The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

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

Seraphim Space is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2006, focused on investing in the space technology sector. It manages multiple funds, including the Seraphim Space Fund and the Seraphim Global Space Stars Fund, targeting a wide range of industries such as communications, agriculture, healthcare, and energy. The firm aims to provide financial support to early and growth-stage companies, typically investing between $0.25 million and $25 million. Through the Seraphim Space Accelerator, it also supports startups in the space ecosystem, leveraging a network of global corporate partners and governmental agencies to create significant value. With over 100 years of collective experience, Seraphim Space has a strong track record of fostering innovation and driving growth in the space sector.

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

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.

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a leading global security and aerospace company specializing in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products. The company operates through four main segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space Systems. The Aeronautics segment focuses on combat and air mobility aircraft, while the Missiles and Fire Control segment provides various defense systems, including tactical missiles and logistics support. The Rotary and Mission Systems segment delivers military and commercial helicopters, combat systems, and training services, and the Space Systems segment develops satellites and missile systems to support national security. Founded in 1912 and headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin also engages in venture capital investments through Lockheed Martin Ventures, targeting early-stage companies in sectors such as autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing. The firm has invested over $100 million in startups since 2007, aiming to foster innovative technologies that address complex challenges in defense and aerospace.

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.

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.

NASA's vision is to reach for new heights and reveal the unknown so that what we do and learn will benefit all humankind. President Dwight D. Eisenhower established the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 1958, partially in response to the Soviet Union's launch of the first artificial satellite the previous year. NASA grew out of the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics (NACA), which had been researching flight technology for more than 40 years. President John F. Kennedy focused NASA and the nation on sending astronauts to the moon by the end of the 1960s. Through the Mercury and Gemini projects, NASA developed the technology and skills it needed for the journey. On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first of 12 men to walk on the moon, meeting Kennedy's challenge. Meanwhile, NASA was continuing the aeronautics research pioneered by NACA. It also conducted purely scientific research and worked on developing applications for space technology, combining both pursuits in developing the first weather and communications satellites. After Apollo, NASA focused on creating a reusable ship to provide regular access to space: the space shuttle. First launched in 1981, the space shuttle flew more than 130 successful flights before retiring in 2011. In 2000, the United States and Russia established permanent human presence in space aboard the International Space Station, a multinational project representing the work of 16 nations. NASA also has continued its scientific research. In 1997, Mars Pathfinder became the first in a fleet of spacecraft that will explore Mars in the next decade, as we try to determine if life ever existed there. The Terra and Aqua satellites are flagships of a different fleet, this one in Earth orbit, designed to help us understand how our home world is changing. NASA's aeronautics teams are focused on improved aircraft travel that is safer and cleaner. Throughout its history, NASA has conducted or funded research that has led to numerous improvements to life here on Earth.

UK Space Agency is a govt. organisation of UK.

Airbus Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Airbus Group, established in 2016 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in visionary entrepreneurs within the aerospace ecosystem, targeting innovative technology companies primarily in aerospace-related sectors. Its investment strategy encompasses a range of areas, including autonomous mobility, electrification, low-carbon solutions, advanced materials, manufacturing systems, next-generation computing, and security technologies. By fostering the development of these sectors, Airbus Ventures aims to influence the future of flight and contribute to the broader goals of the aerospace industry.

The EIC pilot supports top-class innovators, entrepreneurs, small companies and scientists with bright ideas and the ambition to scale up internationally. It brings together the parts of Horizon 2020 that provide funding, advice and networking opportunities for those at cutting edge of innovation.

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.

Starburst Ventures is an innovation catalyst in the aerospace sector, recognized as the first global accelerator dedicated to aviation, space, and defense. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in California, it specializes in facilitating connections between established corporations and startups while offering strategic growth mentoring and consulting services. With a presence in major cities including Los Angeles, Paris, Montreal, Munich, San Francisco, and Singapore, Starburst has cultivated an extensive ecosystem that encompasses over 4,000 startups related to aerospace. The organization also hosts numerous international and national events, highlighting innovation in the industry, particularly at prominent air shows. Starburst Ventures focuses on series A and series B-stage investments, emphasizing the growth and development of aerospace companies worldwide.

