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.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.

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.

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.

General Catalyst Group Management, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including technology, advanced materials, clean energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, and consumer services. General Catalyst seeks to invest in companies that demonstrate strong growth potential, typically targeting those with an EBITDA between $3 million and $30 million and minimum revenues of $10 million. The firm has managed eight venture capital funds with approximately $3.75 billion in capital commitments. It emphasizes building lasting relationships with entrepreneurs and provides mentorship to foster success, enabling companies to scale effectively. General Catalyst primarily invests in North America and Australia, with a preference for seed investments in Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston.

BoxGroup Services, LLC is a venture capital firm based in New York that focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed, seed, and early Series A companies. Established in 2009 by Adam Rothenberg and David Tisch, the firm primarily targets disruptive technology sectors, including health, biotech, food, SaaS, marketplaces, e-commerce, and fintech. BoxGroup typically invests between $50,000 and $500,000, supporting entrepreneurs with innovative visions and teams capable of creating category-defining businesses. While the firm primarily invests in New York City, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles, it does not limit its geographic focus. BoxGroup does not take board seats or ownership stakes in its portfolio companies, emphasizing a supportive investment approach.

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.

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.

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.

Bessemer Venture Partners is a $4 billion venture capital firm founded in 1911 and based in California, specializing in investments across consumer, enterprise, and healthcare sectors globally, from seed stage to growth. The firm supports founders by providing guidance and resources, starting with seed and Series A investments and maintaining involvement throughout the development of their companies. Bessemer has a diverse portfolio, having funded early-stage companies such as Pinterest, Blue Apron, Skype, and Twitch, and has played a role in the successful initial public offerings of 117 companies, including Twilio, Yelp, and LinkedIn. The firm also operates several specialized funds targeting various sectors, including information technology, software, and digital health, with a presence in key markets such as India and Israel.

Lerer Hippeau is an early-stage venture capital fund based in New York City, founded in 2010 by Ken Lerer, Ben Lerer, and Eric Hippeau. The firm is recognized as one of the most active early-stage investors in the region, managing multiple funds, including Lerer Hippeau Ventures V, VII, and VIII. With a portfolio exceeding 250 active companies, Lerer Hippeau invests across various sectors, particularly focusing on consumer and enterprise companies. Notable investments include firms such as Allbirds, Bowery Farming, and K Health. The fund emphasizes backing founders who demonstrate strong product vision, customer insight, and brand-building capabilities. Additionally, Lerer Hippeau has adopted a Diversity Term Sheet Rider, reflecting its commitment to promoting diversity within its portfolio.

GV Management Company, LLC, established in 2009 as the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc., specializes in investments across various stages, including seed, early, and late-stage funding. Based in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in Boston, New York, Seattle, Cambridge, and London, GV focuses on sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, cybersecurity, and agriculture. The firm has invested in over 300 companies, aiming to drive innovation and improve lives. GV seeks to make investments of up to $50 million, while offering early-stage startups funding of up to $250,000, typically taking minority stakes in these companies. Through its extensive network, GV provides startups with unique access to technology and talent, enhancing their potential for success.

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.

Andreessen Horowitz LLC, founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of company development, from seed and early-stage to growth and late-stage ventures. It primarily targets the technology sector, with a strong emphasis on software, cloud computing, and Internet infrastructure. The firm also explores opportunities in consumer and business Internet applications, mobile software, and data storage, as well as at the intersection of computer science and life sciences, particularly in areas like digital therapeutics and computational medicine. Andreessen Horowitz is known for its significant financial backing, with investments typically ranging from $50,000 to $50 million. The firm has established multiple funds, including early-stage funds that focus on a variety of sectors, while explicitly avoiding investments in clean energy, transportation, and certain life sciences domains.

