The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.
MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.
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.
The EIC pilot supports top-class innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies and scientists with bright ideas and the ambition to scale up internationally. It brings together the parts of Horizon 2020 that provide funding, advice and networking opportunities for those at cutting edge of innovation.
Sequoia Capital, founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a prominent venture capital firm that invests in early to growth stage companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer services. The firm specializes in supporting startups and emerging growth companies, typically investing between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. Sequoia Capital operates globally, with a presence in regions such as Israel, China, and Southeast Asia, and has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies like Airbnb, Alibaba, and JD.com. The firm emphasizes a partnership approach with entrepreneurs, leveraging decades of experience to guide them from initial concept through to public offering and beyond.
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.
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.
Intel Corporation is a leading global designer and manufacturer of essential technologies for cloud computing, smart devices, and connected systems. The company operates through various segments, including Data Center Group, Internet of Things Group, Mobileye, and Client Computing Group, offering a wide range of products such as microprocessors, chipsets, system-on-chip solutions, and memory products. Intel's innovations extend to high-performance computing for targeted industries, as well as technologies for computer vision and machine learning applications. The firm serves original equipment manufacturers, design manufacturers, and cloud service providers. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Intel also invests through Intel Capital, which has supported numerous startups in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, advancing new technologies and solutions. Intel has consistently led the semiconductor market, driven by its commitment to innovation and the development of transformative products that enhance performance, connectivity, and data utilization across various sectors, including automotive and the Internet of Things.
MedTech Innovator is a nonprofit global competition and accelerator based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It focuses on supporting companies in the medical device, digital health, and diagnostic sectors. The organization aims to enhance patient outcomes by fostering the growth of businesses that contribute to the transformation of the healthcare system. Each year, MedTech Innovator showcases 100 companies that align with key themes identified through surveys of industry leaders. The accelerator's diverse portfolio includes firms involved in consumer healthcare, imaging, remote patient monitoring, clinical studies, and workflow optimization, emphasizing its commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions.
Matrix Partners is a venture capital firm established in 1977, with offices in San Francisco, Cambridge, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The firm focuses on seed, early-stage, late-stage, and growth capital investments across various sectors, including software, communications, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital health, and clean technology. With a commitment to building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, Matrix Partners aims to support visionary founders in developing significant, industry-leading companies. The firm has a strong track record, having participated in hundreds of investments, with many of its portfolio companies achieving successful IPOs or profitable mergers and acquisitions. The team at Matrix Partners combines local insights with global expertise, comprising both former entrepreneurs and seasoned investors.
Glory Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Shanghai, China, founded in 2015. It specializes in early and growth stage investments in a variety of sectors, including information technology, artificial intelligence, big data, cloud computing, and the Internet of Things. The firm also focuses on the consumption upgrade market and has a notable interest in financial technology and cybersecurity in Israel. Glory Ventures distinguishes itself through a research-driven approach that integrates industrial resources and aims to create strategic synergies across different value chains. Its investment strategy seeks to identify customer-proven and disruptive innovative companies that align with China's vast consumer market. The firm has built a diverse portfolio of over 20 companies in areas such as AI, IoT, and fintech, receiving follow-up investments from prominent industrial capital and well-known funds. By leveraging its experience in both China and Israel's venture capital landscapes, Glory Ventures strives to facilitate exits through mergers and acquisitions or initial public offerings, ultimately aiming to foster a robust investment ecosystem.
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.
Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm manages over $5 billion and focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, education, healthcare, financial services, agriculture, sustainable energy, and robotics. Khosla Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic guidance to entrepreneurs, particularly in early-stage ventures, where it often supports innovative and unconventional projects. The firm seeks to back companies that are driven by breakthrough technologies, with investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to over $20 million. Khosla Ventures maintains a collaborative approach, frequently co-investing with other firms, including Kleiner Perkins, with which it has historical ties.
Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a wide range of financing solutions and support services for businesses at various stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, the company offers medium to long-term loans, export insurance, real estate and equipment leasing, and working capital loans. Bpifrance also invests in startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies through direct investments and fund management activities. Additionally, it provides consulting services for executives and training for CEOs, aiming to facilitate innovation and growth. Bpifrance was formed from the merger of several entities in July 2013, including OSEO, CDC Entreprises, and FSI, to enhance its role in supporting the financing of the French economy.
Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in major cities across North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies with an alumni connection and supported by established institutional lead investors. Alumni Ventures aims to provide accredited investors, particularly alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, with access to diversified venture portfolios that span various sectors and geographic regions. The firm typically invests between $0.01 million and $3 million and does not require board or observer seats in its portfolio companies. Through its managed fund families, Alumni Ventures enables investors to participate in a collaborative investment approach, fostering connections among alumni while facilitating investment opportunities in innovative ventures.
5Y Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Shanghai, China, focused on seed, start-up, early venture, and growth capital investments. Founded in 2008 and previously known as Morningside Venture Capital, the firm manages approximately USD 5 billion in dual-currency funds, supported by global investors such as sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and endowments. 5Y Capital primarily invests in various sectors, including healthcare, technology, fintech, media, software, life sciences, and education, with a special emphasis on medical treatment, biotechnology, and digital health. The firm seeks opportunities in China and other emerging markets across Asia and the Pacific, aiming to support entrepreneurs in building innovative companies. 5Y Capital typically makes initial investments exceeding USD 500,000 per portfolio company and operates as a subsidiary of Morningside Group, which has been active in venture capital investments since 1992.
Asimov Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2015, with offices in New York City and Seattle. The firm specializes in investments within the technology sector, focusing particularly on 3D printing and robotics. Asimov Ventures typically makes equity investments ranging from $0.05 million to $0.15 million during the first round of funding. The firm aims to partner with innovative founders who are actively pursuing opportunities in these dynamic industries.
Startup Wise Guys, founded in 2012 and based in Tallinn, Estonia, is a prominent early-stage investor and accelerator in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and the Nordics. The organization has accelerated over 165 startups, primarily in B2B SaaS, fintech, and cybersecurity, achieving a startup survival and success rate exceeding 77%. Its intensive three-month accelerator program focuses on product validation, development, and sales to business customers, supported by a network of over 200 international and local mentors. The program culminates in Demo Days and major tech events where startups present their ventures to potential investors. Additionally, participants gain access to an alumni community of more than 145 startups across 40 countries and exclusive alumni events centered on business development and fundraising. Startup Wise Guys also manages dedicated funds targeting various sectors, including an Africa Fund that invests in fintech, health tech, and digital SaaS, among others.
HAX is a venture capital program that accelerates hardware startups through an intensive support system, operating primarily in Shenzhen and San Francisco. Founders begin their journey in Shenzhen, focusing on rapid prototyping and the development of various aspects of their business, including marketing strategies and business plans. Once they refine their products, teams transition to San Francisco, where the emphasis shifts to business development, fundraising, and establishing connections with corporates, investors, and media. HAX also offers specialized programs like HAX Growth, a seven-week bootcamp for launching B2C and B2B hardware startups, and HAX Boost, which helps selected teams enhance their sales and marketing strategies over six weeks. Founded in 2012, HAX is part of SOSV and targets technology companies that aim to create meaningful advancements in sustainability, industrial automation, and human health. The program continues to support startups beyond the initial phases, providing resources and guidance as they grow.
Qualcomm Ventures, established in 2000 and headquartered in San Diego, California, serves as the venture capital investment arm of Qualcomm. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in technology-driven companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, automotive, cloud computing, the Internet of Things, mobile technology, and extended reality. Qualcomm Ventures manages several regional funds to foster innovation in key markets, including dedicated funds for East Asia and Europe. Its portfolio features over 140 active companies and has achieved significant financial success, including multiple exits valued at over one billion dollars. Qualcomm Ventures typically invests between $500,000 and $10 million, targeting ventures with strong growth potential that align with Qualcomm's strategic interests in advancing next-generation technologies.
Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd is a venture capital firm established in 1999 by the Shenzhen Government. The company focuses on fostering national industries, enhancing national brands, and facilitating economic transformation through investments in small to medium enterprises and innovative high-tech companies. It targets businesses in their start-up, growth, and transformation stages, primarily within sectors supported by national policies, including information technology, internet, new media, biopharma, new energy, environmental protection, chemical engineering, and high-end equipment manufacturing. With registered capital of 5.42 billion RMB and total assets under management of 338.99 billion RMB, SCGC has built a substantial portfolio, comprising nearly 1,000 companies, with significant investments totaling 43.9 billion RMB. As of April 2019, the firm was recognized as a leader in the venture capital space, with 145 of its portfolio companies successfully listed across 16 global capital markets.
Qiming Venture Partners is a prominent venture capital firm based in Shanghai, China, with additional offices in Beijing, Suzhou, and Hong Kong. Founded in 2006, the firm specializes in investing in early to growth-stage companies across various sectors, including healthcare, information technology, consumer products, media, and clean technology. Qiming has established itself as a leading investment firm in China, managing multiple funds with over $1 billion in assets. The firm focuses on supporting innovative entrepreneurs and companies that demonstrate high growth potential, particularly in the technology and healthcare landscapes. Through its strategic investments, Qiming aims to foster the development of new business models and technologies, contributing to the dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in China.
Parkwalk Advisors Ltd is a venture capital firm based in London, specializing in investments in growth capital and spin-outs from UK universities and research-intensive institutions. Founded in 2009, the firm targets early to growth-stage companies across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, cleantech, and advanced materials, among others. Parkwalk focuses on businesses that possess intellectual property and the freedom to operate, often originating from academic institutions. The firm typically invests between £250,000 and £10 million and is stage agnostic, participating in funding rounds from seed to Series C and beyond. Parkwalk seeks to capitalize on the attractive tax relief offered by the UK government to stimulate investment in innovative companies, thereby promoting economic growth. The firm utilizes extensive networks in academia and venture capital to identify high-quality investment opportunities. In 2017, Parkwalk became a subsidiary of IP Group Plc, enhancing its capacity to commercialize intellectual property.
Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm established in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of startups, from seed to late stage, with a strong emphasis on technology sectors. Its investment focus includes software, cloud computing, enterprise solutions, and consumer Internet, as well as areas intersecting computer science and life sciences, such as digital therapeutics and computational medicine. The firm aims to fund innovative companies that contribute to American dynamism, with investments typically ranging from $50,000 to $50 million. While primarily targeting technology startups, Andreessen Horowitz has a selective approach, avoiding investments in sectors like clean energy and traditional consumer retail.
Shunwei, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Beijing, China, founded in 2011 by Lei Jun, a notable figure in the tech industry. The firm specializes in early to mid-stage investments across various sectors, including technology, media, telecommunications, and the internet, with a particular focus on the local internet industry. Shunwei seeks to support startups and growth-stage companies, targeting investments primarily in China and India, while also pursuing cross-border opportunities. The firm has managed multiple investment funds and has executed hundreds of investments, maintaining a keen interest in innovative areas such as smart hardware, e-commerce, and internet finance. Shunwei's strategic approach includes partnerships with diverse investors, including sovereign wealth funds and family offices, reflecting its commitment to fostering the growth of technology-driven enterprises.
Par Equity LLP is a venture capital firm based in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, specializing in early-stage and growth investments, particularly in the technology sector. Founded in 2008, the firm targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential, including those in digital health technology. Par Equity primarily invests between £0.25 million and £2.5 million in companies with enterprise values up to £10 million, focusing on opportunities that involve proprietary technology and proven commercial products poised for transatlantic expansion. The firm aims to support Scottish companies looking to enter the United States market while also attracting U.S. businesses to Scotland. Par Equity operates an additional office in San Francisco, California, enhancing its capability to facilitate cross-continental investment opportunities.
Samsung Venture Investment Corporation (SVIC), founded in 1999 and headquartered in Seoul, is the corporate venture capital arm of Samsung Electronics. The firm focuses on investing in emerging technology startups across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, robotics, augmented and virtual reality, semiconductors, cybersecurity, and digital health, among others. With over $1.8 billion under management and an annual investment budget of $250 million, SVIC targets early-stage startups to pre-IPO companies. The firm has a global presence, with offices in key innovation hubs such as the San Francisco Bay Area, Boston, London, Tel Aviv, Bangalore, Tokyo, and Beijing. Through its strategic investments, SVIC aims to drive the discovery and development of new businesses and technologies that will shape the future.
