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.

Anheuser-Busch InBev is the world's largest brewer and a leading player in the consumer goods sector. Established through the 2008 merger of Belgium-based InBev and US-based Anheuser-Busch, the company boasts a diverse portfolio that includes six of the top ten beer brands by volume. It distributes a total of 23 brands that generate over $1 billion in retail sales. In addition to its brewing operations, Anheuser-Busch InBev manufactures and distributes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The company has also developed a proprietary business-to-business platform, BEES, which digitizes the retail experience by connecting various steps in the distribution process to enhance consumer access. Anheuser-Busch InBev's strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of SABMiller in 2016, have further solidified its position in the global market.

Hyderabad Angels, established in 2012 and based in Hyderabad, India, is an angel network that focuses on investing in early-stage companies across a diverse range of sectors including reg tech, rural tech, agritech, automotive, clean tech, consumer products, deep tech, edutech, SaaS, fintech, food and beverages, gaming, health tech, life sciences, logistics, marketplace solutions, media tech, social impact, and travel tech. The organization serves as a platform that connects experienced angel investors with emerging entrepreneurs, aiming to foster innovation and growth within the Indian and global start-up ecosystem. By engaging venture capitalists and business leaders committed to supporting new business ideas, Hyderabad Angels seeks to create both tangible and intangible value in the companies they back.

Breakthru Beverage Group is transforming the identity and execution standards of beverage distribution, earning distinction by embracing innovation and aggressively driving top-line growth. Quality and integrity are company hallmarks while its financial stability is unrivaled.

Diageo is a prominent global beverage alcohol company known for its extensive portfolio of premium brands in spirits, beer, and wine. Formed from the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness in 1997, it ranks as one of the leading producers of branded premium spirits. Diageo's diverse array of brands includes well-known names such as Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Crown Royal, Captain Morgan, Tanqueray, Baileys, and Guinness. The company is also involved in the production and marketing of beer and wine, and it holds a significant stake in Moet Hennessy, a subsidiary of LVMH, as well as a majority interest in India's United Spirits. This strategic positioning allows Diageo to maintain a strong presence in the global beverage market.

Heineken is an international premium beer and cider manufacturer established in 1864 by the Heineken family. It is recognized as the world's second-largest brewer, following Anheuser-Busch InBev, and holds a leading position in various European markets, including the Netherlands, Austria, Greece, and Italy. Heineken distributes a diverse portfolio that consists of its flagship Heineken lager, the world’s leading international premium lager by volume, as well as brand extensions like Heineken 0.0 and Heineken Silver. The company also boasts a significant presence in the cider market, making it the largest cider producer globally. Additionally, Heineken markets around 40 national and regional brands across approximately 60 countries, emphasizing a commitment to quality through the use of natural ingredients such as malt, barley, hops, and a proprietary yeast strain. Recent acquisitions in emerging markets across Africa, India, Asia, and Latin America are expected to further drive the company's growth.

Constellation Brands, Inc. is a prominent producer and marketer of beer, wine, and spirits, headquartered in Victor, New York. Founded in 1945, the company boasts a diverse portfolio of over 80 premium brands, including well-known beer labels such as Corona and Modelo, as well as popular wines like Robert Mondavi and Kim Crawford. Constellation generates a significant portion of its revenue from Mexican beer imports, particularly in the United States, where it holds exclusive rights to several top-selling brands. The company also offers a range of spirits, including SVEDKA Vodka and High West Whiskey. With operations spanning across the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, and Italy, Constellation Brands serves various distribution channels, including wholesale distributors, retailers, and on-premise locations. The company has approximately 10,000 employees and operates around 40 facilities, making it a key player in the global alcoholic beverage market.

