The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
The Invention Lab is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in open innovation and seed investment, focusing on sectors such as consumer technology, digital healthcare, vertical online-to-offline services, in-demand services, and software as a service (SaaS). The firm aims to support and nurture innovative startups in Korea and Southeast Asia, providing strategic guidance and financial backing to help them grow and succeed in their respective markets.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2000. It is dedicated to reducing global inequities by focusing on improving health, alleviating extreme poverty, and supporting educational initiatives. The foundation also engages in community giving within the Pacific Northwest, promoting strategies and programs that assist low-income families. With regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom, the foundation is governed by its co-founders, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with trustee Warren Buffett. Its mission encompasses a wide range of global challenges, aiming to create lasting change through targeted grant-making and programmatic efforts.
Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm established in 1998 that focuses on investing in early-stage companies across a diverse range of sectors. The firm targets technology-led businesses as well as non-technology opportunities in areas such as advertising and media, healthcare, education, financial services, and retail. It engages in various investment stages, including seed, early-stage, later-stage, and expansion-stage financing. Lightspeed specializes in debt financing for start-ups and growth companies while also exploring opportunities in consumer, enterprise, cleantech, and other markets. The firm is known for its strategic investments in innovative sectors, including big data, bitcoin, mobile technology, and software solutions.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization located in New York City, established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., who was the former President and CEO of General Motors Corporation. The foundation's mission focuses on providing grants to support original research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. It aims to promote advancements in these areas to enhance public understanding and foster innovation. The foundation's assets are managed by a board of trustees, ensuring that its philanthropic efforts align with its core mission and values.
Eight Roads is a global venture capital firm headquartered in Hamilton, Bermuda, and serves as the proprietary investment arm of Fidelity International Limited. Established in 1969, the firm manages approximately $11 billion in assets and has offices in the UK, China, India, Japan, and the US. Eight Roads focuses its investments primarily on the healthcare and technology sectors, leveraging a 50-year history of partnerships with over 500 companies. The firm aims to identify and support innovative businesses across various regions, including Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States.
Simons Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in New York, established in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons. The foundation is dedicated to funding research in mathematics and the basic sciences, operating various divisions that encompass mathematics and physical sciences, life sciences, data analysis, and education and outreach. It supports initiatives like the Flatiron Institute, which focuses on computational science through in-house research. The foundation's mission centers on advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation in diverse scientific fields.
Future Africa is a Lagos-based venture capital firm established in 2016, dedicated to empowering mission-driven founders and innovators to tackle significant challenges across the African continent. The firm focuses on creating a future where purpose and prosperity are accessible to all. Future Africa invests in a diverse array of sectors, including agriculture, data and artificial intelligence, e-commerce, education, finance, healthcare, and technology, among others. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs, Future Africa aims to foster the development of transformative solutions that contribute to the continent's economic growth and social progress.
Mod N Labs is a cybersecurity collaborative helping entrepreneurs build the next generation security companies. Mod N is named after the modulo n mathematical function - the basis of several cryptographic algorithms. They bring capital, connections and expertise (and good coffee) to support the founders of cybersecurity companies.
RevTek Capital, established in 2021 and based in Phoenix, is a boutique asset manager focused on providing tailored credit solutions for SaaS technology companies and other high-growth businesses with recurring revenue models. The firm specializes in offering flexible, founder-friendly debt capital ranging from $3 million to $30 million, designed to maximize enterprise value while minimizing dilution for established growth companies with a proven track record of generating significant annual recurring revenue or EBITDA. In addition to its direct offerings, RevTek collaborates with co-investors managing substantial assets to facilitate larger investments. The firm targets high-net-worth investors, family offices, financial advisors, and institutions seeking attractive, uncorrelated returns through alternative investment products. RevTek's founders, experienced entrepreneurs themselves, understand the entrepreneurial mindset and aim to align their financing solutions with the success of their borrowers, whether for growth, acquisitions, milestone achievements, or refinancing existing debt.