IP Group, founded in 2001 and based in London, is a venture capital investment firm focused on the commercialization of intellectual property from research-intensive institutions. The firm specializes in providing financial, strategic, and commercial expertise to facilitate the development of businesses in sectors such as clean technology, life sciences, and deep technology. By leveraging its extensive industry knowledge and financial acumen, IP Group effectively identifies and manages suitable intellectual property for commercialization, helping to create value for shareholders and partners. The firm has established a strong track record of delivering positive results through its strategic investments and partnerships, thereby enhancing the potential of innovative companies in its portfolio.
Hartmann Capital focuses on investing into emerging technologies with asymmetric returns and impact. We seek out opportunities that have the capability of producing global paradigm shifts, such as digital assets, VR/MR, AI, space, and transhumanism. In early 2018 Hartmann Capital launched its inaugural hedge fund, Hartmann Digital Assets, which focuses exclusively on the emerging digital assets, blockchain, and crypto currency space. A multi-strategy fund, excels in L/S, activist, event-driven, and quantitative investing and trading.
Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group is a global investment entity that focuses on core technology and internet-related sectors, including cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Based in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, the group manages venture capital funds, such as the Lenovo Smart Internet Innovation RMB Fund, which specifically targets the Internet innovation industry in China. The group's strategy emphasizes leveraging Lenovo's extensive global resources to promote research and development, facilitating new business avenues, and fostering innovation. Through targeted investments and incubation efforts, Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group seeks to align with Lenovo's strategic objectives and drive future advancements in technology.
WI Harper Group is a venture capital firm founded in 1993, with offices in San Francisco, Beijing, and Taipei. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments across the United States, Greater China, and the Asia Pacific region. It focuses on sectors such as technology, clean technology, healthcare, biotech, artificial intelligence, robotics, fintech, and new media. WI Harper Group has made over 300 investments, achieving more than 80 successful exits, and currently manages nine funds with more than $1 billion in capital. The firm is staffed by 19 dedicated investment professionals and maintains a strong track record of investing in notable companies.
Global Brain is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors, including e-commerce, software, gaming, media, IoT, education, entertainment, and fintech. The firm has expanded its investment activities to the US and Asia, targeting series A-stage technology companies. Since its inception, Global Brain has invested in approximately 30 companies, achieving seven initial public offerings and seven mergers and acquisitions. The firm supports its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, partnerships, and team-building resources to help them reach their milestones. Global Brain is particularly adept in e-commerce, operating a platform called EC-PLANET, which encompasses several group companies, including a large online sports goods store and a logistics firm offering comprehensive fulfillment services. This network, along with Global Brain's connections to established Japanese companies, facilitates market entry for US and Asian businesses into Japan.
IMM Investment Corp. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, established in July 1999. The firm specializes in mezzanine investments and focuses on various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and management buyouts. It allocates capital across different stages of growth, with investments divided among startups, expansion, and mezzanine funding. IMM Investment primarily targets small to medium-sized companies in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, biotechnology, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The firm emphasizes active management involvement and prefers investing in companies with strong credit ratings. Additionally, it has a significant focus on industries such as IT infrastructure, wireless communications, entertainment, and digital hardware. Through its funds, IMM Investment engages in both direct investments and co-investments, aiming to support companies that require capital for growth or restructuring.
Sony Innovation Fund is the venture capital arm of Sony Corporation, established in 2016 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The fund specializes in investing in early-stage technology startups, with a particular focus on sectors such as entertainment, fintech, healthcare, the internet of things, mobility, deep tech, and sensor technologies. In addition to providing financial support, the fund aims to foster business creation by offering access to Sony's extensive global network and resources. Through collaboration with startups, Sony Innovation Fund seeks to catalyze innovation and growth in areas aligned with Sony's strategic interests.