RA Capital Management, L.P. is a Boston-based venture capital firm focused on growth capital and early-stage investments in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. Established in 2001, the firm specializes in funding companies involved in drug development, medical devices, diagnostics, and biotechnology. It engages in a range of investment stages, from seed funding to later rounds and public offerings, often preferring to co-invest and take board positions. RA Capital targets companies that are innovating in areas such as prevention, cost-effective diagnostics, genetic testing, and personalized medicine. The firm is staffed by professionals with backgrounds in biology, chemistry, and medicine, providing them with a deep understanding of the scientific and regulatory landscape. This expertise allows RA Capital to identify promising technologies and offer strategic guidance, including potential partnerships and insights into public market demands.

[Connecticut Innovations](http://www.ctinnovations.com) provides strategic capital and operational insight to to companies in high-tech industries such as energy, biotechnology, information technology, and photonics. Their mission is to be the leading source of financing and ongoing support for Connecticut’s innovative, growing companies. By offering flexible financing, strategic guidance and introductions to valuable partners, Connecticut innovations enable promising businesses to thrive.

MassVentures meets critical capital needs in the Massachusetts innovation economy, providing seed and early-stage venture funding to high growth startups as they move from concept to commercialization. The Boston-based venture firm was formed in 1978 as a quasi-public corporation by the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, governed by an independent Board of Directors, and managed by experienced venture capitalists. Leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit, educated workforce, and centers of innovation in Massachusetts, MassVentures has a track record of success with early-stage ventures.

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.

Sequoia Capital is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of startups, including seed, early, and growth stages, and focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, internet, and mobile. Sequoia typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early-stage ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. The firm operates globally, with significant activities in regions like Israel, China, and India, where it partners with dynamic founders to build successful companies. Sequoia's extensive portfolio includes notable firms and offers valuable insights and resources, benefiting from decades of experience in the venture capital landscape.

Founded in 2009, Founder Collective is a private equity firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments, primarily in technology-related companies across various sectors, including software and telecommunications. Founder Collective manages $50 million in capital and typically invests between $0.2 million and $2 million in early-stage ventures. The firm is comprised of a network of successful entrepreneurs who leverage their experience to identify promising startups. While the firm’s investment focus is geographically centered on the East Coast, it maintains a global investment outlook, targeting companies with a significant information technology component.

RRE Ventures, established in 1994 and based in New York, is a private equity firm specializing in venture capital investments in the technology and financial services sectors. With over $1.5 billion in assets, RRE focuses on seed, Series A, and Series B funding for rapidly growing companies in software, internet, communications, and related industries. The firm prioritizes backing entrepreneurs and management teams with the vision and expertise necessary to build market-leading companies. RRE’s team combines management, operational, and investment experience, leveraging a robust network of relationships to support the growth of its portfolio companies. Through its targeted investments, RRE Ventures aims to foster innovation and drive success in the technology landscape.

Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm headquartered in New York City. Established in 1869, it provides a wide range of financial services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm operates through several segments, including Investment Banking, which offers financial advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, and underwriting services for public and private offerings. Its Institutional Client Services segment facilitates client transactions across various asset classes and provides services like securities lending. The Investing & Lending segment focuses on long-term loans and investments in debt and equity securities, while the Investment Management segment offers portfolio management and wealth advisory services. Additionally, Goldman Sachs engages in private equity investments across multiple sectors and geographies, reinforcing its position as a leading investor in both public and private markets.

Polaris Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 1996 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. With a focus on technology and healthcare sectors, Polaris invests in companies at all stages of development, from inception to profitable growth. The firm has a history of partnering with experienced entrepreneurs and innovators, aiming to enhance the way people live and work. In addition to its Boston headquarters, Polaris has offices in San Francisco and New York, and it actively targets investments in life sciences, biotechnology, and software industries across the United States and Europe. Over its more than two-decade history, Polaris Partners has established itself as a multibillion-dollar investment firm committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2005, specializing in investments across various stages, from seed to growth. The firm focuses on transformative technologies and seeks to address significant global challenges through its investments in sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, cybersecurity, and consumer internet. With over $2 billion in capital under management, Founders Fund has a history of backing notable companies, including SpaceX, Palantir, and Facebook, emphasizing a founder-friendly investment strategy that provides substantial support with minimal interference. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $300 million, targeting innovative companies worldwide.

