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

CIT GAP Funds is a family of seed- and early-stage investment funds placing near-equity and equity investments in Virginia-based technology, life science, and cleantech companies. CIT GAP Funds invests in companies with a high potential for achieving rapid growth and generating significant economic return for entrepreneurs, co-investors and the Commonwealth of Virginia. CIT’s family of funds includes: GAP Fund I – A vintage 2004 fund fully invested in a broad array of seed-stage technology companies. Portfolio. GAP BioLife Fund – A seed fund investing exclusively in life science companies. GAP Tech Fund – A seed fund investing in IT and technology companies. Commonwealth Energy Fund (CEF), a seed fund investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy companies.

Innova Memphis, established in 2007 by the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, is a venture capital firm located in Memphis, Tennessee. The firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments in high-growth companies within the biosciences, technology, and agri-tech sectors. Innova aims to connect capital with innovative ideas to develop groundbreaking products and services. By investing in start-ups, the firm not only supports their growth but also facilitates partnerships with established corporations for licensing or further investment opportunities. With a team experienced in management and market expertise, Innova is equipped to transform concepts into viable business units ready to compete in the market. Their approach combines technical knowledge, proven staffing, and appropriate funding to maximize the potential for success in the competitive landscape.

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

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

Launch Tennessee is a public-private partnership that supports entrepreneurs from ideation to exit. We’re guided by a vision of making Tennessee the most startup-friendly state in the country, so that entrepreneurs stay here to build companies and create jobs.

Florida Funders, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Tampa, Florida, specializing in early-stage investments, particularly in technology, health science, and engineering sectors. Established in 2013, the firm focuses on companies within Florida that have annual revenues between $0.25 million and $2 million, typically targeting investments of $0.5 million to $1 million. Florida Funders operates as both a venture capital firm and an angel investor syndicate, boasting a network of over 1,500 members. The firm emphasizes collaboration by co-leading investments and participating in follow-on funding. In addition to financial support, Florida Funders offers venture-building services to help portfolio companies succeed. Through its efforts, the firm aims to generate strong returns for investors while fostering the growth of promising entrepreneurs in the state.

Created to facilitate applied research, product development and commercialization programs, and to strengthen South Carolina's Knowledge Economy by creating high wage-earning jobs. SC Launch provides entrepreneurs with key tools for success to help build technology startups, jobs and equity in the future for South Carolina. SC Launch provides access to business, academic and economic development entities through the SC Launch Resource Network. SC Launch is a collaboration among SCRA and South Carolina's university research foundations: Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 7.5 million customers across six states, including Ohio and Kentucky. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas, and boasts an electric generating capacity of about 35,000 megawatts in the Carolinas and the Midwest. In addition to electricity, Duke Energy also offers natural gas transportation and distribution services. The company is committed to sustainability and community support, further evidenced by its philanthropic efforts through the Duke Energy Foundation, which focuses on enhancing community vitality and promoting climate resilience. Founded in 1837 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy continues to play a significant role in the energy sector.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt investments, focusing primarily on small businesses at various stages of development, excluding seed stage. Advantage Capital targets investments in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports economic development initiatives. The firm seeks to invest in companies that utilize proprietary technologies in sectors such as communication, information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and energy, among others. It offers various forms of debt capital, including senior and mezzanine debt, and has a preference for co-investing with other firms. Initial investments typically range from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales under $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital is committed to addressing the funding gaps in underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities that lack traditional sources of risk capital.

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

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

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

SOSV is a global venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Specializing in seed-to-growth stage investments, SOSV operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet ventures, Food-X for innovative food solutions, and dlab for blockchain technology. The firm focuses on investments in revolutionary deep technologies aimed at improving human and planetary health, as well as cross-border markets, particularly in Asia. SOSV invests in approximately 150 startups annually, providing support through its resources to accelerate product development and scaling. Over its two-decade history, SOSV has established a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top venture capital firms globally.

