Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization established in 1982 that focuses on fostering the development and adoption of new technologies in the region. For over 30 years, it has served as a key provider of seed-stage capital, investing more than $170 million in over 1,750 regional technology companies, many of which have achieved industry leadership. In addition to financial support, Ben Franklin promotes university and industry partnerships that facilitate the commercialization of scientific discoveries. The organization is dedicated to strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southeastern Pennsylvania, thereby creating jobs and enhancing the technology community.

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.

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.

DRW is a diversified trading firm based in Chicago, specializing in various financial markets, including fixed income, equities, foreign exchange, commodities, and energy. The firm operates using its own capital, allowing it to make swift decisions in response to market opportunities. DRW also explores non-traditional investment strategies, such as real estate, venture capital, and cryptocurrencies, leveraging its technological expertise and industry knowledge. Its venture capital arm, DRW Venture Capital, specifically targets investments in financial and enterprise technology, providing portfolio companies with more than just capital by offering industry insights and access to its trading operations. This unique approach allows companies to benefit from DRW's extensive experience and networks, fostering growth and innovation. The firm's culture emphasizes respect, curiosity, and a commitment to integrity, encouraging high expectations and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom in all aspects of its operations.

Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm headquartered in New York City. Established in 1869, it provides a wide range of financial services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm operates through several segments, including Investment Banking, which offers financial advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, and underwriting services for public and private offerings. Its Institutional Client Services segment facilitates client transactions across various asset classes and provides services like securities lending. The Investing & Lending segment focuses on long-term loans and investments in debt and equity securities, while the Investment Management segment offers portfolio management and wealth advisory services. Additionally, Goldman Sachs engages in private equity investments across multiple sectors and geographies, reinforcing its position as a leading investor in both public and private markets.

DRS Investment acquires long-term investments in software companies.

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2005, specializing in investments across various stages, from seed to growth. The firm focuses on transformative technologies and seeks to address significant global challenges through its investments in sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, cybersecurity, and consumer internet. With over $2 billion in capital under management, Founders Fund has a history of backing notable companies, including SpaceX, Palantir, and Facebook, emphasizing a founder-friendly investment strategy that provides substantial support with minimal interference. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $300 million, targeting innovative companies worldwide.

Maven Capital Partners is an independent asset manager based in the United Kingdom, specializing in alternative investments with a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and property development projects. Established in 2009 following a buyout of the Aberdeen Asset Management private equity division, the firm has grown to manage over £415 million in assets. Operating from a network of regional offices, Maven provides flexible equity and loan finance solutions tailored to the needs of UK SMEs at various stages of growth. The firm supports entrepreneurial ventures with funding ranging from £100,000 to £15 million, and is recognized as one of the most active private equity managers in the lower mid-market segment. Additionally, Maven offers investment opportunities in tax-efficient structures such as Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) and direct co-investment in private equity and property transactions, catering to a diverse range of investors.

Base10 Partners is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 that specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in automation and intelligent software. The firm targets traditional sectors of the economy, such as financial services, healthcare, and transportation, aiming to facilitate automation in these areas. Base10 typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million and has supported nearly 30 companies to date. The firm employs a unique approach by forming industry teams that analyze future trends, identifying potential investment opportunities or companies to monitor for up to 18 months.

We believe in a more transparent and trustworthy world. We focus on adding value to emerging technology & blockchain projects with real world applications. We invest in and venture build top-tier startups. We consult leading blockchain companies and prominent organizations on emerging technologies. We support seasoned and first-time entrepreneurs across the key business functions with a hands-on intensive go-to market venture program. We empower some of the most promising entrepreneurs with the resources to make their vision a reality.

Daily Mail and General Trust (DMGT) is a United Kingdom-based organization founded in 1922, primarily known for its publication and printing of newspapers and periodicals. The company offers a variety of information and insights to businesses and consumers, including news, analysis, and entertainment. DMGT manages a diverse portfolio of companies, generating total revenues of approximately £1.5 billion. Its interests extend beyond media to sectors such as education technology, energy information, insurance risk, events and exhibitions, and property information. Furthermore, DMGT is a founding investor and the largest shareholder in Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC and ZPG PLC, highlighting its strategic focus on investment and growth across various industries.

