Founded in 2006, Techstars is a global platform that supports and invests in early-stage technology companies. Through its mentorship-driven accelerator programs, seed investments, and venture capital fund, Techstars fosters innovation across various sectors worldwide.
Founded in 2005, Y Combinator is a California-based startup accelerator and early-stage venture capital firm. It provides funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies across various industries, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and finance. The organization helps founders refine their business models and products through an intensive three-month program in Silicon Valley, culminating in Demo Day presentations to investors.
Plug and Play Tech Center is a global accelerator and venture capital platform based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. It runs twelve industry-focused accelerator programs twice a year, connecting startups with corporate partners, investors, and universities to accelerate growth. The organization provides funding and accelerator resources, mentorship, and access to office space, data center services, recruiting, and executive-in-residence programs. It supports seed and early-stage companies across sectors including brand and retail, financial technology, health, information technology, mobility, energy and sustainability, supply chain and logistics, and the Internet of Things, with additional verticals such as travel and hospitality and food and beverage. In addition to its accelerators, Plug and Play collaborates with a broad network of venture and corporate partners to co-invest and help startups scale globally. The company maintains a global footprint with locations and programs across multiple regions, fostering a platform that connects entrepreneurs with large corporations and investors to drive innovation.
Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd (SCGC) is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 by the Shenzhen Government. The company is dedicated to fostering national industries, developing national brands, and promoting economic transformation through investments in emerging sectors. SCGC primarily targets small to medium enterprises and innovative high-tech companies, focusing on those in various stages of growth, including startups and those undergoing transformation. Its investment portfolio spans industries that align with national policy support, such as information technology, internet services, new media, biopharmaceuticals, new energy, environmental protection, chemical engineering, and high-end equipment manufacturing. With a registered capital of 5.42 billion RMB and significant assets under management, SCGC has established itself as a leader in the venture capital landscape, having invested in numerous companies, many of which have achieved public listings across global capital markets.
EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.
Alumni Ventures Group is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with offices across North America. It provides access to venture investing for individual accredited investors, particularly alumni networks, by offering diversified portfolios of venture opportunities and allowing members to invest alongside fellow alumni in ventures led by peers. The firm backs early-stage and later-stage opportunities across technology, consumer, healthcare, financial services, and other sectors, with a sector- and geography-agnostic approach. It typically invests between $10,000 and $3 million per deal and emphasizes the involvement of alumni connections and an institutional lead investor in opportunities. Alumni Ventures also offers focused funds to broaden participation, enabling accredited investors to access venture portfolios diversified by type, sector, stage, and geography. The model aims to democratize access to venture capital while maintaining rigorous selection standards through alumni networks.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
MassChallenge is a global startup accelerator supporting early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries. Founded in 2009, it provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities through its programs worldwide.
Cowin Capital, established in 2000, is a Shenzhen-based private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments. With 18 years of experience, it focuses on supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises, primarily in the energy, communication, electronics, and environmental protection sectors. Cowin Capital takes a long-term approach, aiming to create value through strategic partnerships and operational support. It has successfully invested in over 300 companies, with 60 becoming publicly listed and 150 achieving successful exits. Notably, Cowin Capital was one of the first venture capital institutions to be listed on the New Third Board (NEEQ) in China.
Addor Capital is a growth capital investment firm established in 2014 and located in Nanjing, China. The firm specializes in providing investment services by financing early-stage ventures and acquiring securities of various companies. Addor Capital focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including clean technology, health, new materials, advanced manufacturing, consumer services, cultural industries, and technology, media, and telecommunications. Its investment strategy encompasses seed-stage, early-stage, later-stage, and growth-stage companies, primarily within China.
Founded in 2006, Seraphim Space is a venture capital firm based in London, focusing on the space technology sector. With over a century of collective experience and investments in over 180 early and growth-stage businesses, they strive to create meaningful value for their portfolio companies by leveraging their extensive network and industry expertise.
FasterCapital is an online incubator, accelerator, and venture builder based in Dubai that supports startups and small businesses worldwide. It provides equity-based services, including technical development and business development, and assists ventures seeking funding from angels and venture capitalists. Founded in 2010, FasterCapital engages in a broad range of technology-driven sectors such as fintech, edtech, health tech, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields.
