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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd (SCGC) is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 by the Shenzhen Government. The company is dedicated to fostering national industries, developing national brands, and promoting economic transformation through investments in emerging sectors. SCGC primarily targets small to medium enterprises and innovative high-tech companies, focusing on those in various stages of growth, including startups and those undergoing transformation. Its investment portfolio spans industries that align with national policy support, such as information technology, internet services, new media, biopharmaceuticals, new energy, environmental protection, chemical engineering, and high-end equipment manufacturing. With a registered capital of 5.42 billion RMB and significant assets under management, SCGC has established itself as a leader in the venture capital landscape, having invested in numerous companies, many of which have achieved public listings across global capital 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.

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.

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.

Cowin Capital, established in 2000, is a Shenzhen-based private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments. With 18 years of experience, it focuses on supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises, primarily in the energy, communication, electronics, and environmental protection sectors. Cowin Capital takes a long-term approach, aiming to create value through strategic partnerships and operational support. It has successfully invested in over 300 companies, with 60 becoming publicly listed and 150 achieving successful exits. Notably, Cowin Capital was one of the first venture capital institutions to be listed on the New Third Board (NEEQ) in China.

Founded in 2012, Momenta is a leading venture capital firm based in Meggen, Switzerland. It focuses on investing in digital solutions within the energy, manufacturing, smart spaces, and supply chain sectors.

Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group is a global investment entity that focuses on core technology and internet-related sectors, including cloud computing, big data, artificial intelligence, and robotics. Based in Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, the group manages venture capital funds, such as the Lenovo Smart Internet Innovation RMB Fund, which specifically targets the Internet innovation industry in China. The group's strategy emphasizes leveraging Lenovo's extensive global resources to promote research and development, facilitating new business avenues, and fostering innovation. Through targeted investments and incubation efforts, Lenovo Capital and Incubator Group seeks to align with Lenovo's strategic objectives and drive future advancements in technology.

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.

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.

ABB, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, is a global leader in power and automation technologies. With operations in over 100 countries, ABB offers a wide range of products, systems, solutions, and services for various industries, including electric, gas, and water utilities, as well as industrial and commercial customers. Its portfolio spans smart grids, robotics, renewable energy, marine vessels, and motors. ABB's business-led venture capital arm, ABB Ventures, invests in breakthrough technology companies aligned with ABB's strategic goals, focusing on sectors such as robotics, industrial IoT, AI/machine learning, energy transition, and electric mobility. Since its inception in 2009, ABB Ventures has deployed around $500 million into startups, with investments typically ranging from $1 to $20 million. Additionally, ABB Product Group Solar operates as a solar inverter business, and ABB Power Systems AB manufactures high-voltage direct current transmission equipment.

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.

Addor Capital is a growth capital investment firm established in 2014 and located in Nanjing, China. The firm specializes in providing investment services by financing early-stage ventures and acquiring securities of various companies. Addor Capital focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including clean technology, health, new materials, advanced manufacturing, consumer services, cultural industries, and technology, media, and telecommunications. Its investment strategy encompasses seed-stage, early-stage, later-stage, and growth-stage companies, primarily within China.

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.

Shunwei Capital, established in 2011 and headquartered in Beijing, is a venture capital firm primarily focused on investing in early-stage Chinese internet companies. It manages multiple funds, including Shunwei RMB Fund II, Shunwei China Internet Opportunity Fund III, and Shunwei China Internet Fund IV, totaling seven funds since inception. The firm's investment portfolio spans across various sectors such as technology, internet of things, mobile internet, intelligent hardware, and rural internet, with a total of 351 investments made to date. Shunwei Capital has successfully exited from 29 investments, demonstrating its track record in the dynamic Chinese internet sector.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Founded in 1890, Emerson specializes in industrial automation solutions, serving customers globally across various industries. The company offers products such as automation hardware, software, and power tools through its divisions: Network Power, Process Management, Industrial Automation, Climate Technologies, and Commercial & Residential Solutions.

