The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Enhanced Capital, established in 1999, is a New York-based investment firm managing over $400 million. It specializes in providing flexible equity and debt financing to small and mid-sized businesses, promoting their growth and expansion. The firm's investment approach is practical and tailored, aiming to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid growth. Enhanced Capital also invests in renewable energy, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing projects, often leveraging federal and state incentive programs.

Duke Energy is a major utility company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 8.2 million customers across the United States. The company operates regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky, and has roughly 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. In addition to its core services, Duke Energy manages natural gas distribution for over 1.6 million customers in Ohio and Kentucky. The company also owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America and Latin America. Through its efforts, Duke Energy aims to deliver energy in a sustainable manner while contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of the communities it serves.

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.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

Advantage Capital, established in 1992, is a venture capital firm specializing in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments. It focuses on small businesses, particularly those in low-income communities and underserved areas, supporting state and local economic development efforts. The firm invests across various industries, including manufacturing, technology, business services, and renewable energy, with a typical initial investment range of $0.5 million to $10 million. Advantage Capital provides debt capital in forms such as senior debt, subordinated loans, and government-guaranteed lending, as well as equity capital to real estate development firms. It operates from multiple offices across the United States, with a headquarters in New Orleans, Louisiana.

TEDCO is an independent organization established in 1998 and located in Columbia, Maryland. It serves as the leading source of entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies within Maryland's innovation economy. TEDCO focuses on early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, energy equipment, life sciences, and oncology. Its mission is to foster innovation and economic growth in Maryland by supporting the growth of startups and enhancing the state's position in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Triangle Tweener Fund, established in 2021 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage, high-technology startups within the Triangle area, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding regions. The firm aims to build a comprehensive index of private company investments that meet its specific 'Tweener List' criteria, targeting promising ventures at a critical stage of their development. By concentrating on seed and early-stage investments, Triangle Tweener Fund seeks to support the growth of innovative companies that have the potential to contribute significantly to the local economy and the tech landscape.

LiveOak Ventures, established in 2012, is a Texas-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in the technology sector. Based in Austin, the firm provides capital and support to technology and technology-enabled services companies across Texas. LiveOak Ventures typically invests between $1 million to $10 million, taking a minority stake, and supports its portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle, from seed stage to growth.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.

Silverton Partners, established in 2006, is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Austin, Texas. The firm invests in technology companies across the United States, with a focus on business software, consumer internet, cloud services, and enterprise software. Silverton Partners provides not only capital but also mentorship, leveraging its team's operating background. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm manages multiple funds, typically investing between $0.2 to $2 million in early-stage companies.

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) is a prominent venture capital firm established in 1977, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in the U.S., India, and China. NEA specializes in investing in technology and healthcare sectors, with a focus on enterprise, consumer, fintech, life sciences, and digital health companies. The firm engages with entrepreneurs at various stages of business development, providing support from initial funding to public offerings. NEA invests globally, with a significant presence in Asia, including China and India, as well as the United States. The firm typically invests between $0.05 million and $20 million per deal.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., established in 1869, is a global leader in investment banking, securities, and investment management. It operates in four primary segments: Investment Banking, Institutional Client Services, Investing & Lending, and Investment Management. The company provides a wide range of services, including financial advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, underwriting services for various securities, client execution services for fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, securities services, and wealth advisory services. It serves a diverse client base comprising corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, Goldman Sachs invests in a broad array of asset classes, including debt securities, equity securities, real estate, and private equity, demonstrating its commitment to driving growth and innovation across industries.

NC IDEA is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 2005 to support entrepreneurs in starting and growing high-potential companies. It primarily focuses on providing early financing through competitive grants, particularly targeting young, innovative companies in sectors such as biotechnology, cleantech, healthcare information technology, and software. NC IDEA emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its initiatives and works to serve as a catalyst for the development of technology-driven businesses in the region. In addition to financial support, the organization offers various programs and leverages a network of strategic partners to assist entrepreneurs during critical stages of their ventures.

SoftBank Group is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Japan. It operates through four segments: mobile communications, Sprint, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet. The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data transmission services, broadband services, internet advertising, e-commerce, and digital television. SoftBank Group also invests in various technologies through its venture capital arms, such as SoftBank Investment Advisers and SoftBank Vision Fund, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. One of its notable subsidiaries, SoftBank Robotics, designs and manufactures humanoid robots for various applications, including education, healthcare, and business.