Frontier Development Capital is an alternative fund manager based in Birmingham, United Kingdom, established in 2016. The firm specializes in providing flexible long-term debt funding to established mid-market SMEs and property developers, with investment amounts ranging from £1 million to £20 million. Frontier Development Capital is particularly focused on supporting growth capital, shareholder transactions, and property development. Additionally, the firm offers tailored capital programs for the advanced manufacturing sector. As part of its operations, Frontier Development Capital is affiliated with Mercia Asset Management PLC, emphasizing its commitment to fostering the growth of businesses in the UK.
Physiomics plc combines systems biology with cutting edge mathematics to develop models that streamline the drug discovery and development process. Virtual Tumour, the company’s lead service, is used to optimise the dosing and scheduling of oncology drugs in pre-clinical and clinical trials. This optimisation improves the efficacy of combinations and streamlines the drug development process.
Five Elms Capital is a growth investment firm based in Kansas City, Missouri, established in 2007. The firm specializes in investing in rapidly growing B2B software businesses, focusing on those that demonstrate strong user engagement and satisfaction. With over $2.4 billion in assets under management, Five Elms provides both capital and strategic resources to support companies in accelerating their growth and solidifying their positions as leaders in the software industry. The firm has built a robust network and possesses deep domain expertise, having invested in more than 65 software platforms globally. With a dedicated team of over 70 investment professionals, Five Elms Capital maintains its exclusive focus on software investments, positioning itself as a key player in the sector.
Our experience spans 20 years of investing and operating tech and digital businesses. Along this journey, we have been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs build large, profitable and sustainable businesses. We are known to back early trends, and discover teams and businesses that represent quality-at-scale and good governance, resulting in rewarding our investors with consistent and noteworthy investment returns. Our team comprises of 70 years of combined investment and leadership operating experience. We spend over 50% of our time with our investee companies as their trustworthy partners. We operate within a strong and active network of entrepreneurs, investors, leading businesses and international relationships that are made available to our investee companies at all times.
Epiq Capital is a growth-stage investment firm based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, established in 2016. The firm specializes in partnering with entrepreneurs to scale technology companies into large and sustainable enterprises. Epiq Capital focuses on supporting founders who are developing innovative solutions within the Indian technology sector, actively seeking the next promising entrepreneurs to foster long-term growth and success.
TC Energy is a prominent energy infrastructure company that operates across Canada and the United States, focusing on natural gas, oil, and power generation assets. The company manages an extensive network, comprising over 60,000 miles of oil and gas pipelines, which play a critical role in supplying more than 25% of the clean-burning natural gas utilized daily for heating, industrial processes, and transportation. In addition to its pipeline operations, TC Energy has significant natural gas storage capacity, exceeding 650 billion cubic feet, and generates approximately 4,300 megawatts of electric power. With a commitment to low carbon energy solutions, TC Energy aims to leverage its vast infrastructure and trading platform to meet the growing energy demands of various sectors, including industrial and oil markets.
Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, with offices in London, San Francisco, and Geneva. The firm focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into successful global businesses. It invests in a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare, and mobility. Index Ventures has a notable track record of supporting high-profile companies such as Adyen, Deliveroo, Dropbox, and Slack, reflecting its commitment to fostering technology-driven enterprises. By leveraging its extensive experience and network, Index Ventures aims to empower exceptional founders in reshaping industries and driving forward the future of business.
Goodwater Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on empowering exceptional entrepreneurs across various sectors, including housing, financial services, healthcare, food, transportation, education, and consumer technology. Goodwater believes that consumer technology has the potential to revolutionize culture and the global economy, and it seeks to invest in promising entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving significant societal challenges. By supporting these innovators, Goodwater Capital aims to create a measurable positive impact on billions of lives worldwide.
Tin Alley Ventures is a venture capital investment firm based in Melbourne, Australia, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on investing in technology startups at various stages, including seed, early, and later stages. It collaborates closely with companies and researchers within the University of Melbourne's ecosystem, aiming to support and develop businesses that have the potential to create significant social and economic impact. Through its strategic partnerships and investment approach, Tin Alley Ventures seeks to foster innovation and drive growth in the technology sector.
