MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Brand Foundry Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early-stage consumer-focused companies. Founded in 2014, the firm targets sectors such as e-commerce, mobile commerce, consumer products, and consumer devices. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Brand Foundry Ventures aims to support innovative businesses that cater to evolving consumer needs.

Sequoia Capital, founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a prominent venture capital firm that invests in early to growth stage companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer services. The firm specializes in supporting startups and emerging growth companies, typically investing between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. Sequoia Capital operates globally, with a presence in regions such as Israel, China, and Southeast Asia, and has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies like Airbnb, Alibaba, and JD.com. The firm emphasizes a partnership approach with entrepreneurs, leveraging decades of experience to guide them from initial concept through to public offering and beyond.

Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a wide range of financing solutions and support services for businesses at various stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, the company offers medium to long-term loans, export insurance, real estate and equipment leasing, and working capital loans. Bpifrance also invests in startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies through direct investments and fund management activities. Additionally, it provides consulting services for executives and training for CEOs, aiming to facilitate innovation and growth. Bpifrance was formed from the merger of several entities in July 2013, including OSEO, CDC Entreprises, and FSI, to enhance its role in supporting the financing of the French economy.

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

Authentic Brands Group is a brand development, marketing, and entertainment company that manages the value of global brands. ABG's brands span across the fashion, sports, and entertainment sectors. This wide footprint facilitates partnerships with key accounts across retail channels from high-end department and specialty stores to mid-tier and mass retailers. ABG is committed to transforming brands by providing compelling product, content, business, and immersive experiences. ABG creates original marketing strategies to drive the success of brands across all consumer touchpoints, platforms, and emerging media. ABG was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in New York, New York.

Global Founders Capital (GFC) is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm is stage agnostic, meaning it invests in companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. GFC focuses on empowering talented entrepreneurs and seeks investment opportunities in sectors such as internet, retail, financial software, media, communication, and information technology. With a global perspective, GFC aims to support innovative companies across all continents.

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.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Golden, Colorado. The firm focuses on co-investing in series A deals led by institutional venture funds, primarily targeting seed-stage companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and healthcare. In addition to its general investment strategy, Service Provider Capital manages the Midwest Fund I and Fund II, which concentrate on software and healthcare technology systems in the Midwest region of the United States. The firm typically prefers to take minority stakes in its investments and engages in syndication to diversify its portfolio.

A91 Partners LLP is a venture capital firm based in Mumbai, India, founded in 2018. It focuses on early- to growth-stage investments in small- and mid-sized private companies across various sectors, including consumer, healthcare, financial services, and technology. The firm typically targets investments ranging from $10 million to $30 million, aiming to support emerging companies in India as they scale and develop their offerings. A91 Partners seeks to foster innovation and growth within its chosen sectors, emphasizing the potential of its portfolio companies to make significant impacts in their respective markets.

Halogen Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2017. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage consumer technology startups that have a female founder. Halogen Ventures primarily targets pre-seed, seed, and series A funding rounds, supporting companies that are developing innovative technologies and products in the consumer sector. The firm is committed to providing hands-on support to its portfolio companies throughout their growth journey, assisting founders in building networks, gaining brand exposure, hiring talent, securing follow-on funding, and navigating paths to acquisition or initial public offerings.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992 and based in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments, primarily targeting small businesses at various stages of development, from early to later stages, excluding seed investments. Advantage Capital focuses on investing in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports state and local economic development initiatives. It seeks opportunities in sectors such as communication, information technology, telecommunications, business services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and energy, while also considering investments in rural agricultural businesses. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales of less than $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital also provides various forms of debt capital and prefers co-investing with other firms. The firm is committed to addressing the financing needs of underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities lacking traditional sources of risk capital.

Venrex Investment Management, founded in 2002 and based in London, is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in consumer industries influenced by technology. The firm manages multiple funds, including Venrex ABC I, launched in 2019, and Venrex X, established in 2021, both targeting early-stage ventures. Venrex is committed to supporting creative founders in launching and developing innovative businesses, with a notable emphasis on diversity, as 43% of its investments feature female founders or co-founders.

