China Culture Industrial Investment Fund Management Co., Ltd. is a principal investment firm located in Beijing, China, primarily focused on the cultural industry. As the only state-level cultural industry investment fund, it plays a significant role in advancing the development of China's cultural sector, aligning with the goals set by the Party Central Committee and the State Council. The fund aims to attract social capital into the cultural industries, thereby enhancing investment and financing mechanisms. Established in 2009, the firm manages investments in various areas, including news publishing, media, cultural arts, cultural technology, and leisure activities. It is jointly established by several organizations, including state-owned enterprises, and operates under principles of standardized management and sound financial practices. The management's objective is to provide market-oriented investment services to foster the growth of China's cultural landscape.

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.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a global venture capital and private equity firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1977. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, from seed and startup to later-stage growth and public investments. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, NEA focuses on technology and healthcare sectors, particularly in areas such as consumer internet, financial technology, software, healthcare services, life sciences, and energy technology. The firm also invests in semiconductor companies and alternative energy initiatives in India. NEA has a proven track record, with more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a global perspective, targeting opportunities in North America, Asia, and South America, and typically involves investments ranging from $0.05 million to $20 million.

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.

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.

Storytel AB provides streaming services for audiobooks and e-books, operating primarily through its subscription models under the Storytel and Mofibo brands. The company is structured into two main segments: Streaming and Publishing. In the Streaming division, it offers a comprehensive library of audiobooks and e-books available in various countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and others. The Publishing division includes several imprints, such as Norstedts, Massolit, and B. Wahlströms, focusing on both adult and children's literature. Additionally, Storytel has expanded its offerings to include digital subscriptions for newspapers and magazines, enhancing its position in the publishing sector. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden, Storytel has established itself as a leader in the audiobook subscription market, with a growing international presence across multiple regions.

Greycroft is a venture capital firm established in 2006, specializing in investments in technology start-ups within the Internet and mobile markets. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, the firm is strategically positioned to support entrepreneurs by leveraging its extensive network in the media and technology sectors. Greycroft manages over $1 billion in assets and has made more than 200 investments in notable companies across various sectors, including consumer products, financial technology, healthcare, and enterprise software. The firm focuses on capital-efficient businesses, particularly in early-stage financing, and aims to foster visibility and strategic relationships for its portfolio companies. Greycroft is recognized for its commitment to diversity in investment practices.

Tencent Holdings Limited, founded in 1998 and headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is a leading internet service provider that offers a wide range of value-added services and online advertising. The company's diverse portfolio includes popular platforms such as WeChat and QQ, which facilitate communication, entertainment, and e-commerce for millions of users. Tencent is recognized as the world's largest video game publisher, with flagship titles like Honor of Kings contributing significantly to its revenue. In addition to gaming and social networking, Tencent provides financial technology and cloud services, as well as invests in and produces films and television programs. The firm also engages in various technology-related services, including software development and information system integration. Tencent plays a vital role in the global venture capital landscape, holding substantial stakes in several prominent tech companies. Its user-centric approach and comprehensive service offerings position Tencent as a key player in the internet ecosystem both in China and internationally.

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.

SV Angel is a San Francisco-based seed fund founded by Ron Conway, specializing in early-stage investments primarily in the Internet software sector. Established in 1992, the firm distinguishes itself from traditional venture capital by adopting a portfolio approach, investing in a larger number of companies while refraining from taking board seats. This allows SV Angel to focus on providing extensive business development, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic advice to its portfolio companies. Over the years, SV Angel has supported numerous high-profile startups, including Facebook, Google, and Airbnb. The firm continues to leverage its extensive network to facilitate growth and innovation within the companies it invests in, aiming to foster a thriving startup ecosystem across the United States.

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto. The firm specializes in investing in growth-stage technology, software, and internet companies, focusing on sectors such as B2B, B2C, cybersecurity, cloud technology, and financial technology. With over $75 billion in assets under management, Insight Partners has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide, helping many achieve significant milestones, including over 55 initial public offerings. The firm’s approach emphasizes hands-on collaboration with visionary executives, providing practical expertise to support companies throughout their growth journey. Insight Partners is committed to fostering a culture that views growth as an opportunity, driving transformative change across various industries.

