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

Techstars is a global platform that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2006, it operates a mentorship-driven accelerator program, providing seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs. Techstars has programs in various locations worldwide, including Boston, Boulder, New York, Seattle, London, Chicago, and Austin. It invests $118,000 in each company, with $18,000 in seed funding and an optional $100,000 convertible debt note. Techstars also has industry-specific accelerator programs, such as Techstars Retail and Techstars Music, focusing on retail and music technology, respectively. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 companies with a combined market cap of $8.1 billion.

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.

Established in 2020, the European Innovation Council supports innovative startups and researchers with promising ideas, focusing on early-stage companies with positive environmental, social, or governance impacts. It co-invests alongside private investors.

Founded in 2015, Asimov Ventures is a venture capital firm based in New York City with an additional office in Seattle. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as 3D printing and robotics.

The EIC Accelerator is a Horizon Europe funding program that provides assistance to start-ups and SMEs that have an innovative, game-changing product, service, or business model that has the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones, and have the ambition and commitment to scale up, are seeking substantial funding, but the risks involved are too high for private investors to invest alone

Founded in 2005, Y Combinator is a California-based startup accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm. It provides funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies across various industries, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and finance. The organization helps founders refine their business models and products through an intensive three-month program in Silicon Valley, culminating in Demo Day presentations to investors.

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.

Alumni Ventures Group is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with offices across North America. It provides access to venture investing for individual accredited investors, particularly alumni networks, by offering diversified portfolios of venture opportunities and allowing members to invest alongside fellow alumni in ventures led by peers. The firm backs early-stage and later-stage opportunities across technology, consumer, healthcare, financial services, and other sectors, with a sector- and geography-agnostic approach. It typically invests between $10,000 and $3 million per deal and emphasizes the involvement of alumni connections and an institutional lead investor in opportunities. Alumni Ventures also offers focused funds to broaden participation, enabling accredited investors to access venture portfolios diversified by type, sector, stage, and geography. The model aims to democratize access to venture capital while maintaining rigorous selection standards through alumni networks.

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.

AM Ventures, established in 2015 and headquartered in Starnberg, Germany, is a prominent venture capital investment firm specializing in early-stage investments within the industrial 3D printing and related sectors. With a global perspective, the firm has successfully backed over 20 companies across 7 countries on 3 continents. AM Ventures stands out for its deep technological expertise and extensive network of industry veterans, providing a robust ecosystem for sustainable investments and mentorship. The firm typically invests between EUR 500,000 to EUR 3 million per company, focusing on the 3D printing and industrial sectors, with a particular interest in commercial services and software.

MassChallenge is a global startup accelerator supporting early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries. Founded in 2009, it provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities through its programs worldwide.

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.

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.

Matrix Partners, established in 1977, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on early-stage and early-growth investments, partnering with entrepreneurs to build significant, industry-leading companies. With a global perspective and local expertise, Matrix combines the insights of former entrepreneurs and experienced investors to guide its portfolio companies. The firm has a proven track record, having invested in over 500 companies, with 50 going public and 75 achieving profitable M&A exits. Notable investments include Baidu, Apple, and Oculus. Matrix invests across various sectors, including applied AI, B2B SaaS, digital health, and sustainable-defined hardware.

Founded by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz in 2009, Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm investing primarily in software businesses. It focuses on seed to late-stage investments across sectors such as consumer internet, enterprise software, fintech, healthcare, and cryptocurrency.

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.

Plug and Play Tech Center, established in 2006, is a global innovation platform that connects startups, investors, and corporations. Based in Sunnyvale, California, with operations in 22 locations worldwide, the company runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs twice a year, fostering collaboration between major corporations and high-quality startups. These programs span sectors such as Fintech, Insurtech, IoT, Brand & Retail, Mobility, and Health & Wellness, among others. Plug and Play invests in seed, angel, and Series A rounds, with a focus on great teams leading emerging growth companies. Since inception, their startup community has raised over $9 billion in venture funding, with notable success stories including Dropbox, PayPal, and LendingClub.

Founded in 2007, Innovate UK is a non-profit organization based in Swindon, UK. It supports businesses across various economic sectors by offering funding services to promote science and technology innovations.

