Coinbase operates an online platform that enables merchants, consumers, and traders to buy, sell, and store digital currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin. Founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, the company provides users with tools to create digital wallets and connect their bank accounts for transactions. Its offerings include merchant payment processing systems that facilitate digital currency transactions on various websites. Additionally, Coinbase Ventures, an investment arm of the company, focuses on investing in early-stage cryptocurrency and blockchain startups. The platform aims to foster an open financial system accessible to users worldwide.

Incorporated in 1981, Haywood Securities is an investment banking firm headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The firm provides investment banking, sales, trading, research, portfolio management, equity capital markets, and correspondent clearing services. Haywood Securities caters to mining, oil, gas, infrastructure, technology, and related industries.

Canaccord Genuity is a global independent investment bank headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with a focus on growth companies. It provides a wide range of services, including investment banking, research, sales, trading, and capital markets advisory. The firm specializes in mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, and debt advisory, serving institutional and corporate clients across various sectors such as technology, energy, life sciences, and real estate. Canaccord Genuity Wealth Management, a subsidiary of Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., offers comprehensive wealth management solutions and brokerage services tailored to individual investors and private clients. With a presence in multiple countries, the firm is dedicated to identifying investment opportunities and delivering both long-term strategies and near-term solutions to meet the diverse needs of its clients.

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.

Sprott Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company based in Toronto, Canada. Through its subsidiaries, it offers a range of services including asset management, portfolio management, wealth management, and consulting. Sprott provides various investment products such as mutual funds, hedge funds, and managed accounts, with a strong focus on precious metals and real assets investment strategies. The firm is particularly known for its Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust, which holds assets in physical gold and silver bullion, offering investors a secure and convenient way to invest in these commodities. Additionally, Sprott Consulting LP, a subsidiary of Sprott Inc., specializes in private equity investments and debt financing within the natural resources sector. Established in 2008, Sprott has built a reputation as a prominent player in the Canadian investment industry, emphasizing unique investment opportunities that aim to generate superior financial returns.

Digital Currency Group (DCG) is a corporate venture capital investment firm founded in 2015 and based in New York City. The firm focuses on building and supporting companies in the bitcoin and blockchain sectors, making over 150 investments across more than 30 countries. DCG invests in a range of areas, including financial technology, web3 infrastructure, decentralized finance, and the metaverse. In addition to its investment activities, DCG owns CoinDesk, a leading media and events platform in the blockchain industry, Genesis Trading, a prominent bitcoin brokerage firm, and Grayscale Investments, the largest digital currency asset management firm. Through its extensive network and access to capital, DCG aims to foster innovation and growth in the digital currency space.

BMO Financial Group, established in 1817 and headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, is a prominent commercial banking institution offering a diverse range of financial services. It operates through three main segments: personal and commercial banking, wealth management, and BMO Capital Markets. The latter serves corporate, institutional, and government clients with a comprehensive suite of investment and corporate banking services, including equity and debt underwriting, corporate lending, project financing, mergers and acquisitions advisory, and treasury management. BMO Capital Markets has a global presence with approximately 2,300 professionals across 30 locations, focusing on various industries such as aerospace, healthcare, and energy. The group caters to Canadian clients through BMO Bank of Montreal and to U.S. clients via BMO Harris Bank, while also extending its services to markets in the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, Asia, and South America. With total assets of 529 billion U.S. dollars and a workforce of over 47,000 employees, BMO Financial Group stands as one of North America's largest diversified financial services providers.

Osisko Gold Royalties is an intermediate precious metal royalty company based in Canada, specializing in acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of over 130 royalties, streams, and precious metal offtakes, primarily in North America. Its operations are significantly anchored by a 5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic Mine, the largest gold mine in Canada. In addition to its royalty interests, Osisko holds investments in various publicly traded resource companies, including interests in Barkerville Gold Mines, Osisko Mining, and Falco Resources. The company is also involved in the exploration, evaluation, and development of mining projects, focusing on maximizing income from its royalties and stream agreements while actively seeking new opportunities in the mining sector.