Earlybird Venture Capital GmbH & Co. KG is a Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 1997, focusing on early-stage and growth investments in technology and healthcare sectors. The firm typically invests in disruptive consumer and enterprise internet businesses, mobility, logistics, and various technology-driven fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and fintech. Earlybird emphasizes companies located in Europe, particularly in German-speaking countries and Central Eastern Europe, while also considering opportunities in the United States and other regions. With over €1 billion under management, Earlybird aims to provide not only financial backing but also strategic support and access to a robust international network. The firm usually invests between €200,000 and €5 million in initial funding, with the potential for follow-on investments up to €15 million per portfolio company. Known for being one of the most experienced venture investors in Europe, Earlybird has a strong track record, including seven IPOs and 23 trade sales.

Novo Holdings, established in 1999, is the holding company of the Novo Group, primarily managing the investment assets of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. Based in Copenhagen, with additional offices in San Francisco and Boston, Novo Holdings focuses on two main investment categories: Life Science Investments, which encompasses funding life science companies at various stages of development, and Financial Investments, which entails managing a diversified portfolio of equity and fixed income securities. As a prominent life science investor, Novo Holdings aims to create long-term value while ensuring that the Foundation can distribute returns for scientific, social, and humanitarian purposes to enhance public health and welfare. The company has also developed initiatives such as Novo Seeds, which supports early-stage applied research in life sciences, and invests in later-stage life science companies through growth equity. Novo Holdings maintains a strategic influence over affiliated companies, aligning their operations with the values and objectives of the Novo Group.

The $100-million TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good is one of Canada’s largest corporate impact funds, powering the boldest, bravest ideas by for-profit startups that are dedicated to driving social innovation and building tech for good. In support of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the Fund invests in the next generation of entrepreneurs who are addressing the biggest challenges in health, education, agriculture and the environment – connecting them with the resources and capital they need to grow and thrive. The TELUS Pollinator Fund for Good showcases TELUS’ long-standing commitment to leverage its world leading technology to create meaningful change and make the world a better place.

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.

PJC is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2001. The firm focuses on investing in a diverse range of industries across North America, having supported over 100 companies, including notable names such as Expensify, Nest, Blockfi, GetWell Network, Nexamp, and Yandex. PJC not only provides capital but also emphasizes building strong relationships with entrepreneurs to foster their growth and success. As a Registered Investment Adviser, PJC adheres to regulatory standards while pursuing its investment strategies.

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.

Drake Star Partners is a private equity firm that specializes in investments and advisory services within the Technology, Media, and Communications sectors. With a focus on middle market transactions, the firm engages in buyouts, build-ups, acquisitions, growth equity, and recapitalizations, typically investing between $15 million and $100 million in each deal. Headquartered in the United States, Drake Star Partners also has offices in London, Geneva, and Amsterdam, facilitating its global reach. The firm offers M&A and corporate finance advisory services, leveraging an extensive international network that includes entrepreneurs, fast-growing businesses, large corporations, venture capital and private equity firms, family offices, and debt providers.

Gilde Healthcare Partners B.V. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Utrecht, Netherlands, with additional offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Frankfurt am Main, Germany. Established in 2000, Gilde specializes in management buy-outs and growth capital investments in the healthcare sector, targeting companies in healthcare technology, medtech, diagnostics, digital health, therapeutics, and healthcare services. The firm manages over €800 million in assets and seeks to invest between €1 million and €35 million in businesses with enterprise values up to €150 million. Gilde focuses on both clinical and commercial stage companies, particularly in biopharma, diagnostics, and medical devices, with an emphasis on cardiology, oncology, and women's health. The firm prefers to take majority and minority stakes and aims to lead investments while securing a seat on the board of its portfolio companies. Gilde Healthcare primarily invests in the United States and Europe, particularly in the Benelux region and the DACH area. Exits are typically achieved through IPOs, sales to strategic buyers, or private placements.

INKEF Capital is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, founded in 2010, that specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, life sciences, and biotechnology. The firm focuses on backing promising start-ups and growth-stage companies, primarily in Europe, with particular attention to the Netherlands. INKEF typically invests between €1 million and €40 million, often participating in multiple funding rounds as companies reach significant milestones. The firm emphasizes a patient, long-term investment approach, generally maintaining a horizon of seven to ten years. Additionally, INKEF provides advisory services to its portfolio companies, helping them develop their ideas into successful international ventures.

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.

Cèdre Participations SAS is a venture capital firm specializing in seed and growth capital investments. It was founded in 2010 and is based in Courbevoie, France.

Microsoft Corporation, founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, is a multinational technology company headquartered in Redmond, Washington. The company develops, manufactures, licenses, and supports a diverse array of software products and services. Its offerings include the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, and various enterprise software solutions under the Microsoft Dynamics brand, which encompasses customer relationship management and enterprise resource planning applications. Microsoft also produces hardware, including Xbox gaming consoles and Surface devices, and provides cloud services through Microsoft Azure. The company supports startups globally through initiatives like the Microsoft Accelerator and Microsoft for Startups, which offer mentorship, resources, and access to its cloud platform. Microsoft markets its products through a network of original equipment manufacturers, distributors, and resellers. The company serves a broad range of industries, including sales, retail, manufacturing, and financial services, making it a key player in the technology sector.

