Y Combinator, established in 2005, is a prominent American technology startup accelerator and venture capital firm. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage companies, primarily in the United States. The firm's core program involves investing a small amount of capital in exchange for equity, typically around 6-7%, and providing intensive support to startups over a three-month period. This includes refining business models, developing products, and honing investor pitches. Y Combinator serves a wide range of industries, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and finance. Additionally, Y Combinator Continuity, a dedicated investment fund, supports founders as they scale their companies, investing in later-stage alumni companies and helping cash-intensive businesses.

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.

SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.

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.

Techstars is a global platform that invests in and supports early-stage technology companies. Founded in 2006, it operates a mentorship-driven accelerator program, providing seed funding, intensive mentorship, and access to a network of investors and entrepreneurs. Techstars has programs in various locations worldwide, including Boston, Boulder, New York, Seattle, London, Chicago, and Austin. It invests $118,000 in each company, with $18,000 in seed funding and an optional $100,000 convertible debt note. Techstars also has industry-specific accelerator programs, such as Techstars Retail and Techstars Music, focusing on retail and music technology, respectively. Its portfolio includes over 1,000 companies with a combined market cap of $8.1 billion.

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.

Established in 2020, the European Innovation Council supports innovative startups and researchers with promising ideas, focusing on early-stage companies with positive environmental, social, or governance impacts. It co-invests alongside private investors.

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.

Bpifrance is a financial institution dedicated to supporting companies throughout their development stages, particularly those preparing for stock market listing and seeking credit equity. The organization provides a range of financial solutions, including financing, innovation assistance, and capital investment. By integrating various entities such as OSEO and CDC Entreprises, Bpifrance aims to deliver tailored financial support that addresses the specific needs of businesses. The institution is committed to fostering innovation and helping companies transition toward sustainable growth, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.

MedTech Innovator is a nonprofit global competition and accelerator based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It focuses on supporting companies in the medical device, digital health, and diagnostic sectors. The organization aims to enhance patient outcomes by fostering the growth of businesses that contribute to the transformation of the healthcare system. Each year, MedTech Innovator showcases 100 companies that align with key themes identified through surveys of industry leaders. The accelerator's diverse portfolio includes firms involved in consumer healthcare, imaging, remote patient monitoring, clinical studies, and workflow optimization, emphasizing its commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions.

Plug and Play Tech Center, established in 2006, is a global innovation platform that connects startups, investors, and corporations. Based in Sunnyvale, California, with operations in 22 locations worldwide, the company runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs twice a year, fostering collaboration between major corporations and high-quality startups. These programs span sectors such as Fintech, Insurtech, IoT, Brand & Retail, Mobility, and Health & Wellness, among others. Plug and Play invests in seed, angel, and Series A rounds, with a focus on great teams leading emerging growth companies. Since inception, their startup community has raised over $9 billion in venture funding, with notable success stories including Dropbox, PayPal, and LendingClub.

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.

EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.

Khosla Impact, established in 2013, is an impact investment firm based in Menlo Park, California. It focuses on assisting high-impact entrepreneurs who develop products and services for the three billion people at the bottom of the world's economic pyramid. The firm invests in for-profit enterprises serving low-income individuals and small businesses in emerging markets, with a primary focus on South Asia. Khosla Impact encourages experimentation and supports entrepreneurs passionate about solving socio-economic challenges through technology and innovative business models.

Right Side Capital Management, established in 2010, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage technology investments. It focuses on funding pre-seed rounds, making 75-100 investments annually in startups outside major tech hubs, with pre-money valuations typically ranging from $1M to $3M. The firm prefers capital-efficient businesses and aims to provide a swift investment decision, usually within two weeks. Since 2012, RSCM has invested in approximately 200 companies across 19 U.S. states and several international locations, including Canada, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe.

Qiming Venture Partners, established in 2006, is a leading China-based venture capital firm with offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Suzhou, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It manages multiple funds totaling $9.5 billion, focusing on early and growth-stage investments in the Technology and Consumer (T&C) and Healthcare industries. With a strong track record, over 200 portfolio companies have achieved exits, and over 70 have become unicorns or super unicorns. Qiming Venture Partners USA, founded in 2017, is its affiliate in Cambridge, Massachusetts, specializing in healthcare, therapeutics, and digital health investments. The firm is known for its deep technical expertise, hands-on operational support, and thought leadership in the venture capital industry.

Google for Startups is an initiative supporting global startups. It offers access to Google's products, connections, and best practices through a network of partners in over 135 countries. The program aims to help determined startups succeed.

