Crowdcube Limited is an equity crowdfunding platform based in Exeter, United Kingdom, with an additional office in London. Founded in 2009, the company allows entrepreneurs of start-ups and growing businesses to raise funds from a diverse network of investors, including friends, family, and the general public. Through Crowdcube, individuals can invest in small companies in exchange for equity or an annual return, thereby democratizing access to investment opportunities that were once primarily available to corporate investors. Since pioneering equity crowdfunding in 2011, Crowdcube has facilitated over £300 million in investments from more than 390,000 investors, supporting over 520 successful fundraising campaigns. Notable businesses that have utilized the platform include Monzo, River Cottage, and the Eden Project, among others.

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.

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 European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a multilateral development finance institution established in 1990. Headquartered in London, it operates primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The EBRD provides a range of financial products and services, including loans, equity investments, and guarantees, to support private sector development and promote sustainable growth. It serves various sectors such as agribusiness, energy, finance, and infrastructure, and also offers policy dialogue and advisory services. The EBRD has invested over €130 billion in more than 5,200 projects since its inception, playing a significant role in fostering change and economic development in its regions of operation.

Mews is a cloud-based hotel property management system designed to streamline hotel operations and enhance guest experiences. Founded by former hoteliers, Mews provides a next-generation hospitality platform suitable for hotels, hostels, and apartments. Its innovative features include smart automation for online check-ins, payment processing, booking management, and staff training, allowing property owners to improve both operational efficiency and guest satisfaction. Serving over 5,000 properties across more than 85 countries, Mews stands out for its extensive range of integrations with various hospitality technology providers, making it a comprehensive solution in the industry. In recognition of its capabilities, Mews was awarded Best Property Management System at the 2024 HotelTechAwards.

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.

Startup Wise Guys, established in 2012 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, is a leading early-stage investor and accelerator in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and the Nordics. It offers a world-class, up to five-month accelerator program focused on validating, developing, and selling products to business customers, with a particular interest in Sustainability, B2B SaaS, Fintech, Cybersecurity, and XR sectors. The program, supported by over 200 international and local mentors, has accelerated more than 300 startups, with an 80% success and survival rate, and 11 major exits. Post-program, startups join an alumni community of over 300 startups across 40 countries, gaining access to invite-only events for business development and fundraising support.

Restaurant Brands International Inc. is a leading global quick service restaurant company headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Founded in 1954, it operates and franchises renowned brands including Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes. The company has a significant international presence, with over 31,000 restaurants across more than 100 countries and U.S. territories, generating approximately $43 billion in systemwide sales as of 2023. Restaurant Brands International primarily earns revenue through retail sales at its company-owned locations, royalty fees and lease income from franchised establishments, and its Tim Hortons supply chain operations. The company emphasizes growth through leveraging core values, fostering relationships with employees and franchisees, and maintaining a strong commitment to community support, benefiting from the shared practices and scale of its diverse brand portfolio.

Indian Angel Network (IAN) is a prominent venture capital investment firm founded in 2019 and based in New Delhi, India. It brings together a diverse group of successful entrepreneurs and CEOs who are interested in investing in seed-stage and early-stage companies with significant growth potential. IAN focuses on a variety of sectors, including healthcare, artificial intelligence, software as a service, fintech, and big data, among others. The firm not only provides financial support but also offers valuable mentoring, strategic guidance, and access to extensive networks, enabling startups to navigate challenges effectively. By leveraging India's technological strengths and expanding consumer markets, IAN aims to foster innovation and drive long-term growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Branded Hospitality, established in 2017, is a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in investments within the hospitality and technology sectors. The company focuses on seed, early, and later-stage companies, preferring minority stakes in its portfolio. Branded Hospitality operates through three key business lines: Venture Investments, Solutions, and Media. Through Venture Investments, the firm backs innovative technologies and emerging brands transforming the food service and hospitality landscape. The Solutions division collaborates with leading corporate partners to develop tailored solutions enhancing operational efficiency and brand visibility. As a media leader, Branded Hospitality creates and distributes compelling content, engaging key decision-makers and thought leaders in the industry.

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.

Arches Capital is an angel investment group based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, founded in 2018. The firm focuses on early-stage companies poised for rapid growth, primarily in sectors such as financial technology, data science, commerce, cybersecurity, and medical technology. By combining the strategic funding approach of venture capitalists with the personal engagement of business angels, Arches Capital aims to provide not just financial support but also valuable business knowledge and mentorship. Each investment involves a subset of its seasoned investors, known as 'Archangels,' who actively participate in the company's development. A lead investor from this group takes on an advisory role, ensuring effective communication and collaboration with the founders. This hands-on involvement helps ignite the growth potential of portfolio companies, and Arches Capital also seeks to facilitate follow-on investments for successful ventures, distinguishing itself from traditional angel syndicates.

