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

Frasers Group is a prominent retail company based in Shirebrook, UK, specializing in sports, premium, and luxury brands. Founded in 1982, it offers a diverse range of products including shirts, pants, jackets, caps, coats, and various accessories. The company has a varied portfolio that features well-known brands such as Nike, Adidas, Under Armour, and Puma, as well as lifestyle brands like Flannels and Cruise. Frasers Group operates through multiple channels, including stand-alone stores, multi-fascia retail spaces, department stores, and online platforms. Its operations extend across several segments, including UK Sports, Premium Lifestyle, International, Property, and Financial Services, with a presence in the UK, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the USA.

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm is stage-agnostic, primarily focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups across various sectors, including B2B, B2C, financial services, mobile technology, advertisement technology, e-commerce, food technology, gaming, health technology, real estate technology, restaurant technology, ridesharing, software as a service, and virtual reality. FJ Labs typically invests in seed and Series A rounds, with investment amounts ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, founded in 1995. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on deep technology innovations that address human and planetary health. The firm operates startup development programs, notably HAX and IndieBio, which provide resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate the growth of promising startups. SOSV supports companies from their inception through various funding stages, including seed and series A rounds, while offering ongoing assistance to help them scale and attract additional investors. By concentrating on revolutionary technologies and cross-border markets, particularly in Asia, SOSV aims to foster significant advancements that benefit humanity and the environment.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing on sectors such as cloud computing, software as a service (SaaS), consumer products, enterprise solutions, information technology, healthcare, fintech, security, media, and business services. Accel is dedicated to supporting a global community of entrepreneurs, identifying and backing those with the potential to drive the growth of next-generation industries. The firm's portfolio includes notable companies like Atlassian, Dropbox, and Facebook, showcasing its commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the technology landscape.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies and incubating startups across various sectors. The firm aims to build the defining companies of tomorrow by identifying and supporting exceptional entrepreneurs. Antler provides a comprehensive ecosystem that includes a global network of co-founders, access to talent, expert advisors, and expansion support, along with the necessary capital to help startups grow and succeed.

Innovate U.K. is a NPO that offers funding services to support science and technology innovations. The organization offers services and information on births, deaths, marriages, business, self-employed, childcare, parenting, citizenship, law, disabled persons, transportation, education, environment, housing, money, tax, travel, immigration, and jobs. Innovate U.K. is based in Swindon.

Brand Foundry Ventures is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies within the consumer and business sectors, seeking innovative startups that demonstrate potential for growth and market impact. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Brand Foundry Ventures is committed to identifying and supporting promising ventures, leveraging its expertise to foster development and success in its portfolio companies.

Sauce.VC is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and located in New Delhi, India. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in the consumer sector, particularly in areas such as food and beverages, personal care, apparel, and lifestyle. Sauce.VC is distinguished by its high engagement model, which is bolstered by a robust network of service partners that provide essential support for brands aiming to scale within the Indian market.

Chiratae Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Bengaluru, India, founded in 2006. The firm focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including mobility, software as a service, education technology, consumer technology, health technology, climate technology, financial technology, agricultural technology, B2B, and deep technology. With a global network, Chiratae Ventures manages approximately $3.6 billion and has built a portfolio of over 220 companies over the past 15 years. The firm's unique advantage lies in its affiliation with International Data Group (IDG), which provides extensive resources in global publishing, market research, and industry events, enhancing its ability to support early-stage companies in navigating their markets and achieving growth.

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs from various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in countries such as Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge operates a non-equity model, allowing startups to retain full ownership while benefiting from expert guidance and connections. The accelerator conducts various programs tailored to specific sectors, such as MassChallenge HealthTech and MassChallenge FinTech, which facilitate partnerships between startups and established enterprises to drive innovation and market growth. Through its extensive global network, MassChallenge aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and empower high-potential startups to create meaningful impact.

