MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

LiveOak Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in the technology and technology-driven services sectors within Texas and the Southwest. LiveOak is a full lifecycle investor, often beginning its relationships at the seed stage, and it actively supports companies in various aspects of their development. As a Registered Investment Adviser, LiveOak aims to identify and nurture promising startups, contributing to the growth of the regional technology ecosystem.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

Silverton Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2006. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies across various sectors, including business software, consumer internet, cloud services, and enterprise software. Silverton Partners primarily focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in Texas and beyond, leveraging the extensive operational backgrounds of its investment team to actively assist portfolio companies in achieving success. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Silverton Partners is committed to fostering innovation and growth within the technology landscape.

Capital Factory, founded in 2009 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in technology companies across the United States. It serves as a hub for entrepreneurs in Texas, offering resources, mentorship, and coworking space. The firm has become a pivotal player in the state's startup ecosystem, attracting over 200,000 entrepreneurs, programmers, and designers for various events and networking opportunities. With a presence in Austin, Dallas, and Houston, Capital Factory connects emerging entrepreneurs with their first investors, employees, mentors, and customers. It has been recognized as the most active investor in Texas since 2013, particularly in the software, media, and technology sectors.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Mercury Fund is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Houston, Texas, with an additional office in Ann Arbor. Established in 2005, the firm manages over $200 million and focuses on investing in technology-related startups in the U.S. Midcontinent. Mercury targets companies within sectors such as software as a service (SaaS), cloud computing, data, and artificial intelligence. The firm supports both new entrepreneurs in need of guidance and experienced founders looking to capitalize on the resources available in Middle America. Mercury has gained recognition as a prominent venture capital partner for entrepreneurs who have achieved product-market fit and are poised for growth.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm specializing in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology, renewable energy, and affordable housing projects. Enhanced Capital employs a flexible investment approach that includes offering tax credits, tax credit lending, and impact lending to foster the growth and expansion of businesses. The firm manages multiple funds that primarily target the lower middle market, utilizing federal and state incentive programs along with public policy investment strategies to maximize growth potential and support rapid development for its portfolio companies.

Next Coast Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, established in 2015. The firm specializes in providing early-stage capital to high-growth technology startups, focusing on seed and later-stage investments. Next Coast Ventures targets innovative companies in sectors such as workplace solutions, healthcare and wellness, retail, and marketplace software, primarily in Texas and other non-coastal regions. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach to company building, leveraging a robust industry network and the entrepreneurial experience of its team to support its portfolio companies. Through its investment strategy, Next Coast Ventures aims to capitalize on macro trends, partnering with bold entrepreneurs to foster growth in significant markets.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is an insurance company based in Richardson, Texas. Established in 1929, the company provides health, property, and casualty insurance products. The company is still focused on providing financially sound healthcare coverage. It operates as a subsidiary of the Health Care Service Corporation. The assets are managed by the executive team.

Austin Ventures, established in 1979 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, specializes in venture capital and private equity investments. The firm focuses on early-stage and middle-market companies, particularly in the technology, business services, industrial services, construction, energy, oilfield, food services, and digital media sectors. It seeks to partner with talented executives and entrepreneurs, primarily investing in businesses located in Texas, with a specific interest in the Austin and Houston areas. For early-stage investments, Austin Ventures typically commits between $0.5 million and $10 million initially, with total investments ranging from $10 million to $20 million. In contrast, its middle-market investments usually range from $25 million to $75 million, targeting companies with EBITDA between $10 million and $40 million. The firm prefers to take lead positions in its investments and aims for a board seat in most cases. Austin Ventures is recognized for its strategic approach to connecting emerging businesses with the necessary resources for growth.