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.

Tiger Global Management, established in 2001 by Charles Coleman, is a global investment firm headquartered in New York. It specializes in both public and private equity investments, focusing on companies that drive growth through technological innovation. The firm's public equity strategy encompasses long/short and growth-oriented investments, while its private equity arm targets early to late-stage companies across diverse industries. Tiger Global takes a long-term view, collaborating with portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle to identify and capitalize on high-quality growth opportunities worldwide, with a particular focus on emerging markets like China, India, and Latin America.

Hyatt Hotels is a global hospitality company that operates a diverse portfolio of upscale and luxury brands, including vacation brands such as Apple Leisure Group, Hyatt Ziva, and Hyatt Zilara, as well as the lifestyle brand Hyatt Centric and the wellness brand Miraval. With approximately 4% of its total rooms owned and 96% managed or franchised, Hyatt's offerings span around 20 distinct brands. The company has expanded its footprint through acquisitions, notably Two Roads Hospitality in 2018 and Apple Leisure Group in 2021. Hyatt's properties are predominantly located in the Americas, which account for 54% of its total rooms, while 22% are situated in the rest of the world and 23% in the Asia-Pacific region. This strategic positioning allows Hyatt to cater to a wide range of travelers, from luxury seekers to those looking for extended-stay options.

Source Code Capital, established in 2014, is a prominent venture capital firm based in China, specializing in the Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT) sectors. With approximately $1.5 billion USD and RMB 3.5 billion under management, the company invests in both early-stage startups and growth-stage companies, focusing on three key areas: Internet+, AI+, and Global+. Their portfolio spans across various sectors, including media and entertainment, consumer services, enterprise, finance, retail, transportation, housing, education, and healthcare. Since its inception, Source Code Capital has successfully partnered with nearly 150 leading Chinese technology founders, such as Bytedance and Meituan. The firm offers a comprehensive range of post-investment services, mentorship, resources, and global perspectives to support its portfolio companies and their founders.

PeakBridge is a global venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, specializing in FoodTech investments. Founded in 2019, the firm focuses on funding early-stage to Series B companies that are pioneering scalable and protectable technologies aimed at transforming the food system with a strong emphasis on climate and health impact. With a network spanning seven countries, PeakBridge's team comprises seasoned experts in Agri-Food operational and financial experience, dedicated to supporting innovative entrepreneurs in the FoodTech sector. The firm manages three FoodTech funds with a total asset under management of 250 million and has invested in 26 portfolio companies worldwide across various verticals, including alternative protein, nutrition, and alternative farming. Additionally, PeakBridge is an official partner of EIT Food, the world’s largest Agri-Food innovation initiative, further solidifying its commitment to driving positive change in the food industry.

Jollibee is the largest fast food chain in the Philippines, operating over 750 stores nationwide and holding a dominant market share that exceeds that of all other multinational brands combined. Founded by Tony Tan and his family, Jollibee began as an ice cream parlor and has grown into a significant player in the global quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. The company emphasizes a family-oriented approach in its management and marketing, focusing on traditional family values to appeal to its target audience. Jollibee's menu features popular items like Chickenjoy, Yumburger, and Jollibee Spaghetti, which, combined with efficient manufacturing and logistics, contribute to its success. In addition to its strong domestic presence, Jollibee has pursued aggressive international expansion, establishing stores in the USA, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Brunei. The brand is recognized for its commitment to customer satisfaction and has received numerous accolades as an employer, reflecting its values in both its workforce and customer engagement.

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.

Scottish EDGE is a competition designed to identify and support innovative entrepreneurs in Scotland with high-growth potential. It focuses on nurturing start-ups and recognizes that ongoing support is essential for long-term success. The initiative offers prize funding of up to £150,000 to assist these emerging businesses, fostering a sustainable environment for entrepreneurial development. Through its comprehensive approach, Scottish EDGE aims to cultivate Scotland's entrepreneurial talent and contribute to the growth of the local economy.

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital investment firm established in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in investing in a range of sectors, including food and beverage companies, lifestyle consumer brands, agricultural technology, and technology firms. As a registered investment adviser, Cleveland Avenue focuses on seed-stage, early-stage, later-stage, and growth-stage opportunities, aiming to support innovative companies that align with its strategic interests.