Alumni Ventures Group is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with offices across North America. It provides access to venture investing for individual accredited investors, particularly alumni networks, by offering diversified portfolios of venture opportunities and allowing members to invest alongside fellow alumni in ventures led by peers. The firm backs early-stage and later-stage opportunities across technology, consumer, healthcare, financial services, and other sectors, with a sector- and geography-agnostic approach. It typically invests between $10,000 and $3 million per deal and emphasizes the involvement of alumni connections and an institutional lead investor in opportunities. Alumni Ventures also offers focused funds to broaden participation, enabling accredited investors to access venture portfolios diversified by type, sector, stage, and geography. The model aims to democratize access to venture capital while maintaining rigorous selection standards through alumni networks.

The EIC Accelerator is a Horizon Europe funding program that provides assistance to start-ups and SMEs that have an innovative, game-changing product, service, or business model that has the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones, and have the ambition and commitment to scale up, are seeking substantial funding, but the risks involved are too high for private investors to invest alone

Venture Kick is a private philanthropic initiative based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007 to support Swiss startups at the pre-seed stage. It provides up to 150,000 Swiss francs in funding and offers structured entrepreneurial training aimed at developing sustainable businesses. Entrepreneurs participate in a competitive process, pitching their ideas up to three times for increasing funding amounts, while receiving valuable feedback from expert juries. To date, Venture Kick has supported 600 startup projects with a total of 24.9 million francs, leading to the incorporation of 454 active companies that have created over 6,000 jobs and attracted approximately 2.49 billion francs in subsequent investments. Companies founded by Venture Kick alumni have notably achieved significant recognition, with 55 percent of the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award in 2018 represented by these ventures. In 2019, the initiative aimed to allocate 4.35 million francs to support idea-stage projects, facilitating the transition of Swiss scientific innovations to global markets.

HAX is a venture capital program focused on accelerating hardware startups through its comprehensive support and resources. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, HAX operates in two key locations, San Francisco and Shenzhen, providing founders with an environment conducive to rapid prototyping and iterative development. The program emphasizes the importance of launching both B2C and B2B hardware startups, guiding them through critical phases such as business development, fundraising, and market entry. HAX accepts teams that demonstrate strong potential for scaling their ventures and solving significant technological challenges. Through a structured curriculum, entrepreneurs refine their product-market fit and business strategies while benefiting from a robust network of mentors and industry connections. HAX maintains an ongoing relationship with participating startups to support their growth beyond the initial program, ensuring they have the necessary resources and partnerships to succeed in the competitive marketplace.

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.

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.

Founded in 2011, StartUp Health is dedicated to improving global health through collaboration with entrepreneurs. It invests in 'Health Transformers' across six continents, focusing on various health moonshots such as Access to Care, Cure Disease, and Mental Health. With over 330 companies in its portfolio, it's backed by prominent investors.

SBRI Healthcare is an initiative from NHS England aimed at accelerating the development of innovative technologies that address the specific needs of the National Health Service (NHS). Delivered through the AHSN Network, the program seeks to foster collaboration between healthcare providers and technology developers to create solutions that enhance patient care and improve health outcomes. By supporting the commercialization of new products and services, SBRI Healthcare plays a critical role in transforming healthcare delivery in the UK.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments in high-tech startups. Established in 2005, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including information and communication technology, life sciences, healthcare, automation, and cleantech. HTGF typically invests in companies that have been operational for no more than one year, aiming to contribute up to €0.6 million in initial funding and up to €3 million in follow-on financing. The firm seeks a minority stake, generally around 15%, and provides a subordinated loan convertible into equity, with deferred interest for up to four years to support liquidity. With a total investment volume of approximately €895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully supported over 500 startups and attracted more than €2 billion in follow-on investments from external sources. The firm's investors include notable public and private entities, underscoring its role as a key player in fostering innovation and growth within the German startup ecosystem.

SFC Capital is a United Kingdom based venture capital firm founded in 2012 that focuses on early-stage investments, including pre-seed and seed rounds, in sectors such as software, technology, e-commerce, consumer products, enterprise solutions, green technology, medical technology, and hospitality. It backs UK startups through an Angel Network and seed funds, providing capital and guidance and offering access to SEIS- and EIS-qualifying investment opportunities. The firm is described as a leading seed investor in the UK.

LabCorp is a leading provider of laboratory testing services, focused on delivering accurate and clinically relevant tests to healthcare providers. The company develops innovative diagnostic tests that enhance the quality of patient care and support clinical decision-making. Its diverse customer base includes physicians, hospitals, managed care organizations, private employers, military and law enforcement agencies, as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology firms. LabCorp aims to improve health outcomes by offering a wide range of laboratory services that facilitate disease diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Through its commitment to innovation and precision in testing, LabCorp plays a vital role in the healthcare ecosystem, aiding physicians and patients alike in managing health effectively.

