit growth potential, primarily targeting sectors such as healthcare, industrial services, software, and consumer goods in the United States and Canada. NexPhase Capital maintains a strategic relationship with Moelis and Company, as well as Moelis Asset Management, which enhances its investment capabilities and market reach.

Pappas Capital, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 1994 and based in Durham, North Carolina, with an additional office in San Diego, California. The firm specializes in early-stage investments within the life sciences sector, focusing on biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, drug delivery, medical devices, and related areas. Pappas Capital primarily targets companies in the preclinical phase or those preparing for human clinical trials, particularly during Series A and B financing rounds. It seeks to invest amounts ranging from $0.1 million in seed deals to $6 million in later-stage transactions, often acting as lead or co-lead investor. The firm concentrates its investments in North America, especially in California and the East Coast, while also expressing interest in opportunities in Asia. In addition to its flagship venture arm, Pappas Capital operates specialized fund management and translational medicine initiatives, partnering with research universities to advance scientific discoveries.

Viola Group, based in Herzliya, Israel, is a prominent technology-focused investment firm with over $3 billion in assets under management. Established in 2000, it operates several specialized investment arms, including Viola Ventures, Viola Growth, Viola Credit, Viola Partners, and Viola FinTech. Each arm focuses on different stages and sectors, with Viola Ventures investing in early-stage technology companies, particularly in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and financial technology. Viola Growth targets expansion-stage companies, while Viola Credit offers customized credit products to growing technology firms. Viola FinTech specializes in cross-stage investments in the FinTech sector, concentrating on digital services, wealth management, customer engagement, and regulatory technology. The firm aims to support Israeli entrepreneurs and innovative startups by providing capital and strategic guidance, ultimately fostering the growth of transformational technology companies both in Israel and internationally.

Live Oak Banking Company offers a range of loans for small businesses operating in the United States.

One Better Ventures, founded in 2013 and located in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a venture capital firm focused on nurturing consumer brands that prioritize positive social and environmental impact. The firm advises, invests in, and incubates mission-driven ventures with innovative and sustainable business models. Their portfolio includes established brands such as Burt’s Bees and Seventh Generation, which they have successfully guided to profitable exits. Currently, One Better Ventures collaborates with emerging companies like Leesa Sleep and Filter Easy, acting as principled investors and operating partners. Committed to corporate citizenship, the firm contributes 10% of its profits to charitable causes and allocates another 10% to an employee bonus pool, reflecting its dedication to service and community involvement.