The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2007. It specializes in early-stage investments in consumer-oriented and technology sectors, focusing on high-growth, privately-held branded companies. The firm seeks to partner with ambitious entrepreneurs addressing the evolving landscape of digital commerce. Representative investments include notable brands such as Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Glossier. Forerunner Ventures primarily targets seed stage and Series A funding opportunities, with typical initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, and aims to increase its stake in successful companies through follow-on rounds. The firm favors investments in the Bay Area but also considers opportunities in New York and Los Angeles, preferably alongside active local investors.

IMM Investment Corp. is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, established in July 1999. The firm specializes in mezzanine investments and focuses on various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and management buyouts. It allocates capital across different stages of growth, with investments divided among startups, expansion, and mezzanine funding. IMM Investment primarily targets small to medium-sized companies in sectors such as information technology, healthcare, biotechnology, manufacturing, and infrastructure. The firm emphasizes active management involvement and prefers investing in companies with strong credit ratings. Additionally, it has a significant focus on industries such as IT infrastructure, wireless communications, entertainment, and digital hardware. Through its funds, IMM Investment engages in both direct investments and co-investments, aiming to support companies that require capital for growth or restructuring.

Robin Hood Ventures is an angel investor group based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, established in 1999. The organization focuses on early-stage, high-growth companies primarily in the Greater Philadelphia region. It provides capital, mentoring, and valuable connections to assist entrepreneurs in building successful businesses. Typically, Robin Hood Ventures invests between $250,000 and $500,000, often collaborating with other angel investors, institutions, and venture capitalists within its network. The firm has a diverse investment portfolio, spanning various sectors, including information technology services, software, life sciences, hard technology, consumer products, and financial technology. Since its inception, Robin Hood Ventures has invested in over 45 companies, emphasizing a hands-on approach to helping businesses achieve their potential.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a global venture capital and private equity firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, from seed and startup to later-stage growth and public investments. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, NEA focuses on technology and healthcare sectors, particularly in areas such as consumer internet, financial technology, software, healthcare services, life sciences, and energy technology. The firm also invests in semiconductor companies and alternative energy initiatives in India. NEA has a proven track record, with more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a global perspective, targeting opportunities in North America, Asia, and South America, and typically involves investments ranging from $0.05 million to $20 million.

Wellington Management Company LLP, founded in 1928 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent investment management firm providing comprehensive solutions to institutional clients worldwide. The firm specializes in a diverse range of investment strategies, including equity, fixed income, multi-asset, and alternative investments, tailored to meet the unique return and risk objectives of its clients. Wellington Management employs a collaborative approach, leveraging proprietary research and analytical tools to identify opportunities and manage risks across global capital markets. The firm caters to a wide array of clients, including sovereign institutions, endowments, foundations, wealth managers, and insurance companies, spanning more than 50 countries. With a focus on long-term investment principles, Wellington Management fosters independent thought and debate within its teams, ensuring that resources are effectively utilized to deliver consistent results. The firm also emphasizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in its research and investment processes, engaging with companies on key ESG topics.

NVP Associates, LLC is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Palo Alto, California, specializing in a diverse range of investment stages and sectors. Established in 1961, the firm focuses on seed, startup, early, mid, and late-stage investments in both listed and unlisted companies, with particular emphasis on technology, healthcare, consumer products, and financial services. NVP Associates seeks to invest between $10 million and $150 million, depending on the stage and nature of the investment, often leading or co-investing with other firms. The firm has a global investment strategy, concentrating on markets in the Asia-Pacific region, the United States, India, Israel, and China. Its portfolio spans various industries, including medical devices, information technology, enterprise software, and digital health. NVP Associates aims to support companies with strong growth potential, leveraging its extensive network and operational expertise to foster development and achieve significant returns.

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm is stage-agnostic, focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as B2B, B2C, financial services, mobile technology, advertisement technology, e-commerce, food technology, gaming, health technology, real estate technology, restaurant technology, ridesharing, SaaS, and virtual reality. FJ Labs invests primarily in seed and Series A rounds, with an investment range between $50,000 and $5,000,000. The firm has backed notable companies including Alibaba Group, Beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, ADORE ME, and Earnest.

