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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
Katapult is an accelerator and venture capital firm based in Oslo, Norway, founded in 2016. It specializes in early-stage technology startups that aim to address environmental and societal challenges through exponential technologies. The firm focuses on areas such as clean energy, resource efficiency, food and water, education, health, and diversity, among others. Katapult offers a structured program lasting three months, with the possibility of a one-month follow-up, providing up to $100,000 in funding while taking an 8% equity stake in each startup. The firm actively invests in various regions, seeking to support innovative solutions that foster sustainability and societal progress.
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.
Almi Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sweden, established in 2009. It focuses on investing in Swedish startups with promising, scalable business models led by motivated entrepreneurs. Almi Invest operates seven regionally based funds, managing a total capital of SEK 1 billion. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from SEK 2 million to SEK 4 million, with the potential to invest up to SEK 10 million over the lifetime of a venture. Almi Invest emphasizes a strong entrepreneurial team and an initial revenue stream over specific industry sectors, allowing for diverse investment opportunities across technology, fintech, life sciences, and sustainability sectors, among others. The firm partners with other investors, acquiring a maximum of 50 percent of shares in a new issuance, and reinvests generated yields, functioning as an Evergreen Fund. Half of its funding originates from European Union structural funds, complemented by regional investors and its founding organization, ALMI Företagspartner.
Founded in 2021, Bright Tide is a management consulting firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The firm provides guidance and advisory support to organizations on their sustainability and social impact strategies, and training workshops for staff members on climate change and biodiversity risk. Additionally, the firm connects businesses to investment-ready solutions in the biodiversity markets.
AENU is an impact fund focused on early-stage climate-tech and social impact companies located in Europe. The fund aims to foster systemic transformation in venture capital by prioritizing accessibility, stakeholder alignment, and long-term investments. AENU targets tech entrepreneurs dedicated to addressing the climate crisis and promoting social equality, thereby contributing to a sustainable and equitable future.
Temasek Holdings, established in 1974 and based in Singapore, is an investment company managing a diversified portfolio valued at approximately S$242 billion. The firm actively invests across various sectors, including telecommunications, media and technology, financial services, transportation, consumer products, real estate, life sciences, and energy. Temasek focuses on long-term investment themes such as transforming economies, growing middle-income populations, deepening comparative advantages, and supporting emerging champions. Its investment strategy encompasses a combination of liquid assets, listed and unlisted equities, and private equity opportunities, with a notable emphasis on mid-stage technology and life sciences investments through its private equity arm, Temasek Capital Management. Furthermore, Temasek aims to be the preferred investor for companies in Singapore and internationally, reflecting its commitment to global investment opportunities.
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.
Salica Investments is a London-based venture capital firm founded in 2014, specializing in technology-driven sectors such as fintech, healthcare, environmental technology, and life sciences throughout Europe. The firm focuses on investing in both equity and debt across various stages of growth, supporting companies that demonstrate high potential for innovation and expansion. Salica manages a secondary fund, Hambro Perks Environmental Technology I, which aims to invest primarily in the information technology sector. With a commitment to fostering fast-growing businesses, Salica leverages its expertise, partnerships, and extensive network to guide entrepreneurs and enhance their ventures, ultimately promoting international growth and scalability.
Energy Impact Partners LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2015 and headquartered in New York, with additional offices in San Francisco, Palm Beach, Cologne, and London. The firm focuses on growth equity, credit, and infrastructure investments, primarily targeting early and growth-stage companies within the energy sector. Its investment strategy emphasizes energy efficiency and sustainable energy generation and distribution, including areas such as smart buildings, clean energy, smart grids, energy storage, and customer engagement. Energy Impact Partners aims to foster innovation in the energy industry by co-investing in projects and companies that promote digital and decentralized energy solutions, intelligent operations, and comprehensive energy services across North America and Europe.