Orion Resource Partners is an alternative investment manager based in New York, focusing on the mining and natural resource sectors. Established in 2012, the firm manages approximately $2.6 billion in assets and specializes in offering flexible capital investment solutions to publicly traded companies in the base and precious metals sectors. Orion's experienced team of investment professionals utilizes a disciplined, risk-adjusted process to evaluate potential portfolio companies. The firm provides various financing options, including debt, structured equity, and production-linked financing, as well as investments in royalties and offtake agreements.

Founded in 2001, Sidex is a government investment firm based in Montreal, Canada. The firm seeks to invest in companies focused on the mineral exploration sector.

Outlier Ventures is a London-based venture platform founded in 2013 that invests in early-stage technology startups, particularly those focused on blockchain and emerging technologies. Recognized as Europe's first venture firm dedicated to blockchain, it has developed a distinct investment thesis surrounding the convergence of decentralized technologies with advancements in artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. This convergence is seen as pivotal for building a new open data infrastructure, which is essential for the evolution of Web 3.0. Outlier Ventures operates an acceleration program called Base Camp, which provides pre-seed projects with office space, legal, and operational support over a three-month period. The firm actively partners with seed and growth-stage companies committed to this vision, leveraging a team of specialists across various domains to support founders and enhance their growth trajectories. With a global presence that includes locations in London, Toronto, Chicago, and Amsterdam, Outlier Ventures aims to create significant value in the technology sector while securing a position at the forefront of innovative developments.

Alamos Gold is a gold producer focused on low-cost production, financial performance, and delivering shareholder value. The company operates primarily in Canada and Mexico, with three operating mines: Young-Davidson and Island Gold in Canada, and Mulatos in Sonora, Mexico. Mulatos generates the majority of the company's revenue. Alamos Gold has built a reputation as a highly efficient and profitable mining company, driven by the strength and talent of its workforce. The company emphasizes sustainable development and is committed to contributing positively to the communities in which it operates, adhering to core values of respect, equality, honesty, and accountability. This focus on sustainable practices and community engagement is integral to Alamos Gold's strategy and success.

Zijin Mining Group Company Limited is a prominent player in the exploration, mining, and sale of mineral resources, primarily focusing on gold, copper, zinc, tungsten, lead, and iron. With a significant footprint in China and international markets, the company produces various products, including gold bullion, copper cathodes, zinc bullion, and molybdenum. Established in 1986 and headquartered in Longyan, China, Zijin Mining Group has developed extensive mining and exploration rights, covering substantial land areas. It has garnered a reputation for profitability and innovation in the mining sector, leveraging advanced research and development platforms to enhance its operational efficiency and environmental protection. The company places a strong emphasis on education and collaboration, exemplified by its partnership with Fuzhou University to establish Zijin Mining College, which aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications for future professionals in the industry.

Bergen Asset Management, LLC is a New York-based global asset management firm specializing in equity investments in high-growth publicly-traded and private companies, primarily outside of the United States. The firm adopts a sector-agnostic approach but shows a preference for industries with potential for above-market medium-term appreciation. Additionally, Bergen manages the Bergen Special Opportunity Fund, which focuses on buyout investments.

RCF Management, LLC is a private equity firm based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in investments within the metals, minerals, and mining sectors. Established in 1998, the firm focuses on a variety of investment strategies, including buyouts, early and later-stage ventures, growth capital, and distressed situations. RCF does not engage in the oil and gas sector and typically targets junior mining companies at the scoping study or pre-feasibility stage. The firm seeks innovative opportunities in mining technology and often provides bridge loans and credit support. RCF invests globally, with a particular emphasis on Australia, Europe, Canada, and the United States, and is willing to invest up to $500 million in a single transaction, although initial investments usually range from $1 million to $300 million. The firm aims to exit investments within three to five years through various strategies, including mergers and acquisitions. RCF Management also values active involvement in its portfolio companies, often taking board seats.