Enhanced Capital Partners, founded in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm specializing in equity and debt investments in small and mid-sized companies across the United States. With over $400 million under management, the firm focuses on various sectors, including healthcare technology, renewable energy, and affordable housing projects. Enhanced Capital employs a flexible investment approach that includes offering tax credits, tax credit lending, and impact lending to foster the growth and expansion of businesses. The firm manages multiple funds that primarily target the lower middle market, utilizing federal and state incentive programs along with public policy investment strategies to maximize growth potential and support rapid development for its portfolio companies.

Founded in 2009, Founder Collective is a venture capital firm with headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and an additional office in New York City. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments, primarily targeting technology-related companies across the United States. It is a Registered Investment Adviser and manages approximately $50 million in assets. Founder Collective operates several funds, including early-stage venture capital funds co-managed with Koa Labs. While the firm is open to various industries, it shows a preference for investments with an information technology component. The firm's approach is driven by a team of successful entrepreneurs who leverage their expertise to identify promising opportunities in the technology sector.

Penske Media Corporation (PMC) is a prominent digital media, publishing, and information services company founded in 2003 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Operating in multiple countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and India, PMC reaches over 140 million consumers monthly through a diverse portfolio of more than 20 digital brands and 40 annual events. Its offerings encompass a wide range of topics, including entertainment, fashion, beauty, technology, and lifestyle, with notable brands such as Variety, Deadline, and Robb Report. PMC also engages in video strategy and production, and provides industry insights through various publications and online platforms, serving audiences across television, web, and social media. The company has established a significant presence in the entertainment sector, particularly with its joint venture in India with ZEE TV, and is recognized as one of the largest digital media companies globally.

Halogen Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2017. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage consumer technology startups that have a female founder. Halogen Ventures primarily targets pre-seed, seed, and series A funding rounds, supporting companies that are developing innovative technologies and products in the consumer sector. The firm is committed to providing hands-on support to its portfolio companies throughout their growth journey, assisting founders in building networks, gaining brand exposure, hiring talent, securing follow-on funding, and navigating paths to acquisition or initial public offerings.

FounderFuel is a mentor-driven venture accelerator based in Montreal, Canada, founded in 2011 by Real Ventures. The organization offers a three-month intensive program designed to support new startups in advancing along the venture path. During this program, participants benefit from the guidance of a network comprising veteran entrepreneurs, operators, and executives, which helps them refine their business visions, expand their professional networks, and accelerate their development. FounderFuel primarily focuses on seed funding opportunities, particularly in the technology sector, with a keen interest in startups leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning.

General Catalyst Group Management, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on a wide range of technology sectors, including advanced materials, clean energy, disruptive technology, healthcare IT, and consumer services, among others. General Catalyst typically invests between $0.05 million and $0.25 million in seed-stage companies and between $10 million and $50 million in growth equity, seeking profitable firms with substantial revenue and EBITDA. Their approach emphasizes mentorship and collaboration, fostering strong relationships with entrepreneurs who share their vision and values. They have managed eight venture capital funds, accumulating around $3.75 billion in capital commitments, reflecting their commitment to supporting innovative companies throughout their growth journey.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California. It specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing primarily on technology startups in sectors such as cloud computing, software, digital media, and fintech. With additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore, Accel employs localized strategies to identify and support entrepreneurs capable of building category-defining businesses. The firm has a notable portfolio featuring companies like Facebook, Spotify, and Slack, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation across various industries. Accel manages several funds, targeting investments ranging from $5 million to $15 million, and has a robust global presence that includes partnerships in India and China.

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2005, specializing in investments across various stages, from seed to later-stage funding. The firm targets companies that are developing transformative technologies in sectors such as consumer internet, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, energy, and health. Founders Fund has a diverse investment portfolio, having backed notable companies like SpaceX, Facebook, and Palantir. The firm employs a founder-friendly investment approach, aiming to support entrepreneurs with minimal interference. With over $2 billion in capital under management, Founders Fund continues to seek innovative solutions to global challenges, making investments typically ranging from $500,000 to $300 million.

