Knight Foundation is a national foundation with deep local connections, dedicated to promoting informed and engaged communities, which it views as vital for a healthy democracy. The foundation invests in journalism, the arts, and the development of cities where its founders, John S. and James L. Knight, once published newspapers. Through its Knight Enterprise Fund, it provides early-stage venture funding specifically aimed at media innovation. By supporting early-stage companies at the intersection of media and technology, Knight Foundation seeks to enhance access to quality information, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of communities.

Massachusetts Capital Resource Company, founded in 1977 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, serves as a private investment firm focused on addressing the funding gap for growing companies. The company provides risk capital in the form of mezzanine financing, long-term debt, and equity investments, specifically targeting emerging growth and middle-market firms. Its primary sectors of interest include manufacturing, distribution, service, and technology. By offering tailored investment solutions, Massachusetts Capital complements the financing available from senior lenders and equity investors, thereby supporting the growth and acquisition needs of companies operating in Massachusetts.

The American Journalism Project is the first venture philanthropy organization dedicated to local news by investing in and building nonprofit newsrooms that are sustained by and look like the people they serve. We make catalytic investments in nonprofit news organizations, partner with communities to launch new organizations, and coach leaders as they grow and sustain their newsrooms.

FasterCapital is an online incubator and accelerator based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2015. The company specializes in supporting startups and small businesses worldwide through a work-per-equity investment model, offering either technical or business development assistance in exchange for equity stakes. FasterCapital focuses on various sectors, including finance technology, health technology, education technology, artificial intelligence, and more. The firm aims to facilitate capital raising efforts for startups by connecting them with angel investors, venture capitalists, and other funding sources. By providing essential resources and expertise, FasterCapital helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses.

Adobe Inc. is a diversified software company headquartered in San Jose, California, that offers a comprehensive suite of digital media and marketing solutions. Its primary business segments include Digital Media, which provides tools like Creative Cloud for content creation and collaboration, and Digital Experience, which delivers solutions for managing and optimizing customer interactions across various channels. Adobe's products serve a wide range of users, including creative professionals, marketers, and enterprises, enabling them to create, publish, and measure digital content effectively. The company’s offerings encompass popular software such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat, as well as comprehensive marketing solutions. Additionally, Adobe’s Publishing segment addresses specific publishing needs, contributing a small portion to its revenue. As a global leader in digital marketing and media, Adobe caters to both enterprise clients and individual users through direct sales, app stores, and a network of partners. Founded in 1982, Adobe has established itself as a key player in the digital landscape, continuously evolving its services to meet the needs of its diverse customer base.

Ayre Group is a multinational investment firm established in 1994 and headquartered in Antigua and Barbuda. The company focuses on investing in innovative businesses and technologies across various sectors, including real estate, blockchain technology, media, publishing, health and wellness, and travel and leisure. With a commitment to supporting cutting-edge ventures, Ayre Group seeks opportunities in industries such as construction technology and digital health, aiming to foster growth and advancement in these fields.

Tencent Holdings Limited is a leading internet service provider based in Shenzhen, China, known for its extensive range of value-added services, including online games, social networking, financial technology, and online advertising. Founded in 1998, Tencent operates major platforms such as WeChat and QQ, which facilitate communication, entertainment, and e-commerce for millions of users. The company is recognized as the world's largest video game publisher, with popular titles like Honor of Kings in its portfolio. In addition to its core services, Tencent is involved in the production and distribution of films and television programs, as well as software development and digital content licensing. With a focus on user-oriented strategies, Tencent continues to adapt and expand its offerings, positioning itself as a vital part of daily life for many consumers in China and beyond.

Antler, established in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies. It supports exceptional founders from day one, providing access to a global network of co-founders, talent, advisors, and expansion support, along with capital. Antler's funds, including Antler UK Fund and Antler India Fund, target various sectors such as information technology, climate tech, healthtech, software, energy services, and SaaS, with investments ranging from USD 0.2 to 0.4 million.

