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.

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.

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.

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.

Nevsun Resources Ltd. is a mining company engaged in the exploration and development of mineral properties in Europe, Africa, and North America, focusing primarily on gold, copper, zinc, and silver deposits. Its key assets include the Timok project, a copper-gold development project in Serbia, and the Bisha copper-zinc mine in Eritrea, which has transitioned to commercial production of gold and silver. Additionally, the company holds exploration licenses in Serbia and Macedonia, as well as in the Bisha mining district. Founded in 1965 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Nevsun operates as a subsidiary of Zijin Mining Group Company Limited. The company is committed to sustainable development, emphasizing safety, human rights, integrity, and community support in its operations. Through its initiatives, Nevsun aims to create long-term benefits for communities and maximize shareholder value.

LAUNCHub Fund, managed by LAUNCHub Ventures, is a venture capital firm established in 2012 and based in Sofia, Bulgaria. The fund focuses on seed and Series A investments in digital startups throughout Southeastern Europe. It primarily targets sectors such as information technology, SaaS, health-tech, e-commerce, and IoT, though its investment scope is not limited to these areas. With a total management of €30 million, LAUNCHub Fund typically invests between €300,000 and €700,000 per company, with the possibility of expanding investments up to €1.5 million. The firm aims to support early-stage companies that demonstrate strong growth potential in both enterprise and consumer markets.

Central Asia Metals is a mining and exploration company focused on base metals production. It operates copper facilities in Kazakhstan and a zinc and lead mine in North Macedonia. The primary operating segments include Kounrad, which primarily produces copper cathode, and Sasa, which focuses on zinc and lead concentrate. Kounrad generates the majority of the company's revenue and distributes its copper products through an off-take agreement with Traxys. Similarly, Sasa sells its zinc and lead concentrates to two European smelters under a separate off-take arrangement. Overall, the company derives most of its revenue from its operations in Kazakhstan.

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.

Core Equity Holdings is a private equity investment firm established in 2015 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. The firm focuses on making long-term investments in the retail and commercial services sectors across Europe. By targeting these industries, Core Equity Holdings aims to identify growth opportunities and generate sustainable returns for its investors.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

NCH Capital Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1993 and headquartered in New York. The firm specializes in investment management across various sectors, including consumer products, financial services, real estate, agribusiness, and public securities. NCH Capital focuses on opportunities primarily in Eastern Europe, Russia, and Brazil, with a particular interest in agribusiness infrastructure and agricultural land. The firm engages in various investment strategies, including incubation, growth capital, and turnaround investments, while typically seeking control or minority stakes in its portfolio companies. NCH Capital also emphasizes active management and often takes board seats in its investments to enhance governance and strategic direction.

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.

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.

Blue Olive Partners LLC is a private equity investment firm established in 2008 and based in Cleveland, Ohio. The firm is comprised of a team of experienced business operating executives dedicated to providing capital and operational expertise to small and lower mid-market companies. Blue Olive Partners primarily focuses on the manufacturing sector, aiming to facilitate investment, development, and growth acceleration for its portfolio companies.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

J.P. Morgan Asia Pacific operates as a prominent buyout fund managed by J.P. Morgan, focusing on investments in the Asia Pacific region, as well as the Middle East and the United States. This fund primarily targets the healthcare service sector, reflecting the firm's strategic emphasis on sectors with growth potential. J.P. Morgan Asset Management, a major player in the global asset management landscape, caters to individuals, advisors, and institutions, offering a wide range of investment strategies across various asset classes. With a rich history of over 200 years in financial services, J.P. Morgan emphasizes client-centric solutions and global market insights, positioning itself as a trusted partner for wealth management and investment needs.

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.

Founded in 2009, R12 Kapital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden. The firm seeks to invest in the internet of things, manufacturing, and commercial product sectors.

AXA Venture Partners (AVP) is a venture capital fund that focuses on high-growth, technology-enabled companies. Established in 2015 as the venture capital arm of AXA, AVP manages $600 million through three distinct investment strategies: Early Stage Fund, Growth Stage Fund, and Fund of Funds. The firm invests primarily in sectors such as enterprise software, fintech, consumer technologies, and digital health, along with technologies pertinent to insurance and asset management. With a global presence, AVP has offices in San Francisco, New York, London, Paris, and Hong Kong. The firm has made investments in 40 Early and Growth equity deals and 6 Fund investments. Beyond financial support, AVP enhances the growth of its portfolio companies by providing access to business development opportunities on an international scale.

