Founded in 1995, SOSV is a global venture capital firm headquartered in New Jersey. It focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments in deep tech innovations, primarily in bio-tech/life sciences and hardware/robotics sectors, with a commitment to human and planetary health.

Founded in 2007, Innovate UK is a non-profit organization based in Swindon, UK. It supports businesses across various economic sectors by offering funding services to promote science and technology innovations.

IndieBio is an accelerator that supports startups using biology to solve major problems, delivering four-month programs for companies and teams with ideas. Based in San Francisco with an office in New York, it focuses on life sciences, biotechnology and synthetic biology, investing in seed and early-stage ventures that place biology at the core of their technology across products, processes and software. The program favors teams with two or more co-founders and generally provides equity-based funding in the early stages, often combining direct investments with additional financing options. Founded in 2014, IndieBio operates within the SOSV accelerator network, a global platform that supports portfolio companies through mentorship, resources and cross-border programs.

MassChallenge is a global startup accelerator supporting early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries. Founded in 2009, it provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities through its programs worldwide.

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.

Founded in New York in 2010 by Craig Shapiro, Collaborative Fund is an investment firm focused on creative fields within technology and media. It invests based on the growth of the creative class and collaborative consumption.

H&M Hennes & Mauritz AB, a Swedish multinational, operates as a family of six independent fashion brands: H&M, COS, Monki, Weekday, Cheap Monday, and & Other Stories. The company offers affordable, sustainable, and trendy clothing, shoes, accessories, and home decor for men, women, teenagers, and children. H&M's design teams create diverse collections, from party wear to basics and sportswear, catering to various styles, seasons, and occasions. The business model is centered around enabling customers to express their individuality through fashion and design, promoting a more circular lifestyle.

Founded in 2016, Alante Capital is a venture capital firm based in Santa Barbara, California. It invests across deep tech, clean tech, consumer tech, SaaS, and other sectors, pairing comprehensive investment strategies with deep sector expertise to build risk-adjusted portfolios with potential for superior returns alongside transformative social and environmental impact.

Venture Kick is a Swiss initiative supporting early-stage startups with pre-seed funding and entrepreneurial training. It has awarded over CHF 24.9 million to 600 projects, creating 6,033 jobs and attracting subsequent investments worth CHF 2.49 billion.

The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.

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.

EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.

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

Award for fashion start-ups

Founded in 2018, Climate Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco. It invests in companies that directly or indirectly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions across sectors such as energy, transportation, and agriculture.

Founded in 2015, FJ Labs is a New York-based venture capital firm focusing on stage-agnostic investments in marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. Their investment range varies from $50,000 to $5,000,000, typically at seed or series A stages.

IMM Investment Corp. is a private equity and venture capital firm specializing in mezzanine investments. It focuses on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital investing, corporate restructuring, private equity investing, industry consolidation, management buyouts, spin-offs, recapitalizations, and cross-border investments. Within mergers and acquisitions, the firm invests in strategic mergers, growth through acquisitions, going public via a reverse merger, and strategic divestures. For recapitalizations, it targets family owned enterprise considering whole or partial exit and balance sheet restructuring. The firm also co-invests in buyout transactions. For its growth stage investments, it allocates 20 percent to startups, 40 percent to expansion, and 40 percent to mezzanine. The firm targets companies operating in information technology infrastructure, wireless communications entertainment and contents, franchising, cement, software, electricity, food and beverage, machinery, game software, chemical, paper manufacture, and automobile parts industries. For industries concentration, it sets 40 percent to information technology infrastructure focusing on security, application service provider, and e-commerce solutions; 30 percent to contents, focusing on education, game, and animation; and 30 percent to digital hardware focusing on network and communications equipment, semiconductor, parts and others. The firm also invests in infrastructure, high-technology, 5G, Internet of things, mobile, commerce service, environment, manufacturing, enzyme, biotechnology, and healthcare sectors. The firm also makes secondary investments. It considers investments in companies with T5 or higher ratings by Tech Credit Bureau. The firm primarily invests in medium-sized companies located in South Korea, including Seoul, Gyeonggi, Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Chungcheongbuk-do. It prefers to take an active role in management. IMM Investment Corp. was founded in July 1999 and is based in Seoul, South Korea.

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.