CompanyFirst is a Chicago-based venture capital and advisory firm dedicated to fostering the growth of strong brands and companies. Established in 2019, CompanyFirst Capital Fund I is the firm's inaugural venture capital fund, which focuses on investments within the United States. The fund primarily targets sectors such as retail, apparel, and consumer durables, as well as non-durables, aiming to support innovative businesses in these industries. Through its investment strategies and advisory services, CompanyFirst seeks to build enduring value and drive success for its portfolio companies.

NC IDEA is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies. Since its inception in 2005, NC IDEA has provided critical funding through its grant programs, including NC IDEA SEED, which offers $50,000 grants to innovative startups with proven concepts, and NC IDEA MICRO, which provides $10,000 to help young companies validate and advance their ideas. Through these initiatives, NC IDEA aims to reduce the risks associated with scaling startups while also offering mentorship and guidance. The organization has awarded over $7.2 million in grants to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent still operating today. Collectively, these companies have raised over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs, demonstrating the significant impact of NC IDEA on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in North Carolina.

Hanesbrands Inc. is a global consumer goods company based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, specializing in basic and athletic apparel for men, women, and children. Founded in 1901, the company operates through three main segments: Innerwear, Activewear, and International. Its extensive product range includes men’s underwear, women’s panties, children’s underwear, activewear, socks, hosiery, and intimate apparel, along with home goods and licensed logo apparel. Hanesbrands markets its products under well-known brands such as Hanes, Champion, Maidenform, Bali, and Playtex. The company emphasizes a vertically integrated approach, producing over 70% of its products in company-controlled factories across more than thirty countries. Its distribution network spans the Americas, Europe, Asia, Australia, and South Africa, utilizing various retail channels, including wholesalers, mass retailers, and direct-to-consumer sales through physical stores and e-commerce. Hanesbrands employs approximately 50,000 individuals and maintains a strong commitment to social responsibility in its operations.

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

Saama Capital is a Bengaluru-based venture capital firm established in 2006, focusing on early-stage investments in technology, fintech, and consumer-oriented sectors in India. As the independent successor to SVB India Capital Partners, Saama Capital operates with the same team and investment strategy as its predecessor, emphasizing a collaborative approach and diversification across various stages and sectors. The firm primarily targets investments ranging from $0.5 million to $4 million, with interests spanning financial services, software, direct-to-consumer brands, and enterprise solutions. Saama Capital aims to support innovative companies that can drive growth in the Indian market.

Fashion for Good is a global initiative based in Amsterdam that aims to transform the fashion industry by promoting sustainable practices in design, production, and consumption. Established in 2017, it focuses on enabling a circular fashion economy through six complementary initiatives. These initiatives include early-stage and late-stage programs that identify and scale innovative circular technologies and business models, an acceleration fund, and a practical guide for creating more sustainable fashion. Additionally, Fashion for Good provides a co-working space for like-minded organizations and hosts the Fashion for Good Experience, which showcases sustainable practices and innovations. Through these efforts, Fashion for Good seeks to foster collaboration among companies, communities, and the environment to create a more sustainable future for fashion.

Active Partners Investments LLP is a London-based private equity and venture capital firm established in 2003. The firm specializes in direct investments across various stages, including early, mid, and late venture capital, as well as buyouts and growth financing. It primarily targets the consumer and leisure sectors, focusing on areas such as food, retail, hospitality, health and beauty, travel, and media. Active Partners typically invests in companies with an enterprise value between £3 million and £35 million, with a preference for those under £10 million. The firm aims to take a controlling stake or a significant minority position in its portfolio companies and seeks to exit investments within three to five years. While it primarily focuses on opportunities within the United Kingdom, it also considers selective investments outside the region.

Gildan Activewear Inc. is a Montreal-based global manufacturer and marketer of basic apparel products, specializing in non-fashion items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, underwear, socks, and hosiery. The company is a key supplier for the screen print market in North America, Europe, and Mexico, providing blank apparel primarily to wholesalers and major clothing brands. Gildan also sells branded clothing through retail and direct-to-consumer channels, with brands including Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, and Gold Toe. The majority of Gildan's production occurs in factories located in Latin America, with recent expansions into Bangladesh. Established in 1984, Gildan generates nearly 90% of its sales within the United States, serving both mass market and regional retailers.