Boost VC is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, founded in 2012 by Adam Draper and Brayton Williams. The firm specializes in investing in technology sectors such as cryptocurrency, virtual reality, healthcare, augmented reality, space, robotics, artificial intelligence, and biotech. Boost VC operates a three-month accelerator program that occurs biannually, investing in over 20 startups each cycle and providing them with housing and office space in Silicon Valley. Since its inception, the firm's portfolio has grown to include more than 150 companies, which have collectively raised over $200 million following their participation in the program. Boost VC's mission is to turn science fiction concepts into reality through strategic early-stage investments.
The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage acceleration program founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is dedicated to supporting massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures by providing a unique coaching process focused on specific objectives. CDL connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and leading scientists across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum computing, blockchain, energy, and cleantech. The program has expanded its reach, operating in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New York City, and emphasizes the commercialization of scientific and technological advancements.
Berkeley SkyDeck is an accelerator located in Berkeley, California, dedicated to supporting startups founded by UC Berkeley students, alumni, and faculty. Established in 2012, it offers a six-month Cohort Program where selected companies can receive up to $100,000 in funding, disbursed in two tranches. The program is industry-agnostic and includes a Global Innovative Partner Program and a HotDesk incubator accommodating approximately 120 startups annually. As a joint initiative of UC Berkeley’s College of Engineering, Haas School of Business, and the Vice-Chancellor for Research Office, Berkeley SkyDeck aims to foster entrepreneurial excellence by providing access to a robust network of advisors, investors, workshops, and resources to its participating teams.
Hillhouse Investment Group, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a private equity firm that specializes in a wide range of investments, from seed funding to buyouts and listed equities. The firm primarily focuses on opportunities in Asia but also selectively invests in North America and Europe. Hillhouse’s investment strategy is stage-agnostic, allowing it to invest in companies at various stages of growth, from startups to established public entities. Its portfolio spans several sectors, including consumer, technology, media, telecommunications, healthcare, energy transition, and advanced manufacturing. In healthcare, Hillhouse emphasizes biotechnology, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. The firm is recognized for its commitment to independent research and employs sector experts to guide its investment decisions, aiming for long-term results rather than short-term gains.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization established in 1982 that serves as a vital capital provider and supporter of technology development in the region. Based in Philadelphia, it has invested over $170 million in more than 2,000 early-stage and established technology companies, fostering innovation primarily in information technology, health, and physical sciences. The organization not only provides financial support but also develops partnerships between universities and industries to accelerate the commercialization of scientific discoveries. By strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, Ben Franklin Technology Partners plays a crucial role in job creation and economic transformation in Southeastern Pennsylvania.
SFC Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, that specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed and seed-stage startups. Founded in 2012, it is recognized as one of the UK's most active seed investors, providing capital and support to promising British startups across various sectors, including software, technology, e-commerce, consumer products, and hospitality. SFC Capital operates a unique investment model that combines its Angel Network and Seed Funds, allowing investors to engage with SEIS- and EIS-qualifying businesses either directly or through managed diversified portfolios. The firm also received a £10 million allocation from Business Investments as part of the Regional Angels Programme to further its mission of supporting early-stage companies throughout the UK. As an Appointed Representative of SFC Capital Partners Ltd, it is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
Lux Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2000, with offices in New York City and Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in founding, seed, early-stage, and growth investments, primarily in the physical and life sciences, as well as sectors such as biochemistry, material science, aerospace, and advanced technologies like machine learning and synthetic biology. Lux Capital actively supports entrepreneurs in developing successful businesses, leveraging its extensive expertise to enhance the connectivity and competitive edge of its portfolio companies. With assets under management totaling approximately $4 billion, the firm has played a significant role in founding over 20 companies, focusing on high-growth opportunities and innovative solutions across diverse industries.
GGV Capital IX is a venture capital fund managed by GGV Capital, a global firm founded in 2000 that focuses on investing in local founders across various sectors. The firm specializes in seed-to-growth stage investments, targeting industries such as Consumer/New Retail, Social/Digital & Internet, Enterprise/Cloud, and Frontier Tech. GGV Capital manages a total of $6.2 billion across 13 funds and has a diversified portfolio that includes notable companies like Airbnb, Alibaba, and Peloton. With offices in key locations such as Beijing, San Francisco, and Shanghai, GGV Capital aims to provide expansion capital ranging from $5 to $25 million for initial investments in both the United States and China. The firm's approach is to support innovative entrepreneurs and emerging technologies that can shape the future of their respective industries.