The Chennai Angels (TCA), formerly known as Chennai Entrepreneurship Trust Fund, was established in November 2007 with the objective of fostering Entrepreneurship with prime focus on nurturing and mentoring new generation entrepreneurs. You can play bellayoscura.com for real money or test your skill in practice mode - all under a safe and responsible gaming environment and a 24/7 customer support. Aspiring entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas often fumble to translate thoughts into commercially viable ventures. These teething troubles could be attributed to inadequate awareness in taking the ideas forward or paucity of funds. In an effort to help these young minds, a group of prominent successful entrepreneurs came forward to form a consortium called The Chennai Entrepreneurship Trust Fund in Nov 2007, which is now The Chennai Angels (TCA). TCA are a Group of successful leaders who have successfully built, run and in many cases exited enterprises across multiple domains and industries and help entrepreneurs build and grow their ventures and enterprises into successful companies. Besides providing capital, TCA members act as mentors for the green horns venturing into the world of business. TCA has among its members several Venture Capitalists who are available to partner TCA on larger outlays. The big advantage of being a TCA investee is that, apart from very high quality mentoring, investors are able to handhold the entrepreneur through the life cycle of fund raising as well and open doors to customers and partners of very high order.

HSBC Bank plc, founded in 1865 and headquartered in Birmingham, United Kingdom, is a prominent commercial bank offering a wide range of financial products and services. The bank operates through various segments, including Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Commercial Banking, Global Banking and Markets, and Global Private Banking. HSBC provides essential banking services such as current and savings accounts, personal and business loans, mortgages, and credit cards. Additionally, it offers investment funds, insurance products covering life, home, and vehicles, as well as risk management and wealth management solutions. The bank also facilitates international trade through services like letters of credit and foreign exchange, while catering to the needs of small enterprises, government entities, corporate clients, and high net worth individuals. As a subsidiary of HSBC UK Holdings Limited, HSBC Bank plc continues to play a significant role in the global banking landscape.

BrewDog is a craft beer brewery based in Scotland that produces bottled and canned beers in a variety of styles. Back in 2007, James and Martin said sayonara to industrially brewed lagers and stuffy ales and – after brewing their first batch of beer in James' garage – set about making hardcore beers full time. Both only 24 at the time, James and Martin leased a building, got some scary bank loans and spent all their money on stainless steel. Luckily the gamble paid off and after just three years, BrewDog has managed to kick-start the UK craft beer revolution and with wave upon wave of cool, contemporary and progressive beers continues to challenge perceptions of beer and brewing the world over.

Drizly is an online marketplace specializing in the delivery of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, Drizly operates in 235 markets, providing consumers of legal drinking age with a convenient and personalized shopping experience. The platform offers a diverse selection of products, allowing customers to order not only alcoholic drinks but also accompanying items like mixers and garnishes, all from the comfort of their homes. By partnering with local retailers, Drizly helps these businesses expand their reach and gain valuable market insights, ultimately aiding them in increasing sales and diversifying their offerings.

MicroStar Logistics is a manufacturer of beer kegs, also offers repair and maintenance service, and used keg sales and leasing options. The company's dense network of kegs, approaching 5 million kegs nationwide, provides craft brewers of all sizes with the efficiency and flexibility they need to grow. Their Keg Management division leverages two pools of kegs -- KegCraft kegs for midsize brewers and MicroStar-branded kegs for large brewers -- to deliver cost-effective outsourced keg solutions.

Tribe Breweries is a food and beverage company located in Marrickville, Australia, which specializes in brewing and packaging a diverse range of products. The company focuses on crafting a variety of beers and ciders, as well as ready-to-drink and non-alcoholic beverages. Tribe Breweries is committed to delivering high-quality liquids to its market, partnering with brands that emphasize premium cider and boutique non-alcoholic options.

New Belgium Brewing Company, founded in 1988 in Fort Collins, Colorado, is a prominent craft brewery known for its Belgian-inspired beers, including the popular Fat Tire Amber Ale. As the third largest craft brewer in the United States, it produces a diverse lineup of year-round offerings, such as Sunshine Wheat and Abbey, alongside seasonal releases. In addition to its brewing operations, New Belgium sells a variety of merchandise, including apparel, drinkware, and cycling products, both online and in physical locations. The company operates a second facility in Asheville, North Carolina, and is recognized for its commitment to environmental stewardship and progressive workplace practices, including employee ownership and open book management. New Belgium Brewing Company is currently a subsidiary of Lion Pty Limited.