Inditex is a Spanish fashion conglomerate founded in 1963, known for its diverse portfolio of clothing brands. The flagship brand, Zara, along with Zara Home, accounts for over 69% of the company's revenue and approximately 72% of its profits. Other notable brands within the Inditex group include Pull & Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, and Uterque. The company operates more than 7,000 stores worldwide, with over 2,000 dedicated to the Zara brand alone. A significant portion of its revenue, 65%, comes from the European market, while the Americas and Asia contribute 15% and 20%, respectively. Inditex maintains in-house design capabilities but primarily outsources manufacturing, with only a small fraction produced internally. About 60% of its manufacturing occurs near its headquarters in Spain, after which the products are shipped globally.

Founded in Singapore in 2017, Antler is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests globally. It focuses on backing exceptional founders from day one, offering a global community network of co-founders, talent, advisors, expansion support, and capital across various sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and more.

Founded in London in 2002, Venrex is a venture capital firm focused on investing in technology-enabled businesses led by creative founders.

Fashion For Good is a global initiative dedicated to transforming the fashion industry into a circular model. Established in 2017 and headquartered in Amsterdam, it aims to enable sustainable practices through innovation, collaboration, and practical action.

Tau Investment Management, LLC is a venture capital and private equity firm founded in 2012 and headquartered in New York, with an additional office in Central, Hong Kong. The firm specializes in growth equity and buyout investments, primarily targeting the apparel and textile supply chain sectors. With a focus on high-growth and high-technology segments, Tau seeks to invest in companies with revenues ranging from $30 million to $300 million, typically committing between $20 million and $50 million per investment. While the firm operates globally, it predominantly concentrates on markets in Asia, including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Cambodia, and Turkey. Tau’s expertise allows it to identify manufacturers with strong management and growth potential, facilitating connections between these manufacturers and global brands and retailers within its extensive network.

Jo-Ann Stores is a leading retailer that aims to inspire the creative spirit in both customers and employees. With a strong focus on providing superior assortments, presentation, and service, Jo-Ann offers a wide selection of fabrics and craft supplies both in stores and online. Known for its knowledgeable customer service and commitment to value, Jo-Ann is a go-to destination for creative individuals looking to connect with a vibrant community. The company's stores are stocked with a diverse range of products, and team members are always ready to offer assistance and guidance. Additionally, Jo-Ann provides a wealth of How To projects both in-store and online, with nearly 2,000 available to help customers unleash their creativity.

Gildan Activewear is a Montreal-based, vertically integrated designer and manufacturer of basic apparel, including T-shirts, underwear, socks, fleece, sport shirts, hosiery, and shapewear. It serves wholesale and printwear channels, supplying blank apparel to distributors and printers, and markets branded clothing through retail and direct-to-consumer channels. Production is concentrated in Latin America, with expansion efforts in Asia, including Bangladesh. The company operates internationally and owns brands such as American Apparel, Comfort Colors, and Goldtoe alongside its own Gildan line. It focuses on non-fashion basics across markets and completed the acquisition of Doris Inc. in 2014 to broaden its product and market footprint.

American & Efird is the largest manufacturer of sewing thread in the United States and the second-largest globally, specializing in premium quality industrial and consumer sewing thread, embroidery thread, and technical textiles. The company serves a wide range of industries, including apparel, automotive, home furnishings, medical supplies, and footwear, providing essential products that support the manufacturing processes of its clients. With a commitment to quality and customer service, American & Efird operates 22 manufacturing facilities across 20 countries, distributing products in 44 countries and selling in over 95 countries. The company is also recognized for its leadership in environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility, prioritizing the safety and health of its workforce, which includes over 9,000 associates worldwide.

Future Tech Labs is a hybrid organization founded in 2016, operating as a multinational accelerator and experimental laboratory focused on the fashion ecosystem. With a mission to disrupt and transform the industry, FTL fosters innovation by integrating technology and fashion, supporting emerging brands and entrepreneurs. By combining investment strategies with hands-on resources, Future Tech Labs aims to drive sustainable growth and development within the fashion sector, addressing modern challenges and opportunities. Its multifaceted approach enables it to serve as a pivotal player in shaping the future of fashion through technology-driven solutions.

A91 Partners is a Mumbai-based venture capital firm established in 2018 that backs early- to growth-stage private companies in India. It focuses on consumer, healthcare, financial services, technology and software/services sectors, supporting opportunities in consumer products and services, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, information technology and financial services. The firm primarily targets Indian companies and typically makes investments in the range of 10 to 30 million USD.

