McGowan Capital Group is a private equity and venture capital firm based in South Dakota, established in 2004. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and focuses on early-stage investments throughout the United States. With a commitment to fostering the development of promising companies, McGowan Capital Group seeks to support innovative ventures that demonstrate potential for significant growth.

The North Dakota Development Fund coordinates efforts between all the sources of financing, the business and the community. Any project considered for this financing must be feasible and have a reasonable chance of succeeding. The fund provides "gap financing" through loans and equity investments not available from most conventional lenders and is available to any primary-sector business with the exception of production agriculture. The Development Fund also administers the Regional Rural Revolving Loan Fund, which provides funding for primary-sector projects located in a community of less than 8,000 in population or located more than five miles outside the city limits. The fund is a secondary source of financing, subordinate to private sources. If a business can't handle added debt, the Development Fund can take an equity financing position.

LongWater Opportunities, based in Dallas, Texas, with an additional office in Fargo, North Dakota, is a private equity firm focused on control buyout investments in lower middle-market manufacturing companies across the United States. Established in 2009, the firm partners with family owner-operators and entrepreneurs, aiming to foster mutually beneficial relationships. LongWater emphasizes a hands-on approach to enhance its portfolio companies by implementing strategic and operational initiatives that aim to build sustainable competitive advantages. The firm targets companies with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) ranging from $2 million to $10 million, with a commitment to creating long-term value in American manufacturing.

701 Angel Fund is a venture capital firm based in Grand Forks, North Dakota, focused on investing in early-stage startups. The firm specializes in various sectors, including unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) manufacturing and technology, healthcare and medical devices, business-to-business software and technology, cybersecurity and data security, as well as agricultural solutions, biotechnology, and manufacturing. As a certified angel venture capital firm in North Dakota, 701 Angel Fund aims to support innovative companies by providing the necessary financial resources and expertise to help them grow and succeed in their respective industries.

PGIM Private Capital is a private equity firm based in Chicago that specializes in middle market investments across various sectors, including utilities, energy, technology, and transportation. The firm focuses on private placements, refinancing, mezzanine financing, management buyouts, and growth capital financings, typically investing between $5 million and $100 million in companies with revenues ranging from $20 million to $500 million. PGIM Private Capital prefers to take a lead role in investments and often seeks majority stakes in portfolio companies. The firm also provides a range of financing options, including senior debt, subordinated debt, and structured finance, while offering leverage leases and equipment finance globally. Its investment strategy is concentrated in Western Europe, Australia, and North America, particularly in the Midwest regions of the United States. The firm aims to hold investments for five to 25 years and actively seeks board membership in its portfolio companies.

Arthur Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2008 and headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, with an office in Minneapolis. The firm specializes in post-angel and pre-institutional investments, primarily focusing on early-stage technology companies in North America and Western Europe. Its investment sectors include information technology, life sciences, healthcare, and clean technology, with particular emphasis on B2B software, biotechnology, drug discovery, medical devices, and clean energy solutions. Arthur Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $3 million in early-stage companies and seeks to participate in later-stage investments in collaboration with other investors. The firm's investment strategy is particularly concentrated in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, targeting opportunities that align with its expertise in infrastructure, financial technology, and communications.

Mill City Capital is a private equity firm founded in 2010 and based in Wayzata, Minnesota. The firm specializes in investing in lower middle-market companies with enterprise values between $20 million and $100 million, primarily focusing on those located in the Midwestern United States and western and central Canada. Mill City Capital has developed a strong network of relationships in these regions and targets companies in the industrial and consumer sectors. As a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA), the firm aims to foster growth and create value within its portfolio companies.

The Bush Foundation, established in 1953, is a non-profit organization based in the United States that focuses on supporting charitable activities through grants. It invests in innovative ideas and the individuals who drive them, primarily in Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. The foundation's funding areas include human services, health, education, and arts and humanities. In addition to its grant-making activities, the Bush Foundation maintains a diverse investment portfolio that encompasses various asset classes, including corporate and debt securities, mutual funds, and alternative investments. The foundation's commitment to fostering impactful initiatives underscores its role in enhancing community well-being and promoting educational opportunities in the regions it serves.