Alameda Research, founded in 2017 and based in Hong Kong, is a quantitative cryptocurrency trading firm that operates as a hedge fund. The firm specializes in both early-stage and later-stage venture capital investments within the cryptocurrency sector. Alameda Research provides a range of services designed to facilitate cryptocurrency trading, including instant quotes, settlement, and onboarding processes. Additionally, the firm develops quantitative trading strategies to enhance trading efficiency for its clients. Through these offerings, Alameda Research has established itself as a key player in the cryptocurrency market.

Fenbushi Capital is a prominent venture capital firm based in Shanghai, China, specializing in investments in blockchain-enabled companies. Established in 2015 by experienced professionals from both blockchain and traditional finance sectors, the firm has supported over 60 innovative projects across four continents. Its investment focus spans various industries, including finance, healthcare, supply chain, and consumer goods, all leveraging blockchain technology to drive transformation. Fenbushi Capital aims to promote healthy and sustainable growth within the global blockchain ecosystem and actively engages with its portfolio companies as a long-term strategic partner.

Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm established in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of startups, from seed to late stage, with a strong emphasis on technology sectors. Its investment focus includes software, cloud computing, enterprise solutions, and consumer Internet, as well as areas intersecting computer science and life sciences, such as digital therapeutics and computational medicine. The firm aims to fund innovative companies that contribute to American dynamism, with investments typically ranging from $50,000 to $50 million. While primarily targeting technology startups, Andreessen Horowitz has a selective approach, avoiding investments in sectors like clean energy and traditional consumer retail.

AngloGold Ashanti is a gold mining company that also produces silver, uranium, and sulphuric acid, along with dore bars. The company operates 14 mines and three projects across nine countries, with a significant presence in Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Its operations in Africa, which include notable mines such as Kibali, Iduapriem, Obuasi, Siguiri, and Geita, contribute the majority of its revenue. Established in 1944 and headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, AngloGold Ashanti is focused on maintaining high standards of safety, environmental preservation, and social responsibility while delivering value to its shareholders.

Breakthrough Energy is an impact investment firm founded in 2016 and based in Kirkland, Washington. It is composed of members from the Breakthrough Energy Coalition and focuses on investing in innovative technologies aimed at providing reliable and affordable energy without contributing to climate change. The firm targets companies in the environmental services and cleantech sectors, making minority investments at various stages of development, including seed, early, and later stages. Breakthrough Energy emphasizes the importance of a public-private partnership involving governments, research institutions, and investors to accelerate the development of zero-emission energy solutions. By leveraging scientific and technological expertise, Breakthrough Energy aims to address pressing energy needs, particularly in underserved regions, while fostering the creation of transformative energy technologies that can mitigate climate change impacts.

Teck is a leading diversified natural resource company based in Canada, founded in 1910. Over its more than 100 years of operation, Teck has focused on responsible mining and mineral development, contributing to community building, job creation, and sustainable innovation in the industry. The company primarily engages in base metals mining, with significant copper and zinc operations in Canada, the United States, Chile, and Peru. Following the divestment from its metallurgical coal and oil sands businesses, copper has become Teck's major commodity, significantly bolstered by the Quebrada Blanca 2 project in Chile, which is expected to increase copper production by approximately 75%. Teck is recognized as one of the top three zinc miners globally and is actively working to rebalance its portfolio towards low-carbon metals, primarily copper, to align with evolving market demands.

