The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.
Delta Community is one of the largest financial institutions in Georgia, serving over 400,000 members. We offer a variety of traditional banking products such as deposit accounts, credit cards, home mortgages and consumer loans, as well as financial planning services, insurance and more. As a not-for-profit organization, we give back our earnings to members and the communities that we serve.
ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based organization established in 2000, dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes, particularly for underserved populations, through evidence-based innovation. As part of the ECMC Group enterprise, it focuses on two primary areas: College Success and Career Readiness. The foundation provides grants and engages in program-related investments in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, aimed at fostering improvements in post-secondary education and initiatives. Its overarching vision is to empower all learners to realize their full potential and attain family-sustaining wages.
Duke Energy is a major utility company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 8.2 million customers across the United States. The company operates regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky, and has roughly 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. In addition to its core services, Duke Energy manages natural gas distribution for over 1.6 million customers in Ohio and Kentucky. The company also owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America and Latin America. Through its efforts, Duke Energy aims to deliver energy in a sustainable manner while contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of the communities it serves.
MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.
Everywhere Ventures, established in 2017 and based in New York, is a unique early-stage venture fund created by founders for founders. It invests globally in pre-seed deals, typically in a company's first financing round. The fund, with over $70 million under management, is backed by over 500 founders and operators who serve as its limited partners. Everywhere Ventures focuses on purpose-driven teams in the money, health, and work verticals, providing not just capital, but also the expertise and mentoring of its experienced limited partners.
Naples Children & Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that improves the physical, emotional, and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children. They also support effective, disciplined charitable programs.
SECU Foundation is a charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, to help identify and address community issues and promote local and community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of education, housing, healthcare, and human services.
Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.
Google for Startups is an initiative launched in 2011 that focuses on supporting startups globally by providing access to Google's products, connections, and best practices. The program partners with over fifty leading startup organizations to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in more than 135 countries. It offers various resources, including financial support and exclusive programming, to help these partners and their startups thrive. Central to this initiative are six Google for Startups Campuses located in London, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Madrid, São Paulo, and Warsaw. These Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can access mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities within their local communities. Startups benefit from free workspaces, community events, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, all aimed at nurturing their growth and innovation across diverse sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, and technology.
Business Growth Fund, established in 2011, is a prominent investor in small and mid-sized businesses, offering patient capital and strategic support to growing companies and ambitious entrepreneurs. As the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in small and medium-sized companies, they have £2.5bn to support businesses across various sectors and regions. With 14 offices, they are closely connected to the businesses they invest in. Boasting a team of over 150 professionals and a network of board-level executives, they aim to drive economic activity by enabling entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses and contribute to increased employment, exports, and overall growth. The companies in their portfolio collectively employ close to 50,000 people, highlighting their significant impact on the business landscape.
Eurazeo, established in 1969, is a Paris-based private equity firm with a diversified investment portfolio. It specializes in private equity, real estate, and private debt, supporting companies of all sizes in their growth and development. Eurazeo PME, its private equity investment arm, focuses on French SMEs, providing long-term support and financial resources to facilitate sustainable growth and transformation. The firm's commitment extends to corporate social responsibility, as seen in its investments in companies like Léon de Bruxelles and Orolia. Eurazeo manages funds such as Eurazeo Capital V and Eurazeo PME III, with a broad investment strategy across various sectors including healthcare, technology, and consumer products.
FJ Labs, established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, is a stage-agnostic investment firm focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. It invests in seed and series A rounds, with a typical investment range of $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm's portfolio includes notable companies such as Alibaba Group, Beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, Adore Me, and Earnest, spanning sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and ad tech.
Panera Bread is a retail bakery-cafe chain headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, established in 1987. The company specializes in freshly prepared, clean food, offering a diverse menu that includes freshly baked goods, soups, salads, and custom roasted coffees. Panera operates through three business segments: bakery-cafe, franchise, and fresh dough operations. It also provides omnichannel access for customers, including mobile ordering and catering services, enhancing convenience and accessibility for its clientele.