Caerus Investment Partners is a micro venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs to provide seed capital for early-stage companies in the US. They primarily invest in businesses positioned for rapid growth and market leadership with a focus on digital media, internet, payment processing and software as a service companies. However, their goal is to partner with exceptional management teams and they recognize great ideas can come from anyone across all industries. Caerus seeks out entrepreneurs who have the vision and drive to turn unique ideas into industry leading businesses. Their peer-to-peer investment style places their focus on investing in people and ideas. They invest in smaller, niche businesses that fall outside the investment parameters of traditional venture capital firms due to the stage of the company or lack of previous experience by the management team. They are flexible as to the form, size and structure of their investments. Their mission is to partner with entrepreneurs and provide the foundation to build better companies. They believe adding value is more than just investing money and they are dedicated to working as a partner with their portfolio companies to achieve success. This is what they do everyday and it is what they have been doing for the last 10 years for Fortune 500, middle market and start-up companies.

Stone Arch Capital, LLC is a private equity firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in investments in lower middle market companies primarily located in the Midwest. Founded in 2003, the firm focuses on buyouts, industry consolidations, growth capital, and recapitalizations, typically investing between $10 and $25 million in companies with annual revenues ranging from $15 million to $150 million and EBITDA of $3.5 million to $30 million. Stone Arch Capital seeks to establish partnerships with management teams in the manufacturing and service sectors, aiming for sustainable operating margins of at least 10 percent. The firm generally targets businesses with enterprise values between $15 million and $100 million and prefers to take control, either through minority or majority stakes, while avoiding hostile transactions. Although its primary focus is within the Midwest, Stone Arch Capital may consider investments outside the region under specific circumstances.

MAHLE GmbH is a global supplier and development partner for the automotive industry, specializing in engine systems and components, filtration, thermal management products, and integrated solutions for electric mobility. Established in 1920 and headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, MAHLE addresses key challenges in powertrain and air conditioning technology, providing a wide range of products for both combustion engines and electric vehicles. The company operates over 170 production locations across 34 countries and employs approximately 76,000 individuals. In addition to its manufacturing capabilities, MAHLE's investment arm focuses on growth and venture capital investments within the automotive sector, seeking to enhance its strategic position through minority or majority stakes in relevant ventures. In 2015, MAHLE reported sales of around EUR 11.5 billion, reflecting its significant role in the automotive supply chain.

Mason Wells is a Wisconsin-based private equity firm founded in 1998 that specializes in mid-market investments within the biotechnology, medical devices, and life sciences sectors. The firm also invests in consumer packaged goods, engineered products and services, outsourced business services, and packaging materials. With a revenue range between $25 million and $300 million, Mason Wells aims to support founders, family owners, and managers during ownership transitions, helping businesses realize their potential while maintaining their legacy and culture. Its portfolio includes companies such as A and R Logistics, AWT Labels and Packaging, CE Power Solutions, Eddy Packing, and Aquion.

CMA Ventures is a venture investment fund wholly-owned by Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO). They invest in companies at all stages of growth; from seed, to early stage, to growth capital opportunities. Their philosophy is simple—They are committed to investing capital where it can do the most good.

Granite Equity Partners is a private equity firm specializing in financing buyouts, middle market, mature, recapitalizations, and growth transactions. It also includes sale or purchase of a business, generational transfers, or business expansions. It typically invests in telecommunication services, distributors, media, and services. The firm prefers to invest in companies located within drive time of the office. The firm typically invests in United States with a focus on Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota. It targets companies generating revenues between $5 million and $75 million and an EBITDA between $1 million and $5 million. The firm seeks co-ownership in its portfolio companies. It seeks to co-invest and prefers a seat on the board of its portfolio companies. The firm prefer to have majority stake. Granite Equity Partners was founded in May 2002 and is based in St. Cloud, Minnesota with an additional office in Northfield, Minnesota.

ALLETE, Inc. is an energy company based in Duluth, Minnesota, operating through various segments, including Regulated Operations and Investments and Other. It provides regulated utility electric service to approximately 145,000 retail customers in northeastern Minnesota and offers natural gas and water services in northwestern Wisconsin. The company generates electricity using diverse sources, such as coal, hydroelectric, natural gas, biomass, and solar, and operates around 660 megawatts of wind energy generation. ALLETE also manages electric transmission assets across Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Illinois. In addition to its utility operations, the company is engaged in coal mining in North Dakota and real estate investments in Florida. Established in 1906 and previously known as Minnesota Power, the company continues to focus on clean and renewable energy projects through its subsidiary, ALLETE Clean Energy.

