Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.

500 Global, formerly known as 500 Startups, is a venture capital firm and incubator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on early-stage technology and financial services startups across various sectors, including biotech, e-commerce, fintech, and digital healthcare. 500 Global operates a four-month accelerator program, where it typically invests between $0.05 million and $1 million for a 5 to 10 percent equity stake in companies with at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. The firm targets a global market, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Since its inception, it has invested in over 2,200 startups and supports the growth of innovation ecosystems through educational programs and partnerships. 500 Global also prioritizes investments in companies led by minority founders, reflecting its commitment to diverse entrepreneurial leadership.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 7.5 million customers across six states, including Ohio and Kentucky. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas, and boasts an electric generating capacity of about 35,000 megawatts in the Carolinas and the Midwest. In addition to electricity, Duke Energy also offers natural gas transportation and distribution services. The company is committed to sustainability and community support, further evidenced by its philanthropic efforts through the Duke Energy Foundation, which focuses on enhancing community vitality and promoting climate resilience. Founded in 1837 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy continues to play a significant role in the energy sector.

Sequoia Capital is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of startups, including seed, early, and growth stages, and focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, internet, and mobile. Sequoia typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early-stage ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. The firm operates globally, with significant activities in regions like Israel, China, and India, where it partners with dynamic founders to build successful companies. Sequoia's extensive portfolio includes notable firms and offers valuable insights and resources, benefiting from decades of experience in the venture capital landscape.

Andreessen Horowitz LLC, founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of company development, from seed and early-stage to growth and late-stage ventures. It primarily targets the technology sector, with a strong emphasis on software, cloud computing, and Internet infrastructure. The firm also explores opportunities in consumer and business Internet applications, mobile software, and data storage, as well as at the intersection of computer science and life sciences, particularly in areas like digital therapeutics and computational medicine. Andreessen Horowitz is known for its significant financial backing, with investments typically ranging from $50,000 to $50 million. The firm has established multiple funds, including early-stage funds that focus on a variety of sectors, while explicitly avoiding investments in clean energy, transportation, and certain life sciences domains.

First Round Capital is a seed-stage venture capital firm founded in 2004 and headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in Philadelphia and New York. The firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors, often providing the first outside capital for nascent companies. First Round Capital has a track record of supporting notable startups, including Uber, Square, and Warby Parker. The firm distinguishes itself by actively engaging with its portfolio companies and offering a range of tailored services, including custom software and community-building experiences, to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses. With a typical initial investment of around $500,000, First Round Capital has facilitated substantial follow-on funding, enabling its community members to raise over $2.5 billion in additional capital. The firm has also pioneered innovative investment structures, such as a VC-sponsored Exchange Fund, which allows entrepreneurs to share in the performance of their collective investments.

SV Angel is a San Francisco-based seed fund founded in 2009, specializing in early-stage investments primarily within the Internet software sector. The firm adopts a portfolio approach to seed investing, distinguishing itself from traditional venture capital firms by not taking board seats and investing in a larger number of companies, often exceeding 100 annually. SV Angel leverages an extensive network to assist startups with business development, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic advice. This approach, pioneered by founder Ron Conway over 20 years ago, has enabled SV Angel to invest in and advise numerous successful companies, including notable names like Facebook, Google, and Airbnb. The firm continues to focus on providing support to technology-focused consumer and enterprise sectors across the United States.

Ulu Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in seed-stage and early-stage investments in technology companies. Founded in 2008, the firm primarily targets opportunities in sectors such as enterprise IT, educational technology, legal informatics, and internet-enabled services. Ulu Ventures focuses on investments in the Bay Area, leveraging the market opportunities created by the Stanford and Silicon Valley communities. The firm typically co-invests with other investors, aiming for cumulative investments between $500,000 and $1 million. Ulu Ventures utilizes a disciplined decision-making process that emphasizes risk-reward trade-offs and logical principles of portfolio construction, distinguishing itself from other venture capital firms. Its investment strategy includes a preference for companies with viable exit strategies in subsequent stages of growth.

