Crowdcube Limited is an equity crowdfunding platform based in Exeter, United Kingdom, with an additional office in London. Founded in 2009, the company allows entrepreneurs of start-ups and growing businesses to raise funds from a diverse network of investors, including friends, family, and the general public. Through Crowdcube, individuals can invest in small companies in exchange for equity or an annual return, thereby democratizing access to investment opportunities that were once primarily available to corporate investors. Since pioneering equity crowdfunding in 2011, Crowdcube has facilitated over £300 million in investments from more than 390,000 investors, supporting over 520 successful fundraising campaigns. Notable businesses that have utilized the platform include Monzo, River Cottage, and the Eden Project, among others.

Bpifrance is a financial institution dedicated to supporting companies throughout their development stages, particularly those preparing for stock market listing and seeking credit equity. The organization provides a range of financial solutions, including financing, innovation assistance, and capital investment. By integrating various entities such as OSEO and CDC Entreprises, Bpifrance aims to deliver tailored financial support that addresses the specific needs of businesses. The institution is committed to fostering innovation and helping companies transition toward sustainable growth, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.

The European Innovation Council (EIC), established in 2020 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is dedicated to supporting high-potential innovators, entrepreneurs, small enterprises, and researchers. Its primary focus is on fostering early-stage startups that demonstrate significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. The EIC collaborates with private investors to co-invest in ventures, particularly within the deep technology sector, aiming to drive innovation and sustainable development across Europe. By providing financial backing and resources, the EIC seeks to enhance the growth potential of promising startups and contribute to a more innovative and competitive European economy.

Foresight Group, established in 1984, is an independent investment company based in London, UK. It specializes in managing infrastructure and private equity funds, catering to a diverse range of clients including institutional investors, family offices, high net-worth individuals, and retail investors. With over £7.2 billion in assets under management, Foresight offers various investment products such as listed vehicles, limited partnerships, and tax-efficient schemes like Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) and Business Property Relief Funds. Its investment strategies focus on growth-stage companies across sectors like energy, infrastructure, technology, and industrials, with a strong emphasis on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to create sustainable long-term value.

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.

Speedinvest, established in 2011, is a European venture capital firm headquartered in Vienna, Austria, with additional offices in Berlin, London, Munich, Paris, San Francisco, and a focus on Central and Eastern Europe. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, typically providing between €0.25 million to €3 million, and takes minority stakes, usually up to 20%. Speedinvest invests in sectors such as deep tech, fintech, industrial tech, marketplaces, consumer tech, and digital health, with a hands-on approach, often taking operational roles in portfolio companies for up to a year. The firm aims to provide more than just capital, offering operational support, growth marketing, HR, US business development, and networking assistance through its in-house Platform+ team.

Scottish Enterprise, established in 1991, is Scotland's principal economic development agency, operating as a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. Its mission is to stimulate Scotland's economic growth by fostering an innovative, high-wage, and productive economy with a strong international presence. The agency partners with both public and private sectors to identify and capitalize on opportunities that drive significant, lasting economic impact. Scottish Enterprise provides comprehensive support to businesses, including helping companies secure appropriate finance, strengthening management teams, and facilitating growth and export initiatives. It works closely with Scottish SMEs, as well as UK and international investors, such as business angels, venture capital groups, and corporate investors. The agency operates across Scotland in collaboration with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, aiming to increase the supply of finance for businesses and support the SME funding market.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments in high-tech startups. Established in 2005, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including information and communication technology, life sciences, healthcare, automation, and cleantech. HTGF typically invests in companies that have been operational for no more than one year, aiming to contribute up to €0.6 million in initial funding and up to €3 million in follow-on financing. The firm seeks a minority stake, generally around 15%, and provides a subordinated loan convertible into equity, with deferred interest for up to four years to support liquidity. With a total investment volume of approximately €895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully supported over 500 startups and attracted more than €2 billion in follow-on investments from external sources. The firm's investors include notable public and private entities, underscoring its role as a key player in fostering innovation and growth within the German startup ecosystem.

Venture Kick is a private philanthropic initiative based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007 to support Swiss startups at the pre-seed stage. It provides up to 150,000 Swiss francs in funding and offers structured entrepreneurial training aimed at developing sustainable businesses. Entrepreneurs participate in a competitive process, pitching their ideas up to three times for increasing funding amounts, while receiving valuable feedback from expert juries. To date, Venture Kick has supported 600 startup projects with a total of 24.9 million francs, leading to the incorporation of 454 active companies that have created over 6,000 jobs and attracted approximately 2.49 billion francs in subsequent investments. Companies founded by Venture Kick alumni have notably achieved significant recognition, with 55 percent of the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award in 2018 represented by these ventures. In 2019, the initiative aimed to allocate 4.35 million francs to support idea-stage projects, facilitating the transition of Swiss scientific innovations to global markets.

