The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
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.
Duke Energy is a major utility company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 8.2 million customers across the United States. The company operates regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky, and has roughly 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. In addition to its core services, Duke Energy manages natural gas distribution for over 1.6 million customers in Ohio and Kentucky. The company also owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America and Latin America. Through its efforts, Duke Energy aims to deliver energy in a sustainable manner while contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of the communities it serves.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.
ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based organization established in 2000, dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes, particularly for underserved populations, through evidence-based innovation. As part of the ECMC Group enterprise, it focuses on two primary areas: College Success and Career Readiness. The foundation provides grants and engages in program-related investments in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, aimed at fostering improvements in post-secondary education and initiatives. Its overarching vision is to empower all learners to realize their full potential and attain family-sustaining wages.
Lilly Endowment is an independent private foundation located in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 1937. Its mission centers on providing sustainable support for religion, education, and community development. The foundation places a strong emphasis on initiatives that benefit young people and foster leadership education and financial self-sufficiency within the nonprofit and charitable sectors. Additionally, it supports programs aimed at enhancing higher education opportunities for African Americans, Native Americans, and Latino Americans across the United States, focusing on projects that align with its commitment to community enrichment and empowerment.
Google.org is a philanthropic arm of Google, a multinational technology company. It funds and supports nonprofits globally, providing them with funding, tools, and volunteers. Google.org has committed approximately $100 million annually to these efforts, aiming to extend the reach of innovative nonprofits and create lasting global impact.
Charter Communications is an American telecommunications and mass media company that operates under the Spectrum brand. Formed in 2016 through the merger of Legacy Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks, it has a long history in the industry. Charter provides a range of services, including high-speed Internet, premium cable television, and 5G mobile services, often offering these without contracts and at competitive monthly rates. The company serves approximately 58 million homes and businesses across the United States, accounting for around 40% of the market. With 30 million residential and 2 million commercial customer accounts, Charter is the second-largest cable provider in the country. Additionally, it owns various sports and news networks, further enhancing its media offerings.
Reach Capital, established in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage education technology (ed-tech) startups across the United States. The firm seeks to support entrepreneurs developing technology solutions for challenges in early childhood, K-12, higher education, and workforce reskilling or upskilling. Reach Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $500,000 in seed rounds, taking a 3% to 5% stake, and up to $1 million or more in Series A or B rounds, with an 8% to 10% stake. Additionally, the firm acts as a catalyst, encouraging traditional and non-traditional investors to support the growing ed-tech market.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a United States government agency established in 1958, primarily in response to advancements in space exploration by the Soviet Union. Originating from the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, NASA has a long history of advancing aeronautics and astronautics. It gained prominence for its Apollo program, which successfully landed humans on the moon in 1969. NASA has since been instrumental in various space missions, including the development of the space shuttle, which provided regular access to space from 1981 until its retirement in 2011. The agency plays a key role in the International Space Station, furthering human presence in space through international collaboration. In addition to manned missions, NASA conducts extensive scientific research, exploring planets like Mars and monitoring Earth's climate through satellites. Its aeronautics teams continue to innovate in creating safer and more efficient aircraft. Overall, NASA's work aims to expand human knowledge and capabilities in space while contributing to advancements that benefit life on Earth.
MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.
Google for Startups is an initiative launched in 2011 that focuses on supporting startups globally by providing access to Google's products, connections, and best practices. The program partners with over fifty leading startup organizations to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in more than 135 countries. It offers various resources, including financial support and exclusive programming, to help these partners and their startups thrive. Central to this initiative are six Google for Startups Campuses located in London, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Madrid, São Paulo, and Warsaw. These Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can access mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities within their local communities. Startups benefit from free workspaces, community events, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, all aimed at nurturing their growth and innovation across diverse sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, and technology.
Owl Ventures, established in 2014, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm specializing in education technology investments. With over $600 million under management, the firm backs entrepreneurs across the education spectrum, from early childhood to career mobility, helping them scale their businesses into category leaders. Owl Ventures takes an active, hands-on approach, leveraging its deep domain expertise to support portfolio companies.
The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a philanthropic organization founded in 1990 that focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and social impact. Established as a legacy of IDG founder Patrick J. McGovern, the Foundation aims to harness the potential of technology to democratize access to knowledge and improve the human condition. It invests in initiatives that explore and develop AI and data science to create positive societal change. By fostering innovation in these fields, the Foundation seeks to fulfill McGovern's vision of leveraging technology for the greater good, ultimately enhancing lives and addressing pressing global challenges.