Precursor Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California. Specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, the firm focuses on early-stage companies primarily in the consumer, digital health, education, fintech, marketplace, and software sectors. Precursor Ventures emphasizes investing in B2B and B2C applications, including hardware, and prefers to target opportunities within the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, and Toronto, while remaining open to other regions. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.25 million per company. Precursor Ventures prioritizes investing in people over products, reflecting its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their journeys.

Delta Galil Industries Ltd. is a global manufacturer and marketer of private label apparel products for men, women, and children, established in 1975 and headquartered in Caesarea, Israel. The company specializes in designing, developing, and producing a wide range of apparel, including intimate apparel, socks, children's wear, leisurewear, activewear, undergarments, sportswear, denims, and women’s outerwear. Delta Galil offers its products under well-known brands such as 7 For All Mankind, Schiesser, and P.J. Salvage, as well as licensed brands including Maidenform, Converse, and Calvin Klein. The company's operations are structured into five business segments, allowing it to effectively address diverse market needs. Products are distributed through various channels, including retailers, its own stores, and an online platform.

PVH Corp. is a leading global apparel company based in New York, operating in over 40 countries and generating revenues exceeding $8 billion. The company focuses primarily on its two designer brands, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, along with a range of Heritage Brands. PVH designs, markets, and retails a diverse array of men's and women's apparel and accessories, including dress shirts, sportswear, jeans, intimate apparel, and footwear. Its products are offered under well-known brands such as Van Heusen, IZOD, and ARROW, as well as licensed brands like Speedo and Michael Kors. PVH distributes its merchandise through various channels, including wholesale partnerships with department and specialty stores, company-operated retail locations, and digital commerce platforms. Founded in 1881, PVH has established itself as a significant player in the global fashion industry.

Founded in 2021, Gruhas is a venture capital firm based in Bangalore, India. The firm seeks to invest in companies operating in property technology, climate, content, consumption, clean technology, media, entertainment, and consumer sectors.

Valor Equity Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Chicago, established in 1995. The firm specializes in making investments across various stages of company development, including seed-stage, early-stage, growth-stage, and late-stage investments. Valor primarily focuses on sectors such as industrial products, manufacturing, infrastructure services, healthcare, food technology, retail technology, fintech, and clean energy. The firm seeks to partner with high-growth companies and entrepreneurs who demonstrate a commitment to excellence and industry transformation. Investment sizes typically range from $10 million to $75 million for new platforms, while add-on investments do not have a minimum size requirement. Valor Equity Partners primarily invests in North America and India, aiming to support companies with revenues between $30 million and $200 million. The firm prefers to take a leading role in investments, pursuing both control and non-control equity opportunities.

Goldman Sachs is a prominent global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm, established in 1869 and headquartered in New York City. The firm provides a range of services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Its Investment Banking segment offers advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, and restructuring, as well as underwriting for public offerings and private placements of various securities. The Institutional Client Services segment focuses on client execution across fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, while also offering financing and securities lending to institutional clients. The Investing & Lending segment engages in originating long-term loans and investing in debt securities and real estate. Additionally, Goldman Sachs Asset Management serves both institutional and individual investors with comprehensive investment and advisory solutions across diverse asset classes. The firm also operates several specialized investment groups, including private equity and infrastructure funds, targeting a variety of sectors and investment strategies worldwide.

Inflection Point Ventures, founded in 2018 and based in Gurgaon, India, is a prominent angel network that focuses on investing in early-to-mid stage startups across a variety of sectors, including healthcare, software, clean technology, e-commerce, and fintech, among others. With a network of over 3,000 professionals, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices, IPV not only provides capital but also facilitates access to new markets, customers, and mentorship for entrepreneurs. The organization aims to democratize angel investing through a low membership fee, reduced minimum investment requirements, and a transparent investment process. Its extensive due diligence is conducted by industry experts, ensuring that investments are made in committed and capable founders.