RAIN Source Capital works with interested angel investors to establish a RAIN fund in their area. RAIN Source provides each RAIN fund with legal templates, investment tools, management expertise, and financing experience. RAIN fund members are accredited angel investors, typically defined as individuals with annual income exceeding $200,000 and/or having a net worth of more than $1 million.

Longhouse Partners LLC is a private equity firm based in Detroit, Michigan, that specializes in investments in the lower middle market. The firm targets sectors such as Business Services, Consumer Products and Services, Niche Manufacturing, and Multi-site Healthcare Services. Within Business Services, it emphasizes Business Process Outsourcing, Engineering and Technical Services, and Marketing Services. In the Consumer Products and Services sector, it focuses on Food and Beverage, Apparel and Accessories, and Education. Longhouse Partners typically looks to invest in companies located in the U.S. or Canada, with a preference for the Midwest, and seeks businesses with revenues exceeding $10 million and EBITDA ranging from $2 million to $10 million.

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

Waveland Ventures III is an investment fund managed by Waveland Capital Group, based in Irvine, California. Established in 2000, the fund focuses on the oil and gas sector, particularly in exploration, production, and energy services. It primarily invests in regions such as North Dakota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma, targeting opportunities within the oil and gas asset class. The firm aims to partner with energy companies and seeks to invest in a diversified portfolio of projects that are ready for drilling. Through its strategic investments, Waveland Ventures III contributes to the growth and development of the energy sector in the United States.

Dakota Venture Group (DVG) is a venture capital investment fund operated by students at the University of North Dakota. Established in 2006, it holds the distinction of being the first entirely student-run venture capital fund in the United States. DVG offers students a unique opportunity to engage in all aspects of the investment process, including conducting due diligence, making final investment decisions, and negotiating deal terms. The organization focuses on investing in high-growth companies across the United States, providing a valuable experiential learning platform in the fields of venture capital and angel investing.

Gardner Standard is a private investment firm that focuses on investing in small middle-market companies.

Midwest Growth Partners, LLLP is a private equity firm specializing in investing in small to mid-sized companies lower middle market, management buyouts, outright acquisitions, internal recapitalizations, majority and minority growth capital, competitive roll-ups, succession planning liquidity for retiring business owners, general transfer, distressed, later stage, industry consolidation, and turnaround situations. The firm does not invest in start-ups, "pure-play" brick and mortar retailers, and non-core real estate. It seeks to invest in small family-owned rural businesses in the food and agriculture, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, and business service industries but may consider investments in other industries. The firm seeks to invest in Iowa, the Upper Midwest which includes Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Nebraska, and also in North Dakota and Kansas in companies with headquarters, or significant operations, located in communities with populations of 50,000 or less. It typically invests in companies with sales value between $4 million to $40 million and maximum EBITDA of $5 million, and makes equity investments between $0.5 million and $5 million in its portfolio companies depending on the structure of the transaction and nature of the investment. The firm may co-invest on larger opportunities. It invests in companies with revenues between $4 million and $40 million. Midwest Growth Partners, LLLP is based in Des Moines, Iowa.

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.

Norwest Mezzanine Partners, founded in 2000 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializes in mezzanine investments, providing junior capital to support private equity sponsors in the growth of middle market companies across various sectors. The firm targets investments in business services, consumer products, distribution, healthcare, energy, and industrials within the United States. By partnering with private equity firms, Norwest Mezzanine Partners aims to create value in their portfolio companies, offering flexible financial solutions and reliable support to help these businesses achieve industry leadership. The firm operates independently but maintains an affiliation with Norwest Equity Partners, which has a long history in middle market equity investment.

Technology Venture Capital in Northern Plains

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

Continental Grain Company, founded in 1813 and based in New York, is a prominent privately held firm specializing in the food and agriculture sectors. The company initially started as a grain trading business in Arlon, Belgium, and has since expanded its operations to include diversified investment activities focused on protein-based businesses. By partnering with exceptional management teams, Continental Grain seeks to create long-term value and pursue strategic growth opportunities worldwide. Its investment groups, including CGC Ventures and a middle market investment division, enable the company to explore new avenues for growth within the global food and agriculture landscape. With a strong entrepreneurial legacy and a commitment to financial success, Continental Grain Company aims to positively impact its employees and business partners.