Khosla Impact, established in 2013, is an impact investment firm based in Menlo Park, California. It focuses on assisting high-impact entrepreneurs who develop products and services for the three billion people at the bottom of the world's economic pyramid. The firm invests in for-profit enterprises serving low-income individuals and small businesses in emerging markets, with a primary focus on South Asia. Khosla Impact encourages experimentation and supports entrepreneurs passionate about solving socio-economic challenges through technology and innovative business models.

Antler, established in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies. It supports exceptional founders from day one, providing access to a global network of co-founders, talent, advisors, and expansion support, along with capital. Antler's funds, including Antler UK Fund and Antler India Fund, target various sectors such as information technology, climate tech, healthtech, software, energy services, and SaaS, with investments ranging from USD 0.2 to 0.4 million.

HZG Group is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and based in Coburg, Germany. The company focuses on investing in technology startups, particularly those involved in additive manufacturing and 3D printing. In addition to providing capital, HZG Group is dedicated to establishing young enterprises and fostering sustainable, successful business models. Through its investment strategy, the firm aims to incubate startups and support their growth in innovative sectors.

Lockheed Martin Ventures, established in 2014, is a venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies specializing in advanced technologies such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, space technologies, and artificial intelligence.

3D Systems is a provider of 3D printing and digital manufacturing solutions, offering 3D printers for plastics and metals, materials, software, and related services. The company delivers end-to-end design-to-manufacturing capabilities and a digital thread that supports professionals and consumers in turning ideas into physical parts. Its offerings span healthcare solutions, including patient-specific planning and printing for personalized surgery and medical and dental devices, as well as industrial solutions for rapid prototyping and production applications. Through its platforms, customers can design, communicate, plan, prototype and manufacture functional parts, devices and assemblies. The company operates globally, with revenues concentrated in the Americas, and serves various industries through solutions spanning design, inspection, and advanced manufacturing.

Intel Corporation, established in 1968, is a global leader in semiconductor chip manufacturing. The company designs, manufactures, and sells essential technologies for cloud, smart, and connected devices worldwide. Intel operates through various segments, offering platform products like central processing units and chipsets, and non-platform products such as accelerators, connectivity products, and memory and storage solutions. Additionally, Intel provides Internet of Things products and computer vision technology. Serving original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and cloud service providers, Intel collaborates with other tech giants to advance computing and communications. Intel Capital, the company's strategic investment arm, invests in innovative startups targeting cloud, AI, 5G, and other disruptive technologies. With a workforce of over 100,000 employees globally, Intel is transforming from a PC-centric company to a data-centric one, powering the future of computing and communications.

Autodesk, established in 1982, is a leading provider of 3D design, engineering, and entertainment software. It caters to various industries, including architecture, engineering, construction, product design, manufacturing, and media & entertainment. The company's extensive suite of products, such as AutoCAD, Revit, Inventor, Maya, and 3ds Max, enables professionals to design, model, and render projects efficiently. With over 4 million paid subscribers in 180 countries, Autodesk's software is widely used globally.

Stratasys is a leading developer of additive manufacturing machines that specialize in prototyping and producing plastic parts. The company offers products under the brands uPrint, Dimension 3D Printers, and Fortus Production 3D Printers. Additionally, Stratasys operates RedEye On Demand, a digital manufacturing service for prototypes and production parts. The company has a significant presence in the industry, having acquired Solidscape Inc. in 2011, and holds a strong market position with a substantial share in the additive manufacturing sector. Stratasys is recognized for its patented Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM®) process, which enables the creation of functional prototypes and manufactured goods directly from 3D CAD programs using high-performance industrial thermoplastics. With over 285 granted or pending patents in additive manufacturing, Stratasys serves a diverse range of industries including aerospace, defense, automotive, medical, education, architecture, and consumer products.

SICTIC is a non-profit association based in Switzerland, established in 2014, that focuses on connecting early-stage technology startups with a robust community of angel investors. With offices in Zürich, Lausanne, and Ticino, SICTIC organizes online deal flow and matchmaking, as well as in-person pitching events to facilitate these connections. Since 2018, it has emerged as the largest and most active business angel network in the country, recognized for its significant contributions to the startup ecosystem, including being named "Best Performing EBAN Member 2018" among over 150 member organizations worldwide. Through its efforts, SICTIC plays a vital role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Switzerland.

