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

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.

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.

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.

Founded in 2006, Techstars is a global platform that supports and invests in early-stage technology companies. Through its mentorship-driven accelerator programs, it provides funding, resources, and connections to entrepreneurs worldwide. With over $1 billion invested in more than 2,000 companies across 45 countries, Techstars has helped create a network of founders, investors, and innovators dedicated to driving growth and innovation.

Massachusetts Capital Resource Company, founded in 1977 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as a private investment firm focused on addressing the funding gap for growing companies. The company provides risk capital in the form of mezzanine financing, long-term debt, and equity investments, specifically targeting emerging growth and middle-market firms. Its primary sectors of interest include manufacturing, distribution, service, and technology. By offering tailored investment solutions, Massachusetts Capital complements the financing available from senior lenders and equity investors, thereby supporting the growth and acquisition needs of companies operating in Massachusetts.

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

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.

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.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a technology-focused capital provider based in Philadelphia, founded in 1982 to advance the region's technology community. The organization funds and supports technology companies across Pennsylvania, especially in information technology, health, and physical sciences, investing substantial capital in early-stage and established ventures. It has invested over 170 million dollars in more than 1,750 regional technology companies and has launched university-industry partnerships to translate scientific discoveries into commercial products, while seeding regional initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and create jobs.

Synopsys is a technology company that provides software and intellectual property for semiconductor and electronic product design. It positions itself as the Silicon to Software partner for companies building electronic devices and software applications. Its core offerings include electronic design automation (EDA) software used to automate chip design, semiconductor IP blocks, and software quality and security solutions. The company also supports system verification and SoC design through Silicon IP and end-to-end design tools. As customers shift toward systems-like architectures, Synopsys supplies a comprehensive portfolio that helps improve design accuracy, productivity, and efficiency across the full design flow. Through a broad reach in semiconductor and software markets, the firm serves diverse end markets as digitalization accelerates demand for verification, IP, and integrated design toolchains.

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

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

Microsoft is a multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells software products and services. Its offerings include the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, server products like Windows Server and SQL Server, business solutions such as Dynamics, cloud services through Azure, hardware devices like Surface and Xbox, and online advertising platforms.

Founded in 1995, SOSV is a global venture capital firm headquartered in New Jersey. It focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments in deep tech innovations, primarily in bio-tech/life sciences and hardware/robotics sectors, with a commitment to human and planetary health.

Solid Solutions Management Limited is a prominent reseller of three-dimensional (3D) computer-aided design (CAD) software in the United Kingdom, specializing in SOLIDWORKS products developed by Dassault Systems. The company provides a comprehensive range of software solutions including SOLIDWORKS 3D CAD, SOLIDWORKS Visualize, SOLIDWORKS Simulation, and SOLIDWORKS Product Data Management, which collectively enhance design efficiency and innovation. Additionally, Solid Solutions offers SOLIDWORKS Composer for creating graphical assets, SOLIDWORKS Inspection for streamlining inspection document creation, and SOLIDWORKS Electrical CAD software. The firm also delivers manufacturing solutions like SolidCAM, SigmaNEST, and SWOOD, along with training, support, subscription, and consultancy services tailored to various industries including aerospace, construction, high-tech electronics, and life sciences. Established in 1998 and headquartered in Leamington Spa, the company aims to facilitate faster product development while reducing costs for its clients across the UK and Ireland.

Dassault Systemes offers project lifecycle management solutions that enable businesses to create and share experiences in 3D. Its suite of products, including SolidWorks, CATIA, SIMULIA, DELMIA, ENOVIA, and Medidata, empower users across various industries such as transportation, industrial equipment, aerospace, defense, and life sciences.

Speedinvest, established in 2011, is a European venture capital firm headquartered in Vienna, Austria, with additional offices in Berlin, London, Munich, Paris, San Francisco, and a focus on Central and Eastern Europe. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, typically providing between €0.25 million to €3 million, and takes minority stakes, usually up to 20%. Speedinvest invests in sectors such as deep tech, fintech, industrial tech, marketplaces, consumer tech, and digital health, with a hands-on approach, often taking operational roles in portfolio companies for up to a year. The firm aims to provide more than just capital, offering operational support, growth marketing, HR, US business development, and networking assistance through its in-house Platform+ team.