Ottakringer Getraenke is a food & beverage manufacturer that manufactures beer, mineral water and other soft drinks. In 2009 Ottakringer Getränke AG is created through the merger of Ottakringer Brauerei AG and Vöslauer Mineralwasser AG. It is Austria's only listed beverage manufacturer. Most of the shares are held indirectly by the two Austrian families Wenckheim and Menz through Ottakringer Holding AG

FoodLabs is a venture studio and investor for startups with solutions to feed ten billion people by 2050 in a sustainable and healthy way. Founded in 2016, the Berlin-based investor is one of Europe's leading venture firms for food & ag. It has supported over 20 mission-driven teams to launch their ideas and put great concepts into practice. The portfolio covers the entire value chain - from agtech, alternative protein sources, water supply, food security, vertical farming, to food waste and carbon reduction.

The Radeberger Gruppe is Germany's largest private brewery group, headquartered in Frankfurt. It specializes in the production and supply of a diverse range of beers and beverages. The company is known for its various beer brands and actively exports its products through a network of importers and distribution companies. With a strong presence in the brewing industry, Radeberger Gruppe has established itself as a key player in both domestic and international markets.

Braxton Brewing Company, LLC, established in 2014 and located in Covington, Kentucky, operates a craft brewery and taprooms that specialize in producing fresh, handmade beer. The company combines traditional brewing methods with modern technology to create a diverse range of world-class beers. In addition to its brewing operations, Braxton Brewing also offers event and meeting space for groups, fostering a community atmosphere where people can enjoy exceptional craft beer and connect with one another. Through its dedication to quality and innovation, Braxton Brewing aims to celebrate the rich brewing culture of the Midwest.

Solera Beverage Group is one of the largest beverage companies in the Nordics, focusing on the import and distribution of a wide range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including wine, spirits, beer, cider, mineral water, and soft drinks. The company primarily serves the state retail alcohol monopolies in Norway, Sweden, and Finland, while also providing products to the HORECA sector and travel retail in the Nordic and Baltic regions, as well as grocery and convenience chains in Norway. Headquartered in Oslo, Solera employs approximately 140 people and has a long history dating back to 1924 with the establishment of Einar A. Engelstad in Norway. Over the years, Solera has successfully represented numerous major international brand owners, contributing to its significant turnover, which was around €160.1 million in 2013.

United Spirits Ltd manufactures and sells spirits, beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages. The company is engaged in the business of manufacture, purchase, and sale of beverage alcohol and other allied spirits, including through tie-up manufacturing units and strategic franchising of some of its brands. Its brand portfolio consists of McDowell's No.1, Royal Challenge, Black Dog, Signature, Antiquity, Director's Special Black, McDowell's Rum, McDowell's Brandy, Bagpiper, Old Tavern, and Haywards among others. Geographically, the firm generates a majority of its revenue from India.

Hop Culture, LLC, established in 2016 and headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a digital publishing company that focuses on the craft beer community. It publishes an online magazine that caters to craft beer enthusiasts, promoting small, independent breweries through various channels, including social media. In addition to its editorial content, Hop Culture offers custom merchandise and organizes craft beer festivals, creating a platform for both breweries and consumers to engage with the craft beer culture. As of December 2020, Hop Culture operates as a subsidiary of Homebrewed Tech, LLC.

Riello Investimenti Partners is a private equity investment firm established in 2001 and headquartered in Milan, Italy. The firm focuses on investing in growth-stage companies, specifically targeting small and medium enterprises across various sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, energy, media, logistics, business products, business services, consumer products, consumer services, e-commerce, big data, SaaS, and technology. By concentrating on Italian companies, Riello Investimenti aims to support their growth and development through strategic buyouts and investments.