H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB is a Swedish multinational retail-clothing company renowned for its fast-fashion offerings for men, women, teenagers, and children. The company operates six distinct brands: H&M, COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, and & Other Stories. H&M's design team focuses on creating sustainable and stylish clothing at accessible prices, providing a diverse range of collections that include everything from elegant party wear to essential basics and functional sportswear. Their product line extends beyond apparel to include shoes, bags, jewelry, makeup, and home decor under H&M Home, catering to both adults and children. H&M aims to inspire individuality and personal expression through fashion while promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm established in 1998 that focuses on investing in early-stage companies across a diverse range of sectors. The firm targets technology-led businesses as well as non-technology opportunities in areas such as advertising and media, healthcare, education, financial services, and retail. It engages in various investment stages, including seed, early-stage, later-stage, and expansion-stage financing. Lightspeed specializes in debt financing for start-ups and growth companies while also exploring opportunities in consumer, enterprise, cleantech, and other markets. The firm is known for its strategic investments in innovative sectors, including big data, bitcoin, mobile technology, and software solutions.

Halogen Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm established in 2017, specializing in early-stage investments in consumer technology startups with female founders. The firm targets pre-seed, seed, and series A companies, focusing on innovative technologies and products that cater to consumer needs. Halogen Ventures takes a hands-on approach, actively supporting entrepreneurs throughout their journey by helping them build essential networks, enhance brand visibility, recruit talent, secure follow-on funding, and navigate pathways to acquisition or initial public offerings. The firm is dedicated to promoting diversity in the tech industry by prioritizing investments in women-led businesses.

L Catterton is a private equity firm founded in 1989 and headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, with additional offices in Paris and across Asia. The firm specializes in investments in various consumer sectors, including personal care, food and beverages, retail, and media. L Catterton focuses on growth capital, leveraged buyouts, and middle-market companies, typically investing between €15 million and €40 million in enterprises valued from €50 million to €400 million. The firm aims to partner with distinctive businesses in attractive consumer categories, providing strategic support to enhance performance and returns. Its investment strategy extends across Europe, North America, and Asia, including markets like China and India. L Catterton's approach allows for both majority and minority stakes, and it is recognized as a leading player in the consumer-focused private equity space.

MASSACHUSETTS CAPITAL RESOURCE COMPANY was established in 1977 as a limited partnership privately owned and funded by Massachusetts-based life insurance companies. The Company’s mission was to create a source of risk capital to fill the senior debt to equity funding “gap” experienced by growing companies. Their investment activity complements, rather than competes with, the financing provided by senior lenders and equity investors. Mass. Capital provides higher risk growth and acquisition capital to manufacturing, distribution, service and technology companies. They focus on emerging growth and middle market companies with operations in Massachusetts. Their investments are structured to fit the specific needs of portfolio companies and to complement funding available from senior lenders and equity investors.

LvlUp Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The firm focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, gaming and esports, future of work, consumer products, sustainability, infrastructure, web 3.0, technology, software as a service, entertainment technology, fintech, and health tech. LvlUp Ventures is recognized for its extensive global network, with over 1,500 team members across major startup hubs, and for its innovative acceleration and venture-building services. The firm reviews thousands of startup applications annually and is noted for creating successful programs and partnerships that support startups and drive significant market value. LvlUp Ventures utilizes a unique bespoke acceleration model that enables it to scale numerous companies while maintaining a low failure rate. It distinguishes itself as a pioneer in the venture capital space by being the first firm to accelerate mid-market and publicly-traded companies, thereby expanding the potential of startup and venture capital ecosystems.

HSG, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, is a prominent venture capital and private equity firm with a global focus on technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. Established in 2005, HSG operates offices in key international cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, London, Tokyo, and Singapore, managing over $55 billion in assets for leading institutional investors. The firm has supported over 1,500 companies, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through investments in transformative technologies and high-growth business models. HSG has a track record of success, with more than 160 portfolio companies having gone public and over 140 achieving unicorn status. It has developed a comprehensive investment platform that encompasses seed, venture, growth, buyout, and infrastructure investing, as well as public equities. HSG is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and companies to create enduring enterprises while delivering strong returns to its limited partners. Through its extensive resources and industry expertise, HSG provides significant advantages to the companies it partners with.

work with private equity and venture capital fund managers, investment advisors and business entities from around the world.

Caleres is a global footwear retailer and wholesaler. The Company is engaged in the operation of retail shoe stores and e-commerce Websites, as well as the design, sourcing and marketing of footwear for women and men. Its principal brands and licensed products include Naturalizer, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, LifeStride, Ryka, Sam Edelman, Franco Sarto, Via Spiga, Fergie and Fergalicious by Fergie, Carlos by Carlos Santana, Vera Wang, and Vince. The Company’s flagship Naturalizer brand is sold primarily at Naturalizer retail stores, national chains, department stores, online retailers, catalog retailers and independent retailers. The Company’s Naturalizer brand is distributed in 60 countries around the world. In May 2013, the Company sold Avia and Nevados.