SpeedInvest GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on technology-related startups across Europe, particularly in sectors such as deep tech, fintech, insurtech, consumer tech, and marketplaces. The firm typically invests between €0.25 million and €3 million in pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages, while preferring to acquire minority stakes of up to 20% in its portfolio companies. SpeedInvest aims to be actively involved in the companies it invests in, often taking on operational roles for six months to one year. With additional offices in cities like San Francisco, Berlin, Paris, and London, SpeedInvest leverages a global network to support entrepreneurs in building successful businesses, thus contributing to the development of Europe’s startup ecosystem.
Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services across multiple states, including the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky. It serves approximately 8.2 million electric customers and over 1.6 million natural gas customers, demonstrating a significant presence in the energy sector. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas. Furthermore, Duke Energy is committed to sustainability and includes a range of renewable energy assets in its portfolio. Founded in 1837 and originally known as Cincinnati Gas & Electric Company, Duke Energy is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, and continues to play a vital role in powering communities while focusing on reliable and clean energy solutions.
Lowercarbon Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and based in Jackson, Wyoming. The firm focuses on funding research and investing in technologies aimed at reducing carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. It supports scientists, inventors, and entrepreneurs dedicated to developing solutions that lower emissions, remove carbon, and actively cool the planet. Lowercarbon Capital targets investments across various sectors, including commercial services, commercial transportation, energy equipment, utilities, computer hardware, and software, with a particular emphasis on companies that contribute to carbon emission reduction.
The Russell Family Foundation is an independent non-profit private foundation based in Gig Harbor, Washington, established in 1999. Its mission is to contribute to a sustainable and peaceful world by investing in grassroots leaders and community organizations primarily in Pierce County and the broader Puget Sound region. The foundation focuses on fostering environmental sustainability and promoting global peace by partnering with local leaders and organizations. Through its efforts, it aims to strengthen communities and enhance the quality of life for individuals in the areas it serves. The foundation's assets are managed and governed by an executive management team dedicated to fulfilling its mission.
Global Founders Capital (GFC) is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm is stage agnostic, meaning it invests in companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. GFC focuses on empowering talented entrepreneurs and seeks investment opportunities in sectors such as internet, retail, financial software, media, communication, and information technology. With a global perspective, GFC aims to support innovative companies across all continents.
Revent Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and based in Berlin, Germany. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies within the technology, food, and healthcare sectors. By fostering a community of purpose-driven founders and investors, Revent aims to address significant climate and societal challenges. The firm provides essential support, including capital and access to relevant networks, to help entrepreneurs succeed in their missions. Revent believes that companies founded by exceptional teams with a strong sense of purpose are more likely to thrive in today's competitive landscape.
Tenity is a non-profit organization focused on supporting startups in the FinTech, RegTech, and InsurTech sectors. It offers a comprehensive accelerator program designed to help entrepreneurs transform their innovative ideas into successful businesses. The program spans six months and is structured into various workshops and lessons covering essential areas such as business strategy, product development, marketing, and legal considerations. Participants also benefit from mentorship by experienced professionals and access to a global network of financial institutions, investors, and regulatory bodies. Tenity provides co-working space in Zurich, facilitating collaboration within a vibrant business environment. The program is free of charge and does not require equity from participating startups, making it an attractive option for emerging companies seeking to bring their products to market.
Elemental Impact, established in 2009 and located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an impact investment firm dedicated to fostering positive change through strategic investments. The firm focuses on supporting companies in the energy, mobility, agriculture, circular economy, and water sectors. Elemental Impact aims to improve systems that significantly affect people's lives and has actively invested in numerous startups to facilitate this mission. By providing financial backing and resources, Elemental Impact contributes to the growth of innovative solutions that address critical global challenges.
Rubio Impact Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, established in 2015. The firm focuses on mid to late-stage investments in sectors such as nutrition, fitness, and medicine, with a particular commitment to supporting vulnerable populations, including the young and the elderly. It emphasizes opportunities in education, employment, and environmental sustainability, avoiding investments in start-ups, infrastructure, real estate, and government-backed enterprises. Rubio Impact Ventures typically makes equity investments ranging from €0.5 million to €8 million in companies located in the Netherlands. The firm aims to drive positive social impact through its investment strategy while supporting innovative technologies across various sectors, including healthcare, clean technology, and food technology.