Outlier Ventures is a London-based venture platform founded in 2013 that focuses on investing in early-stage startups developing transformative technologies, particularly in the blockchain, AI, and IoT sectors. As a pioneer in blockchain investment in Europe, the firm has cultivated a robust investment thesis centered on the convergence of decentralized technologies with advancements in various fields, aiming to establish a new decentralized data infrastructure that supports the evolution of Web 3.0. Outlier Ventures not only provides financial backing but also offers extensive support through its Base Camp program, which serves as an incubation and acceleration platform for pre-seed projects, providing resources such as office space, legal assistance, and operational support. The firm has a dedicated team of specialists and operates globally, investing in a diverse range of sectors including gaming, NFTs, decentralized finance, and middleware.

Flexpoint Ford is a private equity and debt investment firm established in 2005, with a focus on financial services and healthcare sectors in the United States. Headquartered in New York, the firm provides capital solutions to companies of various sizes and structures. It leverages its industry expertise, strategic insight, and extensive relationships to enhance growth and value in its portfolio companies. By offering operational guidance, strategy development, and best practices, Flexpoint Ford aims to foster sustainable growth and innovation within its investments. The firm also manages private equity funds that target companies across technology, media, telecommunications, fintech, and healthcare sectors.

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.

Cota Capital is a San Francisco-based investment firm that specializes in multi-stage investments in private and public enterprise technology companies. Since its inception, Cota has invested in over 100 technology firms, focusing on delivering impactful outcomes through principled investment strategies. The firm manages Cota Fintech Ventures II, an early-stage venture capital fund that specifically targets the fintech sector. Cota Capital is dedicated to fostering innovation in modern enterprise technologies, positioning itself as a key player in the technology investment landscape.

42CAP is a Munich-based seed stage investment firm established in 2014. It focuses on investing between €0.5 million and €1.5 million in seed-stage technology and data-driven business-to-business software companies throughout Europe. The firm aims to support companies with global ambitions, leveraging its expertise in the software sector. 42CAP has a notable history, having previously built and sold eCircle, one of Europe's largest SaaS companies, to Teradata in 2012. The firm's investment strategy includes targeting innovative businesses in the software and technology sectors, with a particular emphasis on database software.

Felicis Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, established in 2006. It focuses on seed-to-series C investment opportunities in early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, healthcare IT, energy, and education. Felicis Ventures has invested in notable companies such as Credit Karma, Adyen, and Shopify, with over 60 portfolio companies having been acquired or gone public, including Fitbit and Twitch. The firm utilizes a combination of angel investing, active mentoring, and advisory services to support entrepreneurs, aiming to provide more than just capital. Its investments typically range from $100,000 to $1 million, with a significant portion of its portfolio based in the Bay Area. Felicis Ventures has nearly $200 million in total committed assets and has backed over 120 technology companies since its inception, representing a diverse array of nationalities and industries. Aydin Senkut, the founder and president, previously held a senior management role at Google, contributing to the firm's strategic vision and growth.

Bitkraft is a private equity firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Berlin, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in the esports and gaming sectors across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. With a focus on digital entertainment, Bitkraft has established itself as a significant player in the industry, leveraging its presence in major metropolitan areas to identify and support innovative companies. The firm operates multiple venture capital funds, including those targeting information technology and gaming, and typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.4 million in promising startups. Founded by Jens Hilgers, Bitkraft aims to nurture the growth of esports and gaming enterprises in a rapidly evolving market.

Canaan VII is an early-stage venture capital fund managed by Canaan Partners, a global firm established in 1987 and based in San Francisco, California. The fund focuses on investing in the software and technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT) sectors within the United States. Canaan Partners manages a diverse portfolio with over 190 exits and has invested in more than 250 companies across various industries, including fintech, healthcare, and digital health. The firm employs a team of experienced investment professionals who seek to support visionary entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, providing capital ranging from $1 million to $20 million across different stages of development. With approximately $5 billion under management across multiple funds, Canaan Partners continues to play a significant role in fostering growth within the technology and healthcare landscapes.