Citi Foundation, established in 2020, is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in U.S.-based private sector companies addressing societal challenges. Through its $500 million Impact Fund, it makes equity investments, typically co-investing with other venture capital firms, in companies demonstrating proof of concept and potential for scale. The Foundation focuses on four verticals: the future of work, climate resilience, financial inclusion, and social infrastructure. It prioritizes investing in businesses led or owned by women and minorities, aiming to bridge gender and race gaps in the VC-funded startup world. Additionally, it has committed $50 million to the Black Entrepreneurs Investment Initiative, supporting tech-enabled ventures led by black founders to reduce the racial wealth gap.
Bpifrance is a financial institution dedicated to supporting companies throughout their development stages, particularly those preparing for stock market listing and seeking credit equity. The organization provides a range of financial solutions, including financing, innovation assistance, and capital investment. By integrating various entities such as OSEO and CDC Entreprises, Bpifrance aims to deliver tailored financial support that addresses the specific needs of businesses. The institution is committed to fostering innovation and helping companies transition toward sustainable growth, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.
Charter Communications is an American telecommunications and mass media company that operates under the Spectrum brand. Formed in 2016 through the merger of Legacy Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks, it has a long history in the industry. Charter provides a range of services, including high-speed Internet, premium cable television, and 5G mobile services, often offering these without contracts and at competitive monthly rates. The company serves approximately 58 million homes and businesses across the United States, accounting for around 40% of the market. With 30 million residential and 2 million commercial customer accounts, Charter is the second-largest cable provider in the country. Additionally, it owns various sports and news networks, further enhancing its media offerings.
Reach Capital, established in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage education technology (ed-tech) startups across the United States. The firm seeks to support entrepreneurs developing technology solutions for challenges in early childhood, K-12, higher education, and workforce reskilling or upskilling. Reach Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $500,000 in seed rounds, taking a 3% to 5% stake, and up to $1 million or more in Series A or B rounds, with an 8% to 10% stake. Additionally, the firm acts as a catalyst, encouraging traditional and non-traditional investors to support the growing ed-tech market.
Smilegate Investment, established in 1999 in Seoul, South Korea, is a venture capital and private equity firm that has actively supported the growth of over 200 companies since its inception. Originally founded as MVP Capital, the firm has organized and managed more than 30 funds, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including B2B, B2C, media, healthcare, energy, information technology, advanced manufacturing, climate technology, digital health, SaaS, artificial intelligence, big data, e-commerce, financial technology, mobile commerce, clean technology, and life sciences. Smilegate Investment aims to identify and nurture promising growth potential within these industries, contributing to the advancement of the South Korean economy.
JamJar Investments LLP is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2013, specializing in seed and early-stage investments primarily in the consumer services and products sectors, as well as technology and non-tech industries, including food and drink. The firm targets high-growth consumer brand businesses in Europe and typically invests between £0.15 million and £1 million in initial rounds, with the capacity for follow-on investments. JamJar is distinctively led by the founders of innocent drinks, who bring over 14 years of operational and commercial experience from building the brand to its acquisition by Coca-Cola. This background enables JamJar to understand the entrepreneurial journey, including its challenges and potential solutions, and fosters a collaborative investment approach, often preferring to work with teams rather than individuals.
BNP Paribas Développement is the investment division of BNP Paribas, established in 1988 and headquartered in Paris, France. The firm focuses on the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by engaging in various investment strategies, including mezzanine financing, leveraged buyouts, and recapitalization. BNP Paribas Développement targets growth-stage companies but also considers investments across seed, early, and later stages. Its investment portfolio spans a diverse range of sectors, including manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, energy, and consumer goods. The firm aims to support businesses that demonstrate potential for growth and innovation, thereby contributing to the broader economic landscape in France.