Lightspeed Europe is a venture capital firm focused on early-stage and growth investments across various sectors, including consumer, health, and fintech. With its headquarters in Menlo Park, California, and regional offices in Europe, Israel, India, and China, Lightspeed aims to identify and support innovative companies that can disrupt traditional markets. The firm invests in a wide range of industries, such as enterprise technology, e-commerce, software, and biotechnology, providing both equity and debt financing. Lightspeed has a particular interest in technology-led businesses, as well as opportunities in advertising, media, healthcare, education, and retail. Its investment strategy emphasizes the provision of capital along with ongoing consulting and advisory services to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses effectively.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992 and based in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt capital investments, primarily targeting small businesses at various stages of development, from early to later stages, excluding seed investments. Advantage Capital focuses on investing in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports state and local economic development initiatives. It seeks opportunities in sectors such as communication, information technology, telecommunications, business services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and energy, while also considering investments in rural agricultural businesses. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales of less than $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital also provides various forms of debt capital and prefers co-investing with other firms. The firm is committed to addressing the financing needs of underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities lacking traditional sources of risk capital.

Bossa Nova Investimentos e Administração S.A. is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, specializing in pre-seed, seed, startup, and early-stage investments. Founded in 2010, Bossa Nova is recognized as Brazil's first micro venture capital firm and has become the most active investor in the pre-seed stage within the country. The firm focuses on technology sectors, particularly software, service development, mobile applications, SaaS, and B2B solutions, and has expanded its investment activities to include companies in the United States. Bossa Nova typically makes minority investments, with funding ranging from R$0.1 million to R$0.8 million per project. Additionally, the firm manages the Bossa Nova Sports Tech Fund, which targets investments in consumer and business products, information technology, wellness, and gaming sectors, with preferred investment amounts between R$0.1 million and R$0.3 million across multiple companies.

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.

True Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments, focusing on seed and Series A funding for startups across various sectors, including consumer internet, software, hardware, health, and emerging technologies. True Ventures manages over $2.8 billion in capital and has supported more than 300 companies, contributing to the creation of over 25,000 jobs globally. The firm's investment strategy typically involves contributions ranging from $0.25 million to $3 million, aiming for ownership stakes between 20 and 25 percent. True Ventures is recognized for its commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and providing a supportive environment for founders, emphasizing personal and professional growth through its True Platform. The firm has achieved notable exits, including investments in companies that have been acquired by major corporations or gone public.

Schibsted is a Scandinavian media group with a diverse portfolio that includes newspapers, online marketplaces, and technology ventures. Founded in 1839 and headquartered in Norway, Schibsted operates across 29 countries and employs approximately 6,900 people. The company generates significant revenue from its prominent Norwegian and Swedish newspapers, including Verdens Gang, Aftenposten, and Aftonbladet, as well as regional magazines and classified websites. Schibsted is also involved in investments through Schibsted Growth and Schibsted Ventures, which focus on supporting fast-growing digital companies. By leveraging its extensive resources and experience, Schibsted aims to empower entrepreneurs and help them scale their businesses to become market leaders. The company's strategy emphasizes the continuous development of its media houses and the expansion of online classified services, reaching hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

Peak Capital is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Amsterdam, specializing in investments across Europe, particularly in the Benelux, DACH, and Nordic regions. With a fully financed fund of 66 million euros, Peak Capital is managed by experienced entrepreneurs who focus on scaling marketplace, platform, and software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies from Seed to Series A and beyond. The firm emphasizes transparency and effective communication while maintaining a diverse portfolio of over 28 companies, which includes notable exits such as IENS to Tripadvisor, Radionomy to Vivendi, and United Wardrobe to Vinted. Since its founding in 2013, Peak Capital has built a reputation for its hands-on approach and commitment to fostering strong relationships with founders.

Scholastic Corporation is a prominent publisher and distributor of children's books globally, operating in three primary segments: Children's Book Publishing and Distribution, Education, and International markets. The Children's Book Publishing and Distribution segment produces a wide array of original publications, including popular titles such as Harry Potter, The Hunger Games, and Dog Man, as well as licensed properties like Peppa Pig and Pokémon. Additionally, it distributes children's books, e-books, and interactive products through school book clubs, book fairs, and trade channels. The Education segment focuses on classroom resources, including magazines and literacy curriculum materials, while the International segment offers educational publishing and distributes materials through school-based channels. Founded in 1920 and headquartered in New York, Scholastic serves millions of educators and families, emphasizing accessibility and engagement in children's literacy and education.