Capital Factory, established in 2009, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, with additional presence in Dallas and Houston. It focuses on investing in and accelerating early-stage companies, primarily in the software, media, and technology sectors. The firm provides resources, mentorship, and coworking space to its portfolio companies, connecting them with initial investors, employees, and customers.

Truist is a banking organization formed through the merger of BB&T and SunTrust, with a history spanning over 275 years. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist serves approximately 12 million households and stands as the sixth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company offers a diverse range of services, including retail and commercial banking, asset management, insurance, mortgage lending, and wealth management. Truist also provides specialized services for small businesses and corporate clients, encompassing areas such as asset-based lending, treasury services, and supply chain financing. With a commitment to innovation and community development, Truist aims to enhance financial experiences for individuals and businesses alike.

Insight Partners, established in 1995, is a global private equity and venture capital firm headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. The company specializes in investing in growth-stage technology and software companies, with a particular focus on sectors such as Fintech, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, DevOps, and Healthcare. As of December 31, 2022, Insight Partners has over $75 billion in regulatory assets under management. The firm has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO. Insight Partners' mission is to partner with visionary executives, providing practical, hands-on software expertise along their growth journey, from initial investment to IPO.

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.

SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.

Florida Funders, established in 2013 and headquartered in Tampa, is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments in Florida-based technology companies. The firm targets annual revenues of $0.25 million to $2 million and invests between $0.5 million and $1 million per round, often co-leading and participating in follow-on investments. Florida Funders, with over 1,500 members, combines equity crowdfunding, angel investing, and venture capital strategies to generate returns while supporting the state's promising entrepreneurs.

Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation, established in 1985 and based in Richmond, Virginia, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to fostering early commercialization and financing for innovative technologies and entrepreneurs in the state. The organization focuses on supporting the initial stages of innovation, providing essential resources and seed financing to help tech entrepreneurs launch and develop their businesses. By doing so, Virginia Innovation Partnership aims to create high-paying jobs and stimulate economic growth throughout Virginia. Its commitment to market development projects further enhances its role in promoting a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem within the region.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a United States government agency established in 1958, primarily in response to advancements in space exploration by the Soviet Union. Originating from the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, NASA has a long history of advancing aeronautics and astronautics. It gained prominence for its Apollo program, which successfully landed humans on the moon in 1969. NASA has since been instrumental in various space missions, including the development of the space shuttle, which provided regular access to space from 1981 until its retirement in 2011. The agency plays a key role in the International Space Station, furthering human presence in space through international collaboration. In addition to manned missions, NASA conducts extensive scientific research, exploring planets like Mars and monitoring Earth's climate through satellites. Its aeronautics teams continue to innovate in creating safer and more efficient aircraft. Overall, NASA's work aims to expand human knowledge and capabilities in space while contributing to advancements that benefit life on Earth.

Google.org is a philanthropic arm of Google, a multinational technology company. It funds and supports nonprofits globally, providing them with funding, tools, and volunteers. Google.org has committed approximately $100 million annually to these efforts, aiming to extend the reach of innovative nonprofits and create lasting global impact.

Gaingels is a venture investment syndicate founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to supporting the LGBT+ community and its allies. The organization invests in companies led by LGBT+ founders and executives at all stages of development, as well as in established firms committed to enhancing their diversity and inclusivity. With a global portfolio comprising over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive business environment. Additionally, the Gaingels network actively assists its portfolio companies in identifying and recruiting diverse talent for their leadership teams, while cultivating a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to driving positive social change through business initiatives.

Right Side Capital Management, established in 2010, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage technology investments. It focuses on funding pre-seed rounds, making 75-100 investments annually in startups outside major tech hubs, with pre-money valuations typically ranging from $1M to $3M. The firm prefers capital-efficient businesses and aims to provide a swift investment decision, usually within two weeks. Since 2012, RSCM has invested in approximately 200 companies across 19 U.S. states and several international locations, including Canada, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe.

leading global alternative asset manager

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and located in Golden, Colorado. The firm focuses on co-investing in seed and series A rounds, primarily in collaboration with institutional venture funds. It targets a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and health. By concentrating on these industries, Service Provider Capital aims to support innovative companies at critical stages of their development.

Warburg Pincus is a global private equity firm, established in 1966, with over $60 billion in assets under management. Based in New York, it has offices worldwide and invests in a diverse range of sectors, including energy, financial services, healthcare, technology, and real estate. The firm focuses on growth investing, typically committing between $20 million to $1 billion per transaction, and has an average investment period of five to seven years. Warburg Pincus seeks to partner with management teams to build sustainable companies, often taking a board seat and investing as a lead investor.