Collaborative Fund is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, founded in 2010 by Craig Shapiro. The firm focuses on funding companies that prioritize creativity and collaborative consumption, aligning its investments with emerging trends in the creative class and sustainable business practices. Collaborative Fund targets various sectors, including climate, consumer products, industrial solutions, precision health, children's products, food, health, and financial services. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm aims to support innovative businesses that contribute to positive societal and environmental change.

Investissement Québec is a Canadian financial institution established in 1998, dedicated to supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large companies in the province of Québec. The organization offers a variety of financing solutions and consulting services to assist businesses in their expansion projects. By combining the strengths of financial institutions and economic development agencies, Investissement Québec aims to facilitate the establishment and growth of companies within the region. The institution plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and guidance to corporations looking to invest in Québec, thereby contributing to the local economy.

International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to private sector development in developing countries. The organization provides a range of financial and advisory services to foster economic growth across various sectors, including agriculture, infrastructure, manufacturing, healthcare, education, and technology. IFC invests in both direct projects and funds, focusing on emerging markets and prioritizing sustainability and inclusive development. It offers a diverse array of financial instruments, such as equity, loans, and quasi-equity products, while adhering to strict investment guidelines that exclude certain industries, such as weapons, tobacco, and gambling. IFC typically invests between $1 million and $100 million, supporting projects that are predominantly privately owned in member countries. The organization does not actively manage portfolio companies but seeks to exit investments through equity sales or public listings, often maintaining equity stakes for eight to fifteen years.

Pembroke VCT PLC is a venture capital trust specializing in investments in any stage of business development. Their focus is on companies in the health and fitness, hospitality, apparel, and accessories, and media and technology sectors.

Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is a brand development, marketing, and entertainment company headquartered in New York. Founded in 2010, ABG specializes in managing and enhancing the value of global brands across fashion, sports, and entertainment sectors. The company acquires and builds long-term value in prominent consumer brands through strategic partnerships and distribution programs. ABG focuses on creating compelling products and content, as well as providing immersive experiences to engage consumers effectively. Its original marketing strategies aim to drive success across various retail channels, including high-end department stores, specialty shops, and mass retailers. By leveraging its wide-ranging expertise, ABG aims to transform brands and ensure their relevance in the ever-evolving market landscape.

Korea Development Bank (KDB) is a prominent financial institution based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1954. It offers a wide array of banking products and services both domestically and internationally, structured across several segments including Corporate Finance, Investment Finance, Asset Management, and Insurance. KDB provides various deposit products, corporate banking solutions such as loans and guarantees, as well as investment banking services that encompass mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and project finance. The bank is also involved in international banking, offering services like structured finance and trade finance. Beyond traditional banking, KDB engages in industrial development activities, conducting economic research and providing managerial assistance to enterprises. With a network of 74 domestic branches and 9 international branches, KDB serves a diverse clientele, including individual customers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and larger corporations, thereby playing a significant role in supporting Korea's economic growth and development.

HAX is a venture capital program focused on accelerating hardware startups, operating from San Francisco and Shenzhen. Established in 2012, HAX provides founders with essential resources to rapidly prototype and iterate their products, encompassing physical models, technology developments, user interaction studies, and comprehensive business plans. The program supports accepted teams through a combination of full-time staff, mentors, and a vibrant startup community, emphasizing the development of scalable business strategies. Once products are ready for market introduction, teams transition to San Francisco, where HAX assists with business development, fundraising, and establishing critical partnerships. The program includes specialized initiatives such as HAX Growth, a 7-week bootcamp for launching B2C and B2B hardware startups, and HAX Boost, which helps teams refine their sales and marketing strategies while preparing for growth. HAX is part of SOSV, a global venture capital firm with a diverse portfolio, focusing on technology startups that aim to create meaningful innovations.