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, co-founder of Sun Microsystems, and is headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm manages over $5 billion and focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, education, healthcare, financial services, agriculture, sustainable energy, and robotics. Khosla Ventures provides not only capital but also strategic guidance to entrepreneurs, particularly in early-stage ventures, where it often supports innovative and unconventional projects. The firm seeks to back companies that are driven by breakthrough technologies, with investment sizes ranging from $100,000 to over $20 million. Khosla Ventures maintains a collaborative approach, frequently co-investing with other firms, including Kleiner Perkins, with which it has historical ties.

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.

Sapphire Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, founded in 1996. It manages approximately $4 billion in assets and focuses on investing in innovative technology companies, particularly in growth-stage and early-stage transactions. The firm operates through three distinct investment teams: Sapphire Ventures, which targets expansion-stage enterprise software companies; Sapphire Sport, an early-stage investment vehicle dedicated to the intersection of sports, media, and entertainment technology; and Sapphire Partners, which invests in early-stage venture funds. Sapphire Sport, with a dedicated $115 million investment platform, specifically addresses opportunities in the sports technology market. With team members located in Austin, London, Palo Alto, and San Francisco, Sapphire Ventures has invested in over 100 companies across various regions, contributing to more than 55 successful exits from its portfolio.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization established in 1982 that serves as a vital capital provider and supporter of technology development in the region. Based in Philadelphia, it has invested over $170 million in more than 2,000 early-stage and established technology companies, fostering innovation primarily in information technology, health, and physical sciences. The organization not only provides financial support but also develops partnerships between universities and industries to accelerate the commercialization of scientific discoveries. By strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem, Ben Franklin Technology Partners plays a crucial role in job creation and economic transformation in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Goodwater is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, primarily targeting consumer technology startups. Goodwater aims to support exceptional entrepreneurs by providing the necessary capital and resources to help them solve significant problems and develop their businesses. The firm invests in a variety of sectors, including housing, financial services, healthcare, food, transportation, education, and entertainment, with the intention of empowering innovative companies that are reshaping consumer experiences. Goodwater Capital manages its investments through funds that can allocate substantial amounts to individual companies, reflecting its commitment to fostering growth in the consumer technology landscape.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in major cities across North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies with an alumni connection and supported by established institutional lead investors. Alumni Ventures aims to provide accredited investors, particularly alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, with access to diversified venture portfolios that span various sectors and geographic regions. The firm typically invests between $0.01 million and $3 million and does not require board or observer seats in its portfolio companies. Through its managed fund families, Alumni Ventures enables investors to participate in a collaborative investment approach, fostering connections among alumni while facilitating investment opportunities in innovative ventures.

HV Capital is a Munich- and Berlin-based venture capital firm established in 2000, focusing on supporting founders in the development of internet and technology companies. Formerly known as HV Holtzbrinck Ventures, the firm has become one of the leading early-stage and growth investors in Europe, managing a total of €1.7 billion across various funds. HV Capital has invested in approximately 200 companies, including notable names such as Zalando, Delivery Hero, FlixMobility, and SumUp. The firm typically provides funding ranging from €500,000 to €50 million, enabling it to support startups through all stages of growth. HV Capital primarily targets investments in sectors such as fintech, B2B, e-commerce, enterprise, travel, education, mobility, healthcare, and retail.

Wiley is a global provider of content and workflow solutions focused on scientific, technical, medical, and scholarly research, as well as professional development and education. The company specializes in academic journals, books, assessments, training, test preparation materials, and online education program management. Its primary revenue comes from the Research segment, which offers peer-reviewed publishing and content platforms to a diverse clientele, including academic institutions, corporations, government entities, academic societies, and individual researchers. While the majority of its revenue is generated in the United States, Wiley also sees significant contributions from markets in the United Kingdom and China.