VentureSouth is a venture capital firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in startup and early-stage investments. The firm focuses primarily on manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors, targeting opportunities in the Southeastern United States, particularly the Carolinas and surrounding areas. Since its founding, VentureSouth has developed a network of over 550 investors through various angel investment groups, making it one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million for a preferred equity stake of 15% to 35%, aiming for companies that can potentially deliver a 50% annualized rate of return within a 3-5 year timeframe. VentureSouth does not engage in common equity or debt investments, and it rarely invests in convertible debt.

FJ Labs, established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, is a stage-agnostic investment firm focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. It invests in seed and series A rounds, with a typical investment range of $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm's portfolio includes notable companies such as Alibaba Group, Beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, Adore Me, and Earnest, spanning sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and ad tech.

Wells Fargo & Company, established in 1852, is a diversified financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. It offers a wide range of products and services, including banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance, to individuals, businesses, and institutions worldwide. The company operates through three main segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management. Community Banking provides retail banking services such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and various lending products. Wholesale Banking offers commercial banking, capital markets, and investment banking services, including corporate loans, lines of credit, and investment banking services. Wealth and Investment Management delivers personalized wealth management, investment, and retirement products and services. Wells Fargo also provides fund administration, middle-office, and operations services to alternative investment managers through its subsidiary, Wells Fargo Global Fund Services. The company operates through approximately 7,400 locations and 13,000 ATMs, with offices in 32 countries and territories.

Moonshots Capital, established in 2014 and based in Austin, Texas, is a venture capital firm specializing in seed-stage investments. They focus on technology startups led by exceptional founders, targeting large and growing markets. The firm's investment approach is disciplined, aiming to identify companies with significant growth potential, often referred to as "moonshots." Their portfolio spans dual-use tech, fintech, cybersecurity, consumer internet, and web3 sectors.

Battery Ventures, established in 1983 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a technology-focused private equity and venture capital firm. It invests in early and growth-stage companies across various technology sectors, including application software, IT infrastructure, consumer internet, mobile services, and industrial technologies. The firm's investment strategy is global, targeting companies primarily in the United States, Europe, and Israel. Battery Ventures is registered as an Investment Adviser.

Silicon Valley Bank, established in 1983, is a leading commercial bank headquartered in Santa Clara, California. It specializes in providing a wide array of financial services, including banking, treasury management, and international banking, to innovative technology, life science, and premium wine businesses, as well as venture capital and private equity firms. With a global presence through 27 U.S. offices and seven international operations, the bank leverages its industry knowledge, connections, and world-class service to support the success of its clients.

The Riverside Company, established in 1988, is a global private equity firm headquartered in New York. It specializes in investing in growth-stage companies, typically with enterprise values up to US$400 million, across various sectors such as business services, consumer brands, education, healthcare, software, and manufacturing. Riverside prefers to partner with sellers who wish to remain involved in the business, working collaboratively to drive growth. Since its inception, the firm has invested in over 480 transactions and currently has an international portfolio of more than 80 companies.

General Catalyst is a venture capital firm established in 2000, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The company specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on technology-driven businesses. It invests across various sectors, including consumer internet, enterprise software, fintech, health assurance, and crypto. General Catalyst provides not only capital but also mentorship and resources to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies. To date, it has managed eight venture capital funds, totaling approximately $3.75 billion in capital commitments.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is a member-owned cooperative that provides credit products and financial services to support housing and economic development in its member institutions across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. By offering various financial tools, the bank enables its members to deliver essential financial products that fund housing, small businesses, rural development, and agriculture. Additionally, the bank focuses on specialized community investment, along with affordable housing loan and grant programs, aimed at financing community redevelopment and enhancing affordable housing opportunities in the regions it serves.

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts (KKR) is a global investment firm established in 1976, headquartered in New York. It manages multiple alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, and credit. Through strategic partnerships, KKR also invests in hedge funds. The firm employs a patient and disciplined approach, focusing on long-term value creation and generating attractive returns for its fund investors across various sectors such as business services, consumer products, energy, financial services, and technology.

The Carlyle Group, established in 1987, is a global alternative asset manager with a diverse investment portfolio. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the firm invests in corporate private equity, real assets, global market strategies, and investment solutions. Carlyle's private equity investments span various sectors, including aerospace, defense, healthcare, technology, and retail, among others. The firm manages multiple fund families, catering to early and later-stage companies, and employs a long-term value creation strategy. Carlyle's real estate investments focus on opportunistic and core funds, targeting sectors such as industrial, manufacturing, and commercial services. The firm's global presence extends to North America, Europe, Asia, and Japan, with regional offices in key financial hubs.