BlackSoil operates an alternative lending platform designed to support emerging new economy enterprises in securing necessary financing. The company provides a diverse range of debt financing options tailored to meet the specific needs of these businesses, facilitating their operational growth and investment in key initiatives. By offering accessible capital solutions, BlackSoil aims to empower its clients to achieve their financial objectives and succeed in a competitive market.

Advent International, established in 1984, is a prominent private equity firm headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. It provides investment advisory services, specializing in buyouts and growth equity investments across five core sectors: healthcare, technology, business and financial services, consumer and retail, and industrial. With a global reach spanning North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, Advent invests in companies seeking long-term growth and operational improvement.

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.

Stonegate Pub Company is a pub and bar operator based in Solihull, United Kingdom, managing over 690 establishments across various formats. The company offers a diverse range of venues, including traditional and branded pubs, clubs, and late-night venues, as well as country inns and leased or tenanted properties. This extensive portfolio allows Stonegate to cater to a wide array of clientele, providing spaces for different celebrations while promoting traditional British culture.

Inspire Corporation partners and customers to overcome practices and old-fashioned businesses. Inspire aims to create pioneering businesses and companies that can change the world.

AppWorks, established in 2009, is a Taipei-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology startups. It focuses on sectors such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, web3, and blockchain across Taiwan and Southeast Asia. The firm provides seed funding through its Accelerator program and growth financing via its AppWorks Funds, which target investments ranging from USD 50,000 to USD 10 million. Additionally, AppWorks offers educational programs through AppWorks School to prepare aspiring engineers for tech industry careers.

Sysco is a leading global foodservice distributor that specializes in selling, marketing, and distributing food and non-food products to a diverse range of customers, including restaurants, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and lodging establishments. The company is recognized for its extensive product offerings, which cater to the needs of various sectors, ensuring that clients receive quality supplies to support their operations. Sysco's commitment to customer service and product variety positions it as a vital partner in the foodservice industry worldwide.

Mumbai Angels is an angel stage investment firm founded in 2006 and based in Mumbai, India. The firm focuses on early-stage companies, providing them with the necessary support to grow and scale. It serves as a breeding ground for innovative businesses, acting as a bridge between entrepreneurs and larger corporations, as well as financial investors looking for incubated companies with potential for development. Through its investments, Mumbai Angels aims to foster entrepreneurship and contribute to the growth of the startup ecosystem in India.

Bridgepoint, established in 1984, is a London-based private equity firm with a global presence. It specializes in growth investments, offering tailored strategies such as middle-market buyouts and private credit. The firm focuses on various sectors, including advanced industrials, business services, financial services, consumer, healthcare, and technology. Bridgepoint's investment range typically falls between GBP 10 million to GBP 75 million, supporting around 20 companies valued between GBP 30 million to GBP 150 million. It also provides syndicated debt offerings and manages credit opportunities. With bases in eight European private equity markets and operations in New York and Shanghai, Bridgepoint is a significant player in the global private equity landscape.

Strong Ventures, established in 2011 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California, is a seed fund that invests in and supports early-stage entrepreneurs, predominantly of Korean and Asian origin, but also globally. With a focus on SaaS, content, mobility, and other emerging sectors, the firm provides not only financial backing but also hands-on mentorship, strategic guidance, and network access to help these entrepreneurs successfully enter the global market.

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.

Food Labs is a Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 2015, focusing on innovative solutions in the food and agriculture sectors. The firm invests in consumer products, consumer services, and food technology, aiming to support startups that address the challenges of feeding a growing global population sustainably and healthily. Food Labs has backed over 20 mission-driven teams, fostering ideas across the entire value chain, including areas such as agricultural technology, alternative proteins, water supply, food security, vertical farming, and waste reduction. By promoting advancements in these sectors, Food Labs seeks to contribute to a more sustainable food system.

Iron Pillar, established in 2016, is a Mumbai-based venture growth investor specializing in mid-stage technology investments in India. The firm focuses on Consumer Tech and Enterprise Tech sectors, backing proven companies post-Series A funding. With a 6-member founding team boasting over 100 years of combined experience in venture investing, M&A, operations, and technology, Iron Pillar actively partners with entrepreneurs and early-stage investors to support companies' growth. They provide strategic guidance, facilitate global business expansion, and offer access to C-level talent and strategic capital introductions. Iron Pillar's investment size typically ranges from USD 5 million to USD 20 million, with a focus on the information technology sector.