Prelude Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2013, dedicated to investing in early-stage startups that aim to address climate change. The firm focuses on sectors such as advanced energy, food and agriculture, transportation, logistics, advanced materials, manufacturing, and advanced computing. By supporting innovative businesses in these areas, Prelude Ventures seeks to foster the development of the next generation of companies that can significantly impact environmental sustainability and contribute to a more sustainable future.

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

FARO Technologies, Inc. specializes in designing, developing, manufacturing, and marketing software-driven three-dimensional (3D) measurement and imaging solutions on a global scale. The company operates through three primary segments: 3D Manufacturing, Construction BIM, and Emerging Verticals. Its product offerings include the FaroArm, FARO ScanArm, FARO Design ScanArm 2.5C, FARO Laser Tracker, and FARO Focus laser scanner, all of which are designed for high-precision measurement and data collection in various industries. FARO's software solutions complement its hardware, enabling users to capture and manipulate both 3D and 2D data effectively. The company's technology serves a diverse range of applications, including manufacturing, architecture, surveying, building information modeling, construction, public safety forensics, and cultural heritage. Founded in 1981, FARO is headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida, with additional locations in Germany and Singapore, supporting a global customer base of approximately 15,000 users.

PTC is a US-based technology company that develops, markets, and supports product lifecycle management software and related services. It provides technology platforms and enterprise applications for smart and connected products, operations, and systems, including Creo computer-aided design software, Windchill PLM, and Internet of Things and augmented reality solutions. Its offerings span multiple industries, including manufacturing, publishing, services, government, and life sciences, serving a global customer base. The company employs more than 6,000 professionals and serves over 28,000 businesses worldwide, demonstrating its scale and reach since its founding in 1985.

Founded in 2005, Founders Fund is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco. It invests across various sectors globally, focusing on companies building revolutionary technologies. Notable investments include SpaceX, Palantir, Facebook, and Airbnb.

Cadmatic is a prominent developer of digital and intelligent 3D design, engineering, and information management software solutions, primarily serving the marine, process, and construction industries. Based in Turku, Finland, the company facilitates advanced digitalization throughout all project life cycles, enhancing data-driven shipbuilding, plant construction, and operational processes. Cadmatic's software is utilized in a wide range of construction projects, including luxury yachts, large cruise vessels, offshore platforms, and various industrial plants, such as those in the food, pharmaceutical, power, chemical, oil and gas, and pulp and paper sectors.

Founded in 2000, Lux Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York and Silicon Valley. It manages over $5 billion in assets, focusing on seed to growth investments at the intersection of technology and sciences. Lux actively supports entrepreneurs building successful businesses in high-growth sectors such as biochemistry, material science, electronics, infrastructure, aerospace, genomics, synthetic biology, and robotics.

Founded in 1995, Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Germany. It specializes in growth capital investments, focusing on high-tech companies in sectors such as biotechnology, IT, and environmental technology. The firm primarily invests in small and medium-sized companies located exclusively in Bavaria, with typical investment amounts ranging from €0.25 million to €9 million.

Richen Capital is an investment firm that focuses on identifying and capitalizing on promising investment opportunities. The firm employs a strategic approach to investing, aiming to generate sustainable growth and value for its stakeholders. By leveraging market insights and analytical expertise, Richen Capital seeks to build a diverse portfolio that spans various sectors and asset classes. The firm is committed to fostering innovation and supporting the development of businesses that demonstrate strong potential for success.

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

Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd (SCGC) is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 by the Shenzhen Government. The company is dedicated to fostering national industries, developing national brands, and promoting economic transformation through investments in emerging sectors. SCGC primarily targets small to medium enterprises and innovative high-tech companies, focusing on those in various stages of growth, including startups and those undergoing transformation. Its investment portfolio spans industries that align with national policy support, such as information technology, internet services, new media, biopharmaceuticals, new energy, environmental protection, chemical engineering, and high-end equipment manufacturing. With a registered capital of 5.42 billion RMB and significant assets under management, SCGC has established itself as a leader in the venture capital landscape, having invested in numerous companies, many of which have achieved public listings across global capital markets.