Rethink Food is part of Rethink Capital Partners, a platform that develops impact investment vehicles targeting social and financial returns. The firm specializes in late Seed to Series C rounds and growth capital investments, focusing on companies led by women or those that prioritize gender diversity in leadership. Rethink Food aims to invest in technology-driven businesses that address critical challenges related to health, education, sustainability, and economic empowerment, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. With a preference for investments ranging from $2 million to $15 million in companies generating recurring revenues between $0.5 million and $15 million, Rethink Food seeks to foster systemic change through its support for entrepreneurs and tech platforms committed to creating a more inclusive economy. Established in 2016, Rethink Capital Partners operates from its headquarters in White Plains, New York, with additional offices in New York City and San Francisco.

BoxGroup Services, LLC is a venture capital firm based in New York that focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed, seed, and early Series A companies. Established in 2009 by Adam Rothenberg and David Tisch, the firm primarily targets disruptive technology sectors, including health, biotech, food, SaaS, marketplaces, e-commerce, and fintech. BoxGroup typically invests between $50,000 and $500,000, supporting entrepreneurs with innovative visions and teams capable of creating category-defining businesses. While the firm primarily invests in New York City, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles, it does not limit its geographic focus. BoxGroup does not take board seats or ownership stakes in its portfolio companies, emphasizing a supportive investment approach.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Specializing in seed-to-growth stage investments, SOSV operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet ventures, Food-X for innovative food solutions, and dlab for blockchain technology. The firm focuses on investments in revolutionary deep technologies aimed at improving human and planetary health, as well as cross-border markets, particularly in Asia. SOSV invests in approximately 150 startups annually, providing support through its resources to accelerate product development and scaling. Over its two-decade history, SOSV has established a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top venture capital firms globally.

Collaborative V is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Collaborative Fund, which was founded in New York in 2010. The fund focuses on investing in technology and media within creative fields, emphasizing two key themes: the growing significance of values in consumer and employment choices, and the transition from a hyper-consumption economy to one based on collaborative consumption. These themes highlight opportunities for new technologies, products, and services that can reshape business practices and enhance everyday life. Collaborative V seeks to be a primary source of capital and strategic support for creative entrepreneurs aiming to make a positive impact in the world. Its investors include notable figures from various industries, underscoring the fund's commitment to fostering innovation and creativity.

Reach Capital is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm established in 2015 that focuses on early-stage investments in the education technology sector. The firm targets startups developing technology solutions for various educational challenges, including early childhood, K-12, higher education, and lifelong learning. Reach Capital prefers to invest between $100,000 and $500,000 in seed rounds and $1 million or more in Series A or B rounds, typically acquiring stakes of 3% to 5% in seed investments and 8% to 10% in later-stage funding. By supporting promising entrepreneurs, Reach Capital aims to enhance educational opportunities for all children and acts as a catalyst to attract additional investment in the rapidly growing ed-tech market. The firm explicitly avoids investments in wearable devices and related applications for schools.

GV Management Company, LLC, established in 2009 as the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc., specializes in investments across various stages, including seed, early, and late-stage funding. Based in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in Boston, New York, Seattle, Cambridge, and London, GV focuses on sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, cybersecurity, and agriculture. The firm has invested in over 300 companies, aiming to drive innovation and improve lives. GV seeks to make investments of up to $50 million, while offering early-stage startups funding of up to $250,000, typically taking minority stakes in these companies. Through its extensive network, GV provides startups with unique access to technology and talent, enhancing their potential for success.

Maveron LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 1998 by Dan Levitan and Howard Schultz, with headquarters in Seattle, Washington, and an additional office in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily in consumer-focused businesses across the United States. Maveron targets companies with strong, differentiated brands in sectors such as health and consumer wellness, e-commerce, food technology, education, and consumer internet services. Its investment approach includes a focus on technology-driven companies that deliver products and services directly to consumers. Typically, Maveron invests between $3 million and $15 million per company and often takes a leading role in its investments, including board representation. With nearly $800 million under management, Maveron seeks to partner with a select number of promising entrepreneurs each year to drive growth and innovation in the consumer space.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York, is a national investment firm that specializes in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm employs a flexible investment strategy aimed at promoting the growth and expansion of businesses. Enhanced Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology and technology, media, and telecommunications. As a subsidiary of P10 Holdings, it seeks to maximize the growth potential of companies poised for rapid development through its practical investment approach.

Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund is an outgrowth of Revolution’s Rise of the Rest platform, a national initiative launched in 2014 to spotlight emerging startup hubs. Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund invests in seed- and early-stage companies located outside of New York City, Silicon Valley, and Boston. By partnering with regional ecosystem leaders and co-investors, Rise of the Rest is helping to build and scale the next wave of transformational companies. The Rise of the Rest Seed Funds are backed by a group of iconic entrepreneurs and business leaders committed to the vision that the next great startups will be located outside of the coastal tech hubs.