Sleeman Breweries is a Canadian beverage company based in Guelph, specializing in the production and distribution of various types of beer, including lager, cream ale, non-alcoholic, and flavored varieties. The company is involved in all aspects of the brewing process, from production to supply chain management, as well as sales and marketing. In addition to its core beverage offerings, Sleeman Breweries also sells glassware, apparel, and other branded merchandise, enhancing its presence in the market. With a focus on quality and craftsmanship, the company has established itself as a notable player in the craft brewing sector.

Enhanced Capital Partners, established in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm focused on providing tailored investment solutions to small and mid-size companies. The firm specializes in various sectors, including small businesses, renewable energy projects, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing, leveraging federal and state incentive programs. Enhanced Capital employs a versatile approach to investment, offering equity and debt financing options such as tax credit lending and impact lending, aimed at maximizing growth potential for businesses in the lower middle market. With over $400 million under management, the firm is committed to supporting the expansion and development of enterprises positioned for rapid growth.

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.

IGF provides tailored finance solutions to help businesses manage cash-flow problems and fuel growth.

Sandton Capital Partners, founded in 2009 and based in New York, is a private equity firm that provides financing solutions to a diverse range of companies in the United States and Europe. The firm specializes in underwriting a variety of collateral products, which include hard assets like airplanes and heavy machinery, as well as soft assets such as intellectual property. Sandton Capital Partners engages in the acquisition of under-performing and non-performing loans from banks and nonbank financial institutions. It offers tailored financing options, including senior secured and subordinated loans, discounted payoff financing, dividend recapitalizations, maturity default refinancings, bridge loans, and debtor-in-possession loans. As a registered investment adviser, the firm focuses its investment activities in sectors such as manufacturing, media, energy, agriculture, and healthcare.

Blue Sage Capital, L.P. is a private equity firm founded in 2003 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, with an additional office in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The firm specializes in investing in smaller middle-market companies across various industries, including industrial, distribution, business services, healthcare, manufacturing, energy, consumer, and media. Blue Sage typically targets established, profitable businesses with revenues ranging from $20 million to $125 million and cash flows between $3 million and $12 million. The firm generally invests between $20 million and $40 million per transaction, often co-investing with other investors for larger deals. Blue Sage Capital seeks opportunities to take minority, majority, or control positions in its portfolio companies and aims for board representation. The firm usually holds its investments for five to eight years, focusing on growth, recapitalization, and buyout financings.

SMBC Venture Capital is the corporate venture capital arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, established in 2005 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on investing in companies across various sectors, including information technology, life sciences, services, and manufacturing. SMBC Venture Capital leverages its parent company's extensive financial services experience to identify and support innovative startups and growth-stage companies, aiming to foster advancements in these key industries. By providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and resources, SMBC Venture Capital seeks to drive growth and create long-term value for its portfolio companies.

Seedrs is a prominent online equity crowdfunding platform based in Europe, specializing in investments in startups and growth companies. Recognized as the most active investor in private companies in the UK, Seedrs enables a diverse range of investors to support businesses they believe in and participate in their success. The platform streamlines the investment process, handling all legal documentation and due diligence to facilitate seamless transactions. This allows businesses to raise capital efficiently while providing investors with opportunities to earn equity returns, whether through business sales, public offerings, or dividend payments. By fostering a supportive business community, Seedrs empowers both investors and entrepreneurs to achieve their financial goals.

Resona Capital is a micro-venture capital fund specialized in early-stage investments. The firm was founded in 1988 and based in Tokyo, Japan.

Samurai Incubate Inc., founded in 2008 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is dedicated to supporting early-stage start-ups by providing comprehensive assistance in management, marketing, sales, human resources, and financial strategies. The company aims to empower these ventures to develop their vision and enhance their revenue potential. Samurai Incubate engages actively with the start-ups it supports, often taking on advisory roles and serving as external directors. In addition to its operations in Japan, the firm has expanded its focus to include investments in start-ups across Africa and Israel, particularly in sectors such as information and communication technology and software-as-a-service. The company embodies the spirit of the samurai, guided by a code of conduct that emphasizes righteousness, loyalty, and the courage to challenge and achieve ambitious goals, thereby fostering a culture of integrity and commitment to positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Epiris is an independent private equity investment firm based in London, with a history dating back to 1976. With over 25 years of experience, the firm has invested more than £4.7 billion across more than 200 deals. Its investment strategy primarily focuses on buyouts and debt investments, targeting a range of private equity opportunities, including control, equity, and debt, both directly and indirectly. As of March 2016, Epiris managed funds totaling £2 billion, with £400 million available for new investments. The firm operates from a single office in London, allowing for streamlined decision-making processes. The senior management team brings an average of 22 years of experience in private equity, while the investment team averages 20 years, supported by specialists in compliance, finance, investor relations, and marketing.