PPRO is an integrated e-payment fintech company founded in 2006, headquartered in the UK. It specializes in providing access, processing, and collection services for alternative payment methods, along with value-added services tailored for businesses and banks. The company's platform includes credit card payment processing, local cash collection, e-money accounts, and e-wallet facilities, enabling businesses to streamline their payment operations through a single connection. PPRO aims to simplify the complexities of local payments, making it easier for companies to deploy and manage various payment methods. As an FCA-licensed entity, PPRO is also a principal member of Mastercard and Visa, further enhancing its capabilities and partnerships with alternative payment schemes and banks globally.

Commerce Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in growth capital investments within the commerce sector, focusing on areas such as mobile technology, payments, retail technology, fintech, and insuretech. Commerce Ventures distinguishes itself by assembling a diverse group of investors that includes leading entrepreneurs, senior executives, and corporate partners from its targeted sectors. This strategic blend not only provides capital but also enhances the support available to portfolio companies, helping them scale their innovations in commerce.

Angels in the City was an investment firm based in London, specializing in connecting individual investors with innovative entrepreneurs possessing high growth potential. The firm aimed to enhance awareness and engagement among individuals interested in becoming investors, encouraging them to leverage their financial resources and business expertise to support early-stage companies. It operated within a broader ecosystem that included Newable Capital Group, which focuses on early stage and growth investments, and Newable Private Investing, which links early stage investors to high growth scale-up companies. This collaborative environment allows investors to participate actively in the development of promising ventures or to opt for a more passive investment approach through funds. The firm primarily targeted sectors such as information technology, manufacturing, fintech, wholesale, and industrials, contributing to the growth and expansion of innovative businesses in the UK.

FounderPartners is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in building and investing in mobile, internet, and software companies, particularly focusing on SaaS, API services, blockchain, and cloud-based solutions. FounderPartners aims to assist technical founders in unlocking their potential and increasing the likelihood of their companies' success. By joining companies as minority co-founders, the firm plays an active role in decision-making, thereby enhancing their outcomes. With a strong track record, FounderPartners boasts an 85% success rate, having co-founded and/or invested in 27 companies, of which 12 have been sold, 8 are profitable, and 3 are experiencing rapid growth. The firm leverages its accumulated knowledge and experience as entrepreneurs to help companies execute their strategies more effectively.

New Vision 3 is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Sofia, Bulgaria, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on investing in seed-stage and early-stage companies across various sectors, including healthcare, agtech, fintech, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. With a 2020 vintage fund, New Vision 3 aims to invest in 45 companies primarily located in the United States and Europe. The firm emphasizes a diverse investment strategy, targeting emerging technologies and innovations in areas such as blockchain, the shared economy, the Internet of Things, big data, robotics, nanotechnology, cybersecurity, cleantech, as well as augmented and virtual reality.

Elia is a utility company based in Brussels, Belgium, specializing in the operation and maintenance of high-voltage electricity transmission systems. Founded in 2001, Elia Group owns and develops electric grids primarily in Belgium and Germany, where it generates most of its revenue. The company operates critical infrastructure, including power lines, cables, and transformers, ensuring the reliable transmission of electricity. Elia plays a key role in facilitating energy markets by providing services for long-term, day-ahead, and intraday transactions. Its focus on high-voltage systems positions Elia as a crucial player in the energy sector within Central Europe.

LiteCap is a private equity firm established in 2014 and located in Los Gatos, California. The firm focuses on discovering, funding, and supporting the growth of next-generation companies that are poised to make a significant impact across various industries. LiteCap specializes in growth-stage investments, primarily through buyouts, with a keen interest in the healthcare, information technology, and life sciences sectors. The team at LiteCap boasts a strong track record of success, drawing on extensive experience in Silicon Valley, Europe, and Asia. They prioritize investing in leaders who demonstrate passion, vision, conviction, and a customer-centric approach, recognizing that building successful businesses requires a strategic blend of these qualities.

SFC Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, that specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed and seed-stage startups. Founded in 2012, it is recognized as one of the UK's most active seed investors, providing capital and support to promising British startups across various sectors, including software, technology, e-commerce, consumer products, and hospitality. SFC Capital operates a unique investment model that combines its Angel Network and Seed Funds, allowing investors to engage with SEIS- and EIS-qualifying businesses either directly or through managed diversified portfolios. The firm also received a £10 million allocation from Business Investments as part of the Regional Angels Programme to further its mission of supporting early-stage companies throughout the UK. As an Appointed Representative of SFC Capital Partners Ltd, it is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

The Carlyle Group, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a global alternative asset manager specializing in private equity, real assets, and investment solutions. With over $81 billion in equity capital under management, the firm operates across various fund families that focus on leveraged buyouts, venture and growth capital, real estate, and leveraged finance investments. Carlyle employs more than 575 investment professionals across 21 countries, managing a diverse portfolio that includes investments in sectors such as aerospace, healthcare, technology, and financial services. The firm has established a significant presence in the private equity industry, targeting long-term capital appreciation through strategic investments in businesses and management teams. Carlyle's extensive network includes over 1,200 institutional and private investors from 68 countries. The firm also recently expanded into hedge fund management, further diversifying its investment offerings.

