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.

Brand Foundry Ventures is a consumer only venture capital firm based in New York. The firm seeks to invest in e-commerce, mobile commerce, consumer products, and consumer devices.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Robin Hood Ventures is a group of angel investors, focused on early-stage, high-growth companies in the Greater Philadelphia region. We help entrepreneurs build great companies, providing capital, mentoring, expertise and connections to help companies reach their potential. Robin Hood generally invests $250k to $500k, and collaborates with angels, institutions and VCs in our network. We invest as a single entity in businesses we know and understand, in a way that gets deals done. Since 1999, we have invested in over 45 companies in industries including software, medical devices, biotech, internet and financial technology.

Saama Capital is a Bengaluru-based venture capital fund that focuses on early-stage investments in India, particularly in technology, fintech, and consumer-oriented sectors. Established in 2006, it operates as an independent successor to SVB India Capital Partners, employing a collaborative and partner-driven investment approach. The fund specializes in a diverse range of industries, including financial services, software, consumer technology, and direct-to-consumer brands. Saama Capital typically invests between USD 0.5 million to USD 4 million in its portfolio companies, reflecting its commitment to supporting innovative businesses in the Indian market.

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.

Founded in 2009, Founder Collective is a private equity firm based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with an additional office in New York. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments, primarily in technology-related companies across various sectors, including software and telecommunications. Founder Collective manages $50 million in capital and typically invests between $0.2 million and $2 million in early-stage ventures. The firm is comprised of a network of successful entrepreneurs who leverage their experience to identify promising startups. While the firm’s investment focus is geographically centered on the East Coast, it maintains a global investment outlook, targeting companies with a significant information technology component.

Forerunner Ventures is a California-based early-stage venture capital firm established in 2007 that focuses on investing in high-growth, branded consumer companies. The firm targets sectors such as digital commerce, including offline-to-online commerce, social and mobile commerce, and internet marketplaces. With a keen understanding of consumer behavior and brand building, Forerunner identifies and collaborates with ambitious entrepreneurs to create meaningful businesses. The firm typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000 in seed stage and Series A offerings, with the intention of increasing its stake in top-performing companies through subsequent funding rounds. While primarily focused on the Bay Area, Forerunner also considers investment opportunities in New York and Los Angeles, preferring to partner with local investors when companies are based outside its primary geography. Notable past investments include Dollar Shave Club, Warby Parker, and Glossier.

General Atlantic Service Company, L.P. 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 operates additional offices across major global cities, including Beijing, London, and Singapore. General Atlantic focuses on various sectors, including computer software and services, technology, consumer, financial services, and healthcare. The firm emphasizes a collaborative approach, leveraging sector-specific expertise and a long-term investment horizon to support entrepreneurs and management teams in building exceptional businesses. With a team of over 100 investment professionals, General Atlantic is committed to driving growth and delivering strategic support to its portfolio companies worldwide.

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

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.

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.

Matrix Partners India Advisors LLP is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Mumbai, with additional offices in Bengaluru and Port Louis. Established in January 2006, the firm specializes in seed to early growth stage investments across a wide range of sectors, including financial technology, healthcare technology, eCommerce, software as a service, and consumer products, among others. It typically invests between INR 1 crore and INR 75 crore, and up to USD 30 million depending on the company's stage of development. Matrix Partners India focuses on fostering long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, helping them build industry-leading companies. The firm has a track record of successful investments, contributing to numerous initial public offerings and profitable mergers and acquisitions.

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.

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.

Korea Investment Partners (KIP) is a prominent venture capital and private equity firm based in Seoul, South Korea, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Established in 1986, KIP focuses on investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including biotechnology, healthcare, media, financial technology, and information technology. The firm has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies such as Kakao, Naver, and YG Entertainment. KIP manages more than 20 venture and private equity funds, with total assets under management amounting to approximately $1.8 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Seoul, KIP operates offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Sunnyvale, showcasing its commitment to global investment opportunities.

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

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.

Lerer Hippeau is an early-stage venture capital fund based in New York City, founded in 2010 by Ken Lerer, Ben Lerer, and Eric Hippeau. The firm is recognized as one of the most active early-stage investors in the region, managing multiple funds, including Lerer Hippeau Ventures V, VII, and VIII. With a portfolio exceeding 250 active companies, Lerer Hippeau invests across various sectors, particularly focusing on consumer and enterprise companies. Notable investments include firms such as Allbirds, Bowery Farming, and K Health. The fund emphasizes backing founders who demonstrate strong product vision, customer insight, and brand-building capabilities. Additionally, Lerer Hippeau has adopted a Diversity Term Sheet Rider, reflecting its commitment to promoting diversity within its portfolio.