Sustainable Development Technology Canada (SDTC) is a venture capital investment firm based in Ottawa, established in 2001. The organization focuses on funding and supporting Canadian cleantech projects, helping companies advance innovative technologies to market. SDTC's investments span various sectors, including agriculture, energy efficiency, green buildings, transportation, and waste management. By fostering the growth of these companies, SDTC aims to create jobs, stimulate economic growth, and generate export opportunities while delivering environmental and health benefits to Canadians. Operating independently, SDTC collaborates with a diverse network of partners from private industry, academia, and government, both domestically and internationally, to enhance the impact of its initiatives. The organization receives funding from the Government of Canada to further its mission.
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.
Climate Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2018. The firm focuses on investing in sectors that contribute to the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions, including adaptation, alternative proteins, agriculture, energy, web3 technologies, and transportation and real estate. By supporting innovative companies in these areas, Climate Capital aims to facilitate a transition toward a more sustainable future.
Pale Blue Dot is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in Malmö, Sweden, specializing in ClimateTech investments aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. Founded in 2020 by Hampus Jakobsson, Heidi Lindvall, and Joel Larsson, the firm invests between €200,000 and €2 million in pre-seed and seed-stage companies located in Europe and the United States. Pale Blue Dot focuses on sectors such as climate technology, agriculture, and food technology, emphasizing investments that align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. The firm aims to support approximately 35 startups, fostering innovation that contributes to a sustainable future.
Blue Horizon Corporation, founded in 2016 and based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a venture capital investment firm focused on addressing the global challenge of sustainably feeding 10 billion people by 2050. The firm invests in innovative, tech-driven, plant-based products that cater to increasing consumer demand for healthy options. Blue Horizon Ventures, a fund launched in 2019, specifically targets investments in the agriculture and food-tech sectors across Europe. Committed to environmental, social, and governance principles, this fund seeks to achieve positive impact in areas such as health, biodiversity, and ecosystems while supporting the transition to sustainable food systems.
Closed Loop Partners, founded in 2014 and based in New York, is a private equity firm dedicated to fostering the circular economy through early-stage investments across North America. The firm focuses on sustainable consumer goods, innovative recycling technologies, and advanced supply chains. It manages several investment funds, including Closed Loop Ventures, which targets software, apparel, and technology sectors, as well as the Closed Loop Local Recycling Fund, which provides loans to companies in the technology and resource sectors. Closed Loop Partners aims to drive systemic change by supporting businesses that contribute to sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Contrarian Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Vilnius, Lithuania, with additional offices in London and Amsterdam. Established in 2017, the firm specializes in early-stage investments, predominantly in the energy sector and e-mobility. Its investment focus includes innovative areas such as smart grid technology, energy efficiency, big data and analytics, energy storage solutions, e-car infrastructure, smart homes, and renewable energy solutions. The firm aims to support the sustainable energy transition, primarily targeting companies in Europe and Israel.
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.
Stichting Doen is an independent non-profit foundation based in Amsterdam, established in 1991. It focuses on fostering economic development through support for initiatives in culture, social cohesion, and a green and inclusive economy. The foundation aims to create a positive societal impact by backing sustainable and social entrepreneurs. Stichting Doen's investment arm, DOEN Participaties, invests in innovative, early-stage companies dedicated to making environmental and social contributions. The foundation provides direct financial support through convertible loans and participations, with its assets managed by an executive team committed to promoting sustainable and cultural innovation.
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.
Demeter Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Paris, France, founded in 2005. It focuses on investments that support the ecological transition, targeting companies across various stages of development, including seed, start-up, early-stage, and growth. The firm primarily invests in sectors such as eco-industries, eco-energies, green technology, and alternative energy resources. Specific areas of interest include water, air, and waste treatment, energy efficiency, and renewable energies, as well as infrastructure projects related to sustainable energy. Demeter typically invests between €0.5 million and €30 million in small to medium-sized enterprises and prefers to take minority stakes while seeking board representation in its portfolio companies. While the firm predominantly operates in Europe, particularly in France, it also explores opportunities in North America and other regions. Demeter is recognized as a significant player in the European private equity landscape, particularly following its merger with Emertec Gestion in 2016, which enhanced its focus on the energy transition and environmental sectors.