General Atlantic is a global growth equity firm that specializes in making significant minority investments in growth-oriented companies. Founded in 1980 and headquartered in New York, the firm focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, consumer services, and financial services. With a presence in major cities across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, General Atlantic employs a collaborative approach that combines sector-specific expertise with a long-term investment horizon. The firm aims to partner with entrepreneurs and management teams to build exceptional businesses by providing both capital and strategic support. Its team of over 100 investment professionals is committed to understanding the dynamics that drive growth in various industries worldwide.

DSG Consumer Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2013, with its headquarters in Singapore. The firm specializes in identifying and investing in consumer businesses primarily in India and Southeast Asia. DSG Consumer Partners typically takes minority equity positions in unlisted companies but is open to control deals when aligned with strong management teams. The firm offers growth capital and liquidity options for founders and shareholders through secondary transactions. With a long-term investment horizon of 6 to 10 years, DSG has a proven track record of backing prominent brands such as Sula Wines, Cleartrip, and Veeba Food Services, among others. The founders' extensive experience in the sector underpins DSG’s commitment to fostering the growth of consumer-facing businesses in the region.

Groupe SEB is a prominent manufacturer of small household appliances, offering a diverse range of products that enhance culinary and domestic experiences. Founded in 1857 and headquartered in Écully, France, the company produces kitchen electrics such as deep fryers, rice cookers, coffee makers, and food processors, as well as home care items like vacuum cleaners and steam irons. Its extensive product portfolio also includes cookware, personal care appliances, and home comfort solutions like fans and heaters. Groupe SEB markets its products under several renowned brands, including Tefal, Moulinex, and Rowenta. Additionally, the company engages in venture capital investments through SEB Alliance, focusing on innovative startups in sectors such as consumer technologies, wellness, and sustainable development. With a rich history and a commitment to quality, Groupe SEB sells six products every second globally, reflecting its significant presence in the consumer goods market.

Founded in 2009, Founder Collective is a venture capital firm with headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and an additional office in New York City. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments, primarily targeting technology-related companies across the United States. It is a Registered Investment Adviser and manages approximately $50 million in assets. Founder Collective operates several funds, including early-stage venture capital funds co-managed with Koa Labs. While the firm is open to various industries, it shows a preference for investments with an information technology component. The firm's approach is driven by a team of successful entrepreneurs who leverage their expertise to identify promising opportunities in the technology sector.

Matrix Partners India III is a venture capital fund established in 2018 and managed by Matrix Partners India, based in Mumbai, with additional offices in Bengaluru and Port Louis. The fund focuses on investing in India across various sectors, including financial technology, software, healthcare technology, and education. It specializes in seed stage, early stage, and growth capital investments, typically committing between INR 1 crore and INR 75 crore, with the possibility of investing up to USD 30 million depending on the company's development stage. Matrix Partners India aims to build long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, supporting the creation of industry-leading companies and fostering innovation. The firm has a strong track record of successful investments, contributing to the growth of numerous businesses in the Indian market.

Kering is a holding company recognized as the world's second-largest luxury goods conglomerate, following LVMH. The company operates in two primary segments: luxury and sport & lifestyle. Its luxury portfolio includes renowned brands such as Gucci, which is the flagship brand and contributes significantly to the company's revenue and operating profits. Other notable luxury brands under Kering include Bottega Veneta, Saint Laurent, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, and Boucheron. In addition to these, Kering's portfolio encompasses a range of smaller luxury labels that collectively account for a substantial portion of sales. The sport and lifestyle segment features brands like Puma, Volcom, and Tretorn. Through this diverse collection of brands, Kering maintains a strong presence in both the luxury and lifestyle markets.

Torch Capital is a New York-based investment firm established in 2018 that focuses on supporting the next generation of mission-driven consumer companies. The firm specializes in investing in a variety of sectors, including healthcare, fintech, food and beverage, digital media, e-commerce, and marketplaces. Torch Capital seeks to identify and nurture brand-focused platforms, products, and services that have the potential to drive significant industry change.