SMBC Venture Capital is the corporate venture capital arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, established in 2005 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on investing in companies across various sectors, including information technology, life sciences, services, and manufacturing. SMBC Venture Capital leverages its parent company's extensive financial services experience to identify and support innovative startups and growth-stage companies, aiming to foster advancements in these key industries. By providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and resources, SMBC Venture Capital seeks to drive growth and create long-term value for its portfolio companies.
Japan Post Investment is a private equity firm established in February 2018 and headquartered in Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in managing private equity funds, focusing primarily on investments within the information technology sector. Japan Post Investment aims to partner with and support a select number of companies, typically targeting around ten investments to foster growth and development. The firm is affiliated with Japan Post Investment I, LLP, which reflects its commitment to strategic investments that align with the broader objectives of Japan Post.
The University of Tokyo Edge Capital is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 2004. It specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on deep-tech sectors including healthcare and life sciences, information technology and artificial intelligence, as well as physical sciences and engineering. UTEC collaborates with academic institutions, notably The University of Tokyo, to identify and support innovative startups. With over $500 million in assets under management, the firm has invested in more than 100 companies across Japan, the United States, Singapore, India, and Europe, achieving a notable track record that includes 13 initial public offerings and 12 successful mergers and acquisitions.
Blossom Capital Ltd is a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage, seed-stage, and growth capital opportunities within the technology sector. Blossom Capital focuses on supporting European founders who are building global businesses and prefers to make investments ranging from $5 million to $10 million. The firm has a strong interest in companies located in Europe, the United States, and Asia, and has a track record of engaging with successful startups and unicorns in these regions.
Founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California, Sequoia Capital is a leading venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early to growth stage companies across various sectors, including energy, financial services, healthcare, internet, mobile, and technology. The firm aims to collaborate with a select number of ambitious founders to help them build transformative companies. Sequoia Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in startups at the seed stage, $1 million to $10 million in early-stage companies, and $10 million to $100 million in growth-stage firms. With a strong preference for being the first investor in profitable and rapidly growing companies, Sequoia seeks to partner with teams that have demonstrated successful products or services. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a global perspective, with significant allocations in markets such as China, India, and Israel.
Founded by Jasper Lau, Era is a global investment firm backed by leading closely-held family enterprises across 19 countries and 25 industries. Era brings together the collective expertise, industry intel, and strategic capital of the firm’s families to invest in category-defining technology companies solving civilization’s biggest industrial challenges.
DST Global is an investment firm established in 2009 that specializes in late-stage ventures within the internet sector. Founded by Yuri Milner, Saurabh Gupta, John Lindfors, Rahul Mehta, and Tom Stafford, the firm has rapidly invested in various high-growth companies. With its headquarters in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, DST Global also maintains offices in key financial hubs including Menlo Park, New York, London, Beijing, and Hong Kong. The firm is particularly focused on sectors such as information technology, mobile, the internet of things, and e-commerce.
Founded in July 2015, Elefund is a US-based venture capital firm with its headquarters in Mountain View, California. The firm has invested in several well-known companies whose products and services have benefited millions of people all over the world and created thousands of jobs.
GreatPoint Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on investing between $250,000 and $20 million in Seed, Series A, and Series B funding rounds. GreatPoint Ventures primarily targets technology companies across a diverse range of sectors, including autonomous surgical robots, plant-based meat, credit bureau services, early-stage cancer diagnostics, health insurance, databases, and health technology. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is dedicated to identifying and supporting innovative companies that have the potential to make significant impacts in their respective fields.
Simpact is the first impact investment venture capital fund in Poland. We are looking for tech-driven startups that incorporate high business potential and a positive social or environmental impact. We empower founders to build tech companies which combine profit with purpose and have a potential to change the world for the better.
AIP Seed Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Warsaw, Poland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, primarily targeting founders from Poland and the Polish diaspora who are developing transformative technologies. AIP Seed Capital provides not only financial backing but also strategic expertise through its Competence Hubs, which support entrepreneurs in critical areas such as AI technology, marketing, and finance. With a focus on quality over quantity, AIP Seed Capital seeks visionary founders who align with its long-term commitment to excellence. The firm typically invests up to $250,000 in initial funding rounds, fostering lasting partnerships with entrepreneurs who aspire to make a significant impact in their industries. Drawing on the extensive experience of its founder, Dariusz Żuk, AIP Seed Capital aims to nurture early-stage companies into global successes.