500 Global, formerly known as 500 Startups, is a venture capital firm and incubator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on early-stage technology and financial services startups across various sectors, including biotech, e-commerce, fintech, and digital healthcare. 500 Global operates a four-month accelerator program, where it typically invests between $0.05 million and $1 million for a 5 to 10 percent equity stake in companies with at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. The firm targets a global market, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Since its inception, it has invested in over 2,200 startups and supports the growth of innovation ecosystems through educational programs and partnerships. 500 Global also prioritizes investments in companies led by minority founders, reflecting its commitment to diverse entrepreneurial leadership.

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

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.

Atlas Venture L.P. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, founded in 1980. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily in the life sciences and technology sectors. In life sciences, Atlas Venture focuses on biotechnology, therapeutics, medical technologies, and personalized medicine. In technology, it targets areas such as fintech, consumer innovation, and emerging web services. The firm employs a seed-led venture creation strategy that emphasizes rigorous selection of promising startups led by capable entrepreneurs. Atlas Venture typically invests between $500,000 and $5 million in its portfolio companies, often taking the lead role and seeking board representation. The firm manages over $2 billion in committed capital and has been involved with more than 350 companies across various countries. Its investment strategy prioritizes opportunities in the United States, particularly in regions such as New England and California.

SV Angel is a San Francisco-based seed fund founded in 2009, specializing in early-stage investments primarily within the Internet software sector. The firm adopts a portfolio approach to seed investing, distinguishing itself from traditional venture capital firms by not taking board seats and investing in a larger number of companies, often exceeding 100 annually. SV Angel leverages an extensive network to assist startups with business development, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic advice. This approach, pioneered by founder Ron Conway over 20 years ago, has enabled SV Angel to invest in and advise numerous successful companies, including notable names like Facebook, Google, and Airbnb. The firm continues to focus on providing support to technology-focused consumer and enterprise sectors across the United States.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as software, big data, cloud technologies, fintech, healthcare, and digital media. Accel is known for backing innovative entrepreneurs and has a history of investing in notable companies including Facebook, Dropbox, and Spotify. With over three decades of experience, Accel employs dedicated teams that utilize market-specific strategies to identify and support the next generation of industry leaders. The firm manages approximately $9.6 billion and carries out investments typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million, aiming to foster the development of world-class, category-defining businesses globally.

Union Square Ventures is a private equity and venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2003. The firm specializes in early-stage, growth capital, and late-stage financing, primarily within the internet sector. It focuses on companies that operate in the applications layer of the web, internet services, and mobile technology, emphasizing those that can create large networks and leverage innovative information technology for high-growth opportunities. Union Square Ventures typically invests between $1 million and $20 million in portfolio companies, with initial investments often starting at $1 million, and occasionally higher for Series A rounds. The firm targets ownership levels of 15% to 20% and prefers to act as a lead investor, actively engaging with the entrepreneurs it funds. Its investment strategy spans various industries, including media, marketing, financial services, fintech, climate tech, blockchain technology, telecommunications, and healthcare, with a preference for companies located in New York, San Francisco, London, and Berlin.

Lightspeed Ventures, LLC is a global venture capital firm founded in 2000, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in Beijing, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Herzliya Pituach. The firm specializes in early-stage and expansion-stage investments, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including consumer, enterprise technology, cleantech, financial technology, mobile, e-commerce, and biotechnology. Lightspeed engages in both equity and debt financing for startups and growth companies, as well as providing incubation services. It primarily invests in the United States, Europe, Israel, China, and India, with specific investment strategies tailored to different regions. In India, for instance, it focuses on advertising, healthcare, education, and retail, while in China, it targets both early and late-stage businesses across various technology sectors. The firm manages significant capital through its funds, actively participating in the growth of innovative companies across multiple industries.