Madryn Health Partners, managed by Madryn Asset Management, is a direct lending fund based in New York that focuses on the healthcare sector. Established in 2017, the fund targets investments in areas such as healthcare services and supplies, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, as well as life sciences and oncology. Madryn Asset Management specializes in identifying unique and transformative products, technologies, and services within the healthcare industry, leveraging its extensive experience to create long-term value for its portfolio companies. The firm employs an independent research approach to uncover attractive economic opportunities that aim to deliver strong risk-adjusted returns for its investors.

Iroquois Capital is a private equity firm based in the United States that focuses on a range of investment stages, including seed to late stage, turnaround, growth capital, and PIPE investments. Founded in 2006 by John F. Jacques, the firm provides capital solutions to middle market companies. Iroquois Capital operates through its broker dealers and has a diverse portfolio that includes investments in various sectors, such as real estate investment trusts, captive services, insurance, and healthcare. Additionally, Iroquois Capital Advisors, a subsidiary of Iroquois Capital Group, offers brokerage services, security trading, and financial consulting from its Nashville, Tennessee location. Iroquois Security Monitoring, another entity under the Iroquois umbrella, specializes in acquiring and managing residential security alarm contracts, providing services related to burglary protection, fire safety, and emergency response systems.

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

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

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1977 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in India and China. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, including seed, start-up, early stage, and later stage, with a focus on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and energy technology. NEA's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries, including consumer internet, software, biotechnology, medical devices, and alternative energy. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, the firm has a notable track record, having participated in more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. NEA aims to invest between $0.05 million and $20 million, targeting both domestic and international markets, particularly in Asia and the Americas.

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

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm established in 1995, specializing in growth-stage investments in the software, internet, and data services sectors. Headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide. Insight Partners focuses on partnering with high-growth technology and software companies that are driving significant change in their industries. The firm aims to support visionary executives by providing practical, hands-on expertise throughout their growth journey, from initial investment to public offering. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity, Insight Partners has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve IPO status.

Kirenaga Partners LLC is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in lower middle market companies, particularly those developing transformative technologies aimed at addressing critical social issues such as clean water, fresh food, and infection control. Based in Orlando, Florida, with an additional office in Bronxville, New York, Kirenaga targets companies with annual revenues of less than $25 million. The firm specializes in identifying disruptive technologies with significant growth potential, often providing the necessary funding that other investors overlook. By committing between $1 million and $3 million, Kirenaga aims to support its portfolio companies for 18 to 24 months, leveraging its operational expertise and extensive network to de-risk investments and facilitate growth. The firm operates on the principle of creating societal value while achieving financial returns.

Frist Cressey Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2015 and based in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm specializes in investing in early and growth stage companies within the healthcare sector. It focuses on accelerating the development of high-potential healthcare enterprises by forming value-added partnerships. Frist Cressey Ventures seeks to invest in technology and service businesses that offer viable solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of care, improving system integration, and advancing patient outcomes and population health. The firm collaborates with entrepreneurs who share similar core values and are committed to transforming the healthcare landscape.

Nashville Capital Network, established in 2003 and headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, is dedicated to accelerating the growth of early-stage companies, particularly in the healthcare and technology sectors. The firm nurtures promising entrepreneurs by connecting them with experienced investors and providing guidance throughout the fundraising process. Nashville Capital Network has built a robust network of committed individual investors who have contributed over $42 million to companies within Tennessee. Additionally, the firm manages several investment funds, including NCN Angel Fund I, NCN Angel Fund II, and the TNInvestco Tennessee Angel Fund, further enhancing its capacity to support local entrepreneurs.

Founded in 1989, Advent-Morro Equity Partners is a San Juan-based private equity firm that specialises in investments in life sciences, healthcare, consumer goods, technology and manufacturing industries across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Motley Fool Ventures is a $150 million venture capital fund that specializes in technology investments. The fund primarily targets Series A companies that utilize technology to enhance scale, efficiency, or access within substantial and expanding markets. By focusing on innovative businesses, Motley Fool Ventures aims to support the growth of companies that are positioned to make a significant impact in their respective industries.