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

DoubleLine Capital LP is an employee-owned investment management firm based in Los Angeles, California, founded in December 2009. The firm specializes in managing fixed income and balanced portfolios for a diverse clientele that includes corporations, high net worth individuals, pension plans, foundations, and government entities. DoubleLine offers a range of services, including the management of mutual funds and investments in public equity, fixed income, exchange-traded funds, and alternative investments globally. The firm employs fundamental analysis using both top-down and bottom-up approaches to portfolio construction. Its investment strategies encompass various fixed income sectors, such as mortgage-backed securities, US government bonds, and international markets. Additionally, DoubleLine provides research and market insights through its research division, enhancing its investment decision-making process.

San Diego County Employees Retirement Association (SDCERA) is a public pension fund based in San Diego, California, managing approximately $3.2 billion in assets. The fund is responsible for administering retirement and related benefits for current and former employees of the County of San Diego. SDCERA employs a diversified investment strategy that includes alternative investments such as buyouts, energy, international private equity, real estate, timber, farmland, and venture capital. Its investment portfolio is composed of various asset classes, with allocations to U.S. equity, global equity, international equity, emerging market equity, fixed income, and private equity, among others. This strategic allocation aims to balance risk and return while ensuring the long-term sustainability of the pension fund.

Lewis & Clark AgriFood is an investment firm based in Saint Louis, Missouri, established in 2019. The firm specializes in the agrifood sector, concentrating on agricultural innovation, sustainability, and ag-tech. It targets late-stage venture capital and growth-stage companies that are tech-enabled and demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, particularly in plant agriculture, food, supply chain, and animal health. By focusing on firms approaching positive operating cash flow, Lewis & Clark AgriFood aims to mitigate risk while seeking substantial returns on investment, primarily along the United States coasts.

Cargill, established in 1865, is a privately held company based in the United States that operates internationally, producing and marketing a diverse range of food, agricultural, financial, and industrial products and services. Employing approximately 142,000 people across 67 countries, Cargill focuses on collaborating with customers to address various economic, environmental, and social challenges. The company leverages its scientific expertise and extensive research and development capabilities to enhance existing products, improve process efficiencies, and support innovative solutions. With a global team of over 1,300 specialists in research, development, applications, and technical services, Cargill offers a comprehensive spectrum of services, including technical support, intellectual asset management, and regulatory affairs, to generate distinctive value for its clients.

Rosecliff Venture Management LLC is a New York City-based venture capital and accelerator firm founded in 2016. The firm specializes in investing in technology-enabled companies across various sectors, including financial services, consumer products, healthcare, and software. Rosecliff typically engages in equity investments ranging from $0.5 million to $10 million, focusing on incubation, seed, startup, early-stage, late-stage, Series A, and growth equity financing. The firm's investment strategy emphasizes partnering with companies that possess strong management teams characterized by integrity, intelligence, experience, energy, and passion. Through its investment activities, Rosecliff aims to support the growth and development of its portfolio companies.

Excell Partners is a venture capital firm based in Rochester, New York, founded in 2005. It operates as a New York State-supported seed fund, focusing on early-stage investments across various sectors, including medical devices, biotechnology, energy, ag-tech, imaging, information technology, and software. Although it is structured as a not-for-profit organization, Excell Partners employs a for-profit discipline by utilizing convertible debt and equity returns for its investments. This approach aims to establish a self-sustaining or evergreen fund over time. Additionally, Excell Technology Ventures serves as an offshoot of Excell Partners, furthering its investment capabilities in technology-driven ventures.

Boston Scientific Corporation is a leading developer and manufacturer of medical devices aimed at various interventional medical specialties globally. Founded in 1979 and headquartered in Marlborough, Massachusetts, the company operates through three main segments: MedSurg, Rhythm and Neuro, and Cardiovascular. Its product portfolio includes devices for diagnosing and treating conditions related to the heart, gastrointestinal and pulmonary systems, urology, and chronic pain management. Boston Scientific is known for its innovative technologies, such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators, pacemakers, drug-eluting coronary stents, and spinal cord stimulators, which facilitate less-invasive medical procedures. The company emphasizes the importance of delivering meaningful innovation to enhance patient outcomes and provides alternatives to more invasive surgeries through its advanced medical technologies. Boston Scientific continues to expand its reach into new markets while remaining committed to improving health outcomes for patients worldwide.