IP Group, established in 2001 and headquartered in London, specializes in commercializing intellectual property from research-intensive institutions. The company's core business involves identifying promising IP, managing its development, and creating value through either building businesses or forging strategic partnerships. IP Group's success stems from its deep expertise in IP management, combined with insights into both industry and finance, consistently delivering strong results for its companies, partners, and shareholders.

BNP Paribas is a global financial services company headquartered in Paris, France. Established in 1848, it operates through two primary divisions: Retail Banking and Services, and Corporate and Institutional Banking. The company offers a wide array of services, including long-term corporate financing, digital banking, wealth management, asset management, and investment services. It also provides global market services, security services, and corporate trade and treasury services to institutional and corporate clients. BNP Paribas Asset Management, a subsidiary, manages funds for individual and institutional investors, focusing on public equity and fixed income markets worldwide. Additionally, BNP Paribas Fortis, a Belgian subsidiary, offers corporate and investment banking, retail banking, and investment solutions. The company's extensive global network spans nearly 75 countries, serving a diverse range of clients from individuals to large corporations and public institutions.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), established in 1958, is a long-term lending institution owned by the EU Member States. Headquartered in Luxembourg, it offers a wide range of financing solutions, including project loans, loans to banks and intermediaries, venture capital funds, and equity investments. EIB also provides structured finance products, guarantees, and securitization instruments, along with advisory services for infrastructure projects, urban development, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Its portfolio is predominantly composed of loans (93.08%), with a small portion allocated to debt and fixed income, shares, and other assets. EIB's mission is to support European integration and social cohesion, primarily within the European Union and internationally.

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.

NCI is a private equity firm based in Rouen, France, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in both public and private markets, focusing on a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, construction, logistics, digital technology, hardware, e-commerce, food technology, and information technology. NCI leverages its expertise to identify and support companies within these industries, aiming to foster growth and enhance value through strategic investments.

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.

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.

Accel, established in 1983, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in investing in early and growth-stage technology startups, focusing on sectors such as software, cloud technologies, consumer services, enterprise, healthcare, fintech, and security. Accel's portfolio includes notable companies like Atlassian, Facebook, Slack, and Spotify, reflecting its ability to identify and support entrepreneurs building businesses that drive next-generation industries.

Seedcamp, established in 2007, is a London-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on identifying and supporting world-class founders tackling large, global markets with innovative technology solutions. With over 400 startups in its portfolio, Seedcamp has a proven track record of backing successful companies such as UiPath, Wise, Revolut, and Hopin. The firm provides immediate access to capital, lifelong community support, and a global network built over a decade of experience to fast-track founders' visions and create value. Seedcamp primarily invests in the software and technology sectors across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.

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.

SFC Capital, established in 2012 and headquartered in London, is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage, UK-based companies. It focuses on sectors such as software, technology, e-commerce, consumer, and enterprise. SFC Capital differentiates itself by combining angel networks and seed funds, offering investors exposure to SEIS- and EIS-qualifying businesses through direct investment or diversified portfolios managed by its expert team.

Enterprise Ireland is a government agency based in Dublin, Ireland, established in 1998 to foster the growth and development of indigenous businesses. Its primary mission is to assist Irish enterprises in achieving a strong presence in global markets, thereby enhancing national and regional prosperity. The agency supports a wide range of companies, from high-potential start-ups to established businesses, by providing funding, resources, and guidance. Additionally, Enterprise Ireland collaborates with college-based researchers to facilitate the development and commercialization of innovative technologies through licensing and spin-out companies. By focusing on innovation and export sales, Enterprise Ireland plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and competitiveness within the Irish economy.

Business Growth Fund, established in 2011, is a prominent investor in small and mid-sized businesses, offering patient capital and strategic support to growing companies and ambitious entrepreneurs. As the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in small and medium-sized companies, they have £2.5bn to support businesses across various sectors and regions. With 14 offices, they are closely connected to the businesses they invest in. Boasting a team of over 150 professionals and a network of board-level executives, they aim to drive economic activity by enabling entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses and contribute to increased employment, exports, and overall growth. The companies in their portfolio collectively employ close to 50,000 people, highlighting their significant impact on the business landscape.

