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

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Owl Ventures, established in 2014, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm specializing in education technology investments. With over $600 million under management, the firm backs entrepreneurs across the education spectrum, from early childhood to career mobility, helping them scale their businesses into category leaders. Owl Ventures takes an active, hands-on approach, leveraging its deep domain expertise to support portfolio companies.

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.

Auxxo is an angel group established in 2019 and based in Berlin, Germany. The organization focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups that are founded and led by women. Auxxo aims to enhance equitable participation of women in the entrepreneurial and investment landscapes in Europe, leveraging its network and experience to support female entrepreneurs. By prioritizing female-led companies, Auxxo contributes to fostering a more inclusive venture capital ecosystem.

Carnegie Learning is a publisher and education technology provider focused on mathematics education. It develops research-based curricula for middle school, high school, and postsecondary students and delivers differentiated instruction to schools across the United States to support math achievement and graduation readiness. Its education technology platform serves regional school districts with math curricula, textbooks, professional development, and data analytics services, emphasizing conceptual learning, developmental support, and project-based computer science content with adaptive, personalized instruction.

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.

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.

Zanichelli Venture, established in 2019 and based in Bologna, Italy, is the corporate venture arm of Zanichelli. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage education technology startups that present innovative ideas in education and technology. Its mission is to empower diverse learners, from children to adult professionals, by supporting nascent companies with pre-seed and seed funding. Zanichelli Venture aims to foster ideas that can positively impact education throughout various life stages. The firm emphasizes a collaborative approach, providing startups with access to its extensive resources, expertise, and network while allowing founders the autonomy to explore their vision. By co-investing globally alongside trusted local lead investors, Zanichelli Venture seeks to create mutually beneficial opportunities that enhance both the growth of portfolio companies and the broader educational landscape. Ultimately, the firm is committed to building long-term partnerships based on trust and shared objectives.

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.

Bayern Kapital GmbH, established in 1995 and located in Landshut, Germany, serves as the venture capital arm of LfA Förderbank Bayern. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to small and medium-sized enterprises exclusively within Bavaria, focusing on high-tech sectors such as biotechnology, life sciences, information technology, medical technology, new materials, nanotechnology, and environmental technology. Bayern Kapital aims to support the financing of research and development, market launches of new products, and expansion of existing market shares. The company typically invests between €0.25 million and €9 million in firms with annual sales up to €50 million or total assets not exceeding €43 million. Bayern Kapital has invested in over 250 companies, managing funds valued at approximately €340 million.

Amberra, established in 2022 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany, specializes in fostering new customer relationships for cooperative banks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Omidyar Network, established in 2004 by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, is a global impact investing firm that combines philanthropy and venture capital to catalyze social change. It invests in for-profit and non-profit organizations across sectors such as digital society, emerging technology, education, financial inclusion, governance, and property rights. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, typically committing between $1 million to $10 million in for-profits and $0.5 million to $5 million in non-profits. Omidyar Network operates globally, with a significant focus on India, and seeks to create opportunities for people to improve their lives and make a difference in their communities.

Eight Roads is a global venture capital firm, established in 1969, that invests in technology and healthcare companies across Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. It manages over $11 billion in assets through various funds, including Eight Roads Ventures China, Europe, India, and Japan. The firm focuses on early venture, growth capital, and growth stage investments, typically committing between $1.29 million to $30 million per company. Eight Roads seeks minority and majority stakes, often taking a board seat, and has invested in over 500 companies such as Alibaba, Chewy, and Toast. It operates as the proprietary investment arm of Fidelity International Limited.

Goodwater Capital, established in 2014 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, is a venture capital firm dedicated to empowering exceptional entrepreneurs globally. They focus on early-stage investments in consumer technology companies, aiming to solve pressing problems and transform the global economy. Their mission is to measurably improve billions of lives by supporting entrepreneurs who are building products and platforms that consumers love.

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.

Accelerate helps education leaders across the country build tools and strategies to address the pressing challenges of the current moment.