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.

Foundry Group, established in 2007, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on information technology, Internet, and software startups across North America. The firm typically invests $250,000 to $500,000 in promising entrepreneurs, with a current fund size of $225 million. Foundry Group has invested in over 150 companies since its inception, supporting innovative ideas across various themes such as Human Computer Interaction, Implicit Web, Email, Glue, and Digital Life. Its investment portfolio is diversified across Colorado, the Bay Area, and other major tech hubs in the United States.

HAX is a global venture capital-backed program dedicated to accelerating startups with a hardware element. Operating in San Francisco and Shenzhen, HAX focuses on rapid prototyping and iteration, helping teams develop scalable business plans and secure funding.

Epic Games is an American video game and software company that develops games for PC, consoles, mobile devices, augmented reality, virtual reality, and the Web. It licenses and provides its Unreal Engine technology to other developers, enabling the creation of high-fidelity, interactive experiences. The company operates a digital storefront that allows developers to publish, distribute, and monetize games and 3D content, supporting cross-platform compatibility and scalable performance across PC, console, mobile, and immersive devices.

Startup Wise Guys is an accelerator and early-stage program based in Tallinn, Estonia, founded in 2012. It runs intensive up to five-month programs that validate and develop products and prepare founders to sell to business customers, culminating in demo days before venture capitalists and angel investors. The company focuses on B2B software as a service, fintech, cybersecurity, sustainability, and related tech sectors across Europe, and has accelerated more than 300 startups with a startup survival rate above 80%. It operates with a network of over 200 mentors who guide startups through product validation, market entry, and fundraising, and maintains a 300+ startup alumni community spanning more than 40 countries, with ongoing alumni events for business development and fundraising.

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011, that manages investment portfolios and provides asset management services to clients across sectors, with a focus on software as a service companies, and analyzes market trends to inform its investment decisions while operating in finance, technology, and real estate.

Google for Startups is an initiative supporting global startups. It offers access to Google's products, connections, and best practices through a network of partners in over 135 countries. The program aims to help determined startups succeed.

BeAble Capital, established in 2016 and based in Madrid, Spain, is a venture capital management company that specializes in the pre-seed, seed, and early stages of company development. It focuses on identifying, valuing, launching, and advancing technologies in sectors such as advanced materials, nanotechnology, biotechnology, photonics, micro and nano electronics, and information and communications technologies. BeAble Capital serves as a bridge between the scientific, entrepreneurial, and investment communities to facilitate technology transfer and the establishment of technology-driven startups. The company emphasizes strong intellectual property and projects with extensive research and development backgrounds. Its approach provides value at various stages of development by offering support in technology identification, valuation, company creation, fundraising, marketing, international expansion, and administrative and managerial expertise.

IndieBio is an accelerator that supports startups using biology to solve major problems, delivering four-month programs for companies and teams with ideas. Based in San Francisco with an office in New York, it focuses on life sciences, biotechnology and synthetic biology, investing in seed and early-stage ventures that place biology at the core of their technology across products, processes and software. The program favors teams with two or more co-founders and generally provides equity-based funding in the early stages, often combining direct investments with additional financing options. Founded in 2014, IndieBio operates within the SOSV accelerator network, a global platform that supports portfolio companies through mentorship, resources and cross-border programs.

Berkeley SkyDeck is a global startup accelerator affiliated with UC Berkeley, founded in 2012 and based in Berkeley, California. It offers a six-month cohort program, providing up to $100,000 in funding to accepted startups, with no industry restrictions. The accelerator offers mentorship, access to a vast network of advisors, industry partners, and alumni, and supports around 20 companies per cohort. Additionally, SkyDeck has a dedicated European fund, investing up to €145,000 in selected European startups.