Lux Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2000, with offices in New York City and Silicon Valley. The firm specializes in founding, seed, early-stage, and growth investments, primarily in the physical and life sciences, as well as sectors such as biochemistry, material science, aerospace, and advanced technologies like machine learning and synthetic biology. Lux Capital actively supports entrepreneurs in developing successful businesses, leveraging its extensive expertise to enhance the connectivity and competitive edge of its portfolio companies. With assets under management totaling approximately $4 billion, the firm has played a significant role in founding over 20 companies, focusing on high-growth opportunities and innovative solutions across diverse industries.

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.

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.

Founded in 2017, Drone Fund is a venture capital firm based in Tokyo, Japan. The firm seeks to invest in the drone and technology sectors.

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.

In-Q-Tel, founded in 1999 and based in Tysons, Virginia, is a not-for-profit venture capital firm that partners with innovative companies to provide advanced technologies to the U.S. Intelligence Community, including the Central Intelligence Agency. The organization focuses on accelerating the development and delivery of vital solutions that enhance national security. In-Q-Tel invests in a diverse range of technology sectors, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, data analytics, and the Internet of Things, seeking to support startups that can deliver timely innovations essential for intelligence and defense operations. By identifying and fostering cutting-edge technology, In-Q-Tel plays a crucial role in equipping government agencies with the tools necessary to fulfill their missions effectively.

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.

Leonid is a Government Contracting Financing Company that specializes in helping Government Contractors get lines of credit or invoice financing for their Government Contracts or SBIR Awards. We provide flexible government contract financing with no personal guarantees as well as donate 50% of our profits to organizations that support military families and veterans.

Space Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2012 and based in New York, New York. The firm specializes in investing in the space economy, with a focus on technologies such as global positioning systems, geospatial intelligence, and communications. By targeting companies within these sectors, Space Capital aims to unlock the value inherent in space technology stacks. Additionally, it manages a 2021 vintage venture capital fund known as Space Capital II. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Space Capital is committed to fostering innovation and growth in the rapidly evolving space industry.

Draper Associates, L.P. is a venture capital firm established in 1985 and headquartered in San Mateo, California. The firm specializes in seed-stage and early-stage investments across a variety of sectors, including consumer technology, financial technology, healthcare, education, and logistics, among others. Draper Associates seeks to identify and support innovative companies that have the potential to disrupt their respective markets. The firm is committed to fostering entrepreneurial talent and facilitating the growth of transformative businesses that can create significant economic impact. With a global investment approach, Draper Associates aims to build a portfolio of companies poised for substantial growth and success in the evolving landscape of technology and business.

8VC is a private equity and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, that was founded in 2012. The firm focuses on early-stage investments across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, consumer goods, logistics, biology, IT infrastructure, and government and defense. 8VC aims to drive industry transformation by supporting innovative companies that can replace outdated technology infrastructures with emerging platforms. This approach is rooted in the belief that such advancements will foster greater innovation and contribute to global prosperity. Additionally, 8VC manages co-investment funds that target investments in software, technology, media, telecommunications, and related industries.

Main Sequence Ventures focuses on investing in innovative founders who are developing the next generation of global industries through deep tech and frontier technologies. The firm is supported by the Australian National Science Agency, CSIRO, the Australian Federal Government, and various private investors. Its investment strategy is rooted in utilizing cutting-edge research from prominent Australian public research organizations, including CSIRO and the country's 41 universities, as well as other industry research agencies. This approach aims to foster advancements that can transform industries and drive economic growth.