Altos Ventures Management, Inc. is a venture capital firm founded in 1996 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Seoul, South Korea. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments across various sectors, including enterprise software, financial technology, e-commerce, and consumer services. Altos Ventures seeks to support companies from inception to global growth, focusing on high-growth, capital-efficient, founder-led businesses. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $3 million initially, with the potential for follow-on investments exceeding $100 million. Altos Ventures has been a lead institutional investor in over 100 companies worldwide, concentrating its investment activities in regions such as California, Canada, Korea, Central America, and the Caribbean. The firm aims for minority stakes in its portfolio companies, which generally have sales exceeding $1 million.
First Enterprise Business Agency is a leading social enterprise for the East Midlands region and holds an extensive history of proactively providing business advice and support through different capacities.
HSG, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, is a prominent venture capital and private equity firm that invests globally in the technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. Established in 2005, HSG operates from multiple offices in major cities including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, London, Tokyo, and Singapore, managing over USD 55 billion in assets for leading institutional investors. The firm has supported over 1,500 companies, focusing on transformative technologies and high-growth business models. HSG has successfully facilitated the public listings of more than 160 portfolio companies and helped over 140 private companies achieve unicorn status. Over its two decades of operation, HSG has developed a comprehensive investment platform that encompasses seed, venture, growth, buyout, infrastructure, and public equities investments. The firm is dedicated to aiding entrepreneurs in building enduring companies while striving to deliver superior returns for its limited partners, leveraging a strong entrepreneurial community and industry expertise.
Inflection Point Ventures, established in 2018 and based in Gurgaon, India, is a prominent angel network dedicated to investing in early-to-mid stage startups across various sectors, including healthcare, software, clean technology, and fintech, among others. With a community of over 3,300 CXOs, professionals, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices, IPV not only provides capital but also leverages its extensive network to assist entrepreneurs in accessing new markets, customers, and mentorship. The firm aims to democratize angel investing by offering a low membership fee, minimal investment ticket size, and a transparent investment process, all underpinned by thorough due diligence conducted by industry experts. IPV is committed to supporting dedicated and capable founders, fostering innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.
Slow Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies primarily within the technology sector and those that intersect with science, society, and culture. Slow Ventures aims to support a diverse range of industries, including commercial products, consumer services, financial services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, software, mobile, e-commerce, and fintech. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Slow Ventures emphasizes understanding the entrepreneurial journey, providing founders with essential resources, connections, and experiences to help them create sustainable companies. The firm is driven by a collective experience and curiosity, fostering a community that nurtures innovative ideas and solutions for the future.
Woori Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 1981. As a subsidiary of Woori Financial Group, the firm focuses on investments across various sectors, including entertainment and content, mobility, chemicals, manufacturing, semiconductors, biotechnology and healthcare, consumer services, and software, including the metaverse. The firm actively seeks to support innovative startups and growth-stage companies within these industries, aiming to foster technological advancement and economic development.
Smilegate Investment, established in 1999 in Seoul, South Korea, is a venture capital and private equity firm that has actively supported the growth of over 200 companies since its inception. Originally founded as MVP Capital, the firm has organized and managed more than 30 funds, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including B2B, B2C, media, healthcare, energy, information technology, advanced manufacturing, climate technology, digital health, SaaS, artificial intelligence, big data, e-commerce, financial technology, mobile commerce, clean technology, and life sciences. Smilegate Investment aims to identify and nurture promising growth potential within these industries, contributing to the advancement of the South Korean economy.
KB Securities is a financial services company that operates as an asset management firm, catering to both individual and corporate clients. The company specializes in various financial activities, including asset management for stocks, bonds, and derivatives. In addition to its asset management services, KB Securities provides wealth management, securities trading, and loan banking services, positioning itself as a comprehensive provider of financial solutions.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, established in 1982 and based in Philadelphia, is a prominent capital provider dedicated to the technology sectors within Pennsylvania. The organization specializes in both early-stage and established companies, with a focus on enhancing the region's innovation ecosystem across information technology, health, and physical sciences. Over its 30-year history, Ben Franklin has invested in more than 2,000 technology companies and has contributed over $170 million to drive regional growth. In addition to its investment activities, Ben Franklin fosters university and industry partnerships to facilitate the commercialization of scientific discoveries, while also supporting initiatives that bolster the local entrepreneurial community.