Maven Capital Partners UK, established in 2009, is a Glasgow-based independent asset manager with over £415 million in assets under management. The company specializes in providing flexible equity and loan finance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the UK, supporting them at various stages of their growth cycle with investments ranging from £100,000 to £15 million. Additionally, Maven invests in well-researched property development projects. They also offer investment opportunities for external investors, including tax-efficient investments into Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and direct co-investment in private equity and property transactions. Maven is known for its active role in the UK's lower mid-market, managing six VCTs and several regionally focused funds.

Groupe IRD is a private equity investment firm founded in 1956 and located in Lille, France. The company focuses on financing the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (PME/PMI) primarily in the Nord Pas de Calais region and the North of Paris. Groupe IRD integrates three core areas of expertise: private equity investments, corporate real estate, and financial advisory services, which include fundraising, business transfers, and strategic guidance. The firm aims to support the growth and sustainability of local businesses through tailored investment solutions and comprehensive financial strategies.

Kima Ventures, established in 2010, is a Paris-based venture capital firm with an additional office in London. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing primarily on technology companies across Europe, with a particular emphasis on France. Kima Ventures invests up to €0.15 million initially, with follow-on investments ranging from €0.5 million to €5 million. The firm prefers to be a significant minority shareholder and often co-invests with business angels and venture funds. Kima Ventures is known for its active investment approach, backing 2-3 startups per week globally, and providing founders with funding, network, and operational support to drive growth. The firm, founded and backed by Xavier Niel, has invested in over 400 startups across 24 countries in the last five years.

HV Capital is a venture capital firm based in Munich and Berlin, established in 2000. Formerly known as HV Holtzbrinck Ventures, the firm is recognized as one of Europe's leading early-stage and growth investors, specializing in internet and technology sectors. With a total fund size of €1.7 billion, HV Capital has invested in approximately 200 companies, including notable names like Zalando, Delivery Hero, FlixMobility, and SumUp. The firm supports startups with capital ranging from €500,000 to €50 million, enabling it to finance companies across all growth phases. HV Capital focuses on various industries, including fintech, e-commerce, healthcare, mobility, and education, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation in diverse sectors.

EQT is a global private equity and infrastructure firm founded in 1994, headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden. It specializes in buyouts, expansion capital, and infrastructure investments, focusing on mid-market companies with strong growth potential. EQT invests across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, services, industrials, and real estate, with a particular emphasis on Northern and Eastern Europe, Asia, and the US. The firm seeks to unlock growth potential in its portfolio companies, positioning them as sustainable market leaders, and typically holds investments for four to eight years. EQT also prioritizes ESG and impact investments in its infrastructure portfolio.

Bayern Kapital GmbH, established in 1995 and located in Landshut, Germany, serves as the venture capital arm of LfA Förderbank Bayern. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to small and medium-sized enterprises exclusively within Bavaria, focusing on high-tech sectors such as biotechnology, life sciences, information technology, medical technology, new materials, nanotechnology, and environmental technology. Bayern Kapital aims to support the financing of research and development, market launches of new products, and expansion of existing market shares. The company typically invests between €0.25 million and €9 million in firms with annual sales up to €50 million or total assets not exceeding €43 million. Bayern Kapital has invested in over 250 companies, managing funds valued at approximately €340 million.

Octopus Ventures Ltd. is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2007, specializing in investments across a variety of sectors including health, fintech, deep tech, consumer, and B2B software. The firm supports companies at different stages, from seed funding to pre-IPO, with a strong emphasis on making a positive impact. It typically invests between £0.28 million and £25 million in businesses that demonstrate a minimum EBITDA of £0.5 million. Octopus Ventures prefers to lead investment rounds and often takes a board seat in its portfolio companies, which include notable names such as ManyPets, Cazoo, and Depop. The firm operates primarily in Europe, with a particular focus on the UK, and maintains a network of partners in the U.S. and Asia. In addition to financial backing, Octopus Ventures commits time and resources to help founders scale their businesses effectively.

BlackRock, established in 1988, is a global investment management corporation headquartered in New York City. It offers a wide range of services, including investment management, financial technology, and advisory services, catering to diverse clients such as institutions, intermediaries, and individual investors. BlackRock's investment focus spans multiple asset classes, strategies, sectors, and regions. Its private equity arm, BlackRock Private Equity Partners, founded in 1999, specializes in direct investments and fund of fund investments across various stages and sectors, with a global investment scope.