Manta Ray Ventures, established in London, is an early-stage venture capital firm focusing on Poland and Central & Eastern Europe. It invests in mission-driven, IT sector startups, offering flexible, long-term capital and extensive support, including time, resources, and networks. The firm leverages Kulczyk Investments' three-decade track record of backing European companies for global growth, understanding the unique challenges faced by growing entrepreneurs.

Index Ventures, established in 1996, is a global venture capital firm with offices in London, San Francisco, and Geneva. The company invests in early and growth-stage technology startups, focusing on sectors such as software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare, and mobility. Index Ventures has a proven track record of backing successful companies like Adyen, Deliveroo, Dropbox, Farfetch, King, Slack, and Supercell. The firm's investment strategy is to support bold entrepreneurs with transformative ideas, helping them build global businesses.

Five Elms Capital, established in 2007 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is a global growth equity firm specializing in investments in fast-growing B2B software businesses. The firm provides capital and resources to accelerate growth and solidify industry leadership. With over $2.4 billion in assets under management and a team of over 70 investment professionals, Five Elms has invested in more than 65 software platforms globally, demonstrating a deep domain expertise and extensive network in the software sector.

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.

Z3Partners is a venture capital investment firm based in Mumbai, India, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on investing in technology and digital sectors, leveraging 20 years of experience in both investing and operating businesses. Z3Partners is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in developing sustainable and profitable enterprises, emphasizing the identification of early trends and quality teams. With a combined investment and leadership experience of 70 years, the firm's team dedicates over half of their time to working closely with investee companies, fostering strong partnerships. Z3Partners operates within a robust network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, providing valuable resources and relationships to enhance the growth of their portfolio companies.

Altos Ventures, established in 1996, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Seoul, South Korea. The company specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on consumer and technology sectors, including enterprise SaaS, FinTech, e-commerce, and consumer brands and services. Altos Ventures invests in high-growth, capital-efficient, founder-led companies, typically starting with investments of $0.5 million to $3 million, and has been the first and lead institutional investor in over 100 companies worldwide. The firm supports companies throughout their lifecycle, from inception to global growth and profitability.

NewSchools Venture Fund, established in 1998, is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming public education, particularly for underserved minority students in urban communities. Based in Oakland, California, with additional offices in Boston and Washington D.C., the organization invests in innovative education solutions, supporting both non-profit and for-profit ventures. NewSchools focuses on education technology, charter schools, and educational services, aiming to improve student achievement and close the achievement gap. Since its inception, NewSchools has invested over $180 million in more than 70 educational organizations, blending philanthropy and venture capital approaches. The firm provides grants, takes board seats, and invests in a select portfolio of education ventures, seeking to create scalable, high-quality solutions. NewSchools also actively shares its learnings, convenes educational leaders, and advocates for smart education policies.

The University of Tokyo Edge Capital (UTEC), established in 2004, is a Tokyo-based early-stage venture capital firm. It is affiliated with The University of Tokyo, a renowned research institution offering graduate and undergraduate courses, and facilitates various facilities including hospitals, libraries, and museums. UTEC manages over $500 million in assets and has invested in over 100 companies globally, with a notable track record of 13 IPOs and 12 successful M&A exits. The firm predominantly focuses on deep-tech sectors, namely Healthcare & Life Sciences, IT/AI, and Physical Sciences & Engineering.

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.

Big Basin Partners is an early-stage technology investment partnership founded in 1997 and based in Sammamish, Washington. The firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who have not yet secured traditional venture capital funding and may lack a formal business plan. Big Basin Partners specializes in identifying and refining target markets that are crucial for the initial growth of emerging companies. The firm invests across a range of sectors, including computer hardware, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, internet software services, application software, medical devices, healthcare, alternative energy, and education.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, established in 1982, is a non-profit organization that fosters technological innovation and growth in the region. It primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, having supported over 1,750 such ventures since its inception. The organization also facilitates university-industry partnerships to accelerate scientific discoveries to market, and initiates regional programs to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its mission is to create jobs and transform lives by leading the region's technology community to new heights.