Hiventures is a prominent venture capital firm based in Budapest, Hungary, founded in 1999. It focuses on providing equity funding to innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with high growth potential, as well as more traditional businesses. By investing across various sectors, Hiventures aims to foster a sustainable and competitive ecosystem for SMEs in Hungary and the broader Central and Eastern European region. The firm is recognized as one of the largest and most active venture capital partners in the area, dedicated to creating new funding avenues for enterprises.

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., established in 1869, is a global leader in investment banking, securities, and investment management. It operates in four primary segments: Investment Banking, Institutional Client Services, Investing & Lending, and Investment Management. The company provides a wide range of services, including financial advisory services for mergers and acquisitions, underwriting services for various securities, client execution services for fixed income, currencies, commodities, and equities, securities services, and wealth advisory services. It serves a diverse client base comprising corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. Additionally, Goldman Sachs invests in a broad array of asset classes, including debt securities, equity securities, real estate, and private equity, demonstrating its commitment to driving growth and innovation across industries.

Lead Angels is an angel network based in Mumbai, India, established in 2014 by a team of three individuals from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. This network specifically targets startups associated with IITs and brings together successful entrepreneurs from various sectors who invest both time and capital into promising ventures. Lead Angels primarily focuses on seed-stage and early-stage companies, with a particular interest in those operating within the e-commerce and technology sectors. By leveraging the expertise and resources of its members, Lead Angels aims to support disruptive startups across India.

Saison Capital, established in 2019 and based in Singapore, is the venture capital investment arm of Credit Saison. The firm focuses on investing in Seed to Series A companies across Southeast Asia and India. While it maintains a sector-agnostic investment approach, Saison Capital shows a particular interest in initiatives that aim to create ecosystems capable of delivering financial services to the unbanked population. The firm's investment preferences include financial technology, e-commerce, and web3 sectors, reflecting a commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the region.

Elior Group is a prominent player in the contracted food and support services industry, specializing in contract and concession catering. Founded in 1991 and headquartered in La Défense, France, the company serves a diverse clientele that includes hotels, industrial sites, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and transportation hubs such as airports and railway stations. Elior Group is known for its customized solutions and innovative catering concepts, and it has developed several brands, including Elior, Areas, and Serunion. The company operates primarily in France, Italy, the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom, and has been a member of the United Nations Global Compact since 2004, achieving the GC Advanced Level in 2015. In addition to its catering services, Elior Group provides a comprehensive range of cleaning and hygiene services, reinforcing its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.

Gruhas is a venture capital firm established in 2021 and based in Bangalore, India. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage startups and teams that are driving advancements in technology and innovation. Gruhas targets a diverse range of sectors, including property technology, climate solutions, content creation, consumer products, clean technology, media, and entertainment. By partnering with founders in these fields, the firm aims to support the development of transformative ideas and businesses that can make a significant impact in their respective industries.

Mizuho Capital is a venture capital firm headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is affiliated with Mizuho Bank, the second-largest bank in Japan by assets. Founded in 1983, the firm specializes in investments across various sectors, including information technology, internet-related services, biotechnology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Mizuho Capital manages approximately ¥49.6 billion JPY and has a significant track record, with over 600 of its portfolio companies having gone public. The firm was established in its current form in 2002 through the merger of three subsidiaries: Fujigin Capital, Tokyo Venture Capital, and IBJ Investment, which were previously associated with leading Japanese banks. Mizuho Capital is recognized as the fifth-largest venture capital firm in Japan, reflecting its influential position within the industry.

Chiratae Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Bengaluru, India, founded in 2006. The firm focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including mobility, software as a service, education technology, consumer technology, health technology, climate technology, financial technology, agricultural technology, B2B, and deep technology. With a global network, Chiratae Ventures manages approximately $3.6 billion and has built a portfolio of over 220 companies over the past 15 years. The firm's unique advantage lies in its affiliation with International Data Group (IDG), which provides extensive resources in global publishing, market research, and industry events, enhancing its ability to support early-stage companies in navigating their markets and achieving growth.

Blume Ventures, established in 2010 and headquartered in Mumbai, is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in tech-focused and tech-enabled startups across India. They typically provide pre-series A and early-stage funding, often being the first institutional investors, and maintain a collaborative approach by co-investing with like-minded angels and seed funds. Blume Ventures offers follow-on investments to their portfolio companies, with an investment horizon of about 8-10 years. They target a wide range of sectors, including B2B and B2C products and services, financial services, healthcare, and information technology, among others. The firm invests amounts ranging from USD 100,000 to USD 5 million, with a preference for minority stakes. Blume Ventures assists founders at every stage through its full-stack platform approach, providing support in talent acquisition and more.