US Department of Energy is a government agency that regulates energy policy, research, and development. The Energy Department's mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

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.

IndieBio, founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, is the world’s first accelerator dedicated to startups that leverage biology to address significant global challenges. As part of SOSV, a global venture capital firm, IndieBio focuses on nurturing seed-stage and early-stage companies across various sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, biotechnology, and consumer products. The accelerator provides funding and support to innovative ventures aiming to create impactful solutions in areas such as pharmaceuticals, oncology, and advanced manufacturing. By fostering emerging technologies and biological applications, IndieBio plays a crucial role in advancing the next generation of startups that seek to make a positive difference in society.

Bochi Investments is an investment firm based in Lake Oswego, Oregon, founded in 2019. It distinguishes itself from traditional private equity firms by integrating the roles of an independent sponsor and a family office. The firm specializes in growth equity and buyouts, targeting companies in the consumer, industrial, and business services sectors. Bochi Investments primarily focuses on opportunities within the Western United States, including Texas, aiming to foster growth and development in its chosen sectors.

General Atlantic Service Company, L.P. is a principal investment firm established in 1980 and headquartered in New York, New York, with additional offices in major cities around the globe. The firm specializes in making significant minority investments in growth-oriented companies across various sectors, including technology, consumer, financial services, healthcare, and computer software. General Atlantic focuses on providing both capital and strategic support, leveraging its sector-specific expertise and a collaborative approach to partner with entrepreneurs and management teams. The firm's long-term investment horizon is aimed at fostering the development of market-leading businesses.

Finvolve is a venture capital investment firm based in Gurugram, India, founded in 2022 as a joint venture between India Accelerator and Finolutions. The firm specializes in the business-to-business sector and focuses on facilitating start-up investments through its B2B network. By connecting investors with emerging companies, Finvolve aims to foster growth and innovation within the start-up ecosystem.

Mumbai Angels is an angel stage investment firm founded in 2006 and based in Mumbai, India. The firm focuses on early-stage companies, providing them with the necessary support to grow and scale. It serves as a breeding ground for innovative businesses, acting as a bridge between entrepreneurs and larger corporations, as well as financial investors looking for incubated companies with potential for development. Through its investments, Mumbai Angels aims to foster entrepreneurship and contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem in India.

Seaport Capital, LLC is a private equity firm based in New York, established in 1997. The firm specializes in late-stage growth investments, targeting mature, middle-market companies primarily in the media, telecommunications, and business services sectors. Seaport Capital seeks opportunities in areas such as custom publishing, co-location services, communication towers, and enterprise software, among others. It typically invests in companies with an EBITDA ranging from $3 million to $15 million and prefers equity investments between $10 million and $30 million. The firm is known for its active investment approach, aiming to secure control positions and board representation in its portfolio companies. Seaport Capital focuses on creating long-term value by collaborating with management teams to develop strategies that lead to market leadership. By leveraging its industry expertise and extensive network, the firm seeks to generate significant returns for its investment partners.

Corsa Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Austin, Texas, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in technology-based companies across various sectors, including software, cloud data services, and social networks, primarily focusing on opportunities within Texas and the Southwest. Corsa Ventures aims to support businesses that utilize cloud, big data, mobile, and social technologies to innovate and disrupt existing market paradigms. The team at Corsa Ventures brings extensive operational experience and a wide-reaching network, enabling them to effectively guide companies from startup stages to established enterprises.