Penguin Random House is the world's largest trade book publisher, formed on July 1, 2013, through a merger between Bertelsmann's Random House and Pearson's Penguin. The company operates in multiple countries, including the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, and South Africa, as well as in Asia and Brazil. It encompasses a diverse array of adult and children's fiction and nonfiction, publishing both print and digital formats. With a workforce of over 10,000 and nearly 250 independent imprints, Penguin Random House publishes more than 15,000 new titles each year, featuring works from over 70 Nobel Prize laureates and many renowned authors. In Canada, its operations include Penguin Canada and Random House of Canada, which distribute books from their associated imprints in the U.S. and the U.K. The company aims to foster a love for reading and support authors in sharing their stories.

Ingram Content Group Inc. is a leading distributor of both physical and digital content, serving over 38,000 retailers, libraries, schools, and distribution partners across 195 countries. Catering to more than 25,000 publishers, the company offers fully integrated solutions that enhance the business potential of books. Ingram operates print facilities and distribution centers, enabling authors, publishers, bookstores, and libraries to effectively reach a global audience. Through advanced technology and innovative practices in manufacturing and distribution, Ingram Content Group plays a vital role in connecting a diverse community of readers with a vast catalog of print and digital books.

Globis Capital Partners, established in 1996, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm that combines local business presence with Western VC experience. It invests in consumer, business, and frontier sectors, providing hands-on, industry-specific support to its portfolio companies. Additionally, through its parent company Globis Group, it offers MBA programs, corporate training, online learning platforms, and publications to foster leadership and empower purpose-driven entrepreneurs.

Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world's leading music entertainment company. It discovers, develops, and promotes recording artists and songwriters globally. UMG's core business involves recording, publishing, and merchandising music. It owns and administers copyrights to musical compositions, licensing them for various uses such as recordings, public performances, films, and advertisements. Additionally, UMG sells artist and music-branded products through diverse sales channels, including online platforms, fashion retail, and live performances. UMG houses over a dozen record labels, including Interscope, Capital Music, Motown Records, and Def Jam, representing a vast roster of successful artists like Taylor Swift, Drake, The Weeknd, and Morgan Wallen.

Mediahuis, established in 2020, is a Belgian media company specializing in cross-media brands. It operates internationally, offering a wide range of services including newspaper and magazine publication, distribution, printing, television, radio, and online media. The company invests in European EdTech and HRTech companies through its venture capital arm, Mediahuis Ventures, focusing on Series A and beyond as a lead investor.

Crowdcube Limited is an equity crowdfunding platform based in Exeter, United Kingdom, with an additional office in London. Founded in 2009, the company allows entrepreneurs of start-ups and growing businesses to raise funds from a diverse network of investors, including friends, family, and the general public. Through Crowdcube, individuals can invest in small companies in exchange for equity or an annual return, thereby democratizing access to investment opportunities that were once primarily available to corporate investors. Since pioneering equity crowdfunding in 2011, Crowdcube has facilitated over £300 million in investments from more than 390,000 investors, supporting over 520 successful fundraising campaigns. Notable businesses that have utilized the platform include Monzo, River Cottage, and the Eden Project, among others.

Axel Springer, established in 1946, is a prominent media company headquartered in Berlin, Germany. It operates in the print and digital publishing sectors, offering a wide range of newspapers, magazines, and digital sales channels. With a strong presence in over 40 countries, Axel Springer is the market leader in the German print business and has a significant global footprint. The company's core business segments include informative and entertaining journalism, marketing, and classifieds. Axel Springer is committed to accelerating its digital transformation, aiming to become the leading digital publisher. It achieves this by evolving its established media brands, developing new online platforms, and strategically acquiring web companies. Additionally, Axel Springer Digital Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in early-stage startups in the mobile, internet of things, and software sectors, focusing on classified ad models, marketing models, and digital publishing companies.

