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.
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.
MassChallenge is a global startup accelerator supporting early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries. Founded in 2009, it provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities through its programs worldwide.
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.
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.
Founded in 2005, Y Combinator is a California-based startup accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm. It provides funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies across various industries, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and finance. The organization helps founders refine their business models and products through an intensive three-month program in Silicon Valley, culminating in Demo Day presentations to investors.
Qualcomm Ventures, established in 2000, is the investment arm of Qualcomm Incorporated. Based in San Diego, California, it is a global corporate venture capital fund that invests in early-stage technology companies. With over $500 million initially committed and subsequent regional funds totaling over $300 million, Qualcomm Ventures focuses on sectors such as artificial intelligence, automotive, cloud, enterprise, internet of things, mobile, and extended reality. It seeks to generate strong returns while complementing Qualcomm's existing products and services, and often invests between $500,000 and $10 million at the expansion stage. Notable portfolio companies include 99 Taxis, Cruise Automation, and Fitbit.
HAX is a global venture capital-backed program dedicated to accelerating startups with a hardware element. Operating in San Francisco and Shenzhen, HAX focuses on rapid prototyping and iteration, helping teams develop scalable business plans and secure funding.
Intel Corporation, established in 1968, is a global leader in semiconductor chip manufacturing. The company designs, manufactures, and sells essential technologies for cloud, smart, and connected devices worldwide. Intel operates through various segments, offering platform products like central processing units and chipsets, and non-platform products such as accelerators, connectivity products, and memory and storage solutions. Additionally, Intel provides Internet of Things products and computer vision technology. Serving original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and cloud service providers, Intel collaborates with other tech giants to advance computing and communications. Intel Capital, the company's strategic investment arm, invests in innovative startups targeting cloud, AI, 5G, and other disruptive technologies. With a workforce of over 100,000 employees globally, Intel is transforming from a PC-centric company to a data-centric one, powering the future of computing and communications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sequoia Capital is a global venture capital firm, founded in 1972, specializing in early-stage and growth investments across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. With offices worldwide, Sequoia manages multiple funds and has invested in over 350 companies that have become public or achieved significant valuations.
SoftBank Group is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Japan. It operates through four segments: mobile communications, Sprint, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet. The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data transmission services, broadband services, internet advertising, e-commerce, and digital television. SoftBank Group also invests in various technologies through its venture capital arms, such as SoftBank Investment Advisers and SoftBank Vision Fund, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. One of its notable subsidiaries, SoftBank Robotics, designs and manufactures humanoid robots for various applications, including education, healthcare, and business.
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.
Founded in 1953, BDC Capital is a Canadian investment firm specializing in growth and expansion financing. It focuses on information technology, technology, energy, cleantech, and healthcare sectors across Canada.
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.
Founded in 2012, Alchemist Accelerator is a San Francisco-based startup accelerator focused on seed-stage ventures that generate revenue from enterprises. It invests up to $40,000 and provides a six-month program offering mentorship, structured path to traction, fundraising, and community support for around 75 enterprise-focused startups annually.
Microsoft is a multinational corporation that develops, manufactures, licenses, supports, and sells software products and services. Its offerings include the Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite, server products like Windows Server and SQL Server, business solutions such as Dynamics, cloud services through Azure, hardware devices like Surface and Xbox, and online advertising platforms.
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.
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.
Brinc is a global venture acceleration firm headquartered in Hong Kong. It operates multidisciplinary accelerator programs across seven countries, focusing on startups in blockchain technology, AI, connected hardware, robotics, climate tech, food technology, and IoT. Brinc also supports corporations with innovation strategies and Web3-enabled businesses.
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.
Founded in 2007, Innovate UK is a non-profit organization based in Swindon, UK. It supports businesses across various economic sectors by offering funding services to promote science and technology innovations.
Samsung Catalyst Fund, established in 2013, is the corporate venture capital arm of Samsung Electronics based in San Jose, California. The firm focuses on investing in the evolving data economy and strategically aligned innovations for Samsung's mobile, device solutions, and consumer electronics divisions. Its investment areas include Automotive, Robotics, Digital Health, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Infrastructure, and Device-Level Solutions. By leveraging Samsung's global brand, manufacturing capabilities, and extensive distribution network, the fund supports entrepreneurs with domain expertise and access to a robust recruiting network, as well as guidance from experienced Innovation Fellows.
Founded in 2015, Energy Impact Partners is a global venture capital firm investing across venture, growth, credit, and infrastructure. With over $2.5 billion in assets under management, EIP focuses on advancing innovation in energy efficiency, sustainable energy generation/distribution, smart grid, energy storage, mobility, cybersecurity, and comprehensive energy services.
GGV Capital V, established in 2016, is a venture capital fund based in Menlo Park, California, managed by GGV Capital. The fund invests in the United States and China, focusing on the software sector. It typically allocates USD 5 to 25 million for initial investments in companies within this sector.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
A public business accelerator founded in 2010 by the Chilean government. It aims to attract global entrepreneurs to launch their businesses in Chile, offering a large portfolio of up to 160 startups annually through distinct programs tailored to different stages.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Wavemaker Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2003 dual-headquartered in Los Angeles and Singapore. We have over $265M in assets under management, have invested in over 300 portfolio companies, and have consistently delivered top quartile returns to our investors. Wavemaker is the regional partner for Southern California and Southeast Asia of the Draper Venture Network (DVN), the world's leading VC collective comprising of 10 firms across 5 continents.
Established in 2019, IAN Fund is a venture capital firm based in New Delhi, India. It focuses on seed and early-stage investments across various sectors such as healthcare, software, fintech, big data, artificial intelligence, hardware, and more. The fund aims to provide not only financial backing but also mentoring, strategic inputs, and access to extensive networks.
Venture Catalysts is recognized as Asia's largest integrated incubator, established in 2016, which offers investments ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per startup, along with incubation support for 18 to 24 months. It has successfully incubated notable companies such as BharatPe, Fynd, and Innov8, which have emerged as leaders in their respective categories. With a robust network of over 4,500 angel investors across 36 cities in six countries, including India, Hong Kong, and the UAE, Venture Catalysts has attracted participation from prominent global investors like YCombinator and Greenoaks. The organization focuses on nurturing the startup ecosystem in Tier II and III cities in India, conducting incubation programs in locations such as Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Surat, as well as major metros. In addition to providing seed and Series A funding, Venture Catalysts excels in startup development, strategic guidance, and investor education, ensuring substantial returns for its investors. Its leadership in the early-stage investment landscape is underscored by the successful fundraising of over ten incubatees in a challenging market environment, solidifying its reputation as a top early-stage investor in India.
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is a government-owned financial institution established in 1944. Headquartered in Montreal, BDC specializes in providing financing, consulting services, and venture capital to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Canada. Its services include business loans, corporate financing, and strategic planning, catering to a wide range of industries such as manufacturing, technology, and tourism. BDC operates through a network of over 100 offices, offering services in both official languages.
True Ventures, established in 2005, is a prominent venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, with an additional office in San Francisco. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments, focusing on seed and Series A financing. True Ventures invests in a broad range of sectors, including commerce, consumer, hardware, health, and infrastructure technologies, as well as emerging markets such as e-commerce, mobile, and software services. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $3 million per round, aiming for a stake of approximately 20%. With over $3.8 billion under management and a team of over 40 professionals, True Ventures has supported more than 350 companies, creating over 85,000 jobs worldwide. The firm was recognized as Venture Firm of the Year by the National Venture Capital Association in 2018.