Tiger Global Management, LLC is an investment firm established in 2001 by Charles Coleman, based in New York, with affiliate offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangalore, and Melbourne. The firm operates in both private and public markets, focusing on regions such as China, India, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the United States. Tiger Global employs a fundamentally oriented investment strategy that targets growth-oriented private companies through its private equity efforts, which have a ten-year investment horizon. In the public equity space, the firm emphasizes thorough due diligence on individual companies and long-term secular themes. Its investment approach primarily concentrates on sectors including the global Internet, technology, telecommunications, media, consumer, and industrial industries. Tiger Global is committed to principles such as integrity, intellectual honesty, teamwork, and long-term thinking in its pursuit of superior risk-adjusted returns for its investors.

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Based in Menlo Park, California, the firm manages over $5 billion and primarily invests in early-stage technology companies throughout the United States. Khosla Ventures provides capital, strategic advice, and venture assistance to entrepreneurs focused on breakthrough innovations across various sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, health, education, agriculture, and sustainable energy. The firm has a particular interest in high-risk, high-reward opportunities, often acting as a sole investor in "science or innovation experiments." Investment sizes typically range from $100,000 to over $20 million, allowing Khosla Ventures to support both traditional ventures and unconventional projects.

FirstMark Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm located in New York City, established in 2008 as a spin-out from Pequot Capital Management's venture business. The firm focuses on partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs who are dedicated to addressing significant challenges. FirstMark has cultivated a vibrant community among the innovative teams in its network, facilitating the exchange of ideas and opportunities. The firm has been involved with the founders of notable companies such as Pinterest, Shopify, Airbnb, Riot Games, and InVision, among others. FirstMark primarily invests in information technology companies across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

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.

Perceptive Advisors LLC is an investment management firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, with an additional office in Boston. The firm specializes in the healthcare sector, focusing on biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, diagnostics, digital health, medical devices, and healthcare services. It engages in venture capital and incubation, investing at various stages of a company's life cycle, including seed and Series A funding, as well as late-stage venture and public market investments. Perceptive Advisors employs a long/short equity strategy and utilizes hedging techniques, including equity options and index options, while conducting in-house research to inform investment decisions. The firm also manages separate client-focused equity portfolios and provides customized debt financing solutions through its Perceptive Credit Opportunities Fund. Its clientele includes institutional investors, financial institutions, investment funds, and high-net-worth individuals.

First Round Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in Philadelphia and New York. The firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors, often providing the first outside capital for nascent companies. First Round Capital has a track record of supporting notable startups, including Uber, Square, and Warby Parker. The firm distinguishes itself by actively engaging with its portfolio companies and offering a range of tailored services, including custom software and community-building experiences, to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. With a typical initial investment of around $500,000, First Round Capital has facilitated substantial follow-on funding, enabling its community members to raise over $2.5 billion in additional capital. The firm has also pioneered innovative investment structures, such as a VC-sponsored Exchange Fund, which allows entrepreneurs to share in the performance of their collective investments.

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.

Thrive Capital is a New York-based venture capital investment firm founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in internet, software, and technology-enabled sectors, and it also offers venture-building services. Thrive has successfully attracted funding from notable institutional investors, including Princeton University, Wellcome Trust, and Hall Capital. A significant milestone for the firm was its participation in Instagram's $50 million Series B funding round, where it joined other leading firms and subsequently saw a substantial return on investment when Instagram was acquired by Facebook. Co-founded by Josh Kushner and Mario Schlosser, Thrive Capital has established itself as a prominent player in the venture capital landscape.