ZhenFund, established in 2011, is a prominent seed fund and venture capital firm headquartered in Beijing, with additional offices in Shenzhen, Shanghai, and Silicon Valley. Co-founded by Bob Xiaoping Xu and Victor Qiang Wang, former entrepreneurs and co-founders of New Oriental, ZhenFund invests in early-stage, innovative companies across sectors such as e-commerce, education, AI, and fintech. With a network of over 800 portfolio companies, including more than 30 unicorns, ZhenFund provides mentorship, resources, and facilitates networking among entrepreneurs to help build successful businesses. The firm has been recognized as the top early-stage investment firm for six consecutive years, with its founders, Bob Xu and Anna Fang, consistently ranked on the Midas List.
Springbank Collective is an early-stage investment firm founded in 2019 and based in New York. It specializes in investing in founders who are developing tools and platforms aimed at supporting working women and families. The firm typically participates in seed and Series A funding rounds, providing investment amounts ranging from $250,000 to $1 million. By focusing on infrastructure that benefits women and families, Springbank Collective aims to foster innovation and growth within this critical sector.
Bank of America Corporation, established in 1784, is a global financial services company headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. It offers a wide array of banking and financial products and services to individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses, large corporations, and governments worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Consumer Banking, Global Wealth & Investment Management, Global Banking, and Global Markets. These segments provide services such as savings and checking accounts, credit and debit cards, mortgages, investment management, wealth management, lending, treasury solutions, debt and equity underwriting, and market-making services. As of May 2020, Bank of America served approximately 66 million consumer and small business clients through its retail financial centers, ATMs, and digital banking platforms.
City Light Capital, established in 2004, is a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on impactful companies operating in sectors such as education, technology, healthcare, clean tech, and agriculture, primarily within the United States. City Light partners with experienced teams developing innovative solutions that positively impact lives at scale, with a proven track record in building successful companies. Notable portfolio investments include 2U, ShotSpotter, Trilogy Education, and Ready Responders.
BoxGroup Services, LLC is a venture capital firm based in New York City, founded in 2009. It specializes in early-stage investments, primarily focusing on pre-seed, seed, and early Series A rounds. The firm targets a variety of sectors, including disruptive technology, healthcare, biotech, food, software as a service, e-commerce, and fintech. BoxGroup typically invests between $50,000 and $500,000 in each company, emphasizing a conviction in the founding team and their vision to create category-defining businesses. Although it primarily invests in New York City, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles, the firm is open to opportunities globally. Notably, BoxGroup does not take board seats or ownership stakes in the companies it supports.
Wayra UK Limited, established in 2012 and headquartered in London, is a tech startup accelerator specializing in early venture investments. It runs industry-specific acceleration programs, providing funding and resources to innovative digital product and service startups in sectors such as healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, smart transport, and 5G. Wayra UK invests up to €0.25 million per startup, offering direct cash investment, office space, mentorship, and access to global networks. It also operates targeted programs like Velocity Health and GCHQ Cyber Accelerator, tailored to specific industries. Wayra UK is a subsidiary of Wayra Investigación y Desarrollo, S.L.U., and is part of Telefónica's global open innovation hub, connecting entrepreneurs with the company and generating joint business opportunities.
Berkshire Bank, founded in 1845 and headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a full-service commercial bank operating through 75 branches across Western Massachusetts, Northeastern New York, and Southern Vermont. It offers a wide array of banking, insurance, and wealth management services to retail, commercial, not-for-profit, and municipal customers. Berkshire Bank's commitment to community development is reflected in its foundation, established in 1997, which supports various initiatives focused on education, economic development, and community betterment.
XTech Ventures is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in 2018 that focuses on investing in seed and early-stage companies across the business-to-business (B2B), business-to-consumer (B2C), and technology sectors. The firm is dedicated to fostering significant growth for its portfolio companies by providing comprehensive management support and aiding in the journey towards initial public offerings (IPOs). XTech Ventures emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and aims to empower the middle class in Japan who are passionate about starting and growing their own businesses.
