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.

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.

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.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.

Asimov Ventures, established in 2015, is a New York-based venture capital firm with an additional office in Seattle. It specializes in early-stage and seed investments, focusing on technology, 3D printing, and robotics. The firm typically invests between $0.05 million and $0.15 million in the initial round, seeking to partner with founders pursuing opportunities in these sectors.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Andreessen Horowitz, established in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The company specializes in investing in software businesses, with a focus on sectors such as bio + healthcare, artificial intelligence, consumer, enterprise, fintech, and infrastructure. It typically invests in startups at various stages, from seed to late-stage, with a flexible investment range of $0.025 million to $50 million. The firm is known for its focus on disruptive technology and has raised multiple funds to support its investment strategy.

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.

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.

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.

Lockheed Martin, established in 1912, is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. It operates through four segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space Systems. The company specializes in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products, and services for defense, space, and commercial applications. These include combat and air mobility aircraft, missiles, helicopters, ship and submarine mission systems, satellites, and cybersecurity solutions. Lockheed Martin also provides a range of management, engineering, technical, scientific, logistic, and information services. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, has invested over $100 million in startup companies developing disruptive technologies in core businesses and new markets, with a focus on autonomous systems, cybersecurity, space technologies, and advanced materials, among others.

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.

3D Systems is a leading provider of 3D printing solutions, offering a comprehensive range of products and services from 3D printers and materials to software and on-demand manufacturing. The company caters to both professional and consumer markets, enabling users to transform their ideas into reality with a wide variety of materials, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and even edibles. 3D Systems' offerings extend to the healthcare sector, providing end-to-end solutions for personalized surgery and patient-specific medical and dental devices. Its products and services aim to replace and complement traditional methods, accelerating design, prototyping, and manufacturing processes. The company operates globally, with a significant presence in the Americas.

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.

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.

Blackbird Ventures, established in 2012, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Surry Hills, Australia. The company specializes in investing in early-stage to late-stage startups across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, primarily in Australia and New Zealand. Blackbird's mission is to back ambitious entrepreneurs with transformative ideas, providing them with generational ownership and support throughout their journey from inception to IPO. Notable investments include Canva, Zoox, and CultureAmp.

Epic Games, Inc. is an American video game and software company founded in 1991 and based in Cary, North Carolina. The company is known for creating and developing immersive games for various platforms, including PCs, consoles, mobile devices, and virtual reality systems. In addition to its game development efforts, Epic Games offers its proprietary game engine technology to other developers, facilitating the creation of high-fidelity interactive experiences. The company also operates a game store that empowers developers to publish quality games and 3D content, thereby fostering a vibrant community of creators and gamers alike. Previously known as Epic MegaGames, Inc., the company rebranded to its current name in March 1999.

IndieBio, established in 2014, is a San Francisco-based accelerator firm specializing in Synthetic Biology. It runs intensive four-month programs for early-stage companies and teams with innovative biological concepts. IndieBio invests in seed and early-stage startups globally, focusing on those that use biology as their core technology to solve real-world problems. The firm typically invests $250k, with an initial cash investment of $50k in exchange for an 8% equity stake. It prefers teams with at least two co-founders. IndieBio was the world's first accelerator dedicated to biology-based startups, aiming to address global challenges through innovative biotechnology.

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.

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.

Google.org is a philanthropic arm of Google, a multinational technology company. It funds and supports nonprofits globally, providing them with funding, tools, and volunteers. Google.org has committed approximately $100 million annually to these efforts, aiming to extend the reach of innovative nonprofits and create lasting global impact.

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in managing investment portfolios and providing asset management services across various sectors, including finance, technology, and real estate. Bossa Invest analyzes market trends to guide its investment decisions, with a particular focus on companies in the software as a service sector. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to support the growth and development of innovative businesses.

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.

Acequia Capital specializes in advising early-stage founders and teams who are passionate about harnessing software to drive business innovation. The firm partners with entrepreneurs from the initial stages of idea development and team formation through to the eventual IPO, sale, or other exit strategies. Acequia Capital offers seed capital and assists in organizing initial investment groups, securing bridge financing when necessary, and leading or participating in subsequent equity financings from Series A onward. Additionally, the firm facilitates secondary sales to create a market for founders, employees, and investors, while also providing alternative financing solutions that align with the needs of companies and their stakeholders.

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.