Columbia Capital is a Virginia-based venture capital firm established in 1989 that focuses on investing in growth-stage technology companies in the wireless, broadband, media, and enterprise information technology sectors. The firm primarily targets opportunities in North America and Western Europe, leveraging its expertise to identify and support businesses poised for significant growth in these dynamic industries. Columbia Capital aims to foster innovation and advancement by providing financial resources and strategic guidance to emerging companies.

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.

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

SoftBank Group Corp. is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1981, it provides a wide range of services including mobile and fixed-line communications, broadband, and digital television. The company operates through several segments, including the SoftBank Vision Fund, which focuses on investing in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and fintech. Additionally, SoftBank manufactures and distributes mobile devices and offers services in e-commerce, internet advertising, and IT solutions. The firm also engages in renewable energy by generating and supplying electricity. Beyond telecommunications, SoftBank has interests in various sectors, including media, professional sports, and fashion through platforms like ZOZOTOWN. With a global presence, SoftBank actively invests in growth-stage companies, aiming to foster innovation and technological advancement across diverse industries.

Paladin Capital Group is a private equity investment firm established in 2001, headquartered in Washington, D.C., with additional offices in New York City, Silicon Valley, London, and Luxembourg. The firm specializes in venture investments, expansion, and growth capital, primarily focusing on innovative technologies and services that serve both commercial and governmental markets. Paladin is recognized for its expertise in dual-use technologies, merging financial acumen with national security and technical knowledge to enhance the value of its portfolio companies. The firm's most recent fund targets digital infrastructure resilience and invests in advanced technologies that support, manage, and protect critical infrastructure reliant on cyberspace. Paladin's approach emphasizes active investment, leveraging decades of experience and a robust network to support the growth and development of its investments.

FJ Labs is a U.S.-based investment firm established in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm operates with a stage-agnostic approach, primarily targeting marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. FJ Labs focuses its investments on seed and Series A rounds, with a financial commitment ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm has invested in a variety of notable companies, including Alibaba Group, beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, and ADORE ME.

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

Jumpstart Foundry is a venture capital firm focused on seed-stage investments primarily in healthcare and related sectors, including healthcare information technology, consumer health products, tech-enabled services, and diagnostic devices. The firm, founded in 2010 and based in Nashville, Tennessee, also has an office in Atlanta, Georgia. It does not invest in biotech, pharmaceuticals, or life sciences. Jumpstart Foundry typically invests up to $0.15 million per company for a 7.5 percent equity stake. The firm offers a 14-week accelerator program as well as a six-week Micro-Accelerator program aimed at small and medium-sized companies and corporations. In addition to funding, it provides strategic marketing consultation and connects companies with industry stakeholders to aid their growth and development.

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

Blu Venture Investors, LLC is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Vienna, Virginia, focusing on seed and early-stage investments across various technology sectors. Established in 2010, the firm targets companies involved in Web 2.0, Internet of Things (IoT), software, healthcare technology, digital media, and disruptive technologies in materials and biological sciences. It aims to support innovative solutions for federal defense, homeland security, and medical device sectors, particularly in cybersecurity and other technology areas. Typically, Blu Venture Investors invests between $50,000 and $3 million in each funding round and prefers to take majority stakes in its portfolio companies. The firm also seeks to engage actively by taking board seats and providing mentorship, leveraging the extensive experience of its investors, who are seasoned operating executives across various industries. The firm primarily focuses its investments in the mid-Atlantic region, including Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., and North Carolina.

UpTech, LLC is a venture capital firm and accelerator based in Covington, Kentucky, specializing in pre-seed, seed/startup, and early-stage investments, primarily in the informatics industry. The firm focuses on data-driven companies developing tech-enabled solutions and seeks to invest in startups located in the United States, particularly in Northern Kentucky. UpTech operates a six-month accelerator program that accepts up to ten startups each year, providing funding between $10,000 and $50,000 in the form of convertible notes. In addition to financial support, the program offers startup education, weekly one-on-one mentoring, six months of free co-working space, and access to dedicated legal and accounting counsel. Founded in January 2012, UpTech aims to foster entrepreneurship and encourage the growth of startups in its local community.