Alteria Capital, established in 2017, is a Mumbai-based independent firm that provides venture debt financing to early and growth-stage consumer-technology companies in India. These companies are typically backed by venture capital and operate in sectors such as consumer products, consumer services, information technology, and media & entertainment. Alteria's investment strategy complements venture capital, offering a less expensive alternative to equity that can enhance stock ownership rewards.

WoodWing Software BV, founded in 2000 and headquartered in Zaandam, Netherlands, specializes in multi-channel publishing software solutions. The company caters to magazine and newspaper publishers, corporate publishers, media production houses, creative agencies, brands, and marketing departments. Its offerings include Elvis Cloud, a digital asset management solution, and WoodWing Inception, which facilitates content production for various digital channels. Additionally, WoodWing Enterprise streamlines the publishing process, while WoodWing Marqy focuses on marketing asset management. The company also provides WoodWing Cloud for digital content creation and analytics, Smart Styles as a plugin for Adobe InDesign, and a publishing solution for Apple News. WoodWing serves a global customer base through a network of over 90 partners across more than 100 countries, with regional sales offices in Europe, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific.

Felix Capital, established in 2014, is a London-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage, digital lifestyle-focused companies. It operates at the intersection of technology and creativity, backing authentic brands, platforms, and enabling software technologies in the consumer, media, and technology sectors. Felix Capital typically invests between $0.5 million to $5 million per round, with a focus on Europe and the United States. The firm seeks to support entrepreneurs with innovative ideas, helping them build category-leading companies that stand out and drive change in the digital lifestyle space.

Storytel is a leading provider of audiobook and e-book streaming services, offering unlimited access to a diverse range of titles across more than 20 markets. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Sweden, the company operates under the Storytel and Mofibo brands, providing users with the ability to explore a wide array of genres, including detective stories, novels, and biographies, in multiple languages such as Swedish, English, Arabic, Danish, and Finnish. Storytel also has a significant publishing division that includes several established publishing houses, such as Norstedts, Massolit, and B. Wahlstrom, focusing on both adult and children's literature. The company has expanded its services internationally, with operations in countries like Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and the USA, positioning itself as a prominent player in the subscription-based audiobook and e-book market.

MxnnCreates is a creative technology company specializing in AI-driven innovation, web development, and design. Known for its bold approach to solving complex challenges, the company owns Sylzo, an AI platform focused on creative collaboration; Swirple, a privacy-first social media platform; and The New-York Weekly Journal, the historic publication from 1733 that pioneered press freedom. Led by founder Mann Patel, MxnnCreates emphasizes originality, ethical tech, and reshaping the boundaries of what’s possible in the digital space.

Orell Füssli, established in 1519, is a Swiss company operating as a diversified industrial and trading group. Its core business involves banknote and security printing, along with industrial systems for the individualization of value documents and branded products. Notably, the company maintains a significant presence in the book trade, retailing a wide array of products such as fiction, non-fiction, children's, and e-books, among others, through its book publishing house and retail outlets.

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.

Penske Media Corporation is a digital media, publishing, and information services company headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with additional offices in New York, London, Paris, Moscow, Mumbai, and Hong Kong. Founded in 2003, the company produces a diverse range of content that spans various sectors, including entertainment, fashion, beauty, technology, and lifestyle. It offers a variety of platforms for its audiences, including video strategy and production services, industry trend reporting, and analysis of products in the mobile and gadget sector. Penske Media also provides commentary on the restaurant and retail industries, as well as specialized content for Bollywood news, cricket, and Hollywood. Its portfolio includes publications and digital channels dedicated to men’s and women’s fashion, health advice, and entertainment news, thereby reaching global audiences and influencers across multiple media formats.

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a philanthropic organization founded in 1990 that focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and social impact. Established as a legacy of IDG founder Patrick J. McGovern, the Foundation aims to harness the potential of technology to democratize access to knowledge and improve the human condition. It invests in initiatives that explore and develop AI and data science to create positive societal change. By fostering innovation in these fields, the Foundation seeks to fulfill McGovern's vision of leveraging technology for the greater good, ultimately enhancing lives and addressing pressing global challenges.