ATX Seed Ventures, established in 2014 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments primarily in technology companies across the United States. The firm focuses on seed, Series A, and early-stage B2B software investments, with a particular emphasis on disruptive technologies. Its investment portfolio spans various sectors, including cloud technology, business-to-business payments, artificial intelligence, supply chain technology, human resources technology, insurtech, fintech, big data, advanced manufacturing, and software-as-a-service. ATX Seed Ventures aims to support innovative companies that are shaping the future of their respective industries.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in major cities across North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies with an alumni connection and supported by established institutional lead investors. Alumni Ventures aims to provide accredited investors, particularly alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, with access to diversified venture portfolios that span various sectors and geographic regions. The firm typically invests between $0.01 million and $3 million and does not require board or observer seats in its portfolio companies. Through its managed fund families, Alumni Ventures enables investors to participate in a collaborative investment approach, fostering connections among alumni while facilitating investment opportunities in innovative ventures.

S3 Ventures is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2007 and based in Austin, Texas, with an additional office in Houston. The firm specializes in making investments in seed, Series A, B, and C stages, primarily focusing on sectors such as information technology, medical devices, enterprise software, SaaS, marketing, and financial services. S3 Ventures concentrates its efforts in the Southwestern United States, particularly in Texas and Austin, and typically invests between $10 million and $20 million per equity transaction. The firm aims to exit its investments through acquisitions or initial public offerings. Its mission is to provide entrepreneurs with the necessary capital and resources to develop impactful companies.

Sputnik ATX is a venture capital fund and startup accelerator based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2017. It focuses on funding early-stage maker-founders across a diverse range of industries, including fintech, software, consumer products, and healthcare services. By providing capital, training, and experience, Sputnik ATX aims to help startups effectively grow and address real-world problems. The firm runs two accelerator cohorts each year, with participating companies receiving investments between $100,000 and $500,000 through a SAFE note. While the fund primarily invests in alumni from its accelerator program, it occasionally considers other opportunities. Sputnik ATX's investment portfolio includes companies in sectors ranging from revolutionary podcasting analytics to oil pipeline corrosion, reflecting its commitment to supporting innovative solutions that generate substantial consumer value.

Right Side Capital Management is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the pre-seed round of technology startups. Right Side Capital Management aims to support companies with capital-efficient business models that are typically located outside major hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. The firm invests in a range of technology sectors, including internet and cloud technologies, and operates primarily within the United States and Canada, with occasional investments in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. Right Side Capital Management conducts 75 to 100 investments annually, with portfolio companies spanning 19 states. The firm seeks to provide a clear response to entrepreneurs within two weeks, with investments generally ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 and pre-money valuations between $1 million and $3 million.

The Houston Angel Network (HAN) is the oldest and most active angel network in Texas, recognized as a leading organization for early-stage investments in the United States. Since its establishment in 2001, HAN members have collectively invested over $61.7 million across 198 deals, with notable activity in 2014 when they invested $15.3 million in 66 deals. The network comprises accredited individual investors who are committed to supporting emerging companies through both capital and mentorship. In addition to individual members, HAN includes institutional members such as seed funds, accelerators, universities, and other entities that contribute to the innovation ecosystem. As a non-profit association, HAN does not impose fees on entrepreneurs, relying instead on membership dues and sponsorships for its revenue.

Moonshots Capital, founded in 2014 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm that focuses on seed stage investments in technology startups. The firm targets exceptional founders who are creating innovative products in large and growing markets, aiming to "re-imagine" work and personal life. Moonshots Capital adopts a disciplined investment approach to identify companies with significant growth potential, often referred to as "moonshot" opportunities. The firm invests across various sectors, including dual-use technology, fintech, cybersecurity, consumer internet, and web3. Additionally, it operates as a Registered Investment Adviser (RIA).

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.

Corsa Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on investment opportunities in the technology sector, particularly in companies that utilize cloud, big data, mobile, and social technologies to innovate and transform traditional business models. With a team possessing extensive operational experience and access to global networks, Corsa Ventures aims to support startups and emerging companies primarily in Texas and the Southwest, contributing to their growth and success in the competitive landscape of information technology and related fields.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992 and based in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments, primarily targeting small businesses at various stages of development, from early to later stages, excluding seed investments. Advantage Capital focuses on investing in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports state and local economic development initiatives. It seeks opportunities in sectors such as communication, information technology, telecommunications, business services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and energy, while also considering investments in rural agricultural businesses. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales of less than $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital also provides various forms of debt capital and prefers co-investing with other firms. The firm is committed to addressing the financing needs of underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities lacking traditional sources of risk capital.