NC IDEA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies in North Carolina. It primarily offers financial assistance through its NC IDEA SEED and NC IDEA MICRO programs. NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 grants to innovative startups with viable concepts, helping them scale more quickly, while also offering mentorship to mitigate growth risks. Since its inception in 2006, this initiative has granted over $7.2 million to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent of these businesses still operational today. Collectively, they have secured over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs. The NC IDEA MICRO program complements this by offering $10,000 grants to early-stage companies seeking to validate and advance their ideas. Through these efforts, NC IDEA plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of technology-driven entrepreneurship in the region.

Torch Capital is a brand-focused investment firm built to shepherd the next generation of industry-changing mission-driven consumer companies. The firm invests in consumer platforms, products, and services from healthcare, FinTech, and food and beverage, to digital media, e-commerce, and marketplaces. Torch Capital was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in New York.

Charlesbank Equity Fund II, managed by Charlesbank Capital Partners, is a private equity fund based in Boston, Massachusetts. The fund primarily targets investments in mature middle-market companies across various sectors, including commercial transportation, financial services, manufacturing, and industrials. It seeks to partner with experienced management teams to facilitate growth through management-led buyouts, geographical expansion, and industry consolidation. Typically, the fund invests between $20 million and $150 million per transaction in companies with enterprise values ranging from $50 million to $1.5 billion. Charlesbank Equity Fund II generally takes both majority and minority stakes, aiming for a holding period of five to seven years before exiting through initial public offerings, strategic sales, or sales to other private equity firms. The firm emphasizes investments in North America while also considering opportunities in Europe, particularly in emerging markets.

DSG Consumer Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2013, headquartered in Mauritius, with a focus on investing in consumer businesses across India and Southeast Asia. The firm primarily targets minority equity positions in unlisted companies, although it may pursue control deals when aligned with capable management teams. DSG Consumer Partners is flexible in providing growth capital and enabling liquidity for founders and shareholders through secondary transactions. The founders have a long-term investment approach, typically spanning six to ten years, and have a history of supporting notable brands since 2004, including Sula Wines, Cleartrip, and Redmart. The firm concentrates on consumer-facing sectors, leveraging its expertise to foster the growth of emerging brands in the region.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of The World Bank Group that focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries through private sector investment. It provides a range of financial services, including loans, equity investments, quasi-equity products, and advisory services aimed at supporting startups and various stages of company development. IFC invests in sectors such as agribusiness, financial services, health, education, infrastructure, global manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, and tourism, with a particular emphasis on projects that promote food security, digital finance, and affordable healthcare. The organization targets investments ranging from $1 million to $100 million, often seeking minority stakes but may also take a majority position in its portfolio companies. IFC aims to create jobs, generate tax revenues, and enhance corporate governance in emerging markets, thus contributing positively to local communities. Established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., IFC operates globally with offices across various regions, focusing its efforts on financing projects that align with its mission of improving lives in developing countries.

Pembroke VCT PLC is a venture capital trust specializing in investments in any stage of businesses development. focus on companies in the health & fitness, hospitality, apparel & accessories and media & technology sectors.

Gart Capital Partners is a private equity investment partnership focused on lower middle market consumer and service-oriented investment.

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

Primary Venture Partners is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in New York, focusing on transformative startups in the region. Founded in 2004 by Ben Sun and Brad Svrluga, the firm specializes in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments across various sectors, including technology, software, and commerce. It is dedicated to offering comprehensive support to its portfolio companies, facilitating their growth from Seed to Series A and beyond. Primary provides access to a network of over 200 experienced technology operators and functional experts, along with a Talent Program led by seasoned tech recruiters. Additional resources include financial advisory, market development, and content marketing assistance to help founders tackle their most pressing challenges and build effective teams. The firm has successfully invested in notable companies and continues to support some of New York's promising startups.

Anicut Capital, founded in 2016 and based in Chennai, is an asset management firm specializing in debt services for consumer goods companies across India. The firm is managed by seasoned professionals with extensive experience in commercial, private, and investment banking. Anicut Capital also oversees the Anicut Opportunities Fund I, a venture capital fund launched in 2022, which targets growth-stage companies. The fund typically invests between USD 2 million and USD 15 million in a select group of 10 to 15 companies, focusing on fostering growth and expansion within the consumer sector.

Brand Velocity Partners is a private equity firm focused on acquiring lower-middle market consumer businesses in search of marketing muscle.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as software, big data, cloud technologies, fintech, healthcare, and digital media. Accel is known for backing innovative entrepreneurs and has a history of investing in notable companies including Facebook, Dropbox, and Spotify. With over three decades of experience, Accel employs dedicated teams that utilize market-specific strategies to identify and support the next generation of industry leaders. The firm manages approximately $9.6 billion and carries out investments typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million, aiming to foster the development of world-class, category-defining businesses globally.