SeedBlink is an equity crowdfunding platform established in 2020 and based in Bucharest, Romania. The platform provides a range of services including sourcing, vetting, financing, and scaling for startups and businesses across various sectors. These sectors encompass business products and services, energy, financial services, healthcare, consumer products, information technology, cleantech, oncology, mobile applications, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and health technology. SeedBlink aims to facilitate investment opportunities in these diverse fields, helping to connect investors with innovative companies seeking funding.

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.

PeakSpan Capital is a private equity firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in San Mateo, California, with an additional office in New York. The firm specializes in investing in growth-stage, business-to-business software companies across the United States. PeakSpan focuses on a diverse range of buyers, from small businesses to large enterprises, and aims to be a domain expert and thought partner in the sectors it serves. The firm's approach emphasizes collaboration and the sharing of relevant insights and resources with entrepreneurs and stakeholders, fostering a supportive environment for growth and innovation in the software industry.

The World Bank Group, established in 1944 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is an international financial institution that provides critical financial and technical assistance to developing countries. It comprises five organizations, including the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Development Association, which collectively focus on poverty reduction and sustainable development. The World Bank Group offers low-interest loans, interest-free credits, and grants to support a variety of sectors such as education, health, public administration, infrastructure, agriculture, and environmental management. Its activities often involve collaboration with governments, multilateral institutions, and the private sector to co-finance projects and manage initiatives addressing diverse developmental needs. Additionally, the organization provides analytical and advisory services, capacity-building support, and risk management products to enhance the effectiveness of its assistance. With over 10,000 employees in more than 120 offices worldwide, the World Bank Group plays a significant role in fostering economic growth and improving living conditions in the world’s poorest regions.

Castle Harlan, Inc. is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 1987. The firm specializes in middle market investments, primarily targeting the energy services, industrial manufacturing, and specialty chemicals sectors in North America and Australia. Castle Harlan has managed eight private equity funds, with total capital commitments exceeding $5.5 billion. Its investment team, with an average tenure of over ten years, has overseen the acquisition of more than 50 companies, representing over $11 billion in enterprise value. The firm focuses on companies with enterprise values ranging from $100 million to $500 million and has a diverse portfolio that includes businesses across various industries. Current and former portfolio companies have contributed significantly to employment, with over 36,000 individuals employed across its holdings.

Branford Castle Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, established in 1986. The firm specializes in mid-market investments across various sectors, including consumer goods and services, industrial and manufacturing, value-added commercial distribution, business services, and marine products and services, primarily within North America. Founded by John K. Castle, a notable figure in the private equity industry, Branford Castle Partners aims to identify and invest in promising companies, leveraging its extensive experience and industry knowledge to drive growth and enhance value.

Nordic Makers is a venture capital investment firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, established in 2016. Focused on the startup ecosystem, it specializes in seed-stage investments and actively partners with ambitious founders to help scale their companies. Founded by a group of experienced entrepreneurs who have successfully built and exited major technology firms in the Nordics, Nordic Makers aims to leverage their expertise and resources to guide early-stage companies in their growth journey. The firm takes a hands-on approach, working closely with portfolio companies to enhance their potential and drive success.

Oliver Wyman is a prominent global management consulting firm with a presence in over 50 cities across 25 countries. The firm employs approximately 3,000 professionals who specialize in various areas, including strategy, operations, risk management, and organizational transformation. Oliver Wyman offers a diverse range of services such as workforce planning, value sourcing, supply chain management, and human capital management. By leveraging deep industry knowledge and fostering close partnerships with clients, the firm aids organizations in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, financial services, technology, healthcare, and energy. Through its expertise, Oliver Wyman helps clients optimize their operations, enhance their risk profiles, and improve overall organizational performance, enabling them to capitalize on significant business opportunities.

Ballast Point Ventures, founded in 2001 and based in Tampa, Florida, is a venture capital firm that manages $360 million in assets. The firm focuses on investing in established, rapidly growing privately owned companies, primarily located in the Southeast and Texas. These regions are known for their favorable business environments and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems. Ballast Point Ventures emphasizes partnerships with entrepreneurs who have proven business models and strong management teams, offering growth capital rather than seeking control positions. The firm targets a diverse range of industries, including healthcare, technology-enabled business services, consumer products, financial services, and communications. By leveraging their regional expertise and fostering long-term relationships, Ballast Point Ventures aims to add value to its portfolio companies and generate attractive returns for its investors.