Humana, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, is a leading private health insurer in the United States, primarily focused on Medicare Advantage plans and government-sponsored programs. The company serves a diverse range of consumers, including families, seniors, military members, and self-employed individuals, tailoring its offerings to meet various health care needs. Humana's operations encompass individual and group Medicare Advantage plans, Medicaid, and the TRICARE program for military personnel. Additionally, it offers stand-alone prescription drug plans for seniors and provides a range of healthcare services, such as primary care, at-home services, and pharmacy benefit management. Through its subsidiary, Humana Veterans, the company specifically addresses the healthcare needs of veterans by creating a network of providers in 23 states, ensuring that veterans receive necessary services when they cannot access care through the Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2005, specializing in investments across various stages, from seed to later-stage funding. The firm targets companies that are developing transformative technologies in sectors such as consumer internet, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, and health. Founders Fund has a diverse investment portfolio, having backed notable companies like SpaceX, Facebook, and Palantir. The firm employs a founder-friendly investment approach, aiming to support entrepreneurs with minimal interference. With over $2 billion in capital under management, Founders Fund continues to seek innovative solutions to global challenges, making investments typically ranging from $500,000 to $300 million.

Cortado Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The firm focuses on investing in capital-efficient businesses that utilize technology to scale, particularly in the sectors of fintech, biotech, aerospace, ag tech, energy tech, and insurtech. Cortado Ventures targets business-to-business technology companies primarily within Oklahoma, aiming to support innovative solutions in these industries. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to fostering growth in companies that demonstrate strong potential for scalability through technological advancements.

Rise of the Rest is a seed fund that focuses on investing in early-stage companies located in regions outside of major tech hubs like New York City, Silicon Valley, and Boston. Launched in 2014 as part of a broader initiative by Revolution, the fund aims to highlight and support emerging startup ecosystems in traditionally overlooked markets across the United States. By collaborating with regional leaders and co-investors, Rise of the Rest seeks to nurture the next generation of transformational companies. The fund typically makes initial investments of up to $1 million and is supported by a diverse group of prominent entrepreneurs and business leaders who believe that significant innovation is not limited to coastal areas.

Goldman Sachs is a prominent global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm, established in 1869 and headquartered in New York City. The firm provides a range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Its Investment Banking segment offers advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and restructuring, as well as underwriting for public offerings and private placements of various securities. The Institutional Client Services segment focuses on client execution across fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, while also offering financing and securities lending to institutional clients. The Investing & Lending segment engages in originating long-term loans and investing in debt securities and real estate. Additionally, Goldman Sachs Asset Management serves both institutional and individual investors with comprehensive investment and advisory solutions across diverse asset classes. The firm also operates several specialized investment groups, including private equity and infrastructure funds, targeting a variety of sectors and investment strategies worldwide.

Texas Halo Fund is a venture capital firm based in Houston, Texas, established in 2012. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage businesses with strong growth potential and capable management teams. Texas Halo Fund seeks to identify compelling investment opportunities across various industries and geographic locations, prioritizing those that exhibit promising prospects. Its investment strategy includes a preference for sectors such as healthcare and information technology, while also considering businesses in the software sector. The firm aims to generate high returns for its investors while minimizing risk, typically investing with a horizon of five to seven years.

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. The firm specializes in investing in growth-stage technology, software, and internet companies, focusing on sectors such as B2B, B2C, cybersecurity, cloud technology, and financial technology. With over $75 billion in assets under management, Insight Partners has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide, helping many achieve significant milestones, including over 55 initial public offerings. The firm’s approach emphasizes hands-on collaboration with visionary executives, providing practical expertise to support companies throughout their growth journey. Insight Partners is committed to fostering a culture that views growth as an opportunity, driving transformative change across various industries.

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Santa Clara, California, specializing in providing diversified financial services to companies in technology, life sciences, cleantech, venture capital, private equity, and premium wine sectors. Established in 1983, it offers a range of services including debt financing, treasury management, corporate investment, and international banking. The bank operates through 27 offices in the United States and has an international presence with seven operations worldwide. By leveraging its industry expertise and global connections, Silicon Valley Bank aims to enhance the success potential of its clients, which include both emerging growth and established businesses. Additionally, its UK branch, founded in 2010, facilitates cross-border transactions and supports clients in meeting their strategic needs. The bank is recognized for its commitment to service excellence and innovation within the financial sector.