Atlas Copco is a Swedish company with a rich history of 140 years, recognized as a leader in the manufacturing of air compressors, vacuum solutions, and industrial tools. The company specializes in providing a wide range of equipment, including gas generators, aeration blowers, and vacuum pumps, catering to various industries from food production to aerospace. Atlas Copco's operations span 180 countries, ensuring a comprehensive reach to its diverse customer base. The company's revenue is generated through the sale of initial equipment, spare parts, and maintenance services. Committed to economic, environmental, and social responsibility, Atlas Copco focuses on delivering innovative solutions that enhance everyday life while driving advancements in technology within its sectors.

Global Brain Corporation, established in 1998, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm that invests in technology-focused startups globally, from seed to pre-IPO stages. With a track record of 300+ investments, 25 IPOs, and 61 M&As, the firm provides hands-on support to its portfolio companies. Global Brain manages both independent and corporate venture capital funds, partnering with tier 1 public companies across various industries.

Rockwell Automation provides industrial automation solutions, including hardware and software for control products and architecture & software segments. Serving various industries globally through direct sales and distributors.

Oriza Holdings is an asset management firm based in Suzhou, China, founded in 2001. The company specializes in providing equity and debt financing solutions to companies at various stages of development, from seed to growth stages. Oriza Holdings operates through multiple investment arms, focusing on sectors such as industrial, healthcare, integrated circuits, and technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT). The company also has a professional platform for mergers and acquisitions, known as Oriza Prior, which integrates investment and industrial resources to enhance operational efficiency and maximize investment returns. With a commitment to fostering growth, Oriza Holdings plays a significant role in the Southeast Asian market.

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

European Investment Bank is the EU's long-term lending institution owned by its member states. It finances public and private sector projects across transportation, energy, telecommunications, health, education, water, housing, and other sectors in the European Union and beyond. The bank provides a range of financing tools including project loans, guarantees, debt and equity investments, and risk-sharing arrangements, as well as microfinance and venture capital funds. It also offers advisory services, infrastructure funding, and support for urban development, PPPs, and sustainable energy projects. Through infrastructure and environmental funds and partnerships with banks and intermediaries, it supports SMEs, innovation, and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Eclipse Ventures, established in 2015 and based in Palo Alto, California, is a seed-stage venture firm focused on modernizing large-scale, physical industries. They invest in sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, transportation, and healthcare, partnering with experienced founders to build transformative companies. The firm, managed by former industry operators, provides operational guidance and fundraising strategies to their portfolio companies.

Tiger Global Management is a New York based investment firm that manages public and private market strategies to pursue technology-driven growth opportunities worldwide. Founded in 2001 by Charles (Chase) Coleman, the firm invests in leading global companies across various industries, with a particular emphasis on technology-enabled growth. In public markets it employs long/short and growth strategies, while in private markets it targets opportunities from early to late stage. The firm operates globally, including the United States, China, India, Latin America, and Eastern Europe, and works with portfolio companies across their lifecycle to drive long-term value.

BDC Capital Inc., established in 1975, is a private equity and venture capital arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada. It specializes in direct and fund of funds investments, focusing on middle market, later stage, and emerging growth companies. BDC Capital provides a full spectrum of risk capital, from seed investments to transition capital, with a focus on early and development technology stage companies. It invests in healthcare, information technology, and industrial/energy/clean technology sectors across Canada, with a focus on Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. BDC Capital typically invests between CAD3 million and CAD35 million, preferring minority stakes and Board representation. It seeks to exit investments within three to five years through IPOs, strategic sales, or leveraged management buyouts.

Next47 is an independent, global venture capital firm backed by Siemens AG. Established in 2016 with offices across Europe and North America, it focuses on investing in early-stage enterprise-focused businesses, particularly in software-as-a-service, information technology, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

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.

The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage acceleration program founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is dedicated to supporting massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures by providing a unique coaching process focused on specific objectives. CDL connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and leading scientists across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum computing, blockchain, energy, and cleantech. The program has expanded its reach, operating in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New York City, and emphasizes the commercialization of scientific and technological advancements.