Farfetch is an online platform established in 2008 that connects buyers and sellers of personal luxury goods. It unites various independent fashion boutiques and offers a diverse range of products, including bags, dresses, shoes, and accessories. The company partners with over 1,000 luxury goods sellers to provide their inventory to nearly one million active customers, charging a commission for each sale. Farfetch operates a modular technology platform designed to enhance the luxury fashion ecosystem, utilizing a proprietary technology stack to support its applications, services, and data. In addition to its digital marketplace, Farfetch also includes Browns stores and the New Guard Group, and it offers solutions that facilitate the e-commerce operations of luxury brands. The company's focus on connecting luxury brands closely with the fashion industry underlines its commitment to the sector.

Insight Partners is a global software investor that partners with growth-stage technology and software companies. Insight has a deep focus in Fintech, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, DevOps, and Healthcare sectors. Across their people and their portfolio, they encourage a culture around a core belief growth equals opportunity. As of December 31, 2022, the firm has over $75B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO.

Alteria Capital is a venture capital investment firm established in 2017 and based in Mumbai, India. The firm specializes in providing venture debt to innovative companies that have received substantial backing from venture capital. Alteria Capital targets a diverse range of sectors, including consumer products, consumer services, information technology, software as a service, the internet of things, technology, media and entertainment, and telecommunications. By offering venture debt, Alteria Capital aims to complement equity investments, making it a cost-effective financing option that enhances returns for stakeholders.

Altos Ventures Management, Inc. is a venture capital firm founded in 1996 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments across various sectors, including enterprise software, financial technology, e-commerce, and consumer services. Altos Ventures seeks to support companies from inception to global growth, focusing on high-growth, capital-efficient, founder-led businesses. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $3 million initially, with the potential for follow-on investments exceeding $100 million. Altos Ventures has been a lead institutional investor in over 100 companies worldwide, concentrating its investment activities in regions such as California, Canada, Korea, Central America, and the Caribbean. The firm aims for minority stakes in its portfolio companies, which generally have sales exceeding $1 million.

BESTSELLER is a family-owned clothing and accessories company founded in Denmark in 1975. They provide fast affordable fashion for women, men and children. They market our products in 70 markets across most of Europe, the Middle East, Canada, India and globally via E-commerce. They have more than 3,000 branded chain stores across 38 markets worldwide and their products are sold in approx. 15,000 multi-brand and department stores.

B Capital Group backs brash entrepreneurs building technology companies. B Capital Group focuses on pioneering start-ups that are ready to scale across the global stage. Partnering with Boston Consulting Group, and its incubation arm BCG Digital Ventures, B Capital delivers access to top corporations to match start-ups with the world's most powerful CEOs, platforms, and brands. B Capital Group has built a portfolio of B2B and B2B2C startups that are transforming large traditional industries across borders and geographies. It helps startups navigate business challenges, raise capital, and attract talented leadership at key points of their journeys to scale.

Foot Locker, Inc. is a prominent global retailer specializing in athletic footwear and apparel. Headquartered in New York City, the company operates approximately 3,310 retail stores across 24 countries, including North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Its diverse brand portfolio includes Foot Locker, Champs Sports, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction, Lady Foot Locker, SIX:02, Runners Point, and Sidestep. Foot Locker's operations are divided into two main segments: the Athletic Stores segment, which includes various retail formats catering to different athletic activities for men, women, and children, and the Direct-to-Customers segment, which sells products through online platforms and catalogs. This comprehensive approach allows Foot Locker to effectively serve its customers and maintain a strong presence in the athletic retail market.

Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth, privately-held branded consumer companies, particularly within sectors such as online commerce, social/mobile commerce, and internet marketplaces. Forerunner Ventures aims to understand the evolving mindset of modern consumers and supports entrepreneurs who are positioned to meet future consumer needs. By providing funding, strategic guidance, and consumer insights, the firm helps to transform industries and drive cultural advancements. With a focus on seed stage and Series A investments, Forerunner typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000 in initial funding, with the potential for additional investments in high-performing companies. The firm prefers to partner with companies in the Bay Area but also considers opportunities in New York and Los Angeles, often seeking collaboration with local investors when companies are outside its primary geographic focus.

IrishAngels is an early-stage venture firm focused on funding the most promising startups across the US. We invest in pre-seed and seed stage startups and leverage our active network to add value to the companies we fund. All investors have a link to the University of Notre Dame but we do not exclusively fund founders with Notre Dame connections. We invest in B2B SaaS, consumer, and medical companies.

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.