MedTech Innovator is a nonprofit global competition and accelerator based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It focuses on supporting companies in the medical device, digital health, and diagnostic sectors. The organization aims to enhance patient outcomes by fostering the growth of businesses that contribute to the transformation of the healthcare system. Each year, MedTech Innovator showcases 100 companies that align with key themes identified through surveys of industry leaders. The accelerator's diverse portfolio includes firms involved in consumer healthcare, imaging, remote patient monitoring, clinical studies, and workflow optimization, emphasizing its commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions.

Wells Fargo & Company is a diversified financial services institution headquartered in San Francisco, California, founded in 1852. It offers a wide range of banking, investment, mortgage, insurance, and consumer finance products to individuals, businesses, and institutions both in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three main segments: Community Banking, which includes personal banking services such as checking accounts, loans, and credit cards; Wholesale Banking, which provides commercial and corporate banking services, including asset-based lending and treasury management; and Wealth and Investment Management, offering personalized financial planning, investment management, and retirement services. With significant assets and a substantial presence, Wells Fargo operates thousands of retail branches and ATMs across North America and around the globe. The firm also engages in corporate and investment banking through its subsidiaries, delivering a comprehensive suite of financial services to meet diverse client needs.

Santé Ventures is a life sciences venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, with an additional office in Boston, Massachusetts. Established in 2006, the firm focuses on early-stage investments in companies developing innovative medical technologies and healthcare delivery models. Santé Ventures targets seed to series B funding opportunities in the med-tech, biotechnology, and health tech sectors across the United States. The firm manages $281 million in capital through two funds and operates as a Registered Investment Adviser.

Ecliptic Capital, founded in 2018 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in technology-driven companies. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs and investors, Ecliptic Capital aims to partner with entrepreneurs to facilitate efficient execution, rapid scaling, and significant value creation. The firm targets sectors including life sciences, cybersecurity, deep technology, and digital asset custody, among others, particularly in undercapitalized regions. Ecliptic Capital leverages its extensive networks and data to bridge the digital and physical realms, concentrating on disruptive companies that can create sustainable advantages across adjacent markets. Through its investments, the firm connects the strong macroeconomic activity in Texas with the entrepreneurial technology ecosystem, fostering innovation and growth in various industries.

Green Park & Golf Ventures LLC is a Dallas-based venture capital firm established in 2011 that focuses on early and seed stage investments, primarily in the healthcare technology, SaaS, and consumer health sectors. The firm targets investment opportunities within the North Texas area, typically committing between $0.1 million and $1 million to its portfolio companies. Led by experienced professionals Clay Heighten, M.D., and Carl Soderstrom, the firm leverages over 50 years of operational and financial expertise to provide strategic solutions and financial backing to startups. Green Park & Golf Ventures is committed to identifying innovative medical-related startups and fostering their growth through a reliable network and industry knowledge. The firm's founders previously operated MedicalEdge Healthcare Group and PhyServe Physician Services, successfully managing over 550 healthcare providers before their companies were sold to Texas Health Resources in 2011, which led to the formation of Green Park & Golf Ventures.

Noro-Moseley Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1983 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, with a focus on early-stage investments in the technology and healthcare sectors. The firm primarily invests in companies located in the Southeastern United States, particularly in states such as Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, and Texas. Noro-Moseley Partners has a strong track record, having invested in over 160 start-ups and early-growth-stage companies. Its investment strategy encompasses a range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, and business services, with specific interests in areas such as internet security, healthcare data solutions, and financial technology. The firm typically invests between $6 million and $10 million in companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $20 million and seeks to take a board seat in its portfolio companies to provide strategic guidance.