General Catalyst Group Management, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including technology, advanced materials, clean energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, and consumer services. General Catalyst seeks to invest in companies that demonstrate strong growth potential, typically targeting those with an EBITDA between $3 million and $30 million and minimum revenues of $10 million. The firm has managed eight venture capital funds with approximately $3.75 billion in capital commitments. It emphasizes building lasting relationships with entrepreneurs and provides mentorship to foster success, enabling companies to scale effectively. General Catalyst primarily invests in North America and Australia, with a preference for seed investments in Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in Singapore in 2017, focused on investing in technology companies with significant growth potential. With a presence across six continents and major entrepreneurial hubs such as London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney, Antler has supported the establishment of over 200 startups, 40% of which have at least one female co-founder. The firm identifies exceptional individuals and early-stage businesses, providing comprehensive support from team formation and business model validation to capital investment. Antler invests primarily at the pre-seed stage and continues to engage with its portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, including Series C. The firm operates several funds, including those targeting specific regions like East Africa, while maintaining a commitment to fostering diverse founding teams representing 70 nationalities. Through its global platform, Antler aims to help founders build impactful startups that can define the future of technology.

East Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2009, with offices in Singapore, Tokyo, and Jakarta. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and Series A investments, focusing on technology and consumer sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and education technology, primarily in Southeast Asia. East Ventures has supported over 170 companies across the region, with notable investments in Indonesia's unicorns such as Tokopedia and Traveloka. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.5 million and has been recognized for its consistent performance, being named the most active investor in Southeast Asia. In 2018, it launched a joint venture called EV Growth, aimed at providing growth capital to startups throughout Southeast Asia. East Ventures continues to play a significant role in nurturing the startup ecosystem in the region.

August Equity is a London-based private equity firm established in 2001, focusing on mid-market investments in service-oriented businesses across the United Kingdom. The firm specializes in sectors such as healthcare, education, business services, and technology, identifying opportunities for long-term growth in dynamic markets. By concentrating on family-owned and founder-managed enterprises, August Equity partners with visionary leaders who possess a strong drive for innovation. The firm engages in thorough analysis and assessment of potential investments, examining industries, markets, and competitors to create well-informed investment proposals. Through its commitment to building lasting relationships based on trust and clear communication, August Equity aims to foster the development of resilient companies that can thrive amidst changing market conditions.

Bossa Nova Investimentos e Administração S.A. is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2010. Specializing in pre-seed, seed, startup, and early-stage investments, the firm focuses on technology sectors such as software, service development, mobile applications, and B2B solutions. It is recognized as a leading investor in the pre-seed stage within Brazil and has expanded its investment activities to include companies in the United States. Bossa Nova typically invests between R$0.1 million and R$0.8 million per project, primarily through minority investments. Additionally, the firm manages the Bossa Nova Sports Tech Fund, which targets consumer and business products, information technology, wellness, and gaming sectors, with a preference for investments ranging from R$0.1 million to R$0.3 million across multiple companies.

FJ Labs is a U.S.-based investment firm established in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm operates with a stage-agnostic approach, primarily targeting marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. FJ Labs focuses its investments on seed and Series A rounds, with a financial commitment ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm has invested in a variety of notable companies, including Alibaba Group, beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, and ADORE ME.

BBG Ventures, LLC is a New York-based venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage investments in women-led technology companies. The firm specializes in sectors such as health and wellbeing, education, climate-friendly products, and consumer services, among others. BBG Ventures aims to support founders who are creating innovative solutions to everyday challenges, particularly those with firsthand experience of the problems they address. The firm typically invests between $0.5 million and $1 million and primarily targets companies in North America and Southeast Asia. It emerged from AOL's #BUILTBYGIRLS initiative, which seeks to empower women and girls in the tech industry. BBG Ventures is committed to backing founders who are often overlooked while focusing on scalable ideas that have the potential to reshape daily living.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado. The firm specializes in co-investing in Series A deals, primarily alongside institutional venture funds. It focuses on seed-stage companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and healthcare. Additionally, Service Provider Capital manages funds that target specific regional markets, such as the Midwest, emphasizing investments in software and healthcare technology systems. The firm typically seeks minority stakes and engages in syndicated investments to support the growth of innovative startups.