European Investment Bank (EIB) provides lending, borrowing, and treasury services primarily in the European Union. The company offers project loans for the public and private sectors; loans to banks and other intermediaries; structured finance products; guarantees and securitization instruments for senior and subordinated debts; project bonds; equity and fund investment products such as infrastructure equity and debt funds, and environmental funds; and venture capital funds and security packages for funds. The company also offers microfinance; risk sharing finance for research, development, and innovation projects; finance and technical expertise for sustainable energy projects; infrastructure project advisory services; support for urban development projects; guarantees for transport infrastructure; and funding for public-private partnerships and small- and medium-sized enterprises. EIB serves the transportation, global loans, energy, industry, health, education, water, sewerage, infrastructure, services, telecommunications, agriculture, and fisheries sectors. European Investment Bank was founded in 1958 and is based in Luxembourg.

Matrix Partners is a venture capital firm established in 1977, with offices in San Francisco, Cambridge, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The firm focuses on seed, early-stage, late-stage, and growth capital investments across various sectors, including software, communications, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital health, and clean technology. With a commitment to building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, Matrix Partners aims to support visionary founders in developing significant, industry-leading companies. The firm has a strong track record, having participated in hundreds of investments, with many of its portfolio companies achieving successful IPOs or profitable mergers and acquisitions. The team at Matrix Partners combines local insights with global expertise, comprising both former entrepreneurs and seasoned investors.

Intel Corporation is a leading global designer and manufacturer of essential technologies for cloud computing, smart devices, and connected systems. The company operates through various segments, including Data Center Group, Internet of Things Group, Mobileye, and Client Computing Group, offering a wide range of products such as microprocessors, chipsets, system-on-chip solutions, and memory products. Intel's innovations extend to high-performance computing for targeted industries, as well as technologies for computer vision and machine learning applications. The firm serves original equipment manufacturers, design manufacturers, and cloud service providers. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Intel also invests through Intel Capital, which has supported numerous startups in areas like artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, advancing new technologies and solutions. Intel has consistently led the semiconductor market, driven by its commitment to innovation and the development of transformative products that enhance performance, connectivity, and data utilization across various sectors, including automotive and the Internet of Things.

Innovate Alabama is working to lead the way in innovation by making it easier for innovators and entrepreneurs to grow and plant roots.

AE Industrial Partners, LP is a private equity firm established in 1998 and based in Boca Raton, Florida, with additional offices in Savannah, Georgia, and Stamford, Connecticut. The firm specializes in growth capital, middle-market investments, and buyouts, focusing on carve-outs, management buyouts, and special situations in family- or founder-owned companies. AE Industrial Partners targets sectors such as aerospace and defense, power generation, specialty industrial markets, and government services. The firm emphasizes investments in highly technical manufacturing, distribution, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and logistics and data services. It prefers companies with revenues ranging from $50 million to $1 billion and seeks opportunities for growth exceeding five percent annually. AE Industrial Partners also has a commitment to sustainable investments aimed at improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions.

HorizonX Ventures' investment team focuses on identifying startups developing revolutionary concepts around the world. Bringing together a diverse background of Boeing knowledge and larger market experience, the team provides funding to chosen startups, connecting them with global network of Boeing resources to get their ideas off the ground. The firm was founded in 2017 and is comprised of a global team based in Chicago, Menlo Park, Los Angeles, Seattle, St. Louis, Washington DC, and Israel.

Global Brain is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors, including e-commerce, software, gaming, media, IoT, education, entertainment, and fintech. The firm has expanded its investment activities to the US and Asia, targeting series A-stage technology companies. Since its inception, Global Brain has invested in approximately 30 companies, achieving seven initial public offerings and seven mergers and acquisitions. The firm supports its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, partnerships, and team-building resources to help them reach their milestones. Global Brain is particularly adept in e-commerce, operating a platform called EC-PLANET, which encompasses several group companies, including a large online sports goods store and a logistics firm offering comprehensive fulfillment services. This network, along with Global Brain's connections to established Japanese companies, facilitates market entry for US and Asian businesses into Japan.