The Venture Reality Fund, established in 2016 and based in Redwood City, California, is a venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage startups in the augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality sectors. The firm aims to drive innovation at the intersection of immersive and intelligent computing, targeting companies in various industries, including consumer products, enterprise solutions, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. The Venture Reality Fund operates globally, making investments primarily in North America, Japan, Europe, and South Korea. Its second fund, launched in 2021, plans to execute at least 35 investments, further solidifying its commitment to advancing technology in both consumer and enterprise markets.
New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a global venture capital and private equity firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, from seed and startup to later-stage growth and public investments. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, NEA focuses on technology and healthcare sectors, particularly in areas such as consumer internet, financial technology, software, healthcare services, life sciences, and energy technology. The firm also invests in semiconductor companies and alternative energy initiatives in India. NEA has a proven track record, with more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a global perspective, targeting opportunities in North America, Asia, and South America, and typically involves investments ranging from $0.05 million to $20 million.
DFJ, established in 1985 and based in Silicon Valley, is a venture capital firm that specializes in providing growth capital to technology companies. With a focus on partnering with visionary entrepreneurs, DFJ aims to invest in businesses that are rapidly scaling and poised for market leadership. The firm emphasizes a high-conviction investment strategy, targeting innovative companies across consumer, enterprise, and healthcare technology sectors. DFJ Growth, a later-stage investing practice within the firm, seeks to support extraordinary entrepreneurs as they create iconic technology-driven businesses. Through its investment approach, DFJ facilitates access to valuable networks and resources that can help transform entrepreneurial visions into reality.
Northern Light Venture Capital, established in 2005 by Feng Deng and Yan Ke, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with a strong focus on China. The firm manages approximately $1.5 billion in committed capital across multiple funds, including both US and RMB funds, and has invested in over 180 portfolio companies. It specializes in early and growth stage investments, particularly in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, consumer services, and clean technologies. The management team comprises experienced executives, including Feng Deng and Yan Ke, who bring significant expertise from their backgrounds in technology and venture capital. Northern Light aims to identify and nurture innovative and disruptive business opportunities that leverage China's resources to create enduring enterprises in the global market. Notable portfolio companies include Meituan.com, Kaixin001.com, and Gogo.com.
Linear Venture is a Shanghai-based venture capital firm established in 2014, specializing in investments in early to mid-stage technology-driven startups. The firm focuses on sectors such as data application, data infrastructure, and frontier technology, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, big data, and the Internet of Things. Linear Venture aims to transform industrial chains and enhance startup growth through digitization and the integration of advanced technologies. Investments typically range from $3 million to $5 million, and the firm has backed over 30 startups, including notable companies in robotics and smart technology. With a partnership network that includes executives from leading internet companies, Linear Venture seeks to leverage industry expertise to support its portfolio companies in achieving rapid development and sustainable growth.
Bayern Kapital GmbH is the venture capital arm of LfA Förderbank Bayern, established in 1995 and located in Landshut, Germany. The firm focuses on providing growth capital to small and medium-sized enterprises exclusively in Bavaria, targeting sectors such as biotechnology, life sciences, information technology, medical technology, new materials, nanotechnology, and environmental technology. Bayern Kapital aims to finance research and development, facilitate market launches, and support product diversification and market expansion. It typically invests between €0.25 million and €9 million in companies with annual sales up to €50 million or total assets not exceeding €43 million. The firm manages a total of €340 million across five investing funds, which include Seedfonds Bayern and Wachstumsfonds Bayern, and has invested in over 250 companies to date.
Autodesk is a multinational corporation that specializes in developing software for 3D design, engineering, and entertainment. Founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Rafael, California, the company offers a comprehensive portfolio of applications tailored for various industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media. Notable products include AutoCAD for professional drafting and design, Autodesk Revit for model-based design, and Autodesk Maya and 3ds Max for 3D modeling and animation. The software solutions provided by Autodesk facilitate design, modeling, simulation, and visualization, addressing the needs of over 4 million paid subscribers across 180 countries. The company's commitment to innovation helps users streamline their workflows and enhance productivity in their respective fields.