Google for Startups is an initiative designed to support and empower startups globally. Established in 2011 and based in San Francisco, the program offers access to Google's products, resources, and best practices through a vast network of partners and six dedicated Google for Startups Campuses located in major cities such as London, Tel Aviv, and São Paulo. Its mission is to foster entrepreneurial success and create a positive impact on the future. By collaborating with over fifty leading startup organizations, Google for Startups enhances local tech ecosystems and supports startups across more than 135 countries. The program provides financial assistance, exclusive programming, and mentorship opportunities. The Google for Startups Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can engage with their peers, access educational resources, and receive training from both Google and local experts. These Campuses offer free workspaces, events, and a vibrant community, enabling entrepreneurs to thrive in their respective industries.

Kering (formerly PPR) is a holding company whose portfolio includes two fashion segments: luxury (Gucci, Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Brioni, Christopher Kane, McQ, Stella McCartney, Tomas Maier, Sergio Rossi, Boucheron, Dodo, Girard-Perregaux, JEANRICHARD, Pomellato and Qeelin) and sport & lifestyle (Puma, Volcom, Cobra, Electric and Tretorn).

Singularity AMC is a venture capital investment firm based in Mumbai, India, established in 2022. The company specializes in providing preferred capital and unique capital market access for growth-oriented assets. Singularity AMC targets investments in a variety of sectors, including fintech, consumer goods, business-to-business solutions, enterprise software-as-a-service, infrastructure platforms, and information technology. By focusing on these diverse sectors, Singularity AMC aims to foster innovation and support the growth of emerging companies.

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

BrandAlley is an online fashion retailer based in the United Kingdom. The company runs flash sales of designer brands, which typically last 4–5 days. The site offers womenswear, menswear, accessories, jewellery, footwear, homeware and beauty products for the majority of the UK's luxury and designer fashion brands

Fanatics, Inc. is a prominent global sports merchandise company that designs, manufactures, and distributes licensed sports apparel and fan gear. Founded in 1995 and headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, the company operates through various retail channels, including online, mobile, and physical stores. Fanatics serves a diverse range of customers, including professional sports leagues, collegiate teams, and media brands, effectively meeting the dynamic expectations of sports fans in today's mobile-first, on-demand market. With additional offices in California and the United Kingdom, Fanatics has established itself as a key player in the sports e-commerce sector, continuously enhancing its offerings to cater to the needs of fans and retailers alike.

Titan Capital invests behind world class entrepreneurs looking to create wide-scale positive impact on India and the World.

Crédit Agricole CIB specialises in the businesses of capital markets and investment and corporate banking.

Venrex Investment Management is a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investing in consumer industries that are influenced by technology, supporting innovative businesses led by creative founders. Emphasizing diversity, Venrex has a notable commitment to backing female entrepreneurs, with a significant percentage of its investments involving female founders or co-founders. Through its efforts, Venrex aims to foster the growth of early-stage companies that are poised to disrupt traditional markets and create impactful solutions.

The most active & founder-friendly seed VC of Korea (managing external LP based funds as independent subsidiary of Kakao Corp.)

Established in 2000 as an early-stage venture capital arm of SoftBank Group, SBVA has a storied history of empowering extraordinary entrepreneurs across the globe. In 2023, we joined forces with The Edgeof, a global startup ecosystem builder founded by Taizo Son, JP Lee, and Atsushi Taira and began our new chapter as an independent entity with a renewed commitment to fostering innovation and technological advancement.

IvyCap Ventures, founded in 2011 and based in Mumbai, India, is a venture capital firm that adopts an entrepreneur-centric investment strategy. The firm focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including consumer technology, fintech, agritech, health tech, SaaS and enterprise solutions, edtech, skill tech, logistics, and aviation. IvyCap Ventures aims to build a portfolio of world-class enterprises, emphasizing excellence, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives business success. By supporting exceptional entrepreneurs and fostering fresh ideas in emerging industries, IvyCap Ventures seeks to contribute to the growth of transformative companies.

Alliance Consumer Growth is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in providing growth capital and strategic partnership to emerging consumer, retail, and restaurant brands. It focuses on sectors such as food and beverage, personal care, beauty, pet care, and apparel. By investing in promising young companies, Alliance Consumer Growth seeks to foster their expansion and success through targeted financial support and expertise. The firm operates as a Registered Investment Adviser, utilizing buyouts and growth capital to facilitate its investments.