AppWorks, established in 2009, is a Taipei-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology startups. It focuses on sectors such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, web3, and blockchain across Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The firm provides seed funding through its Accelerator program and growth financing via its AppWorks Funds, which target investments ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 10 million. Additionally, AppWorks offers educational programs through AppWorks School to prepare aspiring engineers for tech industry careers.
Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and located in Golden, Colorado. The firm focuses on co-investing in seed and series A rounds, primarily in collaboration with institutional venture funds. It targets a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and health. By concentrating on these industries, Service Provider Capital aims to support innovative companies at critical stages of their development.
KeyBank, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is a significant player in the banking and financial services sector, with assets totaling approximately $92.9 billion. As a bank holding company, it primarily operates through its subsidiary, KeyBank National Association, offering a wide array of services that encompass retail and commercial banking, investment management, consumer finance, and investment banking. The bank serves individual, corporate, and institutional clients across the United States and, in certain cases, internationally. KeyBank's operations are organized into two main segments: Key Community Bank and Key Corporate Bank. Its services include commercial lending, treasury management, derivatives, foreign exchange, and equity and debt underwriting, among others. KeyBank maintains a robust presence with a network of branches, ATMs, and digital platforms, ensuring accessibility and convenience for its customers.
The Bezos Family Foundation is a private foundation founded by Jackie and Mike Bezos, along with their family members who serve as directors. The foundation aims to ensure that all young people are prepared to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society. It supports innovative learning environments for children from birth through high school, focusing on practical education. Through its investments in research, public awareness, and various educational programs, the foundation seeks to enhance the quality of education and improve life outcomes for children, thereby elevating the overall field of education.
Google.org is a philanthropic arm of Google, a multinational technology company. It funds and supports nonprofits globally, providing them with funding, tools, and volunteers. Google.org has committed approximately $100 million annually to these efforts, aiming to extend the reach of innovative nonprofits and create lasting global impact.
Sun Life Financial, headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is a global leader in financial services. It offers a wide range of products and services, including life, health, dental, and disability insurance, as well as retirement planning and annuities, to customers in Canada, the United States, Asia, and the United Kingdom. Through its subsidiary, Sun Life Global Investments, it manages equity and fixed income mutual funds for clients. Additionally, Sun Life Investment Management provides investment solutions for institutional investors, focusing on traditional and alternative yield strategies. The company's business model is centered around providing financial security and stability to its customers, while also expanding and diversifying its asset management capabilities.
Pivotal Ventures is an incubation and investment firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company operates as a single-family office for Melinda Gates and collaborates closely with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Pivotal Ventures focuses on supporting marginalized communities, including the military, individuals with disabilities, communities of color, and LGBTQ populations. Its mission is to fund transformational ideas and organizations, guided by expert knowledge and lived experiences. The firm prioritizes fast-tracking women's advancement in sectors such as media, technology, and government, while also mobilizing shareholders to advocate for corporate accountability and the removal of barriers to gender equality. Through its philanthropic and investment capital, Pivotal Ventures aims to promote proven approaches to societal progress.
Kurma Partners, established in 2009, is a Paris-based private equity and venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in healthcare and biotechnology sectors across Europe. The company focuses on financing innovation from pre-creation to development capital, supporting therapeutic and medical innovations, and collaborating with leading research institutes and hospitals. Kurma Partners manages several funds, including Kurma Biofund I, II, and Kurma Diagnostics, making it a significant player in European healthcare financing.
The Fischer Family Foundation improves the lives of underprivileged and low-income populations in Southwest Florida, mainly those aged 8 to 25, by providing numerous resources that enhance lives, improve mental health, and promote overall well-being.
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a philanthropic organization founded in 1990 that focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and social impact. Established as a legacy of IDG founder Patrick J. McGovern, the Foundation aims to harness the potential of technology to democratize access to knowledge and improve the human condition. It invests in initiatives that explore and develop AI and data science to create positive societal change. By fostering innovation in these fields, the Foundation seeks to fulfill McGovern's vision of leveraging technology for the greater good, ultimately enhancing lives and addressing pressing global challenges.