IMM Investment Corp. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, established in 1999. The firm specializes in mezzanine investments and focuses on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, biotechnology, and manufacturing. It engages in various investment activities including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, management buyouts, and cross-border investments. In its growth stage investments, IMM allocates resources to startups, expansion, and mezzanine financing, with a significant emphasis on information technology infrastructure and digital content. The firm also targets medium-sized companies and prefers an active management role in its investments. Additionally, IMM Investment undertakes secondary investments and co-invests in buyout transactions, aiming for strategic opportunities in diverse industries, including telecommunications, entertainment, and biotechnology.

NOM Finance, the private equity and venture capital branch of NV NOM Investerings- En Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij voor Noord-Nederland, focuses on fostering the growth of businesses in Northern Netherlands, particularly in the provinces of Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe. The firm specializes in investments across various sectors including agro and food, information technology, life sciences, cleantech, healthcare, and high-tech industries, while intentionally avoiding primary agriculture, retail, and regional services. NOM Finance provides funding for seed and startup ventures, expansion, restructuring, and management buy-outs, typically investing between €0.5 million and €2.5 million in equity and mezzanine financing, as well as offering deferred loans ranging from €0.05 million to €1.5 million. The firm usually seeks minority stakes in its portfolio companies and aims for exits within five to seven years. Established in 1974 and headquartered in Groningen, NOM Finance plays a vital role in supporting entrepreneurs throughout the various stages of their businesses.

MPH is the venture capital arm of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation (MTPC). MPH invests in innovative companies developing novel therapeutics, platform technologies, and vaccines.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt investments, focusing primarily on small businesses at various stages of development, excluding seed stage. Advantage Capital targets investments in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports economic development initiatives. The firm seeks to invest in companies that utilize proprietary technologies in sectors such as communication, information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and energy, among others. It offers various forms of debt capital, including senior and mezzanine debt, and has a preference for co-investing with other firms. Initial investments typically range from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales under $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital is committed to addressing the funding gaps in underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities that lack traditional sources of risk capital.

eCapital Entrepreneurial Partners AG is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Münster, Germany, with an additional office in Moers. Established in 1999, it specializes in funding seed, startup, mid, late, and growth stage investments primarily in small and medium-sized enterprises. The firm focuses on sectors such as software and information technology, cybersecurity, industry 4.0, new materials, and cleantech. eCapital typically invests between €0.1 million and €10 million in its portfolio companies, with seed investments ranging from €0.25 million to €0.75 million and growth capital investments between €2 million and €3 million. The firm aims for minority stakes, typically not exceeding 15%, and seeks to exit investments through avenues like IPOs and trade sales. Currently, eCapital manages over €220 million in assets and is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in building impactful businesses, primarily within Germany and neighboring regions.

Established in March of 2006, DFJ DragonFund is a joint venture between the internationally recognized venture capital firm Draper Fisher Jurvetson (DFJ) and DragonVenture. We focus our investment on China-centric early and middle stage companies in the technology market. DFJ Dragon Fund currently manages two US Dollar funds “DFJ DragonFund I & DFJ DragonFund II”and one Renminbi fund. Our headquarters is located in Silicon Valley, and have management and consulting offices in Shanghai.

Sagard Holdings ULC is a private equity firm based in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in New York and Quebec. Established in 2005, it specializes in middle-market investments, focusing primarily on the FinTech and HealthTech sectors within the United States and Canada. Sagard operates across multiple asset classes, including private equity, private credit, healthcare royalties, and venture capital. The firm seeks to generate attractive returns by providing flexible capital solutions and fostering long-term partnerships with entrepreneurs, leveraging a strong global network of industry professionals. Sagard’s investment strategy includes tailored financing solutions for companies, encompassing term loans, high yield bonds, and mezzanine financing, aimed at supporting the growth and development of its portfolio companies.

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.

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.

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

Unusual Ventures is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage investments, specifically in pre-seed and seed-stage startups. Founded in 2018 and based in Menlo Park, California, the firm targets companies poised for significant growth, typically investing between $3 million and $7 million. It emphasizes sectors such as enterprise software, next-gen infrastructure, business applications, marketplaces, social applications, and fintech. Unusual Ventures also operates Unusual Academy, which supports pre-seed companies with smaller investments, and offers a six-week program called Get Ahead, providing between $250,000 and $1 million in exchange for convertible notes that convert to equity during subsequent financing rounds. The firm is committed to enhancing seed investing and providing hands-on support to founders throughout their early-stage journeys.