Bank of America is a prominent financial institution based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing a comprehensive range of banking, investment, asset management, and risk management services. It caters to approximately 51 million consumer and small business relationships through around 5,300 retail banking offices, 16,350 ATMs, and a robust online banking platform with 30 million active users. The institution offers specialized support to about 3 million small business owners with innovative online products and services. With operations in over 40 countries, Bank of America is recognized as a leader in wealth management and corporate and investment banking, serving corporations, governments, institutions, and individuals globally. Founded in 1874, the company has established itself as a key player in the financial sector, focusing on delivering a diverse array of financial solutions tailored to meet the needs of its varied clientele.

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

Learning Care Group, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is one of the largest for-profit child care providers in North America, offering early education and care services for children aged six weeks to twelve years. The company operates over 900 corporate and franchise schools across the United States and internationally, including locations in Hong Kong and Indonesia. Learning Care Group provides a variety of curricula designed to enhance children's physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language skills, preparing them for kindergarten. Classrooms feature programs that promote dramatic play, exploration, problem-solving, and early literacy, among other developmental areas. Additionally, the organization offers Montessori education and employer-sponsored child care solutions. Founded in 1967 and originally known as Childtime Learning Centers, the company aims to create a safe and stimulating environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning while supporting the academic and social development necessary for a successful transition to elementary school.

Village Capital is a Washington, D.C.-based venture capital firm founded in 2009 that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in sectors such as agriculture, education, energy, financial services, and healthcare. The firm aims to empower entrepreneurs by employing a unique peer-support model, allowing entrepreneurs to select the ventures that receive pre-committed seed funding at the conclusion of its programs. Village Capital connects high-potential entrepreneurs with essential resources, fostering innovation and growth. It operates both a nonprofit that provides training for founders and a for-profit investment fund that invests in top program graduates, having supported over 1,000 entrepreneurs and more than 550 enterprises across various global regions. The firm has achieved notable success, with its alumni generating significant revenue and creating thousands of jobs, while maintaining a high recommendation rate among participants.

Sparkmind.vc, originally known as EDUIMPACT Venture Capital, is a venture capital firm based in Helsinki, Finland, specializing in the education sector. Founded in 2017, it focuses on early-stage, seed, and growth stage investments, particularly in learning and EdTech. The firm targets companies transforming various educational levels, including early childhood, K12, higher education, vocational training, and corporate learning. Sparkmind.vc aims to support teams that drive innovation in these areas, with investments typically reaching up to €5 million. As the first Nordic venture capital company dedicated to the learning sector, Sparkmind.vc primarily invests in companies located in Europe.

KinderCare Education is dedicated to fostering a world of learning and joy for over 169,000 children daily. The organization operates a diverse range of accredited early education programs, including KinderCare Learning Centers, CCLC, Champions Before- and After-School Programs, Cambridge Schools, Knowledge Beginnings, and The Grove School. It is recognized for its innovative approach to teacher selection, utilizing a tool based on talent research to identify top-tier educators. Additionally, KinderCare Education offers a comprehensive benefits package and professional development programs, establishing a new standard in the early education industry.

Female Founders Fund is a New York-based venture capital firm established in 2013 that focuses on early-stage investments in technology and related sectors. The firm specifically targets startups founded by women, investing in areas such as e-commerce, media, software, advertising, and emerging technologies like climate tech and generative artificial intelligence. The fund aims to support companies that promote diversity and inclusion, as well as those that address critical sectors like healthcare and financial services. With a commitment to impact investing, Female Founders Fund typically invests between $0.06 million and $1 million per company, seeking to empower female entrepreneurs and foster innovation in the market.

Precursor Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments, primarily targeting the consumer, digital health, education, enterprise, fintech, marketplace, SaaS, and information technology sectors. Precursor Ventures prioritizes investments in B2B and B2C software applications and hardware, focusing on the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, Toronto, and Los Angeles metropolitan regions, while remaining open to other geographies. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.25 million per company, aiming for 18 to 20 investments in its portfolio. Emphasizing the importance of people over products, Precursor Ventures has also adopted the Diversity Term Sheet Rider to promote inclusivity in its investment process.