Gaingels is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont. It specializes in investing in companies led by LGBT+ founders and C-suite leaders across various stages of growth, as well as in established firms aiming to create more inclusive teams. With a global portfolio of over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels actively supports its portfolio by helping to identify and recruit diverse talent for leadership roles. The firm fosters a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, operators, and entrepreneurs who are united in their mission to drive positive social change through business and successful investments.

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.

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.

Liquid 2 Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in seed-stage investments, targeting technology startups across various sectors, including communications, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and more. With a focus on pre-seed and seed-stage companies, Liquid 2 Ventures aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs in the United States as they develop innovative solutions and grow their businesses. The firm was established by Joe Montana, Mike Miller, and Michael Ma, bringing together their expertise to foster technological advancements and drive economic growth in the tech industry.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in Singapore in 2017, focused on identifying and investing in exceptional individuals and early-stage technology companies with the potential to become defining businesses of tomorrow. With a presence in major entrepreneurial hubs across six continents, Antler supports startups from inception through to growth, providing assistance in team formation, business model validation, and capital investment at the pre-seed stage and beyond. Since its inception, Antler has invested in over 200 companies, with a notable emphasis on diversity; 40% of these companies have at least one female co-founder and founders represent 70 different nationalities. The firm has established multiple funds targeting various regions, including Southeast Asia and East Africa, and aims to build long-term relationships with its portfolio companies as a committed investor and supporter.

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.

Incubate Fund is a venture capital firm established in May 2010 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with an additional office in Singapore. The firm specializes in seed, startup, and early-stage investments, focusing on sectors such as media, entertainment, gaming, online commerce, logistics, medical, financial, real estate, and housing. Incubate Fund primarily invests in mobile, social, and web services with a global perspective, targeting opportunities in North America, Japan, and Asia. The firm typically makes equity investments ranging from $200,000 to $3 million. Additionally, Incubate Fund India, founded in 2016 and based in Bengaluru, operates as a subsidiary, concentrating on pre-seed and seed-stage startups in India.

Space.VC is a venture capital firm established in 2021 and located in Austin, Texas. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups, from pre-seed to Series A, with a particular focus on space technology. In addition to space-related ventures, Space.VC also targets companies in sectors such as defense, semiconductor manufacturing, supply chain, cybersecurity, integrated communications, software, climate, infrastructure, satellite applications, and artificial intelligence. The firm primarily invests in businesses based in the United States, aiming to support world-class founders and innovative startups across these deep technology sectors.

E2MC Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2020, focusing on investments in the space technology sector. Based in the United States, the firm seeks to support seed-stage companies globally, providing them with the capital and resources necessary to develop and scale their innovative solutions in the space industry. E2MC Ventures aims to foster growth and advancement in this emerging field through strategic investments in promising startups.

Lavrock Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 2015 and based in McLean, Virginia. The firm specializes in post-seed and Series A investments, focusing on early-stage technology companies in the United States. Lavrock Ventures primarily invests in sectors such as cybersecurity, enterprise software, and big data, while avoiding consumer-focused and e-commerce sectors. The firm is particularly interested in companies with potential applications in the National Security sector. Typical investment sizes range from $1 million to $3 million, but larger investments may occur in conjunction with limited partners. Lavrock Ventures operates as a Registered Investment Adviser.

BlackRock is a global investment management corporation founded in 1988 and headquartered in New York City. It provides a diverse array of services, including investment advisory, risk management, and asset management across various asset classes and sectors, such as real estate, energy, and technology. The firm manages funds for a wide range of clients, including large institutions and individual investors, focusing on delivering tailored investment solutions to help secure better financial futures. BlackRock operates through its subsidiaries, including BlackRock Capital Investment Advisors, which offers investment advisory services, and BlackRock Private Equity Partners, which specializes in direct and fund investments in private equity and venture capital. With a strong emphasis on both public and private markets, BlackRock’s expertise spans multiple strategies and geographic regions, making it one of the world's largest asset managers, with trillions of dollars entrusted to its care.