Sauce.vc is an early-stage venture capital firm based in New Delhi, India. Established in 2019, it focuses on investing in consumer-centric businesses operating within the food & beverages, personal care, apparel, and lifestyle sectors.

Albany International is an advanced textiles and materials processing company that operates in two primary segments. The machine clothing segment specializes in the production of custom-designed fabrics and belts, serving industries such as paper and nonwovens, and it accounts for the majority of the company's revenue. The Albany engineered composites segment focuses on providing engineered composite parts for the aerospace and defense sectors. Albany International has a global presence, with operations and revenue generation in various countries, including the United States, Switzerland, Brazil, China, Mexico, and France.

Itochu Corporation is a prominent trading company that has been operating since its founding in 1858 by Chubei Itoh. Initially focused on linen trading, the company has evolved into a diversified sogo shosha, engaging in the import and export of a wide range of products, including textiles, machinery, chemicals, metals, minerals, energy, and food. Itochu's operations extend beyond trading to include investments in sectors such as insurance, finance, construction, real estate, and warehousing. The company emphasizes efficiency in its food segment, overseeing operations from production to retail, while its energy and chemicals division specializes in trading crude oil and related products. Through its extensive network and multifaceted business approach, Itochu continues to play a significant role in international trade and commerce.

Established in 2002, The FSE Group is a venture capital firm based in Hampshire, UK. It focuses on investing in early-stage and growth-stage startups operating within the renewable energy and social enterprise sectors.

Carbon13 is a venture builder focused on addressing the climate emergency by supporting the development of innovative businesses. It offers entrepreneurship accelerator programs designed for teams to enhance their carbon-related projects, refine growth strategies, and prepare for investment opportunities. The company specializes in venture building across various sectors, including agriculture, renewable energy, the built environment, food, and materials. Through its initiatives, Carbon13 aims to facilitate the creation of sustainable solutions that not only contribute to reducing carbon emissions but also attract investment, fostering a more sustainable future.

PVH Corp. is a leading global apparel company based in New York, operating in over 40 countries and generating revenues exceeding $8 billion. The company focuses primarily on its two designer brands, Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger, along with a range of Heritage Brands. PVH designs, markets, and retails a diverse array of men's and women's apparel and accessories, including dress shirts, sportswear, jeans, intimate apparel, and footwear. Its products are offered under well-known brands such as Van Heusen, IZOD, and ARROW, as well as licensed brands like Speedo and Michael Kors. PVH distributes its merchandise through various channels, including wholesale partnerships with department and specialty stores, company-operated retail locations, and digital commerce platforms. Founded in 1881, PVH has established itself as a significant player in the global fashion industry.

Pronovias is a Spanish bridal wear company based in Barcelona, specializing in the design and manufacture of wedding dresses and related accessories. The company offers a diverse range of products, including wedding gowns, shoes, tiaras, and other attire, allowing clients to customize their dresses according to contemporary fashion trends. With a focus on quality and style, Pronovias aims to meet the needs of brides looking for unique and elegant wedding attire.

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm that backs startups across enterprise software, consumer technologies, fintech, healthtech, and cleantech from seed through growth stages. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, it maintains offices in Beijing, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Herzliya to engage markets in the United States, Asia, and Israel. The firm focuses on technology-enabled businesses and has supported companies across software, mobile, data, e-commerce, and services, spanning early-stage to expansion rounds. It offers strategic guidance, network access, and capital, and has historically included debt financing as part of its investment approach. With a multi-region footprint and a broad multi-stage mandate, Lightspeed seeks to partner with entrepreneurs to scale innovative companies globally.

Bast Fibre Technologies is a Victoria, Canada-based producer and developer of plant-based intact natural fibres for nonwoven and textile applications. It creates IP-protected enhancements for bast fibres such as hemp and flax and supplies fibres to consumer and industrial markets for baby wipes, personal care, household wipes, and related products, as well as textiles and fabrics. The company focuses on engineering and commercializing processing technologies and fibre solutions destined for natural yarn, pulp, and composite applications, enabling improved absorbency, comfort, and environmental benefits. Founded in 2016, the firm aims to advance sustainable fibre solutions across high-value product markets.

Mulberry Silks is a manufacturer and exporter of premium home furnishing textiles.