Conagra Brands is a leading packaged food company based in the United States, generating over 90% of its revenue domestically. The company specializes in frozen foods, with well-known brands such as Marie Callender's, Healthy Choice, Banquet, and Birds Eye. Additionally, Conagra offers a diverse range of products including snacks and shelf-stable staples, featuring brands like Duncan Hines, Hunt's, Slim Jim, Vlasic, Orville Redenbacher's, Reddi-wip, and Chef Boyardee. The majority of its sales are concentrated in the retail sector, with only a small portion coming from international markets and foodservice. Beyond its business operations, the Conagra Brands Foundation is committed to philanthropy, providing support to effective nonprofits that serve diverse communities across the country.

Matrix Partners is a venture capital firm established in 1977, with offices in San Francisco, Cambridge, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The firm focuses on seed, early-stage, late-stage, and growth capital investments across various sectors, including software, communications, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital health, and clean technology. With a commitment to building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, Matrix Partners aims to support visionary founders in developing significant, industry-leading companies. The firm has a strong track record, having participated in hundreds of investments, with many of its portfolio companies achieving successful IPOs or profitable mergers and acquisitions. The team at Matrix Partners combines local insights with global expertise, comprising both former entrepreneurs and seasoned investors.

Right Side Capital Management is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the pre-seed round of technology startups. Right Side Capital Management aims to support companies with capital-efficient business models that are typically located outside major hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. The firm invests in a range of technology sectors, including internet and cloud technologies, and operates primarily within the United States and Canada, with occasional investments in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. Right Side Capital Management conducts 75 to 100 investments annually, with portfolio companies spanning 19 states. The firm seeks to provide a clear response to entrepreneurs within two weeks, with investments generally ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 and pre-money valuations between $1 million and $3 million.

Echo Health Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Seattle, with additional offices in Durham and Portland. The firm focuses on investing in and supporting the growth of innovative healthcare companies. As stage-agnostic investors, Echo Health Ventures employs a unique strategic approach that emphasizes building strong, collaborative relationships with portfolio companies, rather than solely providing financial capital. Their investment strategy encompasses a broad range of sectors within healthcare, including digital health, aiming to accelerate the development of transformative innovations to a national scale.

Frist Cressey Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2015 and based in Nashville, Tennessee. The firm specializes in investing in early and growth stage companies within the healthcare sector. It focuses on accelerating the development of high-potential healthcare enterprises by forming value-added partnerships. Frist Cressey Ventures seeks to invest in technology and service businesses that offer viable solutions aimed at enhancing the quality of care, improving system integration, and advancing patient outcomes and population health. The firm collaborates with entrepreneurs who share similar core values and are committed to transforming the healthcare landscape.

Wayra UK Limited is an accelerator focused on early-stage technology startups, operating since 2012 and based in London. It offers various programs aimed at different sectors, including healthcare, information technology, cyber security, smart transport, and 5G. The Wayra Call provides funding of up to €0.25 million for innovative digital products and services. The Velocity Health program specifically targets healthcare startups, offering £34,000 in investment along with a potential cash prize. Other programs like Wayra Fair By Design and GCHQ Cyber Accelerator also provide financial support tailored to their respective industries. Wayra has a global presence, operating in ten countries and leveraging its affiliation with Telefónica to foster connections between entrepreneurs and industry leaders, thus facilitating collaboration and business opportunities.

Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a range of financing solutions and support services aimed at fostering the growth of startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies. It offers various financial products, including medium to long-term loans, export insurance, and leasing options for both tangible and intangible assets. Additionally, Bpifrance supports companies through consulting services, guarantees for bank financing, and training for executives. The organization also engages in direct investments and manages funds aimed at enhancing the financial landscape for businesses at different stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, Bpifrance was formerly known as OSEO S.A. and rebranded in July 2013. It operates as a subsidiary of Bpifrance SA, reinforcing its commitment to bolstering the French economy through diversified financial solutions.

Oak HC/FT, founded in 2014 and based in Connecticut, is a distinguished venture growth equity fund specializing in investments within the Healthcare Information & Services and Financial Services Technology sectors. The firm aims to drive transformation in these industries by offering strategic counsel, board-level participation, and access to a comprehensive network of industry leaders. Over the past decade, Oak HC/FT has successfully realized 29 investments, including four initial public offerings, and has seen six of its portfolio companies reach valuations exceeding $1 billion. The firm is led by a team experienced in both healthcare and fintech, reflecting its commitment to developing sector-specific funds and fostering innovative business growth.