Kinross Gold is a Canada-based senior gold producer with a strong operational track record and a robust balance sheet. In 2023, the company produced approximately 2.2 million gold equivalent ounces and maintained about a decade of gold reserves. Kinross operates mines primarily in the Americas and West Africa, having divested its Russian operations in 2022 in response to geopolitical events. The company has a history of using acquisitions to expand into new regions and enhance production capabilities. Notably, in 2022, Kinross acquired the Great Bear project in Canada, which has the potential to yield over 500,000 ounces of gold annually for at least ten years if successfully developed. Kinross is committed to responsible mining practices, positioning itself as a compelling investment opportunity in the gold sector.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1983 and headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The firm specializes in investing in small and medium-sized businesses, primarily within Quebec, focusing on sectors such as aerospace, agri-food, chemicals, construction materials, life sciences, telecommunications, and tourism. Fonds de solidarité FTQ targets projects requiring investments of $3 million or more and offers loans up to $2 million. The firm does not invest in retail, real estate, farming, biotechnology, or financial services. It actively seeks opportunities in various industries, including environmental initiatives, cultural projects, and advanced manufacturing. The firm typically holds its investments for five to ten years, with a preference for equity financing and an ability to take minority or majority stakes in portfolio companies. By prioritizing projects that positively impact the Quebec economy, Fonds de solidarité FTQ aims to foster local development and growth while supporting business succession and innovation.

Shima Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2021 and based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The firm specializes in global investments, focusing on emerging blockchain startups and companies within various sectors, including analytics, consumer products, decentralized finance, gaming, infrastructure, regenerative finance, and web3 technologies. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Shima Capital aims to support innovative ventures that are at the forefront of technological advancement in the blockchain space.

Rio Tinto is a prominent international mining group engaged in the exploration, extraction, and processing of various mineral resources across the globe. The company produces a diverse range of products, including aluminum, copper, diamonds, gold, silver, borates, titanium dioxide, iron ore, and uranium. In addition to these minerals, Rio Tinto is involved in alumina production, primary aluminum smelting, bauxite mining, and refining processes. The company operates in more than 40 countries and employs over 68,000 individuals. Notably, Rio Tinto is also the owner and future operator of the Eagle Mine in Michigan, which is expected to be a significant source of nickel and copper in the United States. Founded in 1873 and headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, Rio Tinto has established itself as a leader in the mining industry.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Specializing in seed-to-growth stage investments, SOSV operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet ventures, Food-X for innovative food solutions, and dlab for blockchain technology. The firm focuses on investments in revolutionary deep technologies aimed at improving human and planetary health, as well as cross-border markets, particularly in Asia. SOSV invests in approximately 150 startups annually, providing support through its resources to accelerate product development and scaling. Over its two-decade history, SOSV has established a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top venture capital firms globally.

Raymond James Financial, founded in 1962 and headquartered in Saint Petersburg, Florida, is a comprehensive financial services firm that serves individuals, corporations, and municipalities. The firm offers a wide range of services, including investment banking and wealth management advisory. Its investment banking division provides expertise in areas such as mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, activism response, debt origination, and restructuring. The firm caters to diverse industry sectors, including consumer, retail, energy, financial services, healthcare, industrials, real estate, security, defense, government services, technology, services, transport, and infrastructure. The Raymond James Technology and Communications Investment Banking Group specializes in key sectors like communications software, telecommunications, and IT services, leveraging its experienced professionals and award-winning research capabilities. The group emphasizes a client-centric approach, focusing on delivering independent solutions that create long-term value, evidenced by successful transactions totaling significant value since 1998.

Appian Capital Advisory LLP is a private equity firm based in London that focuses on investments in the natural resources sector, particularly in mining companies involved with base metals, precious metals, and fertilizers. Established in 2012, the firm acts as the investment advisor to the Appian Natural Resources Fund, which pools investor capital to target small to medium-sized mining companies at various stages of the mining cycle, from exploration to operation and expansion. Appian emphasizes investments in regions with stable governance and legal frameworks, specifically allocating capital across North America, Latin America, Africa, and opportunistically in Asia and Australia. The firm typically invests between $10 million and $150 million, aiming for control positions in its investments, and seeks to exit through initial public offerings or corporate transactions.

Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a wide range of financing solutions and support services for businesses at various stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, the company offers medium to long-term loans, export insurance, real estate and equipment leasing, and working capital loans. Bpifrance also invests in startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies through direct investments and fund management activities. Additionally, it provides consulting services for executives and training for CEOs, aiming to facilitate innovation and growth. Bpifrance was formed from the merger of several entities in July 2013, including OSEO, CDC Entreprises, and FSI, to enhance its role in supporting the financing of the French economy.