Alpargatas is a prominent global player in the footwear industry, engaged in the manufacture and sale of footwear, apparel, textiles, and sports items. The company is known for its diverse portfolio of brands, which includes Havaianas, dupe, Osklen, Mizuno, Megga, and Sete Leguas. Alpargatas primarily operates in Brazil and Argentina, where it generates the majority of its sales, with Brazilian sales alone accounting for over half of its total revenue. The company distributes its products through a combination of third-party retailers and its own retail outlets. In addition to its strong presence in South America, Alpargatas also has subsidiaries in Europe and the United States, as well as a direct export business. Alpargatas aims to be recognized as a global, digital, and innovative brand powerhouse, committed to sustainability and maintaining a strong cultural connection with society.

Beijing Enterprises Jinfu has 30 years of experience in production and research and development have achieved technological breakthroughs in the fiber field.

Crypton is a fabric manufacturer delivering high-performance upholstery textiles for residential and commercial interiors. Its fabrics are engineered at the fiber level with an integrated, environmentally friendly process that resists moisture, stains, bacteria, and odors, allowing fabrics to be cleaned easily without coatings. The range emphasizes softness, breathability, and durability for settings including offices, hotels, hospitals, and cruise ships. Production emphasizes American-made textiles, and the company collaborates with designers to provide products with short lead times for home and contract markets.

Established in 2022, All In Capital is a venture capital firm headquartered in Mumbai, India. It focuses on investing in early-stage companies at the pre-seed and seed levels across India.

Kukdong Corporation is a Seoul-based South Korean manufacturer of knit garments for men, women, and children. It produces a broad range of apparel including workwear, activewear, lounge wear, and fashion wear, and it specializes in workwear with functional materials for waterproofing and dustproofing. Founded in 1967, the company serves domestic and international markets, exporting to the United States, the European Union, and Chile while maintaining a presence in global textile supply chains focused on comfort and performance across everyday and specialized garments.

Google for Startups is an initiative supporting global startups. It offers access to Google's products, connections, and best practices through a network of partners in over 135 countries. The program aims to help determined startups succeed.

Second Avenue Capital Partners is a finance lender specializing in asset-based loans for the retail and consumer products sector, focusing on middle-market companies. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, the firm offers debt facilities, including revolving lines of credit, bridge financing, and senior or secured debt, to support recapitalizations, growth, and buyouts.

Chamatex is a textile manufacturing company that focuses on producing technical textiles for various applications. The company specializes in creating industrial textiles used in furniture, sports apparel, and clothing for medical and defense sectors. Chamatex designs and manufactures specialty fabrics that include fire-resistant materials, as well as fabrics that are resistant to cuts, perforations, water, and oil products. Through its innovative approach, the company addresses the diverse needs of its clients across multiple industries.

MYSC is an innovative company that helps innovation through consulting, social venture accelerating, and impact investing.

MIP UK Ltd is a manufacturer and distributor of reusable healthcare textiles and related products, serving the UK healthcare community. The company specializes in providing a wide range of textile solutions, including patient and staff apparel, clothing protectors, bedding, mattresses, pillow protectors, towels, underpads, carts, bags, and repositioning devices. MIP focuses on delivering products that ensure excellent quality while maintaining the lowest cost per use, thereby establishing itself as a market leader in cost-effective healthcare textile solutions. The company's commitment to high service levels aligns with its goal of meeting the specific needs of its customers in the healthcare sector.

Delta Galil Industries Ltd. is a global leader in the design, development, production, marketing, and sale of private label apparel products for men, women, and children. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Caesarea, Israel, the company offers a diverse range of clothing, including intimate apparel, socks, children's wear, leisurewear, activewear, undergarments, sportswear, denim, and women’s outerwear. Delta Galil markets its products under several well-known brands, such as 7 For All Mankind, Schiesser, and P.J. Salvage, as well as licensed names like Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein. The company operates through multiple business segments, including Delta USA and Delta European Brands, and sells its products through various channels, including retailers, its own stores, and an online platform.

Stanton Carpet Corporation designs, manufactures and imports decorative carpets and custom rugs for residential and commercial spaces. The company offers a range of soft flooring products including carpets, plank tile and broadloom in designs such as wool tufted textures, flat-weaves and specialty textiles, serving offices, hospitality, retail, public corridors and other commercial applications as well as decorative options for homes. It markets through floor covering showrooms in the United States and Canada, as well as dealers and online channels. Founded in 1980, Stanton Carpet is based in Woodbury, New York, with a distribution and fabrication center in Calhoun, Georgia. The company serves independent dealers and showroom networks with a broad portfolio of branded products and custom rug capabilities, emphasizing quality and value in the decorative soft flooring market.