Elefund, established in 2015, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Mountain View, California. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on consumer-facing services and technology companies across the United States. The firm's portfolio spans various sectors, including insurance technology, e-commerce, digital health, manufacturing, health technology, SaaS, financial technology, enterprise, and consumer.

GreatPoint Ventures, established in 2015, is a San Francisco-based early-stage venture capital firm. It invests in Seed, A, and B rounds, with a typical investment size ranging from $250,000 to $20 million. The firm focuses primarily on healthcare and consumer-facing technology companies in the United States, with a diverse portfolio spanning sectors such as autonomous surgical robots, plant-based meat, health insurance, and health technology.

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.

DST Global, established in 2009, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, with additional offices in Menlo Park, New York, London, Beijing, and Hong Kong. The company specializes in late-stage investments in the internet sector, focusing on rapidly growing ventures. Its investment portfolio spans various sectors, including software, TMT, fintech, and e-commerce, with a global investment strategy.

Blossom Capital, established in 2018 and headquartered in London, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in the technology sector. It primarily invests in Europe, with a secondary focus on Asia and the United States. The firm typically allocates between $5 million to $10 million per company, supporting startups from seed to Series A and growth stages. Blossom Capital has a track record of backing European founders building global businesses and has invested in unicorns across the US and Europe.

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.

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.

Simpact Fund Sp. z o.o. is a venture capital firm based in Warsaw, Poland, that focuses on growth capital and early-stage investments in technology-driven startups. As the first impact investment venture capital fund in the country, Simpact aims to support ventures that demonstrate high business potential while also delivering positive social or environmental outcomes. The firm primarily invests in the information technology sector across Central and Eastern Europe, with funding ranging from EUR 0.1 million to EUR 2 million. Simpact is dedicated to empowering founders to create companies that align profitability with purpose, contributing to meaningful change in society.

Learn Capital, LLC, established in 2008, is a venture capital firm headquartered in San Mateo, California, with additional offices in Austin, Texas, and Beijing, China. The firm specializes in early to mid-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the global education sector, particularly in emerging markets like Latin America. Learn Capital invests in education technology, including innovative learning content, platforms, and services, with a preference for companies that have a substantial user base in emerging markets. The firm seeks to support entrepreneurs driving the future of learning through technology, aiming to shape the education landscape globally.

WaterBridge Ventures, established in 2017 and based in New Delhi, India, is an early-stage venture capital firm. It invests in tech-enabled startups, primarily in India or with a significant India angle, from the seed to Series A stages, and may continue supporting them in subsequent rounds. The firm prefers to lead investments and occasionally co-invests, but it only participates if it can provide value-added support. Its focus sectors include education, healthcare, SaaS, financial services, and consumer technology.

Enterprise Loans East Midlands, operated by First Enterprise Business Agency, is a prominent social enterprise in the East Midlands region. With a strong track record of offering proactive business advice and support, they specialize in providing loans to help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive. Their dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting local businesses sets them apart as a trusted resource for those in need of financial assistance to start or expand their ventures in the East Midlands.

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.

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.

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.

Smilegate Investment is a venture capital and private equity firm based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 1999 as MVP Capital. It conducts venture capital and private equity investments across South Korea.

Slow Ventures, established in 2009 and based in San Francisco, is a private equity firm specializing in early-stage venture capital investments. The company focuses on innovative technology startups, particularly those operating at the intersection of science, society, and culture. Slow Ventures supports companies across various sectors, including software, TMT, and non-financial services, providing them with resources, connections, and empathy to foster their growth and sustainability.

GSV Ventures, established in 2016, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It specializes in investing in early and late-stage companies within the rapidly growing digital education market, spanning from Pre-K to Gray. The firm focuses on transformative entrepreneurs in the $7 trillion digital education and future of work sectors, with notable investments including Coursera, ClassDojo, Degreed, and Guild Education. Additionally, GSV Ventures convenes the prestigious ASU+GSV Summit, an annual event that brings together over 35,000 founders, investors, educators, and policymakers from around the world.