GSV Ventures, established in 2016, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in investing in early and late-stage companies within the rapidly growing digital education market, spanning from Pre-K to Gray. The firm focuses on transformative entrepreneurs in the $7 trillion digital education and future of work sectors, with notable investments including Coursera, ClassDojo, Degreed, and Guild Education. Additionally, GSV Ventures convenes the prestigious ASU+GSV Summit, an annual event that brings together over 35,000 founders, investors, educators, and policymakers from around the world.
Rethink Food, a venture capital firm, invests in early-stage companies that leverage technology to digitize and decarbonize the food system. It focuses on six verticals: AgTech & Precision Farming, Ingredient Technology, Sustainable Distribution, Packaging Technology, Food As Medicine, and No/Low Waste Tech. The firm seeks to support female-led companies and those with women in C-level roles, aligning with its mission to promote gender diversity and create social impact. Rethink Food invests $2 million to $10 million in late Seed to Series C rounds, targeting companies with $500,000 to $15 million in annual recurring revenue.
Denso is a global manufacturer and supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems, and components, headquartered in Kariya, Japan. Founded in 1949 as an independent entity from Toyota Motor, Denso focuses on providing solutions that enhance vehicle performance and safety while minimizing environmental impact. The company’s primary business areas include powertrain control systems, thermal systems, electrification systems, mobility electronics, and sensors/semiconductor systems. Denso serves major automakers worldwide, emphasizing innovative products and technologies that contribute to a safer and more sustainable automotive environment.
Lightspeed Israel, established in 2006, is a venture capital firm based in Tel Aviv, Israel. It invests in seed, early, and later-stage companies across the information technology and TMT sectors. The firm focuses on supporting innovative Israeli startups, providing capital and strategic guidance to accelerate their growth. Lightspeed Israel typically invests between $2 million to $25 million per company, with a particular interest in enterprise, health, fintech, and consumer sectors. It manages multiple funds, including Lightspeed Venture Partners IX and Lightspeed India Partners I & II, to support its investment activities in Israel and India.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization located in New York City, established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., who was the former President and CEO of General Motors Corporation. The foundation's mission focuses on providing grants to support original research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. It aims to promote advancements in these areas to enhance public understanding and foster innovation. The foundation's assets are managed by a board of trustees, ensuring that its philanthropic efforts align with its core mission and values.
Goodwater Capital, established in 2014 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, is a venture capital firm dedicated to empowering exceptional entrepreneurs globally. They focus on early-stage investments in consumer technology companies, aiming to solve pressing problems and transform the global economy. Their mission is to measurably improve billions of lives by supporting entrepreneurs who are building products and platforms that consumers love.
Delta Community is one of the largest financial institutions in Georgia, serving over 400,000 members. We offer a variety of traditional banking products such as deposit accounts, credit cards, home mortgages and consumer loans, as well as financial planning services, insurance and more. As a not-for-profit organization, we give back our earnings to members and the communities that we serve.
Learn Capital, LLC, established in 2008, is a venture capital firm headquartered in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in Austin, Texas, and Beijing, China. The firm specializes in early to mid-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the global education sector, particularly in emerging markets like Latin America. Learn Capital invests in education technology, including innovative learning content, platforms, and services, with a preference for companies that have a substantial user base in emerging markets. The firm seeks to support entrepreneurs driving the future of learning through technology, aiming to shape the education landscape globally.
Antler, established in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies. It supports exceptional founders from day one, providing access to a global network of co-founders, talent, advisors, and expansion support, along with capital. Antler's funds, including Antler UK Fund and Antler India Fund, target various sectors such as information technology, climate tech, healthtech, software, energy services, and SaaS, with investments ranging from USD 0.2 to 0.4 million.
FasterCapital is an online incubator and accelerator based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2015. The company specializes in supporting startups and small businesses worldwide through a work-per-equity investment model, offering either technical or business development assistance in exchange for equity stakes. FasterCapital focuses on various sectors, including finance technology, health technology, education technology, artificial intelligence, and more. The firm aims to facilitate capital raising efforts for startups by connecting them with angel investors, venture capitalists, and other funding sources. By providing essential resources and expertise, FasterCapital helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses.
Lumina Foundation is an independent non-profit private foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 2000. Its primary mission is to expand access to education, aiming to increase the proportion of Americans with degrees, certificates, and other high-quality credentials to 60 percent by 2025. The foundation employs an outcomes-based approach that emphasizes the design and development of an equitable, accessible, responsive, and accountable higher education system. Additionally, Lumina Foundation fosters a national sense of urgency for action to achieve its educational goals through research, information dissemination, and innovation.
FJ Labs, established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, is a stage-agnostic investment firm focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. It invests in seed and series A rounds, with a typical investment range of $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm's portfolio includes notable companies such as Alibaba Group, Beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, Adore Me, and Earnest, spanning sectors like e-commerce, fintech, and ad tech.
Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in managing investment portfolios and providing asset management services across various sectors, including finance, technology, and real estate. Bossa Invest analyzes market trends to guide its investment decisions, with a particular focus on companies in the software as a service sector. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to support the growth and development of innovative businesses.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts functions as a government administration, overseeing various state services and regulatory functions. One of its key agencies, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, provides critical resources and services related to taxation. This includes offering detailed tax forms and instructions, mailing addresses for submissions, and estimated tax payment vouchers. The Department also facilitates the filing of extensions for personal income or fiduciary tax, along with essential information pertinent to the tax filing season, such as tax guides and legal resources. Additionally, it manages tax-related issues including bills, collections, audits, and appeals, while also supporting tax professionals and software developers. The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate within the department further assists individuals navigating the complexities of tax obligations.
The Jim Joseph Foundation, established in 2006, is a non-profit organization based in the United States dedicated to enhancing Jewish education for young Jews. Collaborating with various grantee-partners, the Foundation aims to create impactful Jewish learning experiences across diverse settings. By awarding grants to effective organizations, it seeks to engage, educate, and inspire young Jewish individuals, fostering a sense of joy and connection to vibrant Jewish life. The Foundation recognizes the importance of dynamic learning environments and is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of Jewish youth and young adults.
American Student Assistance is a Boston-based foundation established in 1956, dedicated to assisting students in exploring their educational and career opportunities. With over six decades of experience, the foundation aims to empower students to make informed decisions about their future paths early in life. Through various programs and resources, American Student Assistance provides guidance and support, helping young individuals navigate their options in education and career planning. The foundation is managed by an executive team that oversees its initiatives and ensures the effective use of its resources to achieve its mission.
Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) was established on 10 July 2011 as part of the Australian Government's Clean Energy Future package. As an independent statutory authority under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, ARENA aims to enhance the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia. Since its operational start on 1 July 2012, ARENA has managed the administration of projects and initiatives previously overseen by the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. Additionally, as of 1 January 2013, ARENA has taken on the responsibilities of the Australian Solar Institute. With approximately $3 billion available for investment, ARENA plays a crucial role in advancing renewable energy projects across the country.
HSG, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, is a global venture capital and private equity firm, managing over USD 55 billion across various funds. Established in 2005, HSG invests in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors, with a focus on seed, venture, growth, buyout, and infrastructure stages. The firm has backed over 1,500 companies, with more than 160 listed on public exchanges and over 140 achieving unicorn status. HSG operates globally, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, London, Tokyo, and Singapore, providing extensive resources and industry expertise to its portfolio companies.
Panera Bread is a retail bakery-cafe chain headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, established in 1987. The company specializes in freshly prepared, clean food, offering a diverse menu that includes freshly baked goods, soups, salads, and custom roasted coffees. Panera operates through three business segments: bakery-cafe, franchise, and fresh dough operations. It also provides omnichannel access for customers, including mobile ordering and catering services, enhancing convenience and accessibility for its clientele.
Injini is an Edtech incubator and seed investment program based in Cape Town, South Africa, founded in 2017. The organization is dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes across Africa by supporting innovative founders. Injini selects cohorts of EdTech startups from various African countries to participate in a five-month incubation journey. During this period, the startups receive funding and tailored support from industry experts and experienced business mentors, fostering their growth and development within the education sector.
Kapor Capital is a venture capital firm based in Oakland, California, founded in 1999. Specializing in seed and early-stage investments, the firm focuses on tech-enabled startups that aim to address significant social needs while transforming industries. Kapor Capital invests primarily in sectors such as education, health, finance, justice, and communication, and emphasizes the importance of diversity in its portfolio companies. The firm seeks to leverage information technology to create innovative solutions that generate positive social impact. Recognizing the potential of startups to drive meaningful change, Kapor Capital operates as a Registered Investment Adviser and primarily invests in the United States.
Ulu Ventures, established in 2008, is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm specializing in seed-stage and early-stage investments. The firm primarily focuses on technology-enabled services, educational technology, and legal informatics within the internet industry, targeting internet-enabled consumer and business services. Ulu Ventures also considers investments in digital media, mobile, IoT, EdTech, FinTech, and other emerging tech sectors. The firm typically invests in the San Francisco Bay Area, co-investing with others to cumulatively invest between $500,000 and $1 million. Ulu Ventures aims to invest where there is a viable exit strategy, with a track record of over 30 investments in the last three years.