Korea Development Bank (KDB) is a South Korean banking institution established in 1954, headquartered in Seoul. It offers a wide range of banking products and services, both domestically and internationally. KDB's core services include deposit products, corporate banking, investment banking, and international banking. It provides corporate loans, equity investments, debt guarantees, and various funding services. Additionally, KDB offers consulting services for business areas such as project development, corporate management, and financial advisory. The bank serves individual and corporate customers, including small and medium-sized enterprises, through 74 domestic branches, 9 overseas branches, and 9 representative offices. KDB's mission is to support Korea's economic growth and development by providing long-term financing for major industrial projects and extending guarantees to its clients.
IQT focuses on advancing innovative technology solutions tailored for the intelligence and defense sectors. By fostering the development of cutting-edge tools, IQT aims to enhance the capabilities of these communities in their efforts to ensure national security. The organization plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and their practical applications within government agencies, ultimately contributing to the safety and protection of the nation.
Lockheed Martin Ventures, established in 2014, is a venture capital arm of Lockheed Martin Corporation. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies specializing in advanced technologies such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, space technologies, and artificial intelligence.
Garmin designs GPS-enabled hardware and software for fitness, outdoor, automotive, aviation, and marine markets. It is known for durable, high-precision devices produced through a vertically integrated design and manufacturing approach. Its product lines include smartwatches, GPS navigators, marine and aviation navigation systems, and related communication equipment. Garmin serves customers worldwide, with a strong presence in North America and Europe, and supports its products through direct-to-consumer channels and a global service network.
Established in 1984, Foresight Group is an independent investment manager specializing in infrastructure and private equity. With over £7.2 billion in assets under management, the company caters to institutional investors, family offices, high net worth individuals, and retail clients. Foresight's investment strategies emphasize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, aiming to create sustainable long-term value.
MapsPeople develops a cloud-based SaaS platform for indoor navigation in large buildings. Its primary product, MapsIndoors, is used across 50 countries to optimize building functionality, enhance accessibility, and improve visitor navigation. The company generates revenue through MapsIndoors subscriptions, Google Maps licensing, and additional services.
Space Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in the space economy, with a focus on technologies related to global positioning systems, geospatial intelligence, and communications. By targeting companies that operate within these sectors, Space Capital aims to unlock the value inherent in space technology stacks. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to fostering innovation in the rapidly evolving space industry.
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Beijing, Shunwei is a venture capital firm specializing in early to mid-stage investments across various sectors including technology, internet, mobile internet, and rural area internet. It focuses on China and India, with a track record of over 350 investments since its inception.
Founded in 2015, Eclipse Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California. It invests in seed-stage companies operating within massive physical industries such as manufacturing, logistics, transportation, and healthcare, aiming to modernize these sectors through innovative technologies.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a United States government agency established in 1958, primarily in response to advancements in space exploration by the Soviet Union. Originating from the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, NASA has a long history of advancing aeronautics and astronautics. It gained prominence for its Apollo program, which successfully landed humans on the moon in 1969. NASA has since been instrumental in various space missions, including the development of the space shuttle, which provided regular access to space from 1981 until its retirement in 2011. The agency plays a key role in the International Space Station, furthering human presence in space through international collaboration. In addition to manned missions, NASA conducts extensive scientific research, exploring planets like Mars and monitoring Earth's climate through satellites. Its aeronautics teams continue to innovate in creating safer and more efficient aircraft. Overall, NASA's work aims to expand human knowledge and capabilities in space while contributing to advancements that benefit life on Earth.
Founded in 2007, Innovate UK is a non-profit organization based in Swindon, UK. It supports businesses across various economic sectors by offering funding services to promote science and technology innovations.
Point72 Ventures is a global venture capital firm and the independent investment arm of Point72, the asset management firm led by Steven A. Cohen. It invests primarily in fintech, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and enterprise technologies, while also backing companies in deep tech, healthcare, mortgage tech, and adtech across all growth stages. The firm operates from offices in New York City, Palo Alto, San Francisco, and Stamford, Connecticut, reflecting its cross-border reach and emphasis on data-driven software and scalable technology solutions. Founded in 2016, Point72 Ventures supports innovative startups through strategic capital and domain expertise.
Established in 2021 and headquartered in San Francisco, The Veteran Fund is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage, high-growth technology startups led by exceptional founders from the military community.
Established in 1999, Innovation Works is a prominent investor in Southwestern Pennsylvania's technology sector. It provides capital and resources to early-stage companies with high growth potential and significant regional impact, particularly focusing on robotics, AI, medical devices, retail technologies, and enterprise software.