Vertex Ventures China invests in high-growth internet and technology start-ups across mainland China, and provides funding support and value-add services to portfolio companies in their growth stage. Based in Beijing and Shanghai, Vertex Ventures China collaborates with the Vertex network of ventures funds across US, Israel, Southeast Asia, and India, and under auspices of Vertex Holdings providing local knowledge with global perspective.

Banc Funds is a private equity firm established in 1986, based in the United States, that specializes in investing in small financial service companies across North America. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in various sectors, including commercial banks, savings and loan associations, regional investment banks, and brokerage firms. Banc Funds aims to support the growth and development of these financial institutions, which serve as vital components of their local communities. By providing funding to small financial organizations, the firm plays a significant role in facilitating commercial loans and offering essential financial services to small businesses throughout the country. Additionally, Banc Funds is committed to making a positive impact, whether through nurturing small financial entities or supporting research initiatives that have the potential to benefit society at large.

50 South Capital is an alternatives asset management firm established in 2015 and operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northern Trust Corporation. The firm focuses on addressing the strategic investment needs of clients by providing access to hedge funds, private equity, and real asset solutions. 50 South Capital primarily invests in technology and life science sectors within the United States, aiming to deliver tailored investment strategies that align with the objectives of its investors.

Merck & Co., Inc. is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in Kenilworth, New Jersey, that specializes in developing and delivering medicines and vaccines for a variety of diseases. Established in 1891, the company is committed to discovering innovative products and services that enhance and save lives globally. Merck operates through various divisions, including Merck Research Laboratories, which focuses on developing treatments for cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Additionally, Merck has investment arms such as the Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and Merck Capital Ventures, which invest in emerging healthcare technology companies and services. These funds support innovations in digital health, diagnostics, and patient engagement, aiming to leverage data to enhance healthcare solutions. Merck's extensive portfolio includes not only pharmaceuticals and vaccines but also consumer and animal health products, making it a significant player in the global healthcare landscape.

First Reserve is a private equity and infrastructure investment firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, founded in 1983. The firm specializes in making private equity investments exclusively in the energy sector, focusing on areas such as specialty services, engineered products, and logistics and distribution. As a Registered Investment Adviser, First Reserve aims to provide strategic investment solutions tailored to the unique needs of the energy industry.

Capital Southwest Corporation is a business development company based in Dallas, Texas, that focuses on providing customized financing solutions to middle market companies across various sectors. Founded in 1961, the firm specializes in credit and private equity investments, typically targeting growth financing, buyouts, and recapitalizations, with investment sizes ranging from $5 million to $25 million. The company prefers to invest in industries such as industrial manufacturing, healthcare, specialty chemicals, and technology-enabled services, while avoiding startups and troubled companies. Its investment structures include various forms of debt and equity, and it may participate in board governance for its portfolio companies. Capital Southwest seeks to back profitable businesses with revenues exceeding $10 million and a historical growth rate of at least 15 percent annually. The firm has the flexibility to maintain investments for extended periods, providing a stable ownership platform for management teams.

Mizuho Bank, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a commercial bank that provides a wide range of corporate and investment banking services to major corporations, financial institutions, and public sector entities. Its offerings include various types of deposits, loans, and financial products such as acceptance and negotiation of import/export bills, remittance services, and foreign exchange contracts. The bank is also involved in investment banking activities, including custodial services, syndication, and real estate and acquisition finance. As a subsidiary of Mizuho Financial Group, Mizuho Bank aims to meet the financial needs of both domestic and international clients through comprehensive banking solutions.

JPMorgan Chase is a prominent financial holding company headquartered in New York, offering a wide range of financial services globally. The firm operates through various segments, with its Investment Bank division providing essential investment banking products and services. These include advising clients on corporate strategy and structure, facilitating capital raising in both equity and debt markets, and offering risk management solutions. Additionally, JPMorgan Chase engages in market-making activities for cash securities and derivative instruments, along with prime brokerage services and research. Established in 1799, the company has a long history in the financial sector and continues to serve a diverse clientele with comprehensive banking and financial solutions.