Gannett Company, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is a prominent media and marketing solutions provider in the United States. It operates through three segments: Domestic Gannett Media, Newsquest, and Digital Marketing Solutions. The company's portfolio includes 261 daily newspapers, 302 weekly newspapers, and 383 local websites, with notable brands such as USA TODAY. Gannett also offers digital marketing solutions, including online advertising, search optimization, and social media services, along with event production, printing services, and niche publications. Its extensive reach touches over 110 million people monthly, providing comprehensive offerings for consumers and commercial clients.

Hachette Book Group is a US trade publisher.

We Founder Circle is a global community established in 2020, based in Mumbai, India, that connects successful founders and strategic angel investors with early-stage startups. The organization focuses on fostering collaboration to accelerate the growth of these startups by providing seed funding, business development support, and opportunities for global networking. Through its network, We Founder Circle aims to empower entrepreneurs by leveraging the expertise and resources of its members, facilitating a supportive environment for emerging businesses.

Atinum Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in the growth stage startups in the IT, biotech, and healthcare sectors.

Dow Jones & Company is a global news and business information provider, founded in 1882 and headquartered in New York. The company delivers a wide range of content through various platforms, including newspapers, websites, apps, newsletters, and magazines. Its flagship publication, The Wall Street Journal, is the largest newspaper in the United States by total average circulation. Dow Jones operates with a robust network of approximately 2,000 journalists across more than 50 countries, ensuring comprehensive news-gathering operations. The company's prominent brands include Barron’s, MarketWatch, and Factiva, among others. Dow Jones combines technology with news and data to support informed business decision-making, offering its information services in 13 languages and distributing content in 28 languages. Its commitment to providing timely financial insight and tools enables readers to stay updated on crucial developments in the business world.

Makers Fund, established in 2017, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in the interactive entertainment and gaming sectors. The firm invests in seed, Series A, and Series B rounds, with a typical investment size ranging from $1 million to $10 million. Makers Fund operates globally, with a focus on North America, Europe, and Asia, and supports founders through an extensive network and deep industry experience.

Informa Research Services, a division of Informa PLC, specializes in financial intelligence, offering software and services to financial institutions, investment professionals, and wealth managers. Headquartered in Calabasas, California, with a global presence, the company provides tools for manager searches, wealth planning, compliance monitoring, and risk management. It also offers data management, portfolio analysis, and investment research solutions. Informa Research Services operates within the Business Intelligence and Financial Intelligence divisions of Informa PLC, serving clients worldwide with up-to-date information and specialist skills.

GFR Fund, established in 2016 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups globally. It focuses on sectors such as gaming, entertainment, consumer technology, blockchain, and artificial intelligence. The firm, an affiliate of GREE Inc., a mobile gaming industry leader, aims to support innovative entrepreneurs disrupting the consumer entertainment industry through emerging technologies like VR, AR, AI, and blockchain.

NCI is a private equity firm based in Rouen, France, founded in 1999. The firm specializes in investing in both public and private markets, focusing on a diverse range of sectors, including agriculture, construction, logistics, digital technology, hardware, e-commerce, food technology, and information technology. NCI leverages its expertise to identify and support companies within these industries, aiming to foster growth and enhance value through strategic investments.

Intudo Ventures, established in 2017, is an Indonesia-focused venture capital firm based in Jakarta. It invests in early-stage companies, typically leading seed and Series A rounds with initial investments ranging from $200,000 to $1.25 million, and total investments per company up to $2.5 million. The firm concentrates on sectors such as consumer, finance, healthcare, education, and media, backing companies led by top local and Southeast Asian returnee founders. Intudo Ventures aims to build a portfolio of 12-16 companies, providing a unique value-add approach through its team's diverse operational and investment backgrounds. Additionally, it serves as a strategic "Indonesia beachhead" for international institutions, supporting their investments and digital transformation initiatives in the region.