Par Equity LLP is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Edinburgh, Scotland, specializing in early-stage investments and growth opportunities in small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential. Founded in 2008, the firm primarily targets companies within the technology sector, including digital health technology, and focuses on those that possess proprietary technology or proven commercial products poised for transatlantic expansion. Par Equity seeks to invest in Scottish companies aiming to enter the United States market and vice versa, while also considering opportunities in the North of England and Northern Ireland. The firm typically invests between £0.25 million and £2.5 million in companies with enterprise values up to £10 million. Par Equity utilizes government-approved tax wrappers to enhance returns for its investors and operates an additional office in San Francisco, California.

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.

XRC Labs is an innovation accelerator for the next generation of disruptors in the retail and consumer goods sectors. It run two programs each year that bring together entrepreneurs, investors, brands, and retailers to foster rapid innovation and unlock new opportunities in retail. Startups receive access to capital, mentoring, operational support and workspace in the heart of Manhattan, the epicenter of retail and consumer goods. XRC Labs works closely with best-in-class retailers, brands and technology companies to empower them to meet the needs of consumers today and for generations to come.

The Mills Fabrica (http://www.themillsfabrica.com/) – an incubator, fund and space/lab/store dedicated towards promoting innovations and sustainable businesses at the intersection of technology and lifestyle (“techstyle”). Our mission is to create techstyle startup success stories around the world focusing on materials & supply chain innovation, wearables, services & products merging technology & style and new retail experiences. We run a 12-month cross-border incubation programme both in Hong Kong and the UK connecting startups to our global community of partners within the lifestyle industries. We are committed to provide exposure and advisory to incubatees, assisting them to achieve milestones. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. We also have an investment fund that invests in leading techstyle startups globally and supports entrepreneurs from the early to growth stages. Set up in late 2018, we have invested in over 10 startups with portfolio presence across Asia, Europe and America.

Upfront Ventures is a California-based venture capital firm founded in 1996, specializing in early-stage investments across a broad range of technology sectors. The firm focuses on seed and Series A funding, investing between $0.5 million and $15 million in seed rounds and $2 million to $5 million in Series A rounds. Upfront Ventures primarily targets companies in North America, with a significant emphasis on Southern California, including Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Barbara, while also considering opportunities in Europe and other regions, including the Caribbean and Central America. The firm's investment areas encompass digital content, Ad-Tech, e-commerce, financial services, healthcare technology, and more. Upfront Ventures takes an active role in its portfolio companies by securing board seats and aiming to support them through various financing stages. The firm is led by Managing Partners Yves Sisteron, Mark Suster, and Kara Nortman, and has been instrumental in backing notable startups like Ring and Bird.

Faro Capital Safi S.A. is a principal investment firm specializing investments in real estate funds and mutual funds. The firm seeks to invest in retail sector including shops that sell shoes, clothes and accessories with a focus on womenswear and menswear retail brands. It typically invests in Peru. Faro Capital Safi S.A. based in Lima, Peru.

Goode Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, established in 2005, that specializes in investing in mid-market companies within the consumer sector. The firm focuses on a variety of industries, including consumer brands and services, retail, restaurants, and direct marketing. Goode Partners manages several buyout funds, such as Consumer Fund II and Consumer Fund III, which target sectors like apparel, accessories, and manufacturing. The firm's investment strategy centers on identifying and supporting companies that operate in consumer-oriented markets across the United States.

BC Partners is an international alternative investment firm established in 1986, managing over €23 billion in assets. With a significant presence in both Europe and North America, the firm has evolved alongside the private equity market, expanding its offerings to include credit and real estate platforms. BC Partners focuses on investing in market-leading businesses across seven key sectors: media, retail, technology, healthcare, banking, business services, and utilities. The firm prioritizes investments that are protected against downturns, possess strong barriers to entry, and present multiple growth and value creation opportunities. With a successful track record, BC Partners has completed over 113 investments in companies with a combined enterprise value of €145 billion, operating as an integrated team across its offices in London, Hamburg, Paris, and New York.

The Stephens Group, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm that focuses on mid-venture investments, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth capital. Established in 1933 and headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, with additional offices in Frankfurt, London, and New York, the firm invests across a wide array of sectors, including agriculture, energy, technology, healthcare, consumer products, and financial services. The Stephens Group emphasizes companies with strong management teams and seeks to invest in businesses headquartered primarily in the United States and Canada, particularly in the Midwest, Southeast, and Southwest regions of the U.S. For buyouts, investments typically range from $25 million to $125 million, while growth equity investments range from $10 million to $30 million. The firm targets companies with significant earnings, taking either majority or significant minority stakes and often obtaining board representation in its portfolio companies.