Global Founders Capital (GFC) is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm is stage agnostic, meaning it invests in companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. GFC focuses on empowering talented entrepreneurs and seeks investment opportunities in sectors such as internet, retail, financial software, media, communication, and information technology. With a global perspective, GFC aims to support innovative companies across all continents.

Canaan VII is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Canaan Partners, a global firm established in 1987 and based in San Francisco, California. The fund focuses on investing in the software and technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors within the United States. Canaan Partners manages a diverse portfolio with over 190 exits and has invested in more than 250 companies across various industries, including fintech, healthcare, and digital health. The firm employs a team of experienced investment professionals who seek to support visionary entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, providing capital ranging from $1 million to $20 million across different stages of development. With approximately $5 billion under management across multiple funds, Canaan Partners continues to play a significant role in fostering growth within the technology and healthcare landscapes.

Collaborative V is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Collaborative Fund, which was founded in New York in 2010. The fund focuses on investing in technology and media within creative fields, emphasizing two key themes: the growing significance of values in consumer and employment choices, and the transition from a hyper-consumption economy to one based on collaborative consumption. These themes highlight opportunities for new technologies, products, and services that can reshape business practices and enhance everyday life. Collaborative V seeks to be a primary source of capital and strategic support for creative entrepreneurs aiming to make a positive impact in the world. Its investors include notable figures from various industries, underscoring the fund's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity.

LaunchNY is a nonprofit venture development organization established in 2012, recognized as a Community Financial Institution by the U.S. Treasury. Based in Buffalo, it focuses on empowering high-growth potential startups throughout the 27 counties of western Upstate New York. The organization provides pro bono mentoring and facilitates access to capital, aiming to identify and support innovative companies in sectors such as cleantech, consumer goods, and healthcare technology. Through its efforts, LaunchNY seeks to enhance the entrepreneurial culture in the region and foster the development of impactful businesses.

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.

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.

Primary Venture Partners is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in New York, focusing on transformative startups in the region. Founded in 2004 by Ben Sun and Brad Svrluga, the firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments across various sectors, including technology, software, and commerce. It is dedicated to offering comprehensive support to its portfolio companies, facilitating their growth from Seed to Series A and beyond. Primary provides access to a network of over 200 experienced technology operators and functional experts, along with a Talent Program led by seasoned tech recruiters. Additional resources include financial advisory, market development, and content marketing assistance to help founders tackle their most pressing challenges and build effective teams. The firm has successfully invested in notable companies and continues to support some of New York's promising startups.

F Prime, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in San Francisco and London. Founded in 1969, it is part of the legacy of Fidelity Investments, one of the largest asset management firms in the world. F Prime focuses on investing in North American and European companies across various sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, medtech, technology, and health information technology. The firm operates several specialized funds, such as those dedicated to healthcare and life sciences, which aim to support early-stage companies in these industries. With a commitment to fostering entrepreneurship, F Prime leverages its extensive insights, domain expertise, and relationships to assist entrepreneurs in building impactful companies, all while avoiding the pressures of external fundraising.

Great Oaks Venture Capital is a New York-based micro venture capital firm established in 2003, focusing on early-stage investments in consumer goods, technology, and healthcare sectors. The firm primarily targets seed and Series A funding rounds, supporting innovative startups that demonstrate growth potential. Great Oaks has built a diverse portfolio that includes well-known companies such as Acorns, Allbirds, and Flatiron Health, among others. By concentrating on early investments, Great Oaks aims to foster the development of emerging businesses and contribute to their long-term success.

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1996, with offices in London, San Francisco, and Geneva. The firm specializes in investing in high technology and life sciences, focusing on early-stage companies across various sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare, and entertainment. Index Ventures partners with innovative entrepreneurs who aim to transform their industries and has supported the growth of notable companies such as Adyen, Deliveroo, Dropbox, Farfetch, King, Slack, and Supercell. The firm's investment strategy typically involves allocating between $2 million to $20 million to promising ventures, primarily in Europe and the United States.