GGV Capital is a global venture capital firm established in 2000, specializing in investments in local founders across various sectors. The firm focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments in areas such as Consumer/New Retail, Social/Digital & Internet, Enterprise/Cloud, and Frontier Tech. GGV manages approximately $6.2 billion in capital across 13 funds, offering expansion capital ranging from $5 to $25 million for initial investments. Its portfolio includes notable companies such as Airbnb, Alibaba, Affirm, ByteDance, and Peloton. GGV Capital operates offices in major tech hubs including Beijing, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Silicon Valley, emphasizing a commitment to supporting innovative businesses in the United States, China, and Southeast Asia.

Newark Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Newark, New Jersey, that specializes in early-stage investments, including pre-seed and Series A funding. Founded in 2015, the firm focuses on B2B technology companies across various sectors, with particular interest in healthtech, supply chain, and audio/voice technology. Newark Venture Partners typically invests up to $2 million in initial funding and takes a five percent stake in portfolio companies. In addition to providing capital, the firm offers company-building services and runs an accelerator program to support entrepreneurs in scaling their businesses, thereby contributing to economic development and job creation in the Newark area.

The Cleveland Foundation, established in 1914, is the world's first community foundation and ranks as the third-largest in the United States, managing assets of $1.8 billion. As a non-profit organization based in Greater Cleveland, it is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for local residents. The foundation collaborates with donors, community members, and various partners to improve neighborhoods and public spaces. Its investment portfolio is diversified across multiple asset classes, including short-term investments, U.S. government obligations, bonds, stocks, mutual funds, and alternative investments. Through its initiatives and investments, the Cleveland Foundation aims to foster community development and address pressing local needs.

Tencent Holdings Limited, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Shenzhen, is a leading internet service provider that offers a diverse range of value-added services and online advertising solutions. The company operates through several segments, including Value-Added Services (VAS), FinTech and Business Services, and Online Advertising. Tencent is well-known for its popular communication and social platforms, such as WeChat and QQ, which facilitate user connectivity and provide various digital content and lifestyle services. In addition to social networking, Tencent engages in online gaming, cloud services, and the production and distribution of films and television programs. The company's extensive portfolio also includes software development, information technology services, and online entertainment. Tencent's strategic focus is on delivering comprehensive online services that cater to the diverse needs of internet users, solidifying its position as a significant player in the global digital landscape.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1977 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in India and China. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, including seed, start-up, early stage, and later stage, with a focus on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and energy technology. NEA's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries, including consumer internet, software, biotechnology, medical devices, and alternative energy. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, the firm has a notable track record, having participated in more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. NEA aims to invest between $0.05 million and $20 million, targeting both domestic and international markets, particularly in Asia and the Americas.

Fika Ventures is a Los Angeles-based venture capital firm established in 2016 that specializes in seed-stage investments in technology-focused companies across the United States. The firm primarily targets enterprise and data-driven B2B software, fintech, marketplaces, and digital health sectors. With a commitment to addressing significant systemic challenges, Fika Ventures invests between $250,000 and $1 million in startups, aiming for ownership stakes of five to ten percent. While the firm predominantly focuses on opportunities in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, it also explores potential investments in emerging markets such as Seattle and New York.

ZhenFund is a venture capital firm established in 2011 by Bob Xu and Victor Wang in collaboration with Sequoia Capital China, focusing primarily on seed-stage investments. With over $1 billion under management, ZhenFund has become a significant player in China's early-stage venture capital landscape and is expanding its operations in the United States. The firm's portfolio includes over 750 high-growth companies, such as 17zuoye, OFO, VIPKID, and RED, reflecting its commitment to nurturing innovative startups. Bob Xu, a prominent figure in the industry, has seen multiple seed investments achieve IPOs in New York City, a testament to ZhenFund's successful investment strategy. The firm aims to support and inspire the next generation of global entrepreneurs through its investment activities.

Pear is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2013 by Pejman Nozad and Mar Hershenson. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies across North America, focusing on exceptional founders who are developing innovative solutions. Pear has a notable track record of seeding early-stage tech startups such as Dropbox, Lending Club, and Zoosk. The firm's investment strategy encompasses various sectors, including healthcare technology, oncology, and life sciences. By leveraging their extensive resources, Pear aims to support entrepreneurs in shaping the future and building transformative companies.