CDP Venture Capital, established in 2015 and based in Rome, Italy, is a prominent venture capital investment firm dedicated to fostering innovation and economic development within the country. The firm aims to enhance the venture capital ecosystem by investing in startups and growth companies across a diverse range of sectors, including consumer products, energy, healthcare, information technology, automotive, fashion, food, fintech, insur-tech, advanced manufacturing, agriculture materials, education, big data, life sciences, financial services, software-as-a-service, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. By prioritizing these industries, CDP Venture Capital seeks to create sustainable growth and support the overall development of Italy's entrepreneurial landscape.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Bonn, Germany, specializing in early-stage investments in high-tech startups. Established in 2005, the firm focuses on technology-driven companies across various sectors, including information and communication technology, life sciences, healthcare, automation, and cleantech. HTGF typically invests in companies that have been operational for no more than one year, aiming to contribute up to €0.6 million in initial funding and up to €3 million in follow-on financing. The firm seeks a minority stake, generally around 15%, and provides a subordinated loan convertible into equity, with deferred interest for up to four years to support liquidity. With a total investment volume of approximately €895.5 million across three funds, HTGF has successfully supported over 500 startups and attracted more than €2 billion in follow-on investments from external sources. The firm's investors include notable public and private entities, underscoring its role as a key player in fostering innovation and growth within the German startup ecosystem.

Mizuho Capital, established in 1983 and headquartered in Tokyo, is a prominent venture capital firm affiliated with Mizuho Bank, one of Japan's largest banks. The firm manages approximately ¥49.6 billion JPY and focuses its investments primarily on information technology, biotechnology, healthcare, and various manufacturing sectors. Mizuho Capital was formed in 2002 through the merger of Fujigin Capital, Tokyo Venture Capital, and IBJ Investment, which were subsidiaries of three major banks. With a significant track record, over 600 companies backed by Mizuho have successfully gone public, positioning the firm as the fifth-largest venture capital firm in Japan. Mizuho Capital aims to leverage its expertise to invest in private markets across the Asia-Pacific region.

SFC Capital is a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, that specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed and seed-stage startups. Founded in 2012, it is recognized as one of the UK's most active seed investors, providing capital and support to promising British startups across various sectors, including software, technology, e-commerce, consumer products, and hospitality. SFC Capital operates a unique investment model that combines its Angel Network and Seed Funds, allowing investors to engage with SEIS- and EIS-qualifying businesses either directly or through managed diversified portfolios. The firm also received a £10 million allocation from Business Investments as part of the Regional Angels Programme to further its mission of supporting early-stage companies throughout the UK. As an Appointed Representative of SFC Capital Partners Ltd, it is authorized and regulated by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

Scottish Enterprise is Scotland's primary economic development agency, operating as a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. Its mission is to foster economic growth by supporting the development of innovative, high-wage industries with a strong international presence. The organization plays a crucial role in assisting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in securing financing, helping them engage with funders and access the necessary capital for expansion. Scottish Enterprise invests through its arm, the Scottish Investment Bank, which focuses on various sectors, including renewable energy, life sciences, and creative industries. The firm engages in both direct and fund-of-fund investing, typically providing financial support in the form of equity or loans ranging from £0.01 million to £10 million. Additionally, it collaborates with public and private sectors and works alongside UK and international investors to enhance the funding landscape for Scottish businesses. Through these initiatives, Scottish Enterprise aims to create a sustainable economic impact and strengthen the funding market within Scotland.

The UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund, established in 2002 and based in Birmingham, is a venture capital firm supported by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and nine publicly funded research bodies, including STFC, BBSRC, NERC, and Dstl. Managed independently by Midven, the Fund focuses on nurturing companies that emerge from cutting-edge scientific research conducted in laboratories and technology campuses across the UK. It invests in a range of sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, information technology, advanced manufacturing, software as a service, and agricultural technology. The Fund holds stakes in some of the UK's most innovative companies, contributing to advancements in areas such as novel antibiotics, Alzheimer’s disease research, sustainable chemicals, and airport security technologies.