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.

Startup Wise Guys, established in 2012 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, is a leading early-stage investor and accelerator in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and the Nordics. It offers a world-class, up to five-month accelerator program focused on validating, developing, and selling products to business customers, with a particular interest in Sustainability, B2B SaaS, Fintech, Cybersecurity, and XR sectors. The program, supported by over 200 international and local mentors, has accelerated more than 300 startups, with an 80% success and survival rate, and 11 major exits. Post-program, startups join an alumni community of over 300 startups across 40 countries, gaining access to invite-only events for business development and fundraising support.

Par Equity, established in 2008, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Edinburgh, Scotland. It specializes in investing in early-stage, high-growth technology companies based in Northern England, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

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.

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

Google for Startups is an initiative launched in 2011 that focuses on supporting startups globally by providing access to Google's products, connections, and best practices. The program partners with over fifty leading startup organizations to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in more than 135 countries. It offers various resources, including financial support and exclusive programming, to help these partners and their startups thrive. Central to this initiative are six Google for Startups Campuses located in London, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Madrid, São Paulo, and Warsaw. These Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can access mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities within their local communities. Startups benefit from free workspaces, community events, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, all aimed at nurturing their growth and innovation across diverse sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, and technology.

Innovation Works is a venture capital firm based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, established in 1999. With over 20 years of experience, it has become a key player in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology economy, focusing on investing in high-potential companies that can significantly impact the regional economy. As the largest investor in seed-stage companies in the region, Innovation Works supports a diverse range of sectors, including robotics, artificial intelligence, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software. In addition to financial investment, the firm offers business expertise and resources to help manufacturers adopt new technologies, further fostering innovation and growth within the local economy.

Shinkin Capital, established in 2001 and based in Tokyo, Japan, operates as a growth equity firm focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As a group company of Shinkin Central Bank, it plays a crucial role within the credit union industry, providing investment and advisory services tailored to the unique needs of SMEs. The firm aims to support these businesses by supplying equity funds and offering M&A brokerage advisory services, addressing challenges faced by SMEs and helping them create new value. Shinkin Capital is committed to fostering growth and development within the SME sector, aligning its efforts with the broader objectives of the credit union and banking ecosystem.

Wavemaker Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2003 dual-headquartered in Los Angeles and Singapore. We have over $265M in assets under management, have invested in over 300 portfolio companies, and have consistently delivered top quartile returns to our investors. Wavemaker is the regional partner for Southern California and Southeast Asia of the Draper Venture Network (DVN), the world's leading VC collective comprising of 10 firms across 5 continents.

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.

Mitsubishi UFJ Capital, established in 1974, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm. It invests in early-stage companies, primarily in the Japanese market, focusing on sectors such as healthcare, biotech, information technology, and electronics. The firm also engages in investment syndication for Japanese deals. Mitsubishi UFJ Capital was previously known as Diamond Capital.

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.

Cowin Capital, established in 2000, is a Shenzhen-based private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments. With 18 years of experience, it focuses on supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises, primarily in the energy, communication, electronics, and environmental protection sectors. Cowin Capital takes a long-term approach, aiming to create value through strategic partnerships and operational support. It has successfully invested in over 300 companies, with 60 becoming publicly listed and 150 achieving successful exits. Notably, Cowin Capital was one of the first venture capital institutions to be listed on the New Third Board (NEEQ) in China.

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.

Founded in 2021, Breakthrough Victoria is an venture capital based in Melbourne, Victoria. The firm seeks to invest in companies operating in the health and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, digital technologies, agri-food, and clean economies sectors.

Lux Capital, established in 2000, is a New York-based venture capital firm managing over $4 billion in assets. It invests in early-stage and growth companies at the intersection of technology and sciences, focusing on sectors such as biochemistry, material science, electronics, infrastructure, and aerospace. Lux actively supports entrepreneurs, having helped build over 20 companies from scratch, and employs a strategy that enhances portfolio companies' connectivity, insights, and industry leadership.

Baidu Ventures, established in 2017, is an independent venture capital fund backed by Baidu and other prominent investors. With approximately $500 million under management across three funds and offices in Beijing and San Francisco, the firm invests in early-stage companies driving innovation in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, life sciences, robotics, big data, and related technologies. Its mission is to support entrepreneurs transforming how we work, live, and interact through cutting-edge technologies.