Mizuho Bank, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a commercial bank offering a wide array of financial services. Established in 2013, it provides corporate and investment banking services to major corporations, financial institutions, and public sector entities. The bank's services include various deposit and loan products, as well as investment banking, custodial, syndication, and real estate finance services. Through its subsidiary, Mizuho Americas, it offers investment banking services, catering to diverse sectors such as consumer retail, financial institutions, healthcare, and technology, among others. Mizuho Americas combines Japanese heritage with American talent, offering creative solutions while mitigating risks. Mizuho Corporate Bank, another subsidiary, delivers business solutions tailored to meet the needs of both domestic and global companies.

Accor is a global hospitality company that operates over 821,000 rooms across approximately 50 hotel brands, catering to various market segments from luxury to economy. The company's brand portfolio includes well-known names such as Ibis, which is the largest, accounting for 35% of total rooms, followed by Mercure and Novotel. Accor's operations have shifted towards an asset-light model, with a significant portion of its earnings derived from managed and franchised hotels, particularly following the sale of most of its owned assets in 2018-2019. The company maintains a strong presence in Europe and North Africa, which collectively represent 44% of its room offerings, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 34%, the Americas for 13%, and the remaining 10% is spread across India, the Middle East, and Africa. Accor also extends its services beyond accommodation, offering entertainment, dining, coworking solutions, and business services to enhance guest experiences and operational performance.

Sodexo, established in 1966, is a global leader in Quality of Life services, operating in over 80 countries with annual revenues exceeding EUR 20 billion. The company specializes in on-site services, including food and facilities management, catering to diverse sectors like schools, universities, hospitals, and senior living communities. Sodexo's unique expertise lies in its ability to integrate a wide range of services, from over 100 professions, to enhance the Quality of Life for its clients. The company's venture capital arm, Sodexo Ventures, invests in innovative startups in the food product, healthcare, and information technology sectors to foster growth and collaboration.

Business Growth Fund, established in 2011, is a prominent investor in small and mid-sized businesses, offering patient capital and strategic support to growing companies and ambitious entrepreneurs. As the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in small and medium-sized companies, they have £2.5bn to support businesses across various sectors and regions. With 14 offices, they are closely connected to the businesses they invest in. Boasting a team of over 150 professionals and a network of board-level executives, they aim to drive economic activity by enabling entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses and contribute to increased employment, exports, and overall growth. The companies in their portfolio collectively employ close to 50,000 people, highlighting their significant impact on the business landscape.

Aozora Corporate Investment is an investment firm established in 2018 as the corporate venture capital arm of Aozora Bank, located in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on making investments primarily in the alcoholic beverages and food sectors, aiming to support innovative companies within these industries. By leveraging its affiliation with Aozora Bank, the firm seeks to identify and nurture growth opportunities that align with its strategic interests.

McDonald's Corporation is a leading global fast-food chain that operates and franchises restaurants across the world, including the United States, Europe, the Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Canada, and Latin America. Founded in 1940 and headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, the company has established itself as the largest restaurant owner-operator globally, with system sales of approximately $130 billion in 2023 and nearly 42,000 locations in 115 markets. McDonald's menu features a wide range of food products, including burgers, salads, fish, wraps, and beverages, catering to diverse consumer preferences. The company's business model is largely based on franchising, generating about 60% of its revenue from franchise royalty fees and lease payments, while the remainder comes from sales at company-operated restaurants. The franchise model has been pivotal in expanding McDonald's global presence, allowing independent franchisees and master partners to contribute to its growth.

Jubilant FoodWorks Limited is a food service company that operates as the exclusive franchisee for Domino's Pizza in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, as well as for Dunkin’ Donuts in India. Established in 1995 and headquartered in Noida, India, the company manages 1,335 Domino's Pizza outlets across 282 cities, along with 34 Dunkin’ Donuts locations in 10 cities and one Hong’s Kitchen restaurant. The Dunkin’ Donuts brand is positioned as a food café offering a diverse menu that includes burgers, wraps, and sandwiches alongside traditional donuts and beverages. The majority of Jubilant FoodWorks’ revenue is generated from its operations in India, with pizza sales constituting approximately three-quarters of its total revenue. The company also engages in online sales through its mobile application, enhancing accessibility for customers.