Scotiabank, founded in 1832 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is a leading financial institution that provides a comprehensive range of banking products and services. The bank serves approximately 21 million customers across more than 55 countries, offering personal, commercial, corporate, and investment banking solutions. Its services include wealth management, corporate lending, equity underwriting, and advisory services for mergers and acquisitions. Additionally, Scotiabank has a private equity arm that focuses on middle-market investments, specializing in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer products. The firm typically invests between $5 million and $25 million in companies, seeking both minority and majority ownership. With a commitment to understanding customer needs and managing risk, Scotiabank has established itself as a global financial services leader, supported by a workforce of over 86,000 employees dedicated to helping clients thrive.

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services firm that offers a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer finance products to individuals, businesses, and institutions both in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three primary segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management. The Community Banking segment provides services such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and various types of loans. Wholesale Banking offers commercial and corporate banking services, including capital markets and cash management solutions. Wealth and Investment Management focuses on personalized financial planning and investment services. Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, Wells Fargo is one of the largest banks in the U.S., with a significant presence through retail branches and ATMs. The company continues to evolve by incorporating innovative financial solutions and expanding its global footprint in financial services.

TD Securities is a Canadian investment firm that provides a comprehensive suite of advisory and capital market services to clients worldwide. Established in 1855 and based in Ontario, the firm specializes in investment banking, which includes mergers and acquisitions, industry expertise, and credit origination. Additionally, TD Securities offers equity and commodity research, along with capital market products such as derivatives. Its global transaction banking services encompass trade finance, cash management, and correspondent banking. The firm's diverse offerings enable it to serve a wide range of clients in various sectors.

Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria, S.A. (BBVA), established in 1857 and headquartered in Madrid, Spain, is an international financial group that offers a wide range of banking and financial services. It provides retail and wholesale banking, asset management, private banking, and insurance services. The bank's offerings include current and savings accounts, term deposits, various loan products, credit cards, and corporate and investment banking services. BBVA operates in multiple regions, including Spain, Mexico, South America, the United States, Turkey, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, catering to individuals, small and medium-sized enterprises, institutional investors, and corporations. The merger of Banco Bilbao and Argentaria in 1999 strengthened its market position, allowing for enhanced value creation and diversified risk management. BBVA is also involved in managing pension funds and foreclosed real estate assets, reflecting its comprehensive approach to financial services.

Tailwater Capital is a private equity firm based in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in investing in midstream and upstream oil and gas companies, focusing on the middle market within the energy sector. Tailwater's principals bring significant experience in providing growth equity capital, having invested over $1 billion in domestic energy ventures over the past 14 years. The firm's diverse portfolio includes investments in companies such as BlackBrush Oil & Gas, TexStar Midstream Services, Petro Waste Environmental Partners, Align Midstream Partners, and Pivotal Petroleum Partners. Tailwater Capital is also a Registered Investment Adviser, highlighting its commitment to regulatory compliance in its investment activities.

John Deere, founded in 1837, is a leading global manufacturer of agricultural machinery, diesel engines, and equipment for forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping, and irrigation. The company is renowned for its commitment to quality and innovation. It operates through various subsidiaries, including John Deere Capital Corporation, which provides financing and leasing options for retail purchases of both new and used equipment. This division also offers wholesale financing for dealer inventories and credit services for international exports. John Deere has a significant presence in markets across Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and various regions in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. In addition to its manufacturing and financing operations, the company engages in philanthropic efforts through the John Deere Foundation, focusing on creating opportunities for communities to overcome challenges and foster prosperity.

Aster Capital Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2000 and headquartered in Paris, France, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, San Francisco, and Nairobi. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, mobility, industrials, and digital technology. Aster Capital invests across various stages, with a preference for seed, early venture, and growth capital, typically committing between €0.5 million and €5 million. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs by providing not only financial backing but also access to a network of experts and resources, enhancing the growth of its portfolio companies. Aster Capital has a notable history of successful investments, including Solairedirect and Digital Lumens. The firm actively seeks opportunities in Europe, North America, and Africa, emphasizing innovation in areas like cleantech, cybersecurity, and advanced materials.