IndieBio is an accelerator firm established in 2014 and based in San Francisco, California, with an additional office in New York. It specializes in startups that utilize synthetic biology to address significant global challenges. IndieBio runs four-month accelerator programs aimed at both companies and teams with innovative ideas, focusing on seed-stage and early-stage investments. The firm typically invests $250,000, providing $50,000 in exchange for eight percent equity in biotech startups, with the possibility of an additional $25,000 as a convertible loan note. IndieBio prioritizes investments in businesses that leverage biology as the core of their technology, particularly in life sciences, biotechnology, and related fields. The firm favors teams with a minimum of two co-founders and is open to investing in startups from various geographical locations.
Google is a multinational corporation that specializes in Internet-related services and products, founded by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in 1998. Its primary offerings include Google Search, which helps users find information online, and a range of advertising services such as AdWords and AdSense. The company also provides various consumer and business tools, including Google Drive for collaboration, Google Maps for navigation, and Google Play for digital entertainment. Additionally, Google has ventured into hardware with products like Chromebooks and smart devices. The company is also focused on artificial intelligence through Google AI, developing advanced technologies to enhance its products. Furthermore, Google engages in philanthropic efforts through Google.org, supporting organizations that leverage technology for social good.
SaaS Ventures is a Maryland-based venture capital firm founded in 2017 that focuses on seed-stage technology companies, particularly in the software-as-a-service sector. The firm aims to co-invest alongside strong lead investors, leveraging its network to enhance the value it brings to portfolio companies. SaaS Ventures typically makes smaller investments ranging from $750,000 to $3 million, targeting rounds that are mostly full, which minimizes disruption for entrepreneurs. The firm prioritizes relationships and seeks to be a supportive partner without taking significant stakes in its investments. While it invests across the United States, it particularly favors "second tier markets" that offer potential for major exits yet receive less venture funding, such as Chicago, Toronto, and Atlanta.
IKIGAI is an entrepreneurship acceleration program established in 2018 by Fondazione MPS (Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena), located in Siena, Italy. This initiative aims to support founders, professionals, and students involved in startup acceleration and incubation. IKIGAI provides scholarship grants to young professionals, facilitating their growth and development within the entrepreneurial landscape. Additionally, the program offers job orientation services to high school students, helping them navigate their career paths and prepare for future opportunities. Through these efforts, IKIGAI fosters innovation and entrepreneurship within the community.
Seaya Ventures is a Madrid-based venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early and growth-stage technology-enabled companies primarily in Spain and Latin America. Established in 2012, the firm targets a variety of sectors, including healthtech, edtech, fintech, mobility, clean energy, and digital marketplaces. Seaya seeks to empower innovative businesses that require expansion capital and aim to become category leaders, making equity investments of up to €20 million per company. With a strategy that includes both minority and majority stakes, Seaya is committed to transforming its portfolio companies into lasting market players. The firm also has a growing presence in Mexico City and São Paulo, reflecting its dedication to fostering technological advancement in the region.
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.
Valo Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, that focuses on investments in startup, early, and growth-stage technology companies in North America and Europe. Founded in 2018, the firm seeks to address significant societal challenges through its investments, concentrating on themes such as climate change, urbanization, mobility, and the circular economy. Valo Ventures emphasizes the use of digital and cloud technologies to create long-term economic, environmental, and social value. The firm operates as a thesis-driven investor, leveraging a network of experienced entrepreneurs, advisors, and investors to support innovative companies that deliver solutions to pressing global issues. Valo Ventures manages its inaugural fund, Valo Ventures I, which was established in 2019, and continues to engage with dynamic markets and visionary entrepreneurs.