F-Prime Capital is a venture capital firm established in 1969 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in San Francisco and London. It is part of the Fidelity Investments family, which has a long history of supporting entrepreneurs. F-Prime Capital focuses its investments on companies in North America and Europe, specializing in sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, therapeutics, fashion, medtech, health information technology and services, and technology. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, leveraging its deep industry expertise and extensive relationships to assist entrepreneurs in building significant companies. F-Prime Capital operates without the pressures of external fundraising, allowing it to concentrate on identifying and nurturing promising ventures.

Founded in 1989, OrbiMed is a New York-based healthcare-dedicated investment firm managing approximately $5 billion in assets. It invests across the spectrum of healthcare companies, from private start-ups to large multinational corporations, focusing on biopharmaceuticals, life sciences, digital health, medical devices, and diagnostics sectors globally.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a technology-focused capital provider based in Philadelphia, founded in 1982 to advance the region's technology community. The organization funds and supports technology companies across Pennsylvania, especially in information technology, health, and physical sciences, investing substantial capital in early-stage and established ventures. It has invested over 170 million dollars in more than 1,750 regional technology companies and has launched university-industry partnerships to translate scientific discoveries into commercial products, while seeding regional initiatives that strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem and create jobs.

Established in 2000 by Bill and Melinda Gates, this foundation is dedicated to enhancing healthcare, reducing extreme poverty globally, and expanding educational opportunities. It operates regionally with offices in Seattle, Washington D.C., New Delhi, Beijing, and London.

Perceptive Advisors, established in 1999, is a New York-based investment management firm specializing in the life sciences sector. It invests in both private and public biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, diagnostics, and health services companies across their lifecycle, from seed and early-stage ventures to public equities. The firm employs a long/short equity strategy and conducts in-house research to identify promising opportunities. Perceptive Advisors also offers customized debt financing solutions through its Perceptive Credit Opportunities Fund.

Andreessen Horowitz, established in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, is a prominent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The company specializes in investing in software businesses, with a focus on sectors such as bio + healthcare, artificial intelligence, consumer, enterprise, fintech, and infrastructure. It typically invests in startups at various stages, from seed to late-stage, with a flexible investment range of $0.025 million to $50 million. The firm is known for its focus on disruptive technology and has raised multiple funds to support its investment strategy.

IndieBio is an accelerator that supports startups using biology to solve major problems, delivering four-month programs for companies and teams with ideas. Based in San Francisco with an office in New York, it focuses on life sciences, biotechnology and synthetic biology, investing in seed and early-stage ventures that place biology at the core of their technology across products, processes and software. The program favors teams with two or more co-founders and generally provides equity-based funding in the early stages, often combining direct investments with additional financing options. Founded in 2014, IndieBio operates within the SOSV accelerator network, a global platform that supports portfolio companies through mentorship, resources and cross-border programs.

500 Global, established in 2010, is a global venture capital firm with over $2.4 billion in assets under management. Based in Mountain View, California, with offices worldwide, the firm invests in early-stage technology companies across 80+ countries. 500 Global focuses on markets where technology and innovation can drive long-term value and economic growth. The firm's investment portfolio spans diverse sectors such as biotech, fintech, internet, and consumer services, with a preference for companies generating at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. 500 Global offers a four-month accelerator program, providing startups with funding, mentorship, and connections to renowned investors. The firm has invested in over 2,800 companies, including 35 unicorns, and has a team of over 190 members based in 25 countries.

TEDCO is an independent organization established in 1998 and located in Columbia, Maryland. It serves as the leading source of entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies within Maryland's innovation economy. TEDCO focuses on early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, energy equipment, life sciences, and oncology. Its mission is to foster innovation and economic growth in Maryland by supporting the growth of startups and enhancing the state's position in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Newchip is a global remote startup accelerator that supports early-stage entrepreneurs in developing their business ideas and achieving growth. By offering a range of resources, mentorship, and educational programs, Newchip aims to equip startups with the necessary tools to navigate the challenges of launching and scaling a business. The accelerator's remote format allows participants from various geographical locations to access guidance and support without the constraints of physical attendance. Through its comprehensive approach, Newchip facilitates connections between startups and experienced industry professionals, fostering innovation and collaboration in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Founders Fund, established in 2005 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm that invests across various stages and sectors globally. It focuses on companies developing transformative technologies, with a particular interest in science and engineering ventures. These include consumer internet, biotechnology, aerospace and transportation, energy, artificial intelligence, and health. The firm's investment size ranges from $500,000 to $300 million, providing maximum support with minimum interference to its portfolio companies. Founders Fund is known for its founder-friendly approach and has been an early backer of prominent companies like SpaceX, Palantir, Facebook, and Airbnb.