Torch Capital, established in 2018 and based in New York, is an early-stage venture capital firm. It invests in consumer technology companies and the underlying infrastructure that supports them. The firm backs visionary founders who are leveraging technology to transform consumer and business operations. Torch Capital typically allocates between $0.25 million to $3 million per investment.
Antler, established in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies. It supports exceptional founders from day one, providing access to a global network of co-founders, talent, advisors, and expansion support, along with capital. Antler's funds, including Antler UK Fund and Antler India Fund, target various sectors such as information technology, climate tech, healthtech, software, energy services, and SaaS, with investments ranging from USD 0.2 to 0.4 million.
NBCUniversal is a prominent media and entertainment company headquartered in New York, formed from the merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment in 2004. The company develops, produces, and markets a wide array of content, including entertainment, news, and information, catering to a global audience. Its diverse portfolio encompasses broadcast and cable networks, a motion picture studio, television production operations, a television station group, and world-renowned theme parks. Additionally, NBCUniversal operates a suite of internet-based businesses that allow consumers to access its content across various platforms and devices. With a significant presence in multiple U.S. states and London, NBCUniversal is dedicated to delivering exceptional media experiences and innovative storytelling.
Verve Ventures is a European startup investment platform based in Zug, Switzerland, that focuses on providing qualified and institutional investors access to high-potential ventures. Founded in 2010, the firm has invested over EUR 130 million in more than 140 startups across various sectors, including science, technology, clean energy, and digital health. It operates a fully digital platform allowing private investors to build diversified portfolios with investments starting at EUR 10,000. Verve Ventures boasts a community of 5,000 registered investors, including family offices and pension funds, and is backed by Zürcher Kantonalbank, one of Switzerland's largest banks. The firm employs a dedicated team of investment professionals who rigorously screen thousands of startups annually to select the top 1% for investment. Beyond capital, Verve Ventures supports startups with essential resources such as hiring and client introductions, facilitating their growth and success in competitive markets.
Big Idea Ventures, LLC is a New York-based venture capital firm established in 2018 that specializes in investing in early and growth-stage companies within the FoodTech sector. The firm is particularly focused on alternative protein solutions, including plant-based food products, plant-based ingredients, and cell-based meats. Big Idea Ventures aims to support the development of innovative food technologies and has invested in over 100 companies across 22 countries, with a strong presence in Asia and North America. The firm collaborates with a network of strategic partners and engages with governments globally to address food security and foster new food ecosystems. In addition to its main office in New York, Big Idea Ventures has locations in Singapore and Paris.
MrPink VC, established in 2020 and based in Punta del Este, Uruguay, is a venture capital firm dedicated to fostering high-impact startups primarily in Spanish-speaking Latin America and Spain. The firm focuses on investing in sectors such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, education, food, technology, and services. MrPink VC aims to support the transition from the industrial age to a new era where technology enhances human connection and collaboration. The firm is recognized for its founder-centric approach, prioritizing early partnerships and maintaining close, long-term relationships with entrepreneurs. MrPink VC seeks to empower founders who are developing technologies that strengthen social bonds and improve human well-being, ultimately contributing to a future where humanity can thrive alongside advanced technologies.
FasterCapital is an online incubator and accelerator based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2015. The company specializes in supporting startups and small businesses worldwide through a work-per-equity investment model, offering either technical or business development assistance in exchange for equity stakes. FasterCapital focuses on various sectors, including finance technology, health technology, education technology, artificial intelligence, and more. The firm aims to facilitate capital raising efforts for startups by connecting them with angel investors, venture capitalists, and other funding sources. By providing essential resources and expertise, FasterCapital helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses.
Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in managing investment portfolios and providing asset management services across various sectors, including finance, technology, and real estate. Bossa Invest analyzes market trends to guide its investment decisions, with a particular focus on companies in the software as a service sector. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to support the growth and development of innovative businesses.