Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a range of financing solutions and support services aimed at fostering the growth of startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies. It offers various financial products, including medium to long-term loans, export insurance, and leasing options for both tangible and intangible assets. Additionally, Bpifrance supports companies through consulting services, guarantees for bank financing, and training for executives. The organization also engages in direct investments and manages funds aimed at enhancing the financial landscape for businesses at different stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, Bpifrance was formerly known as OSEO S.A. and rebranded in July 2013. It operates as a subsidiary of Bpifrance SA, reinforcing its commitment to bolstering the French economy through diversified financial solutions.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH, established in 2005 and based in Bonn, Germany, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments in high-tech startups across various sectors, including information and communication technology, software, healthcare, and life sciences. The firm focuses on companies that are less than one year old and have a turnover of less than €10 million. High-Tech Gründerfonds typically invests between €0.5 million and €3 million, acquiring a minority stake of up to 25% in its portfolio companies. The firm often acts as the lead investor and provides follow-on financing, having facilitated over €2 billion in additional funding from external investors. With a commitment to nurturing innovation, it has supported the development of more than 500 startups and has successfully exited over 100 investments. The firm’s backing includes participation from various public and private entities, reflecting its role as a key player in the German startup ecosystem.

Enterprise Ireland is a government agency established in 1998, dedicated to fostering the growth and funding of indigenous businesses in Ireland. Its primary mission is to support the development of world-class companies that can compete effectively in global markets, thereby enhancing national and regional prosperity. Enterprise Ireland manages a substantial Equity Fund, which includes over 2,500 investments, with a significant focus on technology, followed by life sciences and general sectors. The agency's portfolio managers conduct more than 350 investments each year across various stages, from pre-seed to series E. In addition to its Equity Fund, Enterprise Ireland participates in a Fund of Funds program and engages in numerous co-investments with both global and domestic venture capital and private equity funds. The agency is proactive in seeking partnerships with new funds to continue its mission of supporting Irish enterprises.

Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's primary economic development agency, operating as a non-departmental public body under the Scottish Government. Established in 1991 and based in Glasgow, it aims to foster an innovative and productive economy by partnering with both public and private sectors to identify and capitalize on high-value opportunities. The organization supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by helping them secure necessary financing, enhancing management capabilities, and facilitating growth. Through its arm, the Scottish Investment Bank, it engages in direct and fund of fund investments, focusing on sectors such as renewable energy, healthcare, technology, and creative industries. It typically invests between £0.01 million and £10 million, utilizing various financial instruments including loans, equity, and mezzanine financing. Scottish Enterprise also collaborates with UK and international investors, including business angels and venture capital groups, to stimulate the funding market in Scotland and enhance the growth potential of Scottish businesses.

Foresight Group is an independent alternative asset manager based in London, United Kingdom, with over 30 years of experience in infrastructure and private equity investment. The firm specializes in environmental and solar infrastructure, managing more than £2.2 billion in assets on behalf of a diverse range of clients, including private individuals, family offices, pension funds, and institutional investors. Foresight offers various investment products, such as Listed Vehicles, Limited Partnerships, Venture Capital Trusts, and Enterprise Investment Schemes. Its investment strategy focuses on growth-stage companies across multiple sectors, including renewable energy, technology, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, with a commitment to sustainable economic and social development. Foresight operates internationally, with offices located in the UK, USA, Italy, and Australia, and aims to generate long-term capital appreciation and increasing dividends for its investors.

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.

Business Growth Fund is an influential investor in small and mid-sized businesses. It was set up in 2011 to offer growing companies and ambitious entrepreneurs patient capital and strategic support. With 14 offices, they are close and relevant to the businesses they invest in. They have grown to a team of 150+ and a network that’s made up of one of the largest pools of board-level executives. Collectively, the companies in their portfolio employ close to 50,000 people. They want to see more entrepreneurs using their capital not only to scale-up their own business but also, collectively, to drive economic activity and with it increase employment, exports, and growth.

IP Group, founded in 2001 and based in London, specializes in the commercialization of intellectual property derived from research-intensive institutions. The company focuses on identifying and developing valuable intellectual property and forming strategic commercial partnerships to maximize its potential. With a strong background in industry and finance, IP Group offers financial, strategic, and commercial expertise to its clients on an international scale. The firm has established a solid track record of delivering significant results for its portfolio companies, partners, and shareholders, particularly in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. Through its comprehensive approach, IP Group aims to create long-term value while fostering innovation in the marketplace.

Octopus Ventures Ltd. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in London, specializing in direct investments and fund of funds. The firm primarily invests in small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, with a particular focus on health, technology, and industry. Within the health sector, it targets areas such as digital health and patient-driven medicine, while in technology, it prefers investments in artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. Octopus Ventures typically leads investment rounds, aiming to take board seats in its portfolio companies, and usually invests between £0.28 million and £25 million in companies with a minimum EBITDA of £0.5 million. Founded in 2007, the firm operates as a subsidiary of Octopus Investments and has additional offices in New York. The team provides support beyond financial investment, leveraging a network of global venture partners for expertise and guidance.

HV Capital is a Munich- and Berlin-based venture capital firm that supports founders in developing their internet companies. Since 2000 HV Capital, formerly HV Holtzbrinck Ventures, has invested in Internet and technology companies through various generations of funds and is one of the most successful and financially strongest early-stage and growth investors in Europe. HV Capital has already invested in around 200 companies, including Zalando, Delivery Hero, FlixMobility and SumUp. The total of all HV Funds amounts to €1.7 billion. The company supports startups with capital between €500,000 and €50 million. This makes HV Capital one of the few venture capitalists in Europe that can finance startups through all growth phases.