Gaingels is a venture investment syndicate founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to supporting the LGBT+ community and its allies. The organization invests in companies led by LGBT+ founders and executives at all stages of development, as well as in established firms committed to enhancing their diversity and inclusivity. With a global portfolio comprising over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive business environment. Additionally, the Gaingels network actively assists its portfolio companies in identifying and recruiting diverse talent for their leadership teams, while cultivating a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to driving positive social change through business initiatives.

8VC, established in 1969 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies across various sectors, with a focus on enabling industry transformation. The firm, which is a Registered Investment Adviser, partners with founders to develop transformational technologies, targeting sectors such as healthcare, logistics, biology, IT infrastructure, and government & defense. 8VC aims to create long-term economic and societal value through its investments, promoting innovation and global prosperity.

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.

Northpond Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Bethesda, Maryland, with additional offices in San Francisco and Cambridge. Founded in 2018, the firm specializes in growth capital investments across various sectors, including life sciences, biotechnology, diagnostics, digital health, and emerging technologies. Northpond Ventures aims to support innovative companies that are poised to make significant advancements in healthcare and technology, with a focus on building a better future through its strategic investments. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to fostering developments in therapeutics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and medical technology.

Scottish Enterprise, established in 1991, is Scotland's principal economic development agency, operating as a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. Its mission is to stimulate Scotland's economic growth by fostering an innovative, high-wage, and productive economy with a strong international presence. The agency partners with both public and private sectors to identify and capitalize on opportunities that drive significant, lasting economic impact. Scottish Enterprise provides comprehensive support to businesses, including helping companies secure appropriate finance, strengthening management teams, and facilitating growth and export initiatives. It works closely with Scottish SMEs, as well as UK and international investors, such as business angels, venture capital groups, and corporate investors. The agency operates across Scotland in collaboration with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, aiming to increase the supply of finance for businesses and support the SME funding market.

Established in 1998, Enterprise Ireland is a government agency dedicated to fostering the growth of Irish businesses. It focuses on accelerating company development to achieve strong global market positions, driving national and regional prosperity.

Sequoia Capital, established in 1972, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The company focuses on investing in early to growth-stage companies across various sectors, including information technology, healthcare, financial services, and energy. Sequoia Capital provides capital and strategic support to a select group of daring founders, helping them build legendary companies and push technological boundaries. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $100 million, with a preference for being the first investor in profitable, fast-growing companies with proven teams and products. Sequoia Capital also manages funds focused on specific regions and sectors, such as India and the technology sector.

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011, that manages investment portfolios and provides asset management services to clients across sectors, with a focus on software as a service companies, and analyzes market trends to inform its investment decisions while operating in finance, technology, and real estate.

Founded in 2010, Verve Ventures is a European venture capital firm headquartered in Switzerland. It operates a digital investment platform for qualified investors, enabling them to build diversified startup portfolios with investments starting at EUR 10,000. With over EUR 130 million invested in over 100 startups and a community of 5,000 registered investors, Verve Ventures focuses on science and technology sectors, sourcing top deals and structuring rounds for its investors.

DigitalHealth.London Accelerator, established in 2016 and located in London, United Kingdom, focuses on enhancing the adoption of innovative healthcare technologies by supporting high-potential small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Accelerator provides these businesses with in-depth knowledge of the National Health Service (NHS) and facilitates access to a network of strategic partners, offering a wealth of resources and expertise across various sectors, including healthcare, research, and digital health. By accelerating the integration of new technologies within the NHS, DigitalHealth.London aims to ensure that a larger number of patients can benefit from cutting-edge solutions more swiftly, marking it as a pioneering initiative in the realm of digital health innovation.

New Enterprise Associates is a venture capital firm founded in 1977 and based in Menlo Park, California, with offices in the United States, India and China. It makes investments across technology and healthcare startups at multiple stages, from seed to growth, including software, cloud, data, internet services, fintech, AI, e-commerce, and enterprise technology, as well as healthcare information technology, life sciences, medical devices, and biopharma. It also considers energy technology and infrastructure opportunities, such as solar, batteries and smart grids. The firm pursues a global approach, with activity in the United States, Asia and other regions, and supports companies through rounds of financing ranging from small to sizable investments as they scale. NEA focuses on building portfolios in software, IT services, consumer technology, and healthcare technology, backing ambitious entrepreneurs across sectors and geographies.