Active Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, based in San Antonio, Texas, with a focus on early-stage investments in technology and business services. The firm specializes in leading seed rounds for B2B SaaS companies, particularly those located outside of traditional tech hubs like Silicon Valley. Active Capital is managed by former B2B SaaS founders who bring hands-on experience in building and scaling high-growth businesses. The firm aims to invest in companies that can achieve market entry with minimal capital, and it seeks to play a significant role in the initial funding stages, contributing to the first million dollars invested. Active Capital targets emerging businesses across the United States, emphasizing cloud infrastructure and software sectors.

Lerer Hippeau, founded in 2010 by Ken Lerer, Ben Lerer, and Eric Hippeau, is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York City. The firm is known for being one of the most active venture capital funds in the region, with a portfolio that includes over 250 companies in various sectors, particularly in consumer and enterprise markets. Lerer Hippeau focuses on seed to later-stage investments and has backed notable companies such as Allbirds, Bowery Farming, K Health, and Zipline. The firm aims to partner with founders who demonstrate strong product vision and customer insight, emphasizing the importance of brand building. Additionally, Lerer Hippeau has adopted the Diversity Term Sheet Rider to promote inclusivity within its investment practices.

Main Street Capital is a principal investment firm based in Houston, Texas, established in 1997. The firm specializes in providing long-term debt and equity capital to lower middle-market companies, typically those with annual revenues between $10 million and $100 million. Main Street's investment strategy focuses on supporting management buyouts, recapitalizations, growth financing, and acquisitions across various industry sectors. The firm aims to offer customized financing solutions and often serves as a "one-stop" financing alternative for its portfolio companies, partnering closely with entrepreneurs, business owners, and management teams to enhance their growth and operational objectives. In addition to its lower middle-market investments, Main Street also allocates capital to middle-market companies and various other investment opportunities.

EnCap Investments L.P. is a private equity firm founded in 1988 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, with an additional office in Dallas. The firm specializes in investments in the upstream and midstream oil and gas sectors, focusing on companies involved in natural gas pipelines, energy infrastructure, and various gathering and processing operations. It typically invests between $10 million and $350 million per deal, targeting growth capital for proven management teams in North America. EnCap Investments emphasizes incremental capital provision for reserve acquisition and drilling projects, while also exploring opportunities in the energy transition sector. The firm has a strong interest in the markets of Mexico, Canada, and the United States.

Tech Wildcatters is a venture capital firm and seed accelerator based in Dallas, Texas, founded in 2009. Specializing in technology startups, it focuses on pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments, particularly in business-to-business and business-to-business-to-consumer information technology companies. The firm is selective, inviting only 8-10 startups annually to participate in its 12-week accelerator program, which has been recognized as a top accelerator by Forbes. Participating companies receive up to $130,000 in seed funding and benefit from extensive mentorship, culminating in opportunities to pitch to angel investors and venture capitalists. Tech Wildcatters typically seeks to acquire 7% to 10% equity in the startups it supports, focusing on sectors such as marketplace logistics, fintech, climate tech, remote work, education tools, connectivity, sports and fitness, and travel and hospitality. The firm does not invest in medical devices, biotech, real estate, or oil and gas exploration companies.

The Riverside Company is a prominent global private equity firm established in 1988, headquartered in New York. It specializes in making control and non-control investments in growth-stage businesses valued at up to $400 million. With a diverse portfolio that includes over 80 companies, Riverside has completed more than 480 transactions across various sectors, including business services, consumer brands, education and training, franchising, healthcare, software, information technology, and specialty manufacturing. The firm operates internationally, with investment activities spanning the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

Edison Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, founded in 1986. The firm specializes in growth equity investments primarily in technology-enabled companies across various sectors, including financial technology, healthcare information technology, and enterprise software. Edison focuses on late and mid-venture financing, expansion capital, management buyouts, and recapitalizations, typically investing between $10 million and $30 million in companies with revenues ranging from $2 million to $30 million. The firm's investment strategy involves nurturing growth-stage businesses with a 30 percent growth rate, often acting as a lead investor and seeking board representation. Edison has a robust portfolio valued at over $5 billion and manages more than $1 billion in assets, primarily targeting companies located in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions of the United States. Through its Edison Edge platform, the firm offers strategic advisory services and executive education to enhance value creation for its portfolio companies.