Turkey Development Fund is an economic development agency in Istanbul established in 2019 that aims to strengthen Turkey’s enterprise ecosystem by investing in new-generation startups and in investment vehicles that support sustainable development. It focuses on strategically important economic sectors and on growing the nascent venture capital ecosystem by directing capital to innovative companies that drive long-term growth.

Vectorworks develops intuitive design software for architecture, landscape, and entertainment industries. Founded in 1985, the company offers cross-platform CAD and BIM solutions, enabling users to seamlessly sketch, model, and present projects from inception to completion.

Founded in 1974, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments across sectors such as information technology, life science, healthcare, biotech, electronics, and high technology.

DNX Ventures is a San Mateo–based venture capital firm founded in 2011. It invests in Seed and Series A B2B startups, with activities in the United States and Japan and an office in Tokyo. The firm focuses on SaaS and cloud, cybersecurity, deep tech, sustainability, hardware, retail, and finance. It emphasizes helping early-stage companies validate product–market fit and secure their first customers by leveraging a CXO network and partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. DNX Ventures also provides strategic guidance and operational insight to portfolio companies as they grow. The organization operates as an investment adviser and supports founders through active involvement in building customer relationships and scaling business development.

Established in 2006, SC Launch is a non-profit corporation affiliated with South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA). It facilitates applied research, product development, and commercialization programs. SC Launch provides loans, investments, and resources to selected South Carolina-based companies participating in its program, aiming to create high-wage jobs and foster technology startups.

UTokyo Innovation Platform Company, established in 2016 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is dedicated to fostering innovation by supporting start-ups and facilitating corporate innovation. The company focuses on enhancing the innovation ecosystem by providing resources and guidance to university-affiliated ventures, particularly in sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, agricultural technology, space, robotics, hardware, information technology, and artificial intelligence. In addition to its investment activities, UTokyo Innovation Platform Company operates an incubation program designed to nurture new enterprises and accelerate their growth, thereby contributing to the global innovation landscape stemming from the University of Tokyo.

Established in 2002 through the merger of three subsidiaries, Mizuho Capital is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm affiliated with Mizuho Bank. With approximately ¥50 billion JPY under management, it focuses on investments in information technology and biotechnology sectors.

MiTek is a global leader in providing engineered products and services for the building components industry. With a strong focus on fulfilling customer needs, they offer advanced design software programs and machinery designed to address real customer challenges. Their commitment to customer dedication and partnership has allowed them to provide a competitive edge to their customers, locally, nationally, and internationally. MiTek's reputation is built on delivering solutions that help their customers succeed in their operations, making them a trusted partner in the industry.

Cerberus Capital Management, founded in 1992, is a global private investment firm headquartered in New York. It specializes in operational private equity, distressed securities, and middle-market lending. The firm invests in undervalued companies and distressed corporate debt across various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and real estate. Cerberus typically takes controlling or significant minority interests in its investee companies, providing them with operational support and strategic guidance. Additionally, the firm offers financing solutions to private equity sponsors and businesses through its lending affiliates.

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

Founded in 1998, Resource Capital Funds is a Denver-based private equity firm specializing in investments within the metals, minerals, and mining sectors. The firm partners with companies to build sustainable businesses, aiming to generate superior returns for all stakeholders.

Beedie Capital, founded in 1954 and based in Vancouver, Canada, is a prominent owner and developer of industrial, commercial, and residential real estate. The company operates as a multi-strategy direct investment platform specializing in alternative investments and assets. With a flexible structure, Beedie Capital engages in a variety of investment formats including buyouts, senior debt, and growth capital, primarily targeting investments between $10 million and $50 million in both public and private companies. While open to opportunities across various sectors, the firm has a core focus on technology, tech-enabled services, as well as metals and mining. Beedie Capital positions itself as a strategic partner, actively collaborating with management teams and stakeholders to foster growth and enhance the value of its investments.