Revolution Growth, established in 2005, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., with an additional office in San Francisco. The company focuses on growth-stage investments, typically committing between $25 million to $50 million per company. Revolution Growth targets a broad range of sectors, including technology, media, financial services, healthcare, and consumer products. The firm seeks to partner with entrepreneurs disrupting traditional industries and supports them with its specialized expertise.

Mercury is a purpose-built early-stage venture capital platform dedicated to supporting transformative software startups in communities across America, particularly in Middle America. The company identifies and partners with exceptional founders, offering both guidance to new entrepreneurs and resources to experienced innovators. With a focus on operationally-driven investment strategies, Mercury has generated over $9 billion in value, facilitating rapid and sustainable growth for its portfolio companies. Through its comprehensive growth partner network, Mercury aims to leverage local assets and talent, fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the regions it serves.

Greycroft is a venture capital firm established in 2006, headquartered in New York, with an additional office in Los Angeles. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology startups, primarily in the internet and mobile markets. Greycroft leverages its extensive network in media and technology to provide entrepreneurs with visibility, strategic relationships, and market access to build successful businesses. With over $1 billion in assets under management, Greycroft has invested in over 200 companies, including notable successes like Venmo, Acorns, and Bird. The firm is committed to diversity, having adopted the Diversity Term Sheet Rider.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, established in 1981, is a private, non-profit organization based in Durham, North Carolina. It is funded by the North Carolina General Assembly with the mission of enhancing biotechnology research, business, and education across the state. Rather than serving as a laboratory for research, the Center focuses on fostering job creation and strengthening the biotechnology sector by providing support and resources to industry stakeholders. Through its initiatives, the Center aims to generate economic and societal benefits for the region, contributing to the advancement of biotechnology in North Carolina.

Virginia Venture Partners is a corporate venture capital firm based in Richmond, Virginia, established in 2005 as a part of the Virginia Innovation Partnership. The firm focuses on seed-stage investments in technology, life sciences, cleantech, and energy startups located in Virginia. By providing near-equity and equity investments, Virginia Venture Partners aims to foster rapid growth in its portfolio companies while generating significant economic returns for entrepreneurs and co-investors. The firm's investment strategy includes dedicated funds such as the GAP BioLife Fund, which targets life science companies, and the GAP Tech Fund, focusing on IT and technology firms. Through these investments, Virginia Venture Partners seeks to contribute to the economic development of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

GE Capital, established in 1932, is a global financial services provider headquartered in Norwalk, Connecticut. As a subsidiary of General Electric, it offers a wide array of financial services and products tailored to businesses of all sizes across various industries. These services include commercial loans and leases, equipment financing, debt financing, structured equity, fleet management, and financial programs. GE Capital operates in over 35 countries, serving sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, energy, aviation, infrastructure, and more. It combines deep industry expertise with global reach to deliver innovative, reliable, and competitively priced financing solutions.

TPG, established in 1992 and headquartered in Texas, is a global alternative asset manager with a primary focus on private equity. It manages a diverse portfolio of active companies across various countries, serving industries such as technology, healthcare, and impact investing. TPG's investment strategies include growth equity and middle-market buyouts, with a long-term and hands-on approach to partnerships. The firm has a strong presence in Asia, having been one of the first private equity firms to invest in the region. TPG's global platform provides operational resources to support companies at all stages of growth, from inception to international expansion.

Seedfunders is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The firm focuses on pre-seed and early-stage investments, targeting startups in various sectors including B2B, financial services, healthcare, information technology, clean technology, and more. With a team of experienced entrepreneurs, financial professionals, and industry executives, Seedfunders aims to support pre-revenue technology companies throughout the state of Florida. By concentrating on diverse industries such as e-commerce, education technology, and real estate technology, Seedfunders seeks to foster innovation and growth in the regional startup ecosystem.

Citi, a global financial services holding company, operates through two primary segments: Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG). The GCB segment caters to retail customers, offering traditional banking services, Citi-branded cards, and retail services. The ICG segment serves corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth clients, providing a wide range of banking, financial, and investment services. Citi also manages approximately $4.3 billion in equity investments and committed capital through its global emerging markets private equity arm, CVCI. Additionally, Citi Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in innovative ideas across sectors like fintech, data analytics, and digital assets, fostering growth and collaboration with Citi colleagues, clients, and the broader innovation ecosystem.