Gaingels is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont. It specializes in investing in companies led by LGBT+ founders and C-suite leaders across various stages of growth, as well as in established firms aiming to create more inclusive teams. With a global portfolio of over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels actively supports its portfolio by helping to identify and recruit diverse talent for leadership roles. The firm fosters a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, operators, and entrepreneurs who are united in their mission to drive positive social change through business and successful investments.

Acorn Growth Companies, established in 2005 and headquartered in Oklahoma City, is a private equity firm that specializes in mid-market investments within the aerospace, defense, space, and intelligence sectors. The firm employs an operationally focused strategy that has led to significant value creation among its portfolio companies. With over $200 million in assets under management, Acorn Growth Companies has developed a diverse portfolio that includes companies operating throughout the United States and internationally. Its primary umbrella is AGC Aerospace & Defense, which encapsulates its commitment to investing in opportunities that enhance capabilities in the aerospace and defense industries.

Chevron Corporation is a leading integrated energy company involved in various aspects of the oil and gas industry, including exploration, production, refining, marketing, and chemicals manufacturing. Headquartered in San Ramon, California, the company operates globally, with significant production activities across North America, South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia. Chevron produces approximately 3.1 million barrels of oil equivalent per day, alongside refining capacity of 1.8 million barrels per day. The company markets fuels, lubricants, and petrochemical products under well-known brands such as Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex. Additionally, Chevron Technology Ventures serves as the company's venture capital arm, investing in early-stage companies and emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency and foster future energy solutions, including renewable energy and advanced materials. Chevron is committed to developing technology for hydrogen-powered fuel cells and other sustainable energy resources while maintaining a strong focus on traditional oil and gas operations.

RevTech Fund II is a venture capital fund based in Dallas, Texas, that specializes in early-stage investments within the retail technology sector. Founded in 2012, RevTech Ventures focuses on identifying and supporting innovative companies at the intersection of retail and technology. The fund engages in a strategy of making numerous initial investments, followed by larger follow-on investments in those companies that exhibit rapid growth and a sustainable competitive advantage. RevTech Fund II emphasizes providing ongoing support and resources through its management team and a network of experienced mentors, aiming to foster the development of its portfolio companies in various sectors, including consumer products, software, and commercial services.

Valor Equity Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Chicago, established in 1995. The firm specializes in making investments across various stages of company development, including seed-stage, early-stage, growth-stage, and late-stage investments. Valor primarily focuses on sectors such as industrial products, manufacturing, infrastructure services, healthcare, food technology, retail technology, fintech, and clean energy. The firm seeks to partner with high-growth companies and entrepreneurs who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and industry transformation. Investment sizes typically range from $10 million to $75 million for new platforms, while add-on investments do not have a minimum size requirement. Valor Equity Partners primarily invests in North America and India, aiming to support companies with revenues between $30 million and $200 million. The firm prefers to take a leading role in investments, pursuing both control and non-control equity opportunities.

i2E is a not-for-profit venture development organization based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, founded in 1998. It focuses on investing in technology-based entrepreneurs and companies within Oklahoma, particularly in the software, healthcare, and information technology sectors. i2E manages over $47 million in assets through its for-profit venture capital fund subsidiaries, aiming to support and foster innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

Bernhard Capital Partners is a private equity firm founded in 2013 and based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with an additional office in Brentwood. The firm specializes in the energy services sector, focusing on investments in electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities across the United States. With a team led by experienced professionals, Bernhard Capital Partners aims to create sustainable value by leveraging strategic industry insights and operational efficiencies. Their approach goes beyond financial investment, as they provide comprehensive resources and best-practice management to support the growth and success of their portfolio companies.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a global venture capital and private equity firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, from seed and startup to later-stage growth and public investments. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, NEA focuses on technology and healthcare sectors, particularly in areas such as consumer internet, financial technology, software, healthcare services, life sciences, and energy technology. The firm also invests in semiconductor companies and alternative energy initiatives in India. NEA has a proven track record, with more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a global perspective, targeting opportunities in North America, Asia, and South America, and typically involves investments ranging from $0.05 million to $20 million.