Vinnova is Sweden’s government agency dedicated to fostering innovation and promoting sustainable growth. Established in 2001 and headquartered in Stockholm, Vinnova primarily funds innovation projects and research essential for developing new solutions. The agency allocates approximately $350 million annually, primarily through calls for proposals that allow companies, public sector entities, and other organizations to apply for financial support. Vinnova also seeks to strengthen collaborations between businesses, universities, and various societal actors, enhancing the innovation ecosystem. Additionally, it focuses on bolstering international cooperation in research and development. Vinnova continuously monitors and evaluates its investments to assess their impact and effectiveness, ensuring that its contributions align with broader societal goals.
Proparco is a French government organization established in 1977, dedicated to promoting private sector funding in sustainable development. Based in Paris, the firm focuses on financing and supporting companies and financial institutions across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Proparco's investment strategy emphasizes key development sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, and financial services. The organization aims to strengthen the contributions of private actors towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) established by the international community. Proparco finances projects that create jobs, provide essential goods and services, and combat climate change, offering a range of financial instruments including loans, equity, and guarantees. Its interventions are designed to enhance the resilience of communities and promote sustainable economic growth in emerging markets.
Carica Sustainable Investments is a family office based in New York that focuses on investing in businesses that foster positive environmental and economic outcomes. The firm collaborates with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and companies that are actively addressing climate challenges. By providing growth capital, Carica Sustainable Investments aims to support initiatives that contribute to sustainability and drive meaningful change in the marketplace.
The Sustainable Growth Fund, managed by Sustainable Growth Management, is a private equity growth fund established in 2014 and headquartered in Luxembourg. It specializes in providing flexible financing to growth companies primarily in North America and Europe, focusing on sectors such as energy generation, water treatment, waste management, and efficiency. The fund targets later-stage companies with strong management teams and proven technologies that demonstrate a clear path to profitability, aiming for investments in firms with a minimum positive EBITDA of €2 million and revenues between €10 and 100 million. Sustainable Growth Management emphasizes environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in its investment approach, aligning with international principles that promote responsible investing. By identifying lower-risk growth opportunities, the fund seeks to balance financial returns with positive social impact.
Startup Wise Guys, founded in 2012 and based in Tallinn, Estonia, is a prominent early-stage investor and accelerator in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and the Nordics. The organization has accelerated over 165 startups, primarily in B2B SaaS, fintech, and cybersecurity, achieving a startup survival and success rate exceeding 77%. Its intensive three-month accelerator program focuses on product validation, development, and sales to business customers, supported by a network of over 200 international and local mentors. The program culminates in Demo Days and major tech events where startups present their ventures to potential investors. Additionally, participants gain access to an alumni community of more than 145 startups across 40 countries and exclusive alumni events centered on business development and fundraising. Startup Wise Guys also manages dedicated funds targeting various sectors, including an Africa Fund that invests in fintech, health tech, and digital SaaS, among others.
Rabobank Group is a prominent banking and financial services company headquartered in Utrecht, Netherlands, with roots tracing back to 1898. It specializes in providing a comprehensive range of services, including retail banking, wholesale banking, asset management, leasing, and real estate services. The bank is particularly known for its focus on the food, beverage, and agribusiness sectors, offering tailored financial solutions and sustainability-oriented services in 46 countries. Rabobank operates with a cooperative foundation, emphasizing customer-centricity and leveraging a wealth of knowledge from industry specialists and analysts. Its offerings encompass personal banking services, business banking, commercial banking, and various financing solutions, including farm financing and trade finance. The company's commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it as a leader in the financial sector, catering to diverse client needs while maintaining a strong credit rating.
Horizon Ventures is a Hong Kong-based venture capital firm established in 2002, specializing in technology-focused investments across various sectors. With a global presence, the firm targets seed, early-stage, and late-stage opportunities, particularly in artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare technology, and software as a service (SaaS). Horizon Ventures is known for its disruptive investment strategy, having achieved notable exits in successful companies such as Skype, Siri, Facebook, Summly, and Waze. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to support innovative startups that have the potential to reshape their respective industries.