Paradigm is a crypto-focused investment firm based in San Francisco.

GMP Securities L.P., founded in 1995 as Griffiths McBurney & Partners, operates as an independent investment dealer based in Toronto, Canada. The firm specializes in providing advisory services related to public underwritings, private placements, mergers and acquisitions, and debt and divestiture transactions. GMP Securities also offers institutional sales, trading, and research services to corporate clients and institutional investors, with a strong presence in sectors such as mining, financial services, real estate, technology, blockchain, and healthcare. GMP Securities has maintained a significant position in the market, finishing sixth in market share on the Toronto Stock Exchange at its inception. The firm also has affiliates that cater to high net worth clients and private equity investments. In 2019, GMP Securities was acquired by Stifel Financial, further expanding its reach and capabilities in the investment banking landscape.

Hard Yaka, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2010 and located in Crystal Bay, Nevada. The firm focuses on making early-stage investments in startups within the exchange space, particularly those that operate in specific market verticals or provide essential services across various exchange sectors, such as messaging and payments. Hard Yaka specializes in buyout and distressed investments, aiming to acquire majority stakes in companies involved in portable identity, payments, marketplaces for digital transformation, and regulatory technology. Through its investment strategy, Hard Yaka seeks to support the growth and development of innovative technologies and businesses.

Scotiabank, founded in 1832 and headquartered in Toronto, Canada, is a leading financial institution that serves approximately 21 million customers in over 55 countries. The bank offers a comprehensive range of banking products and services, including personal and commercial banking, investment banking, wealth management, and insurance. Its private equity arm focuses on middle-market investments, specializing in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and consumer products. Scotiabank typically invests between $5 million and $25 million in companies, seeking both minority and majority ownership stakes. With a commitment to managing risk and capital effectively, Scotiabank aims to support individuals, businesses, and communities in achieving financial success. The organization employs over 86,000 people dedicated to understanding customer needs and delivering tailored financial solutions.

Galaxy Digital is a full-service digital assets merchant bank focused on the cryptocurrency and blockchain sectors. The firm aims to enhance communities by leveraging technology to improve lives and connect people, organizations, and resources. Galaxy Digital is committed to building a best-in-class, institutional-quality merchant banking business, which involves raising capital to support its growth and expansion. The firm’s services include managing a diverse portfolio of digital assets, providing robust solutions for institutional clients, and facilitating engagement within the digital asset ecosystem. By streamlining operations and fostering connections, Galaxy Digital seeks to drive innovation and efficiency in the evolving landscape of digital finance.

Polymetal International is a precious metals mining company registered in Saint Helier, Jersey, with operations primarily in Russia and Kazakhstan. The company has five reportable segments: Magadan, Ural, Khabarovsk, Yakutia, and Kazakhstan, each dedicated to the mining of gold, silver, or copper, along with associated activities such as exploration, extraction, processing, and reclamation. The Magadan and Kazakhstan segments are the main contributors to Polymetal's revenue, highlighting the significance of these regions in the company's overall operations.

Pantera Capital is an investment firm based in Menlo Park, California, specializing in Bitcoin and other digital currencies, as well as companies operating within the blockchain space. Founded in 2003 by Dan Morehead, who previously served as chief financial officer and head of Macro Trading at Tiger Management, the firm transitioned from a focus on global macro hedge fund investments to exclusively target the burgeoning digital currency market by 2014. Pantera Capital believes that Bitcoin can revolutionize the way people conduct transactions, akin to the transformative impact of the Internet on communications and commerce. The firm engages in various stages of investment, including seed, early, and later-stage opportunities, while maintaining a particular interest in technology sectors such as financial technology, cybersecurity, and big data. Its investors include notable entities such as Benchmark and Fortress Investment Group.