NBCUniversal is a prominent media and entertainment company headquartered in New York, formed from the merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment in 2004. The company develops, produces, and markets a wide array of content, including entertainment, news, and information, catering to a global audience. Its diverse portfolio encompasses broadcast and cable networks, a motion picture studio, television production operations, a television station group, and world-renowned theme parks. Additionally, NBCUniversal operates a suite of internet-based businesses that allow consumers to access its content across various platforms and devices. With a significant presence in multiple U.S. states and London, NBCUniversal is dedicated to delivering exceptional media experiences and innovative storytelling.
The Conrad Prebys Foundation, established in 2007, is a San Diego-based non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of San Diegans. It fulfills this mission by addressing community needs through strategic initiatives and effective grantmaking, focusing on the visual and performing arts, higher education, youth development, and healthcare. The Foundation, guided by Conrad Prebys' legacy, supports organizations and individuals working to improve the quality of life in San Diego and its surrounding region. Its assets are managed by the executive team.
Omidyar Network, established in 2004 by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, is a global impact investing firm that combines philanthropy and venture capital to catalyze social change. It invests in for-profit and non-profit organizations across sectors such as digital society, emerging technology, education, financial inclusion, governance, and property rights. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, typically committing between $1 million to $10 million in for-profits and $0.5 million to $5 million in non-profits. Omidyar Network operates globally, with a significant focus on India, and seeks to create opportunities for people to improve their lives and make a difference in their communities.
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government established in 1953 to aid, counsel, assist, and protect the interests of small business concerns in the United States. The SBA's mission is to help Americans start, build, and grow businesses by providing loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions, and other forms of assistance. Through a network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, the SBA delivers services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam. The SBA's programs include financial and federal contract procurement assistance, management assistance, outreach to women, minorities, and armed forces veterans, as well as providing loans to victims of natural disasters and specialized advice and assistance in international trade.
Start-Up Chile is a public business accelerator based in Santiago, Chile, founded in 2010. It aims to attract world-class entrepreneurs to establish their startups in Chile, utilizing the country as a launchpad for global expansion. Recognized as one of the largest and most diverse accelerators worldwide, Start-Up Chile accommodates up to 160 startups annually through two distinct programs: a pre-acceleration initiative for startups with female founders and a seed program for startups with less than three years of development. The accelerator focuses on various sectors, including e-commerce, software, social media, education, clean technology, advertising, applications, and information technology, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship within the region.
General Catalyst is a venture capital firm established in 2000, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The company specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on technology-driven businesses. It invests across various sectors, including consumer internet, enterprise software, fintech, health assurance, and crypto. General Catalyst provides not only capital but also mentorship and resources to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies. To date, it has managed eight venture capital funds, totaling approximately $3.75 billion in capital commitments.
LearnLaunch Accelerator II, established in 2017, is a Boston-based venture capital fund managed by LearnLaunch Fund + Accelerator. The fund focuses on investing in early-stage companies operating in the technology and education sectors, with a particular emphasis on education technology (EdTech). It provides seed funding, typically up to $120,000, along with a three-month residential accelerator program in Boston. The program offers mentorship, access to EdTech experts, a tailored curriculum, and a supportive community of like-minded professionals, all aimed at helping entrepreneurs grow their startups and navigate the education industry.
Salesforce is a leading cloud-based software company, founded in 1999, specializing in customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. It offers a range of enterprise applications, including Sales Cloud for sales automation, Service Cloud for customer service, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing, and Commerce Cloud for e-commerce. Additionally, Salesforce provides a platform for building custom applications and MuleSoft for data integration. Salesforce.org, a division of the company, donates and discounts its technology to nonprofits and educational institutions, fostering a culture of giving back. Salesforce Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in enterprise technology startups globally, providing funding, access to the Salesforce ecosystem, and guidance from its executives.
Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is an independent federal agency that funds and promotes artistic excellence, creativity, and innovation for the benefit of individuals and communities. Since its founding in 1965, the NEA has awarded more than $5 billion to support diverse opportunities for arts participation. Through partnerships with state arts agencies, local leaders, federal agencies, and the philanthropic sector, the NEA works to strengthen the creative capacity of communities across the United States. Headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia, the NEA plays a crucial role in advancing artistic excellence and enriching the cultural landscape of the nation.
The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, established in 1969, is a New York-based independent, not-for-profit private foundation. It aims to strengthen and promote the humanities and arts, contributing to human flourishing and the well-being of diverse societies. The Foundation provides grants in areas such as higher education, art history, conservation, museums, performing arts, scholarly communications, and information technology. Its assets are managed by its executive management team.
Building Hope’s expertise is in finance, real estate, and charter school operations. They offer finance, real estate, services, and a charter support unit. They provide schools with the advantage of having a professional partner with a shared mission of creating charter schools. Their financing through direct investment, loans, and bonds at below-market rates frees charter schools.