Lerer Hippeau, founded in 2010 by Ken Lerer, Ben Lerer, and Eric Hippeau, is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York City. The firm is known for being one of the most active venture capital funds in the region, with a portfolio that includes over 250 companies in various sectors, particularly in consumer and enterprise markets. Lerer Hippeau focuses on seed to later-stage investments and has backed notable companies such as Allbirds, Bowery Farming, K Health, and Zipline. The firm aims to partner with founders who demonstrate strong product vision and customer insight, emphasizing the importance of brand building. Additionally, Lerer Hippeau has adopted the Diversity Term Sheet Rider to promote inclusivity within its investment practices.

Unilever is a multinational consumer goods company that specializes in fast-moving consumer goods across various categories, including food, personal care, and home care products. The company offers a wide range of items such as soups, sauces, ice creams, and margarines, as well as personal care products like skin and hair care items. Its well-known brands include Dove, Knorr, Lipton, and Surf, among others. Unilever operates in over 100 countries and distributes its products through an extensive network of sales channels, including independent brokers and distributors. Founded in 1929, the company has a diversified portfolio, with significant sales from personal care, home care, and packaged food segments. Unilever has actively expanded its brand offerings through acquisitions, enhancing its market presence and product diversity.

Social Starts is a California-based venture capital firm established in 2012, specializing in Series A investments in the healthcare and technology sectors. It is recognized as the first venture capital partnership dedicated to the emerging science of individual health and the promotion of happiness through health. The firm manages a family of funds, including Social Starts A, Social Starts 1 through 3, and Joyance Partners in the US and Europe. Social Starts aims to identify and support leading technologists and scientists globally, prioritizing innovations in health, biotech, and therapeutics. By leveraging advancements in medical care focused on prevention and personalization, as well as artificial intelligence to anticipate individual needs, the firm views health and happiness science as a significant early-stage investment opportunity. Its approach has yielded substantial returns, and the firm has received recognition as a top fund and active global venture capital player.

Calida Group operates in the apparel industry, focusing on the manufacture and sale of lingerie, underwear, swimwear, and nightwear for women, men, and children. The company encompasses several brands, including CALIDA, AUBADE, LAFUMA MOBILIER, and COSABELLA. Its products are marketed across various geographical regions, including France, Germany, Switzerland, other European countries, Asia, and the United States, with Germany being the primary source of revenue. Calida Group's commitment to quality and innovation positions it as a significant player in the international apparel market.

Goode Partners is a New York-based private equity firm founded in 2005, specializing in investments in mid-market companies within the consumer sector. The firm focuses on various areas such as consumer brands and services, retail, restaurants, and direct marketing. Goode Partners manages multiple funds, including the Consumer Fund II and Consumer Fund III, which target investments across a range of consumer-oriented industries, including apparel and accessories. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Goode Partners is dedicated to identifying and nurturing growth opportunities in the consumer market within the United States.

Bossa Nova Investimentos e Administração S.A. is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, specializing in pre-seed, seed, startup, and early-stage investments. Founded in 2010, Bossa Nova is recognized as Brazil's first micro venture capital firm and has become the most active investor in the pre-seed stage within the country. The firm focuses on technology sectors, particularly software, service development, mobile applications, SaaS, and B2B solutions, and has expanded its investment activities to include companies in the United States. Bossa Nova typically makes minority investments, with funding ranging from R$0.1 million to R$0.8 million per project. Additionally, the firm manages the Bossa Nova Sports Tech Fund, which targets investments in consumer and business products, information technology, wellness, and gaming sectors, with preferred investment amounts between R$0.1 million and R$0.3 million across multiple companies.

Eurazeo is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Paris, France, established in 1969. The firm specializes in providing growth capital, leveraged buyouts, and acquisitions, primarily targeting medium-sized to large companies across various sectors. It focuses on investing in companies with strong growth potential, particularly in services, real estate, fintech, luxury goods, and consumer products. Eurazeo operates globally, with a significant presence in the United States and Europe. The firm manages a diversified portfolio that includes private equity, real estate, and private debt, and it typically invests between $10 million and €800 million in companies with enterprise values exceeding €150 million. Eurazeo seeks to acquire majority stakes but is also open to minority investments, aiming for a typical investment horizon of five to seven years, with exit strategies including sales to manufacturers, financial investors, or through initial public offerings.