Open Publishing GmbH is a digital publishing solutions provider based in Munich, Germany. The company specializes in offering a comprehensive range of services, including publishing software, eBook production, and print-on-demand services. It caters to publishers by facilitating the distribution of their titles across various online bookstores and e-readers globally. With a portfolio that incorporates the digitalization of printed books and services tailored for library associations and academic retailers, Open Publishing enhances accessibility in the publishing sector. The company also provides marketing solutions such as price campaigns, metadata optimization, and SEO strategies, alongside strategic marketing advisory services. Additionally, it offers web design solutions for publishers and authors, as well as develops a self-publishing platform. Open Publishing's platform is designed to streamline the publishing process, making advanced features accessible to small publishers and startups through automation and competitive pricing. As a subsidiary of GRIN Verlag GmbH, Open Publishing integrates with various systems, including PayPal and Google Analytics, to further support its user base.

Union Square Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2003, specializing in early-stage and growth financing across various sectors, including financial services, healthcare, and technology. The firm exclusively invests in the internet ecosystem, focusing on web applications, internet services, and mobile technologies that leverage large user networks and network effects. Union Square Ventures typically makes initial investments ranging from $1 million to $3 million, with a maximum investment of up to $20 million in any single company. The firm prefers to act as a lead investor, targeting ownership levels of 15% to 20%, and actively engages with the entrepreneurs it funds. Its investment strategy includes seeking out companies that utilize innovative information technology to drive high growth in diverse fields such as media, marketing, fintech, climate tech, and blockchain. Union Square Ventures primarily invests in companies located in major urban centers, including New York, San Francisco, London, and Berlin.

5Y Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Shanghai, China, focused on seed, start-up, early venture, and growth capital investments. Founded in 2008 and previously known as Morningside Venture Capital, the firm manages approximately USD 5 billion in dual-currency funds, supported by global investors such as sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and endowments. 5Y Capital primarily invests in various sectors, including healthcare, technology, fintech, media, software, life sciences, and education, with a special emphasis on medical treatment, biotechnology, and digital health. The firm seeks opportunities in China and other emerging markets across Asia and the Pacific, aiming to support entrepreneurs in building innovative companies. 5Y Capital typically makes initial investments exceeding USD 500,000 per portfolio company and operates as a subsidiary of Morningside Group, which has been active in venture capital investments since 1992.

The Fund is a community-driven venture capital firm based in New York City, focused on early-stage investments in technology companies. Established in 2018, it is uniquely comprised of over 65 successful founders and operators who leverage their firsthand experience in building and scaling businesses to support the next generation of entrepreneurs. The Fund specializes in pre-seed and seed investments, primarily in the first financing round of startups within the greater NYC metro area. It emphasizes purpose-driven teams that aim to create a positive impact on society and the environment. By combining capital with mentorship and expertise, The Fund provides startups with significant access to a network of accomplished entrepreneurs, distinguishing itself as a pioneering model in the venture capital landscape.

Salesforce is a global cloud computing company that specializes in providing business software on a subscription basis, primarily known for its customer relationship management (CRM) solutions. Founded in 1999 and based in California, Salesforce offers a comprehensive suite of products, including Sales Cloud for managing customer information, Service Cloud for customer support, Marketing Cloud for digital marketing, and Analytics Cloud for data insights. The Customer 360 platform integrates customer data across various systems to enhance sales, service, marketing, and commerce functions. Additionally, Salesforce Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in technology-related startups, providing funding and access to its extensive cloud ecosystem. Since its inception in 2009, Salesforce Ventures has supported over 250 enterprise cloud startups worldwide, promoting innovation and encouraging corporate philanthropy through initiatives like Pledge 1%.

Axel Springer, founded in 1946 in Hamburg, is a prominent media company based in Berlin, specializing in publishing newspapers, magazines, and digital content. It has established itself as Europe’s largest digital publishing house, maintaining strong positions in print and digital markets, as well as in digital marketing and classifieds. The company's significant transformation and international expansion over the past decade have led to digital media revenues comprising nearly 70 percent of total revenues across more than 40 countries. Axel Springer remains committed to enhancing its digital portfolio through strategic ventures, including its investment arm, Axel Springer Digital Ventures, which focuses on early-stage investments in classified ad models, marketing solutions, and digital publishing. The company's goal is to foster innovation and maintain its leadership in digital journalism while actively engaging with modern digital startups to drive its ongoing digitization strategy.

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.