Salesforce is a global leader in cloud computing, specializing in business software delivered on a subscription basis. Renowned for its customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, Salesforce serves a wide array of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. Its product offerings encompass Sales Cloud, which helps manage customer interactions; Service Cloud, which provides intelligent customer support; and Marketing Cloud, which focuses on digital marketing strategies. Additionally, Salesforce features Community Cloud for collaboration among customers and partners, as well as Analytics Cloud for data insights and teamwork. The company also operates Salesforce Ventures, its investment arm that supports the growth of enterprise technology startups, and the Salesforce AI Investment Fund, which focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning innovations. Founded in 1999 in California, Salesforce continues to drive customer success through its diverse range of services and investment initiatives.

Brandenburg Kapital is the private equity and venture capital investment arm of Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg, based in Potsdam, Germany. Established in 2000, the firm specializes in providing financing to small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including life sciences, technology, industrial applications, and information and communication technology. Brandenburg Kapital typically invests between €0.3 million and €3.0 million in companies that are headquartered or have facilities in the state of Brandenburg. It focuses on firms at all stages of development, from seed/start-up to pre-IPO, and generally takes minority stakes or silent partnerships. The company has a strong track record with over 200 investments and aims to support fast-growing, technology-oriented businesses. Exits are typically sought within four to eight years. The current venture capital fund is supported by the European Regional Development Fund, reinforcing its commitment to fostering economic growth in the region.

PayPal is a prominent electronic payment platform that provides innovative financial services to both consumers and merchants. With a commitment to democratizing access to financial tools, PayPal enables over 426 million active accounts to securely transact online, via mobile devices, and in person. The platform supports a wide array of payment options and is available in more than 200 markets globally. Through its offerings, which include Braintree, Venmo, and Xoom, users can send and receive money in over 100 currencies, facilitating flexibility and convenience in financial transactions. Established as an independent entity after its spinoff from eBay in 2015, PayPal also fosters entrepreneurial growth through its venture capital arm, PayPal Ventures, which invests in strategic fields to advance innovative financial solutions.

TCV, founded in 1995 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, is a venture capital investment firm that specializes in providing capital to growth-stage private and public companies within the technology sector. The firm has invested over $17 billion in more than 350 companies, facilitating over 145 public offerings and strategic acquisitions. TCV typically makes equity investments ranging from $30 million to $300 million across various technology-related industries, including financial services, healthcare, e-commerce, and cybersecurity. The firm has a diverse portfolio, with notable investments in companies such as Airbnb, Facebook, and Netflix. TCV also maintains offices in New York and London, further enhancing its presence in the global technology investment landscape.

Groupe IRD specializes in the financing of development of small and medium-sized businesses and industries (PME/PMI) in the Nord Pas de Calais region.

Swedbank AB is a Nordic-Baltic banking group headquartered in Sundbyberg, Sweden, with a history dating back to 1820. It offers a wide array of banking products and services to private individuals, corporate entities, and organizations. The bank operates through several segments, including Swedish Banking, Baltic Banking, and Large Corporates & Institutions. Its services encompass savings and current accounts, various types of lending, leasing, and financing solutions. Additionally, Swedbank provides investment and trading services, asset management, life insurance, and pension services. Customers can access transaction banking services, including cash management and trade finance, as well as payment products and card services. With a branch network that includes locations in Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, Swedbank also has a presence in several other countries, including Norway, Finland, and the United States. The institution is known for its commitment to modern banking while remaining rooted in its Swedish savings bank heritage.

Citibank is a global consumer bank providing a host of banking and financial services. The bank is part of Citigroup Inc., a diversified financial services company. In addition to providing traditional banking products and services, the bank also markets credit cards, insurance and investment products. The City Bank of New York was founded in 1812. It changed its name to the National City Bank of New York in 1868 after joining the national banking system of the United States. National City Bank bank was the first U.S. bank to open a foreign office. The bank was renamed Citibank in 1976. The bank suffered significant losses during the financial crisis of 2008 in the United States and was given a government bailout package in order to salvage the bank. The bank has since recovered from the crisis and was awarded Global Bank of the Year in 2013. Citibank maintains its headquarters at New York City and Michael Corbat is the current Chief Executive Officer of the bank.

DNB Bank ASA is a prominent financial services group based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 1822. The bank provides a comprehensive range of financial products and services to both retail and corporate clients. For personal banking, DNB offers savings and investment options, various types of loans, insurance products, retirement savings, and mobile banking services. Its business banking division includes financing solutions, investment products, transaction banking, and advisory services tailored to different industries such as energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Additionally, DNB provides corporate and institutional banking services, including investment banking, cash management, and trade finance. The bank distributes its services through branches, online platforms, and customer service centers, ensuring accessibility for its diverse clientele. DNB is a subsidiary of DNB ASA and has established itself as a key player in the Norwegian financial landscape.