Google.org is a philanthropic arm of Google, a multinational technology company. It funds and supports nonprofits globally, providing them with funding, tools, and volunteers. Google.org has committed approximately $100 million annually to these efforts, aiming to extend the reach of innovative nonprofits and create lasting global impact.

Postmedia Network Canada Corp. is a leading publisher of paid English-language daily newspapers in Canada, operating through its subsidiary, Postmedia Network Inc. The company represents some of the nation's oldest and most recognized media brands, delivering news and information to millions of Canadians each week. Postmedia's business encompasses a range of news dissemination operations across local, regional, and metropolitan markets, utilizing various print, online, digital, and mobile platforms. Additionally, Postmedia boasts an extensive distribution network that facilitates the delivery of advertising flyers and parcels, enhancing its advertising capabilities. Through these diverse media channels, Postmedia effectively engages readers and provides marketers with integrated solutions to reach targeted audiences.

Salem Media Group is a prominent multimedia company in the United States, specializing in radio broadcasting, digital media, and publishing that primarily targets audiences interested in Christian and family-oriented content, as well as conservative values. The company operates 112 radio stations, including a significant presence in major metropolitan markets, and runs the Salem Radio Network, which syndicates programming to approximately 2,000 affiliates. Salem's digital media segment offers a range of resources, including e-commerce and content related to Christian themes, investing, and health, available through various online platforms. Additionally, Salem Publishing encompasses Regnery Publishing and Salem Books, focusing on Christian-themed magazines and literature. With a diverse portfolio, Salem Media Group effectively combines traditional broadcasting with modern digital initiatives to serve its niche audience.

Antalis International is a leading European distributor of paper products, offering a comprehensive range of items that includes professional printing materials, office stationery, visual communication products, and packaging solutions for logistics and shipping. The company focuses on providing tailored services to meet the diverse needs of its clients in the paper and industrial packaging sectors. In addition to its distribution capabilities, Antalis specializes in business networking and offers consultation services in print and visual communication, emphasizing sustainable development for its customers. By allowing clients to select the level of service that best suits their requirements, Antalis aims to enhance their operational efficiency and effectiveness.

Santander UK, a subsidiary of Banco Santander, is a major financial institution providing a wide range of banking services in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates through three primary segments: Retail Banking, Corporate & Commercial Banking, and Corporate & Investment Banking. The Retail Banking segment serves individuals and small businesses, offering products such as mortgages, current accounts, savings and investment products, credit cards, personal loans, and insurance. The Corporate & Commercial Banking segment caters to small and medium-sized enterprises, mid corporates, and commercial real estate customers, providing loans, bank accounts, treasury services, invoice discounting, trade finance, and asset finance. The Corporate & Investment Banking segment serves large corporates and financial institutions, offering loans, bank accounts, treasury services, and various financial markets activities. Santander UK is known for its customer-focused approach, providing dedicated Relationship Directors for business clients and striving to make banking straightforward and tailored to individual needs.

Media Development Investment Fund is a not-for-profit venture capital firm based in New York City, established in 1995. The organization focuses on providing debt and equity financing to independent media businesses in regions with a history of media oppression. By offering affordable financing and technical assistance, it aims to help independent news outlets develop sustainable operations centered on quality news and information. Since its inception, the fund has disbursed over $325.5 million in financing, encompassing loans, equity investments, and technical assistance. It has supported 154 clients across 48 countries, and by the end of December 2024, it managed a portfolio valued at $118.4 million, allocated among 65 media enterprises in 36 countries.

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in managing investment portfolios and providing asset management services across various sectors, including finance, technology, and real estate. Bossa Invest analyzes market trends to guide its investment decisions, with a particular focus on companies in the software as a service sector. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to support the growth and development of innovative businesses.