Silvaco, Inc. specializes in electronic design automation (EDA) and technology computer-aided design (TCAD) software, catering to the semiconductor and photonics industries. With over 30 years of experience, the company offers a comprehensive suite of tools that facilitate process and device development, as well as the design of analog/mixed-signal, power integrated circuits, and memory. Silvaco's solutions support a wide range of applications, including displays, power electronics, optical devices, and advanced CMOS processes. By providing software that spans from atomic-level simulations to circuit and system design, Silvaco enables its clients to enhance productivity, reduce development costs, and accelerate time-to-market for their products.

Founded in 1930, AMETEK is a manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices, operating over 40 autonomous businesses across research, aerospace, energy, medical, and manufacturing industries. It segments its business into two groups: Electronic Instruments Group (EIG) offering analytical, test, and measurement instruments; and Electromechanical Group (EMG) providing highly engineered components, interconnects, and specialty metals.

Strata-G Solutions provides engineering and hardware solutions based in Huntsville, Alabama. The company engages in project management, weapon system engineering solutions, R&D, additive manufacturing, rapid prototyping, aircraft and platform modification, manufacturing and kitting, system documentation, and associated material purchasing.

Construct Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2020 and based in Washington, D.C. It specializes in early-stage, technology-driven investments aimed at rebuilding and modernizing foundational industries such as manufacturing, supply chain, and transportation. The firm backs Seed and Series A rounds, supporting founders who apply software and other tech-enabled solutions to improve efficiency, performance, and customer experience across large sectors of the economy.

Tata Technologies Limited, headquartered in Pune, India, is a global company specializing in product engineering and digital services. Founded in 1981, it provides a range of services including IT consultancy, SAP implementation, networking solutions, CAD/CAM engineering, and design consultancy. The company's offerings extend to product development, digital manufacturing, teardown and benchmarking, project execution, and components integration. Tata Technologies also delivers PLM solutions that enhance the efficiency of product development processes and offers manufacturing/enterprise IT solutions that optimize critical business processes through data analytics and enterprise resource planning. With a strong focus on the automotive industry, the company serves original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and their suppliers in markets such as aerospace and engineering. Its operations are primarily based in India, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Europe.

Procore Technologies, Inc. is a cloud-based software company specializing in construction management. It offers a platform and related products enabling construction stakeholders, such as owners, contractors, architects, and engineers, to collaborate on projects. Procore's suite includes Design Coordination, BIM, Field Productivity, Project Financials, and other tools for streamlined project management, document control, financial tracking, and stakeholder communication. The company operates in the United States, Australia, Canada, England, and Mexico, serving customers across commercial, residential, industrial, and infrastructure segments. Procore generates revenue through subscription-based pricing for access to its software products.

KATEK Group is a German electronics service provider specializing in high-quality electronic solutions for various industries such as automotive, communication, consumer goods, industry, energy/solar, and medical technology. The company operates through two segments: Electronics, focusing on hardware and software development, prototyping, and manufacturing; and Systems & Products, offering additional value-added services.

MAXON Computer is a developer of 3D software tailored for the creative industries, renowned for its flagship product, CINEMA 4D. This software encompasses a range of functionalities, including 3D modeling, painting, rendering, and animation, and is widely utilized for creating motion graphics, architectural visualizations, video game graphics, and illustrations. In addition to CINEMA 4D, MAXON offers various products like BodyPaint 3D, CINEBENCH, and CINEWARE, catering to the diverse needs of editors, filmmakers, motion designers, and visual effects artists. The company serves an impressive client roster that includes prominent names such as ABC, Blizzard Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company. Headquartered in Friedrichsdorf, Germany, MAXON maintains a global presence with offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, France, and Singapore.

Dentsply Sirona is a leading global manufacturer of dental equipment and supplies, formed from the merger of Dentsply International and Sirona Dental Systems in 2016. The company offers a comprehensive range of dental solutions, including consumables, equipment, and advanced technologies. Its product lineup features electric dental drills, airotos, x-ray systems, ultrasonic scaling systems, CAD/CAM restoration systems, and digital panoramic x-ray units. Dentsply Sirona also provides medical devices and specialty products in areas such as orthodontics, endodontics, and dental implantation. The majority of its dental consumables and equipment are distributed through third-party channels, while the rest is sold directly to dental labs and practices.