Eurazeo, established in 1969, is a Paris-based private equity firm with a diversified investment portfolio. It specializes in private equity, real estate, and private debt, supporting companies of all sizes in their growth and development. Eurazeo PME, its private equity investment arm, focuses on French SMEs, providing long-term support and financial resources to facilitate sustainable growth and transformation. The firm's commitment extends to corporate social responsibility, as seen in its investments in companies like Léon de Bruxelles and Orolia. Eurazeo manages funds such as Eurazeo Capital V and Eurazeo PME III, with a broad investment strategy across various sectors including healthcare, technology, and consumer products.

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.

Index Ventures, established in 1996, is a global venture capital firm with offices in London, San Francisco, and Geneva. The company invests in early and growth-stage technology startups, focusing on sectors such as software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare, and mobility. Index Ventures has a proven track record of backing successful companies like Adyen, Deliveroo, Dropbox, Farfetch, King, Slack, and Supercell. The firm's investment strategy is to support bold entrepreneurs with transformative ideas, helping them build global businesses.

Barclays, established in 1690, is a British multinational bank with a global presence. It offers a wide range of financial services, including retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management. The company serves a diverse client base, from individuals and small businesses to large corporations and governments, across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Barclays' services span deposit accounts, lending, credit cards, transaction banking, securities trading, mergers and acquisitions advisory, and wealth management. With over 147,500 employees and a customer base of 48 million, Barclays moves, lends, invests, and protects money for clients worldwide.

Partech is a global venture capital firm established in 1982, headquartered in Paris with offices across Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The firm manages over €2.5 billion in assets and has invested in over 220 companies across 40 countries. Partech focuses on technology investments, backing entrepreneurs from seed to growth stages, and provides operational support and strategic guidance alongside capital. The firm's portfolio spans various sectors, including software, fintech, health tech, mobility tech, and artificial intelligence, among others. Partech's investment approach is unconstrained by trends, working collaboratively with founders to drive success.

British Business Bank, established in 2013, is a UK-based government-owned development bank. It facilitates economic growth by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. The bank offers a range of financial services, including asset-backed lending, leasing facilities, and start-up loans. Through its subsidiary, British Business Investments, it invests in finance providers, small-cap debt funds, and venture capital funds, typically committing between £5 million and £200 million. It also invests directly into Challenger Banks and alongside Angel Networks and Fund-of-Funds. The bank operates on a commercial basis, aiming to generate a return on its investments without any government advantage.

Parkwalk Advisors, established in 2009 and headquartered in London, is a venture capital firm specializing in investing in UK-based technology companies spun out from universities. The firm focuses on sectors such as AI, big data, life science, materials, cleantech, medtech, and quantum computing, typically investing between £2.5 million and £10 million. Parkwalk seeks to generate capital gains for its investors, enhanced by attractive tax reliefs like the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS). It operates as a subsidiary of IP Group Plc since 2017, with combined net assets of £1.2 billion as of March 2019.

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.

YFM Equity Partners, established in 1982, is a UK-based private equity firm that invests in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It focuses on providing growth capital, management buyouts, and recapitalization to mid and late-stage companies across various sectors, including energy, manufacturing, consumer goods, healthcare, technology, and business services. YFM seeks to invest between £2 million to £10 million, typically taking a majority stake and aiming for a five-year exit through sale or listing. The firm has offices in Leeds, London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Sheffield, and its investment team owns the business.

Rockstart is an accelerator based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2011. It specializes in early-stage investments in startups across various sectors, including energy, health, agrifood, and emerging technologies. With a strong focus on supporting purpose-driven founders, Rockstart not only provides capital but also offers coaching, mentorship, and access to markets, expertise, and a community of co-investors and partners. The company has invested in over 350 startups, achieving an alumni valuation exceeding $1.7 billion. Rockstart operates additional offices in Copenhagen, Denmark, and Bogotá, Colombia, and emphasizes impact-driven initiatives, including programs designed to assist entrepreneurs in Nepal. The firm's notable exits include companies like Wercker, Bouw7, and 3D Hubs, reflecting its commitment to fostering scalable innovations that drive positive change globally.

JamJar Investments LLP is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2013, specializing in seed and early-stage investments primarily in the consumer services and products sectors, as well as technology and non-tech industries, including food and drink. The firm targets high-growth consumer brand businesses in Europe and typically invests between £0.15 million and £1 million in initial rounds, with the capacity for follow-on investments. JamJar is distinctively led by the founders of innocent drinks, who bring over 14 years of operational and commercial experience from building the brand to its acquisition by Coca-Cola. This background enables JamJar to understand the entrepreneurial journey, including its challenges and potential solutions, and fosters a collaborative investment approach, often preferring to work with teams rather than individuals.