Newchip is a global remote startup accelerator that supports early-stage entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas and achieving growth. By offering a range of resources, mentorship, and educational programs, Newchip aims to equip startups with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges of launching and scaling a business. The accelerator's remote format allows participants from various geographical locations to access guidance and support without the constraints of physical attendance. Through its comprehensive approach, Newchip facilitates connections between startups and experienced industry professionals, fostering innovation and collaboration in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Korea Development Bank (KDB) is a South Korean banking institution established in 1954, headquartered in Seoul. It offers a wide range of banking products and services, both domestically and internationally. KDB's core services include deposit products, corporate banking, investment banking, and international banking. It provides corporate loans, equity investments, debt guarantees, and various funding services. Additionally, KDB offers consulting services for business areas such as project development, corporate management, and financial advisory. The bank serves individual and corporate customers, including small and medium-sized enterprises, through 74 domestic branches, 9 overseas branches, and 9 representative offices. KDB's mission is to support Korea's economic growth and development by providing long-term financing for major industrial projects and extending guarantees to its clients.

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

Parkwalk Advisors is a London-based venture capital firm that focuses on UK technology companies with IP backing, primarily those spun out from UK universities. The firm invests across seed to growth stages, including late-stage rounds, and is stage-agnostic, aiming to support unlisted companies with freedom to operate. It concentrates on companies originating from university research, especially in Cambridge and across the UK, and targets sectors such as healthcare, energy, materials, technology, artificial intelligence, big data, life sciences, cleantech, medtech, quantum computing, and the apps ecosystem. Typical investments range from about £0.3 million to £10 million, with capital structures kept in a single share class, and the firm may provide equity or debt financings. Investments are generally planned over a three- to eight-year horizon.

Google is a multinational technology company renowned for its search engine, offering services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and YouTube. It specializes in advertising solutions through Google Ads and mobile operating systems with Android, while actively innovating in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

Shunwei Capital, established in 2011 and headquartered in Beijing, is a venture capital firm primarily focused on investing in early-stage Chinese internet companies. It manages multiple funds, including Shunwei RMB Fund II, Shunwei China Internet Opportunity Fund III, and Shunwei China Internet Fund IV, totaling seven funds since inception. The firm's investment portfolio spans across various sectors such as technology, internet of things, mobile internet, intelligent hardware, and rural internet, with a total of 351 investments made to date. Shunwei Capital has successfully exited from 29 investments, demonstrating its track record in the dynamic Chinese internet sector.

True Ventures, established in 2005, is a prominent venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments, focusing on seed and Series A financing. True Ventures invests in a broad range of sectors, including commerce, consumer, hardware, health, and infrastructure technologies, as well as emerging markets such as e-commerce, mobile, and software services. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $3 million per round, aiming for a stake of approximately 20%. With over $3.8 billion under management and a team of over 40 professionals, True Ventures has supported more than 350 companies, creating over 85,000 jobs worldwide. The firm was recognized as Venture Firm of the Year by the National Venture Capital Association in 2018.

500 Global, established in 2010, is a global venture capital firm with over $2.4 billion in assets under management. Based in Mountain View, California, with offices worldwide, the firm invests in early-stage technology companies across 80+ countries. 500 Global focuses on markets where technology and innovation can drive long-term value and economic growth. The firm's investment portfolio spans diverse sectors such as biotech, fintech, internet, and consumer services, with a preference for companies generating at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. 500 Global offers a four-month accelerator program, providing startups with funding, mentorship, and connections to renowned investors. The firm has invested in over 2,800 companies, including 35 unicorns, and has a team of over 190 members based in 25 countries.

Cove Fund is a venture capital firm based in Irvine, California, established in 2014. It specializes in providing seed-stage funding to early-stage technology and life science companies located in Southern California. The firm focuses on investing in promising startups that have the potential to develop differentiated products and services, aiming to create significant value through their initial investments. By targeting innovative ventures, Cove Fund seeks to support companies that are poised for impactful growth in their respective markets.

Atinum Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in the growth stage startups in the IT, biotech, and healthcare sectors.

Founded in 2008, Par Equity is a venture capital firm based in Edinburgh. It focuses on investing in early-stage, high-growth technology companies across Northern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

Founded in Rome, Italy in 2015, CDP Venture Capital is a venture capital firm dedicated to fostering innovation and economic growth. It invests in early-stage and growth companies across various sectors, with a focus on Italian startups.