Kepple Africa Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm specializes in providing seed-stage and early-stage financing to startups across Africa, focusing primarily on sectors such as information technology, fintech, and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets. By supporting innovative companies in these areas, Kepple Africa Ventures aims to contribute to the growth of the African startup ecosystem.
Big Basin Partners is an early stage technology investment partnership. We specialize in working with entrepreneurs that have yet to raise traditional venture capital funds and might not even have a business plan. We help narrow the potential target markets to the few that will matter in the beginning stages of growing a great company.
Change Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. The firm specializes in pre-seed stage investments, primarily targeting ambitious technology startups, with a focus on B2B and SaaS businesses in Eastern Europe, particularly in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Change Ventures aims to support founders by providing investments ranging from €100,000 to €500,000, along with a straightforward and efficient investment process that facilitates quick decision-making. Beyond financial backing, the firm assists entrepreneurs in achieving product-market fit, securing additional funding, and scaling their businesses by leveraging an extensive network of follow-on investors and partners.
Manta Ray Ventures is a venture capital firm located in London, United Kingdom, specializing in early-stage investments. The firm focuses on supporting mission-driven founders, particularly in the information technology sector, with a strong emphasis on companies based in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. Manta Ray Ventures distinguishes itself by providing flexible and patient capital, allowing portfolio companies to grow sustainably. In addition to financial backing, the firm leverages its networks and resources to offer comprehensive support, enhancing the potential for success among its invested companies.
Bloomberg Beta, founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, is an early-stage venture capital firm that operates as the corporate venture capital arm of Bloomberg. With $375 million under management, it aims to broaden Bloomberg's perspectives by investing in innovative companies led by exceptional founders. The firm focuses on sectors including content discovery, cybersecurity, data services, developer tools, hardware, human-computer interaction, learning, media distribution, open-source software, productivity tools, professional networks, real estate, technology platforms, workflow tools, and workplace communication. Its investment strategy emphasizes companies that enhance business operations, particularly through advancements in machine intelligence.
Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, that specializes in seed-stage investments in technology startups. Founded in 2015 by Joe Montana, Mike Miller, and Michael Ma, the firm focuses on identifying and supporting early-stage companies with high growth potential in the tech sector. By providing both financial backing and strategic guidance, Liquid 2 Ventures aims to foster innovation and help emerging businesses navigate their initial stages of development.
Path Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2019 and based in San Mateo, California. The firm specializes in investing in pre-seed startups, focusing on sectors such as consumer and enterprise software, including financial technology, enterprise SaaS, consumer technology, property technology, and legal technology. Path Ventures typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000 in emerging companies, aiming to support founders at the initial stages of their entrepreneurial endeavors. The firm is committed to simplifying the capital raising process while remaining open to exploring new sectors as they develop. Path Ventures primarily targets opportunities across the United States and Canada.
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.
Inspired Capital Management, Inc. is a venture capital firm established in 2019 and headquartered in New York, New York. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting seed and Series A funding rounds. Inspired Capital focuses on technology-driven, capital-efficient businesses, aiming to support exceptional entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and strong teams. The firm is dedicated to fostering the next generation of transformative companies in the technology sector.
Felicis is a venture capital firm founded in 2006 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, backing founders who are creating innovative companies that can redefine industries and develop frontier technologies. Felicis seeks to support a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, and security, while primarily targeting consumer internet startups. The firm employs a hands-on approach, combining angel investing with active mentoring and advisory services to provide entrepreneurs with more than just capital. Felicis typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in its portfolio companies, which span various nationalities and countries, with a significant concentration in the Bay Area. Since its inception, Felicis has invested in over 120 technology companies, achieving notable success with 50 of these companies either being acquired or going public. Aydin Senkut, the founder and president, brings prior experience from a senior management role at Google to guide the firm’s investment strategy.