Marcy Venture Partners, co-founded by Shawn Carter, Jay Brown, and Larry Marcus in 2019, is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on investing in innovative businesses and mass-market brands within the consumer and culture sectors, prioritizing companies that emphasize positive impact through sustainability, inclusivity, accessibility, empowerment, and health and wellness. Marcy Venture Partners targets seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage companies that demonstrate strong brand values, exceptional management teams, and a clear vision for growth. The firm seeks to invest in a variety of sectors, including consumer products, e-commerce, technology, and robotics, with a commitment to fostering brands that deliver high customer satisfaction and possess clear catalysts for scaling.

JAFCO, founded in 1973 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a prominent venture capital firm that focuses on investing in a wide range of sectors, including technology, healthcare, consumer services, and manufacturing. The firm engages in seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage investments, as well as buyouts for growth-stage companies. With total capital commitments exceeding 1 trillion yen, JAFCO has successfully facilitated over 1,000 portfolio IPOs. Beyond financial investment, JAFCO serves as a vital partner for entrepreneurs, offering support in human resources, marketing, sales, and back-office operations to help realize their business visions. The firm is dedicated to fostering innovative technologies and services both in Japan and globally.

Artesian VC is an alternative investment management company that specializes in early-stage venture capital, particularly in the clean energy sector. Established in 2004 after spinning out from ANZ Banking Group, the company has evolved to manage a range of specialized funds, with a focus on seed and follow-on investments in startups sourced from approved accelerators, incubators, and academic programs. Artesian's investment strategy emphasizes partnerships with leading organizations in the startup ecosystem, enabling it to identify and support high-potential ventures. With offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Shanghai, New York, London, and Singapore, the company has built a global presence and has successfully raised over AUD 255 million for its various funds. Additionally, Artesian has expanded its reach through initiatives like its China VC Fund and plans for a Southeast Asia VC Fund, underscoring its commitment to fostering innovation in diverse markets.

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.

FuturePlay is an accelerator and early-stage investor based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in deep tech startups. Established in 2014, the firm has invested in 55 companies, primarily in South Korea, with a significant portion also based in the United States. FuturePlay is expanding its focus to Southeast Asia, targeting markets such as Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The firm operates two main acceleration programs: TechUP, an annual company-building initiative for deep tech engineers, and TechUP+, a co-acceleration program developed in partnership with major enterprises tailored to specific industries like beauty and energy. FuturePlay is backed by global corporations, including CISCO and LG, and has invested across various sectors, including robotics, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and fintech.

Live Oak Bank, established in 2008 and located in Wilmington, North Carolina, is a commercial bank that specializes in providing financial services to small and medium-sized businesses across various industries, including veterinary practices, agriculture, pharmacy, and healthcare. The bank offers a range of FDIC-insured banking products designed to support business growth, such as loans for buying, building, and expanding operations, as well as high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit. In addition to traditional banking services, Live Oak Bank provides business advisory services and education to empower entrepreneurs and enhance their financial acumen. The company is committed to delivering a customer-centric experience that distinguishes it from typical banking institutions.

Hillhouse Investment Group, established in 2005 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a prominent global investment management firm that focuses on private equity. The firm engages in long-term investments across various sectors, including healthcare, business services, consumer goods, industrials, and energy transition. Hillhouse partners with exceptional entrepreneurs to foster sustainable value creation within quality companies. In addition to private equity, the firm also participates in public equity, real estate, and private credit, managing capital on behalf of global institutions such as non-profit foundations, endowments, and pension funds.

First Citizens Bank helps customers do more with money. It is a full-service banking institution, Its parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), has more than $35 billion in assets. First Citizens is now a family-controlled bank, with a record of stable leadership few institutions can rival. First Citizens Bank provides banking services, essential business and professional services, wealth management capabilities, and a full-service telephone bank, and sophisticated online and mobile banking offerings. The company is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of the communities where it does business. It strives to encourage associates to accomplish their full potential by contributing to business success and service excellence. The security of financial information is among the company's priorities. First Citizens Bank was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.