Newmont is a leading global gold producer and the largest gold miner in the world. Founded in 1921 and headquartered in Colorado, the company employs approximately 28,000 individuals and contractors, primarily engaged in operations across the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Peru, Indonesia, and Ghana. Newmont's extensive portfolio includes 17 wholly or majority-owned mines and interests in two joint ventures, spanning the Americas, Africa, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. Following its acquisition of Goldcorp in 2019 and Newcrest in 2023, Newmont has consolidated its Nevada mines in a joint venture with Barrick. The company is anticipated to produce around 6.9 million ounces of gold in 2024, although it may divest some of its smaller, higher-cost mines, which represent approximately 20% of its expected sales for that year. In addition to gold, Newmont also generates significant quantities of copper, silver, zinc, and lead as byproducts.

Bitmain Technologies Holding Company is a blockchain and semiconductor firm founded in 2013 and headquartered in Beijing, China, with additional offices in Shenzhen and other locations globally. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing high-performance hardware for Bitcoin mining, utilizing advanced ASIC chip technology. In addition to cryptocurrency mining equipment, Bitmain develops a range of products including tensor computing processors for applications in security surveillance, data centers, and artificial intelligence. Their offerings include deep learning accelerator cards, specialized chips for facial recognition, and smart terminal devices. The company also engages in various research and development activities, with centers located in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the United States, reflecting its commitment to innovation in both the blockchain and semiconductor sectors.

MH Ventures is a London-based venture capital firm established in 2021, specializing in early-stage investments in blockchain and Web3 projects. The firm focuses on supporting visionary entrepreneurs by providing not only financial backing but also comprehensive resources to foster their growth and success. As a community-backed venture capital firm, MH Ventures aims to identify and invest in innovative projects that shape the future of technology and finance. Through its founder-focused approach, the firm strives to drive the development of the blockchain ecosystem.

Sequoia Capital, founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California, is a prominent venture capital firm that invests in early to growth stage companies across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, and consumer services. The firm specializes in supporting startups and emerging growth companies, typically investing between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. Sequoia Capital operates globally, with a presence in regions such as Israel, China, and Southeast Asia, and has built a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies like Airbnb, Alibaba, and JD.com. The firm emphasizes a partnership approach with entrepreneurs, leveraging decades of experience to guide them from initial concept through to public offering and beyond.

Animoca Brands is a digital entertainment company specializing in the development and publishing of mobile products that incorporate gamification, blockchain, and artificial intelligence technologies. The company offers a diverse portfolio of games, including titles like The Sandbox, Crazy Kings, and F1 Delta Time, as well as products based on well-known intellectual properties such as Garfield, Thomas & Friends, and Power Rangers. Additionally, Animoca Brands supports the Web3.0 strategy for intellectual property holders by providing a platform that enables the issuance of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and fungible tokens, facilitating community engagement and monetization of digital assets. The company is involved in various blockchain investments and partnerships, positioning itself as a leader in leveraging technology to create new business models and enhance user experience in the digital landscape. With a global presence, Animoca Brands is headquartered in Australia and maintains operations in multiple countries, including the United States and South Korea.

Placeholder Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and located in New York City. The firm focuses on investing in decentralized information networks and web3 services, targeting sectors related to cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Placeholder Ventures applies a thesis-driven approach to its investments, aiming to support innovative developments within the rapidly evolving landscape of decentralized technologies.

The National Science Foundation (NSF), established in 1950 and located in Alexandria, Virginia, is an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing fundamental research and education across all scientific and engineering disciplines. With an annual budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF operates America's Seed Fund, which allocates nearly $200 million each year to support startups and small businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This initiative provides non-dilutive funding of up to $1.5 million to assist in research and development efforts, thereby facilitating the transformation of scientific discoveries into commercially viable products and services. By helping to de-risk technology, the NSF plays a crucial role in fostering innovation and addressing societal challenges through scientific advancements.