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

MB Growth Partners is an investment firm based in Memphis, Tennessee, specializing in providing capital to early-stage medical device and biotechnology companies across the United States. Founded in 2001, the firm focuses on opportunities in New England and has successfully allocated over $140 million in private capital over the past decade. MB Growth Partners invests between $500,000 and $5 million, concentrating on innovative product solutions, particularly in the area of musculoskeletal diseases. The firm leverages its extensive industry experience and strategic relationships to support the growth and development of its portfolio companies.

Revolution, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 and based in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in growth capital investments across various sectors, including financial services, media and entertainment, e-commerce, transportation, education, and healthcare. Revolution seeks to partner with entrepreneurs to disrupt traditional industries through innovative products and services, typically investing between $1 million and $12 million in its portfolio companies. It emphasizes the importance of investing in high-potential geographic areas, believing that talent is widely distributed but opportunities are not. Revolution operates multiple funds, including Revolution Ventures and Revolution Growth, which focus on early-stage and growth-stage investments, respectively. The firm is known for taking a controlling stake in its portfolio companies and often leads financing rounds, with a preference for collaborating with other top-tier investors.

GAMCO Investors Inc. is a diversified global financial services company that primarily serves high net worth individuals, pension plans, charitable organizations, and government entities. Founded in 1977 and headquartered in Rye, New York, with additional offices across the United States, the firm specializes in managing separate equity portfolios, mutual funds, and hedge funds. GAMCO employs a fundamental research approach with a bottom-up stock selection strategy, focusing on value stocks across large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. The firm benchmarks its investments against recognized indices while also incorporating socially responsible investment strategies. The company's success is rooted in its rigorous research-driven culture and a commitment to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns.

Mountain Group Capital, LLC is a Nashville-based venture capital and private equity firm established in 2002. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including life sciences, animal health, and technology. Within life sciences, Mountain Group Capital focuses on areas such as MedTech, medical devices, diagnostics, nutraceuticals, and expedited drug development. In animal health, the firm targets technologies that significantly benefit companion animal health and agricultural practices. Additionally, it invests in disruptive technologies characterized by transformative business models with manageable development risks and expedited market entry. Mountain Group Capital primarily invests in North American companies, particularly in the Southeastern United States and Tennessee, with revenues ranging from $1 million to $50 million. The firm typically seeks minority interests in venture capital investments while aiming for controlling interests in buyouts, adhering to a long-term investment philosophy centered on strong management teams and solid business fundamentals.

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.

Onex Falcon is a private equity firm established in 2000 that specializes in investing subordinated debt and equity capital in middle market companies. The firm typically provides between $25 million and $75 million in capital per transaction, focusing on opportunities that allow for growth and value creation. By targeting mid-market enterprises, Onex Falcon aims to support companies with potential for significant development while managing risk effectively.

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

Chattanooga is a vibrant city known for its entrepreneurial spirit and significant investments from major corporations like Alstom, Volkswagen, Wacker, and Amazon. This economic momentum is supported by a robust technological ecosystem, including the computational Simulation Center at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a citywide gigabit fiber network. To further enhance its entrepreneurial landscape, the Chattanooga Renaissance Fund, established in 2011, plays a crucial role as a venture capital firm focused on seed and early-stage investments in the region. The fund aims to support startups across various technology sectors, including telecommunications, e-commerce, and digital health. By providing essential capital and mentorship, the Chattanooga Renaissance Fund is positioned to foster innovation and growth, ensuring that the city remains a dynamic hub for business development.

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

QED Fund V, managed by QED Investors, is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Alexandria, Virginia. Established in 2008, it focuses on investing in high-growth companies primarily within the fintech sector, including mortgage technology, real estate technology, software, and financial services. The firm targets its investments across various regions, including Latin America, the United States, and the United Kingdom. QED Investors is dedicated to supporting its portfolio companies by providing both capital and operational expertise, fostering a close partnership that emphasizes the importance of information in driving business success. The fund aims to nurture innovative startups that leverage technology to enhance competitive advantage in the financial services landscape.

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