Founded in 1968, Intel designs, manufactures, and sells essential technologies for cloud, smart, and connected devices worldwide. Its product portfolio includes platform products like central processing units and chipsets, along with non-platform products such as accelerators, boards and systems, connectivity products, and memory and storage products. Intel serves original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and cloud service providers.
Sequoia Capital is a global venture capital firm, founded in 1972, specializing in early-stage and growth investments across technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors. With offices worldwide, Sequoia manages multiple funds and has invested in over 350 companies that have become public or achieved significant valuations.
Established in 1990, KB Investment is a prominent South Korean venture capital firm with over USD 2.6 billion in assets under management as of December 2023. It is a subsidiary of KB Financial Group, Korea's leading financial group. KB Investment specializes in supporting early-stage and growth-oriented companies across various sectors, including consumer products, healthcare, information technology, life sciences, and clean tech, primarily in the United States, Southeast Asia, and Israel.
AllTrails is an online outdoor travel platform that specializes in providing community-curated trail maps, reviews, and photos for hikers, mountain bikers, and trail runners. With a focus on encouraging outdoor exploration, AllTrails offers a comprehensive collection of detailed, hand-curated trail information, allowing users to easily discover and navigate various trails. The platform fosters a global community of trail-goers who share their experiences and insights, enhancing users' appreciation for the outdoors. Recognized for its excellence, AllTrails received the Apple iPhone 2023 App of the Year award and an Honorable Mention in the Google Play Best Of 2023.
Bpifrance is a financial institution dedicated to supporting companies throughout their development stages, particularly those preparing for stock market listing and seeking credit equity. The organization provides a range of financial solutions, including financing, innovation assistance, and capital investment. By integrating various entities such as OSEO and CDC Entreprises, Bpifrance aims to deliver tailored financial support that addresses the specific needs of businesses. The institution is committed to fostering innovation and helping companies transition toward sustainable growth, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.
Founded in 1995, Bayern Kapital is a venture capital firm based in Landshut, Germany. It specializes in growth capital investments, focusing on high-tech companies in sectors such as biotechnology, IT, and environmental technology. The firm primarily invests in small and medium-sized companies located exclusively in Bavaria, with typical investment amounts ranging from €0.25 million to €9 million.
The Creative Destruction Lab (CDL) is a seed-stage acceleration program founded in 2012 at the Rotman School of Management in Toronto, Canada. It is dedicated to supporting massively scalable, science- and technology-based ventures by providing a unique coaching process focused on specific objectives. CDL connects startups with experienced entrepreneurs and leading scientists across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, healthcare, quantum computing, blockchain, energy, and cleantech. The program has expanded its reach, operating in six cities: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and New York City, and emphasizes the commercialization of scientific and technological advancements.
Founded in 1998, Tencent is a leading global technology company based in China. It operates the world's largest game publishing business and owns WeChat, one of the most widely used messaging apps globally with over 1 billion users. The company offers a range of services including social networking, gaming, fintech, cloud computing, online advertising, and digital content.
Bosch Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Bosch Group, investing globally in innovative startups focused on automation, electrification, energy efficiency, enabling technologies, healthcare systems, services, business models, and new materials relevant to Bosch's core businesses. It invests from EUR 500k to over EUR 15m per company, typically taking a 10-25% equity stake and preferring syndicated investments.
SAIC Capital is a venture capital firm specializing in direct investments and fund of funds. Established in Shanghai, China, it focuses on investing in emerging technologies within the automotive industry, including new energy vehicles, intelligent connected cars, and related sectors. The firm aims to create value for SAIC Group and various investors through strategic investments.
Venture Catalysts is recognized as Asia's largest integrated incubator, established in 2016, which offers investments ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per startup, along with incubation support for 18 to 24 months. It has successfully incubated notable companies such as BharatPe, Fynd, and Innov8, which have emerged as leaders in their respective categories. With a robust network of over 4,500 angel investors across 36 cities in six countries, including India, Hong Kong, and the UAE, Venture Catalysts has attracted participation from prominent global investors like YCombinator and Greenoaks. The organization focuses on nurturing the startup ecosystem in Tier II and III cities in India, conducting incubation programs in locations such as Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Surat, as well as major metros. In addition to providing seed and Series A funding, Venture Catalysts excels in startup development, strategic guidance, and investor education, ensuring substantial returns for its investors. Its leadership in the early-stage investment landscape is underscored by the successful fundraising of over ten incubatees in a challenging market environment, solidifying its reputation as a top early-stage investor in India.