FuturePlay is an accelerator and early-stage investor based in Seoul, South Korea, specializing in deep tech startups. Established in 2014, the firm has invested in 55 companies, primarily in South Korea, with a significant portion also based in the United States. FuturePlay is expanding its focus to Southeast Asia, targeting markets such as Singapore, Vietnam, Taiwan, and Hong Kong. The firm operates two main acceleration programs: TechUP, an annual company-building initiative for deep tech engineers, and TechUP+, a co-acceleration program developed in partnership with major enterprises tailored to specific industries like beauty and energy. FuturePlay is backed by global corporations, including CISCO and LG, and has invested across various sectors, including robotics, healthcare, artificial intelligence, and fintech.

Schematic Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and located in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in technology companies, concentrating on sectors such as supply chain, manufacturing, transportation, commerce infrastructure, and digital industrial applications. By targeting innovative businesses in these industries, Schematic Ventures aims to support the growth of transformative technologies that enhance operational efficiency and drive advancements in industrial processes.

Lux Capital, established in 2000, is a New York-based venture capital firm managing over $4 billion in assets. It invests in early-stage and growth companies at the intersection of technology and sciences, focusing on sectors such as biochemistry, material science, electronics, infrastructure, and aerospace. Lux actively supports entrepreneurs, having helped build over 20 companies from scratch, and employs a strategy that enhances portfolio companies' connectivity, insights, and industry leadership.

Established in 1999, Innovation Works is a prominent investor in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology sector. It provides capital and resources to early-stage companies with high growth potential and significant regional impact, particularly focusing on robotics, AI, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software.

Schneider Electric is a global leader in digital transformation for energy management and automation across buildings, data centers, and industrial settings. The company designs and manufactures products and systems for electrical distribution and control, including low-voltage products, grid automation, transformers, switchgear, and protection relays, along with software and services for energy management, monitoring, and control. It offers automation, machine and motor control, power management, and energy storage solutions, as well as building automation and cooling and data center infrastructure. Schneider Electric emphasizes interoperability through EcoStruxure, an open IoT-enabled platform that integrates devices, analytics, and apps to improve efficiency, safety, reliability, and sustainability. Its end markets include power generation, transmission and distribution, oil and gas, metals and mining, infrastructure, and smart city projects, with a global footprint and a broad partner and customer base. The company also operates regional units and subsidiaries worldwide to serve local markets and deliver integrated solutions.

Zürcher Kantonalbank is a Swiss commercial bank established in 1870 and headquartered in Zurich. It operates as an independent public-law institution, wholly owned by the canton of Zurich, and adheres to a public service mandate that encompasses economic, social, and environmental commitments. The bank provides a variety of financial services, including savings and investment accounts, mortgage loans, investment management, and professional financing advisory services, primarily for Swiss and German clients. Additionally, Zürcher Kantonalbank offers international banking services such as international payments, letters of credit, export financing, and bank guarantees. It also caters to institutional, professional, and private investors with a range of investment solutions and advisory services.

Baidu Ventures, established in 2017, is an independent venture capital fund backed by Baidu and other prominent investors. With approximately $500 million under management across three funds and offices in Beijing and San Francisco, the firm invests in early-stage companies driving innovation in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, life sciences, robotics, big data, and related technologies. Its mission is to support entrepreneurs transforming how we work, live, and interact through cutting-edge technologies.

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.

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.

Fortune Capital, established in 2000, is a Shenzhen-based venture capital firm. It focuses on investing in leading companies across four key sectors: Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT), Consumer Goods/Services, Modern Agriculture, and Clean Tech. The firm is known for its high performance and has received several industry recognitions. Apart from providing capital, Fortune Capital offers personalized value-added services to its investee companies.

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.

Export Development Canada is a government-owned export credit agency that supports Canadian companies in expanding internationally. Founded in 1944 and based in Ottawa, it provides financial solutions, insurance, trade knowledge, and connections to help exporters and their international buyers grow with confidence. The organization offers trade financing, export credit insurance, bond products, and secured loans to small and medium-sized businesses, as well as equity and venture capital investments. By offering these capabilities, EDC helps Canadian firms of all sizes pursue global opportunities and manage risks in cross-border trade.