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Right Side Capital Management is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, established in 2010. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing exclusively on the pre-seed round of technology startups. Right Side Capital Management aims to support companies with capital-efficient business models that are typically located outside major hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. The firm invests in a range of technology sectors, including internet and cloud technologies, and operates primarily within the United States and Canada, with occasional investments in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. Right Side Capital Management conducts 75 to 100 investments annually, with portfolio companies spanning 19 states. The firm seeks to provide a clear response to entrepreneurs within two weeks, with investments generally ranging from $50,000 to $500,000 and pre-money valuations between $1 million and $3 million.

Kleiner Perkins is a prominent American venture capital firm founded in 1972 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in early-stage, growth, and incubation investments across various industries, including healthcare, consumer products, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and life sciences. Kleiner Perkins focuses on partnering with innovative founders, supporting them from the inception of their ideas through to initial public offerings. The firm is known for its commitment to investing in a wide range of sectors, such as information technology, financial services, and cybersecurity, while maintaining a global investment approach that includes markets in North America, the Middle East, and Mainland China. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Kleiner Perkins aims to maximize the potential of the companies it invests in, fostering bold ideas that have the capacity to create significant impact across industries and continents.

LAUNCH is a California-based organization that supports entrepreneurs and fosters innovation within the technology sector. Established in 2010, it encompasses multiple initiatives, including the LAUNCH Fund, which focuses on early-stage investments in technology-related companies. Additionally, LAUNCH operates an incubator designed to nurture startup development. Its flagship event, the LAUNCH Festival, attracts over 12,000 participants, including venture capitalists, angel investors, founders, and industry professionals, serving as a premier platform for startups to showcase their innovations. The organization also produces the podcast "This Week in Startups," which discusses trends and insights in the startup ecosystem. Through its various endeavors, LAUNCH aims to empower founders and promote the growth of emerging companies.

Octopus Publishing Group Ltd. is a publisher specializing in illustrated non-fiction books, offering a diverse range of contemporary titles across various subjects. The company operates through ten imprints, each leveraging extensive experience in collaborating with high-profile authors, trusted partners, and associations. This approach allows Octopus to produce market-leading books that cater to a wide audience, ensuring readers have access to engaging and authoritative content. The focus on quality and relevance positions Octopus as a significant player in the publishing industry, dedicated to delivering exciting books that resonate with their readers' interests.

Warner Music Group is a prominent music company engaged in recorded music, music publishing, and artist services. It boasts a diverse roster that includes both emerging talents and legendary artists, and operates some of the industry's most recognized record labels, such as Atlantic Records, Warner Records, and Elektra Records. Warner Music International extends its reach through numerous international affiliates and licensees across over 50 countries. Additionally, Warner/Chappell Music, a major player in music publishing, represents more than 150,000 songwriters and composers, many of whom are affiliated with Warner as recording artists, while others belong to different labels. The company's revenues are primarily generated from its recorded music segment, supported by a robust publishing business.

BDC Capital Inc. is the private equity and venture capital arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada, focusing on direct and fund of funds investments. It specializes in various financing options, including subordinate, recapitalization, bridge, and venture capital, targeting middle market, later stage, and small to medium-sized businesses. BDC Capital engages in venture capital activities across all stages, from seed funding to pre-IPO financing, with a particular emphasis on technology and healthcare sectors. Its investment strategy includes a commitment to supporting women-led firms and spans industries such as life sciences, telecommunications, information technology, and advanced technologies. The firm typically invests between CAD 0.1 million and CAD 35 million, often seeking minority stakes and board representation in its portfolio companies. BDC Capital prefers to exit investments within three to five years, utilizing strategies such as initial public offerings and strategic sales. Established in 1975 and headquartered in Montreal, the firm also has offices in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta, focusing its investments primarily within Canada.

Precursor Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California. Specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, the firm focuses on early-stage companies primarily in the consumer, digital health, education, fintech, marketplace, and software sectors. Precursor Ventures emphasizes investing in B2B and B2C applications, including hardware, and prefers to target opportunities within the San Francisco Bay Area, New York, and Toronto, while remaining open to other regions. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.25 million per company. Precursor Ventures prioritizes investing in people over products, reflecting its commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at the earliest stages of their journeys.