EIT Urban Mobility is an initiative of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union. It aims to transform urban mobility by supporting impact-driven startups and scale-ups, providing funding, knowledge, networking opportunities, and connections with public policy stakeholders.
Founded in 2009, East Ventures is a pioneering venture capital firm based in Singapore with offices in Tokyo, Singapore, and Indonesia. It provides multi-stage investment from Seed to Growth stages for over 300 tech companies across Southeast Asia. As an early believer in the region's startup ecosystem, East Ventures has backed prominent companies like Tokopedia, Traveloka, and Ruangguru.
Established in 2007, The Chennai Angels is a group of successful entrepreneurs who invest in early-stage companies across various sectors, with a focus on ventures based out of South India. They typically invest between INR50 Lakh to INR3 Crore, and besides providing capital, they offer mentorship and help entrepreneurs navigate the fundraising lifecycle.
First Round Capital is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that concentrates on seed- and early-stage investments, often supporting pre-revenue startups across sectors including enterprise software, fintech, healthcare, consumer, hardware, artificial intelligence, and web3. The firm emphasizes a community-driven approach, providing founder-focused services, mentorship, and access to a broad founder network to help companies grow. It operates nationally with offices in San Francisco and New York and seeks to take an active role in portfolio companies to aid scaling and access to follow-on funding.
YF Capital, established in January 2010, is a private equity firm in China founded by successful entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Their focus goes beyond financial investment, aiming to share entrepreneurial experiences with companies to enhance their development and brand strategies. YF Capital particularly supports young entrepreneurs, nurturing them to become future industry leaders. The firm is named after the Chinese first names of Jack Ma, Chairman of Alibaba, and David Yu, Founder of Target Media. Headquartered in Shanghai, YF Capital has branch offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Hangzhou, and other mainland cities, collaborating with a group of co-founders from various successful enterprises to drive the growth of world-class businesses.
Continental is a global automotive supplier, specializing in intelligent technologies for passenger and goods transportation. Its core segments include automotive components like wheel brakes, electronic systems, tires, and rubber supplies.
Founded in 2018, Inflection Point Ventures is an angel investment network based in Gurgaon, India. It supports early-to-mid stage startups by providing capital and leveraging its extensive network of investors to offer market access, guidance, and mentorship.
FounderFuel is a Montreal-based mentor-driven accelerator for technology startups. It operates a four-month program that connects young companies with a network of veteran entrepreneurs, operators, and executives to refine visions, expand networks, and accelerate progress. Founded in 2011 by Real Ventures, the program emphasizes technology ventures, including those leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, and provides participants with access to investors and strategic mentors to support early growth.
Established in 2020, the European Innovation Council supports innovative startups and researchers with promising ideas, focusing on early-stage companies with positive environmental, social, or governance impacts. It co-invests alongside private investors.
NextNav designs, develops, and deploys urban and indoor positioning technology solutions in the United States. Its positioning system allows mobile devices to determine their location in indoor and urban environments where GPS signals cannot be received, and provides location and height information with floor-level precision. The system is embedded into GPS chipsets, mobile phones, and other wireless devices. NextNav offers positioning services for E911, public safety, and emergency response, as well as consumer and commercial applications that require indoor location accuracy. It also provides Pinnacle, a Unity plug‑in that delivers precise altitude data to unlock 3D experiences for geolocation applications. Founded in 2007 and formerly known as Commlabs, the company is headquartered in Tyson's Corner, Virginia, with additional offices in Sunnyvale, California, and Bengaluru, India.
Fortress Investment Group is a global alternative asset manager founded in 1998 and headquartered in New York, with affiliated offices worldwide. The firm raises, invests in, and manages private equity funds, hedge funds, real estate, and publicly traded alternatives, offering diversified strategies across private markets, credit, liquid markets, and traditional asset management for institutional investors and private clients worldwide. In 2017 Fortress was acquired by SoftBank and continues to operate within SoftBank as an independent business, maintaining its investment platform and client relationships.
Founded in Seoul, South Korea in 2014, FuturePlay is an accelerator and early-stage investor focused on deep tech startups. It has invested in over 55 companies, primarily based in South Korea, with a third operating in the U.S. FuturePlay also expands its reach to Southeast Asia and acts as a limited partner for funds like 500 Kimchi and Zeroth.ai. The company offers two acceleration programs: TechUP and TechUP+, providing resources and support to help startups grow sustainably.