Dream Incubator is a strategic consulting and business development firm based in Tokyo, Japan, established in 2000. The company primarily serves Japanese corporate clients and governmental institutions, offering a combination of capital and professional services to support the growth of next-generation companies. In addition to its consulting and investment activities, Dream Incubator also operates its own businesses, focusing on sectors such as software, retail, and cybersecurity. Through its diverse offerings, the firm aims to foster innovation and facilitate expansion for its clients.

Ganas Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2022 and based in Carlsbad, California. The firm focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups that are community-driven, targeting both Web 2 and Web 3 companies. Ganas Ventures primarily operates within the United States and Latin America, seeking innovative business models and technologies that foster community engagement and development in these regions.

Graham & Walker is a venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 2017. The firm focuses on making investments in pre-seed and seed rounds within the health, software, and technology sectors. As an investment company, Graham & Walker aims to support innovative startups at their early stages, providing the necessary capital and resources to help them grow and succeed.

LongJump, founded in 2017 and based in Chicago, specializes in providing customizable web applications designed to help businesses manage their operations, teams, and information effectively. Operating as a Platform as a Service (PaaS), LongJump enables users, even those without programming skills, to create tailored applications through a user-friendly interface that prioritizes ease of customization. Users can select from a wide array of pre-made applications and modify them to fit their specific requirements, with features that allow for simple drag-and-drop adjustments. LongJump also facilitates the sharing of completed applications among its users, promoting collaboration while ensuring data privacy. The company targets early and seed-stage technology-focused businesses, aiming to support the next generation of entrepreneurs with innovative solutions to enhance productivity and scalability.

Raine Ventures, established in 2013, is the venture capital arm of The Raine Group, a global merchant bank. Based in San Francisco, with a presence in key tech hubs worldwide, Raine Ventures focuses on early-stage investments in the software sector. The firm leverages its deep industry experience and strategic network to create value for its portfolio companies, primarily in the United States.

Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC is a privately owned hedge fund sponsor established in 2001 and headquartered in Mountainside, New Jersey, with additional offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Denver, Colorado; Milan, Italy; and Hong Kong. The firm specializes in providing specialty financing solutions, primarily through structured debt and equity investments, with a focus on growth companies across various industries. Yorkville Advisors employs a combination of technical and fundamental analysis to identify investment opportunities, often acting as a sole investor in capital raises to ensure a controlled exit strategy. The firm's investment strategy spans public equity, fixed income, and alternative investment markets globally, with particular emphasis on sectors such as healthcare, metals and mining, energy, technology, and electric vehicles. Each investment is tailored to meet the specific needs of the companies involved, reflecting Yorkville's commitment to supporting growth and acquisition capital for public companies.

ABRY Partners, established in 1989 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a private equity firm specializing in buyouts and growth capital investments. It focuses on media, communications, business services, and information services sectors, with a particular interest in television and radio broadcasting, cable television, and digital media. The firm typically invests between $25 million to $150 million of equity per transaction, seeking to hold investments for three to seven years. ABRY Partners is a registered investment adviser and manages multiple funds, including ABRY Partners VI, V, IV, and VII, as well as ABRY Mezzanine Partners.

Seedcamp, established in 2007, is a London-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on identifying and supporting world-class founders tackling large, global markets with innovative technology solutions. With over 400 startups in its portfolio, Seedcamp has a proven track record of backing successful companies such as UiPath, Wise, Revolut, and Hopin. The firm provides immediate access to capital, lifelong community support, and a global network built over a decade of experience to fast-track founders' visions and create value. Seedcamp primarily invests in the software and technology sectors across Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa.

Kakao Page is a content subsidiary of Kakao that focuses on developing and globalizing Korean content. The company emphasizes innovative content consumption experiences across various media platforms, leveraging its Super IP strategy. By collaborating with a range of partners, Kakao Page aims to create unique business models that enhance the value of Korean content intellectual property. This approach positions Kakao Page as a leader in the industry, driving the international reach and appeal of Korean creative works.