Ascension Health, a non-profit Catholic health system, operates a venture capital arm, Ascension Ventures, established in 2001. Based in Saint Louis, Missouri, with additional offices in London, Ascension Ventures invests in early to late-stage companies, focusing on healthcare and technology sectors. The firm targets a minimum investment of $0.318 million and a maximum of $1.912 million, typically exiting within 4 to 7 years. Ascension Ventures invests in areas such as healthcare services, devices, and technology, as well as financial technology, commerce, sustainability, and deep technology in the United Kingdom. The firm aims to deliver compassionate, personalized care to all, with a particular focus on those living in poverty and the most vulnerable.

Novo Holdings, established in 1999, is a Danish asset management firm based in Copenhagen. It serves as the investment arm of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, managing its assets and wealth. The company's primary focus is the life science sector, with a diversified portfolio comprising equities, bonds, real estate, infrastructure, and private investments. Novo Holdings maintains a significant influence on Novo Nordisk A/S and Novozymes A/S, ensuring these companies align with the Novo Group's visions and values. It also invests in early and growth-stage life science companies through its venture capital arm, Novo Ventures, which targets investments ranging from USD 5 million to USD 30 million.

Verve Ventures is a European startup investment platform based in Zug, Switzerland, that focuses on providing qualified and institutional investors access to high-potential ventures. Founded in 2010, the firm has invested over EUR 130 million in more than 140 startups across various sectors, including science, technology, clean energy, and digital health. It operates a fully digital platform allowing private investors to build diversified portfolios with investments starting at EUR 10,000. Verve Ventures boasts a community of 5,000 registered investors, including family offices and pension funds, and is backed by Zürcher Kantonalbank, one of Switzerland's largest banks. The firm employs a dedicated team of investment professionals who rigorously screen thousands of startups annually to select the top 1% for investment. Beyond capital, Verve Ventures supports startups with essential resources such as hiring and client introductions, facilitating their growth and success in competitive markets.

Salesforce is a leading cloud-based software company, founded in 1999, specializing in customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. It offers a range of enterprise applications, including Sales Cloud for sales automation, Service Cloud for customer service, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing, and Commerce Cloud for e-commerce. Additionally, Salesforce provides a platform for building custom applications and MuleSoft for data integration. Salesforce.org, a division of the company, donates and discounts its technology to nonprofits and educational institutions, fostering a culture of giving back. Salesforce Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in enterprise technology startups globally, providing funding, access to the Salesforce ecosystem, and guidance from its executives.

Picus Capital is an early-stage technology investment firm based in Munich, Germany, established in 2015. The firm focuses on making pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments in various sectors, including financial services, human resources, energy and climate, healthcare, logistics and mobility, real estate and construction, crypto and web3, deeptech, and e-commerce. Picus Capital adopts a long-term investment philosophy, seeking exceptional founders committed to building category leaders over a period of 5 to 10 years or more. The firm emphasizes close collaboration with its portfolio companies, offering strategic advice, marketing expertise, and access to a broad B2B and investor network. With a disciplined yet creative approach, Picus Capital has invested in over 50 companies, focusing on identifying ambitious investment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurs throughout their growth journey.

Allianz Global Investors, established in 1956, is a global investment management firm headquartered in Munich, Germany. With 23 offices across 18 countries, it offers a wide range of investment capabilities, including equity, fixed income, multi-asset, alternatives, and research. The firm serves both individual and institutional clients, managing over $436 billion in assets. Allianz Global Investors employs over 500 investment professionals, providing consultative local delivery with global investment and research capabilities. It is a subsidiary of Allianz SE, a strong parent company, and is known for its culture of risk management.

Zürcher Kantonalbank is a Swiss commercial bank established in 1870 and headquartered in Zurich. It operates as an independent public-law institution, wholly owned by the canton of Zurich, and adheres to a public service mandate that encompasses economic, social, and environmental commitments. The bank provides a variety of financial services, including savings and investment accounts, mortgage loans, investment management, and professional financing advisory services, primarily for Swiss and German clients. Additionally, Zürcher Kantonalbank offers international banking services such as international payments, letters of credit, export financing, and bank guarantees. It also caters to institutional, professional, and private investors with a range of investment solutions and advisory services.

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.