Macquarie Bank, a subsidiary of Macquarie Group, is headquartered in Sydney, Australia, and has been providing a wide range of commercial banking and retail financial services since its founding in 1969. The bank offers personal banking, business banking, and wealth management products, alongside services in asset and mortgage-backed securitization, institutional and commodity financing, and capital management. It also engages in trading fixed income, equities, foreign exchange, and commodities, while providing broking services. Macquarie Bank operates across multiple regions, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific, serving a diverse clientele ranging from individual customers to corporate and government entities. The bank is regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and emphasizes strong risk management practices and an entrepreneurial culture to foster its business growth.

Beedie Capital Partners, based in Vancouver, Canada, manages the non-real estate investment activities of the Beedie Development Group. Established in 1954, the firm specializes in providing flexible growth financing solutions for small to mid-market companies across various sectors, including technology, media, energy, and metals and mining. Beedie Capital typically invests through a range of financial instruments, such as debt, equity, and combinations thereof, tailored to meet the specific needs of its partners. The firm operates with a small core team of decision-makers, allowing for responsive and creative investment strategies. As minority investors, Beedie Capital focuses on maintaining management control within the companies it supports, offering less dilutive and restrictive financing options compared to traditional sources of capital.

Merian Global Investors is an independent asset management firm based in London, England, established in June 2018 following the acquisition of the single-strategy investment capabilities of Old Mutual Global Investors by its management team and TA Associates. The firm focuses on building a specialized asset management business, emphasizing the value of active investment management tailored to clients' expectations. Merian aims to attract and retain skilled investment professionals who are experts in their respective fields, providing them with the necessary operational, risk management, and distribution support to excel. This approach allows investment professionals the freedom to make decisions without the constraints of a centralized investment view.

MassChallenge is a non-equity startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with additional locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK. Founded in 2009, it focuses on fostering innovation and entrepreneurship by supporting high-potential startups across various industries globally. MassChallenge provides expert mentorship, a tailored curriculum, and access to corporate partners without taking any equity from the startups. Its programs, including specialized initiatives like MassChallenge FinTech and MassChallenge HealthTech, aim to facilitate partnerships between startups and established companies to drive innovation and growth. To date, MassChallenge has helped over 1,200 alumni raise more than $2 billion in funding and create over 65,000 jobs, demonstrating its significant impact on the global innovation ecosystem.

Blockchain.com is a platform that enables users to buy, hold, and utilize cryptocurrency, aiming to create an accessible financial system for individuals worldwide. With over 50 million registered users, it facilitates fast transactions and provides a variety of services, including trading, sending, receiving, securing, and borrowing digital currencies. The Blockchain.com explorer serves as a popular resource for tracking crypto market activities, while its exchange offers a streamlined trading experience. Additionally, Blockchain Ventures invests in projects related to distributed ledger technology (DLT) that strive for positive societal impacts, promoting innovative uses of DLT beyond the financial sector. Overall, Blockchain.com is dedicated to transforming the financial services landscape by enhancing transaction efficiency and empowering users to manage their digital assets securely.

Greenstone Resources, founded in 2013 and based in London, is a private equity firm that specializes in investments within the mining and metals sectors. The firm manages a fund that targets opportunities in metals, minerals, and mining infrastructure on a global scale. Greenstone Resources focuses on investing in companies operating in these industries, aiming to support their growth and development while capitalizing on emerging market trends.

Chrysalix Venture Capital, established in 2001 and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is an early-stage venture capital firm that focuses on industrial innovation. The firm invests in a diverse range of sectors, including clean technology, renewable energy, agriculture, artificial intelligence, data analytics, sensor components, the Internet of Things, robotic systems, blockchain, and advanced materials. Chrysalix connects market-driven challenges with breakthrough solutions, supporting technologies and entrepreneurial teams that address the evolving needs of global industries. The firm provides valuable assistance, leveraging its deep industry and technical expertise, management support, networking opportunities with industrial and financial partners, and management of intellectual property to facilitate access to capital for its clients.