SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.
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.
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.
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.
IndieBio, established in 2014, is a San Francisco-based accelerator firm specializing in Synthetic Biology. It runs intensive four-month programs for early-stage companies and teams with innovative biological concepts. IndieBio invests in seed and early-stage startups globally, focusing on those that use biology as their core technology to solve real-world problems. The firm typically invests $250k, with an initial cash investment of $50k in exchange for an 8% equity stake. It prefers teams with at least two co-founders. IndieBio was the world's first accelerator dedicated to biology-based startups, aiming to address global challenges through innovative biotechnology.
MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.
Collaborative Fund, established in 2010 in New York, is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative companies at the intersection of technology, media, and creative industries. The firm focuses on sectors such as climate, consumer, industrial solutions, precision health, kids, food, health, and financial services, with a particular interest in businesses driven by creativity and collaborative consumption.
Alante Capital, founded in 2016 and based in Santa Barbara, California, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in innovative companies that enhance environmental, economic, and social sustainability within the textile and apparel industry. The firm employs a comprehensive investment strategy that spans deep tech, clean tech, consumer tech, and enterprise software sectors. Alante Capital's emphasis on deep industry knowledge and a systems-change approach enables it to identify, select, and support outstanding entrepreneurs who are modernizing the apparel sector. Through its investments, the firm aims to generate risk-adjusted returns while fostering transformative social and environmental impact.
Chiratae Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Bengaluru, India, founded in 2006. The firm focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including mobility, software as a service, education technology, consumer technology, health technology, climate technology, financial technology, agricultural technology, B2B, and deep technology. With a global network, Chiratae Ventures manages approximately $3.6 billion and has built a portfolio of over 220 companies over the past 15 years. The firm's unique advantage lies in its affiliation with International Data Group (IDG), which provides extensive resources in global publishing, market research, and industry events, enhancing its ability to support early-stage companies in navigating their markets and achieving growth.
Milliken & Company is a manufacturer that focuses on creating innovative solutions across various industries, including chemicals and floor coverings. The company develops specialty chemical additives, colorants, protective textiles, and polymer additives, among other products, all aimed at addressing everyday challenges. Milliken is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through its offerings, which include polypropylene, clarifying agents, and dust control flooring products. By combining scientific research with design insights, the company strives to make the world safer, more sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing while consistently pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Milliken's global community of innovators is committed to discovering and implementing creative solutions that add real value to people's lives.
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.
At One Ventures, established in 2020 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a venture capital firm dedicated to catalyzing a world where humanity positively impacts nature. It invests in early-stage (Seed, Series A) companies globally, focusing on disruptive deep tech that can significantly reduce the environmental footprint of established industries while maintaining strong business potential. The firm's portfolio spans across sectors such as energy, ag-tech, food tech, cleantech, climate tech, and technology, with a particular interest in businesses that can upend traditional unit economics and pioneer new, regenerative industries. At One Ventures finds, funds, and grows teams that align with its mission to create a positive impact on planetary health.
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.
Antler, established in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies. It supports exceptional founders from day one, providing access to a global network of co-founders, talent, advisors, and expansion support, along with capital. Antler's funds, including Antler UK Fund and Antler India Fund, target various sectors such as information technology, climate tech, healthtech, software, energy services, and SaaS, with investments ranging from USD 0.2 to 0.4 million.
International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with global offices, IFC provides financial and advisory services to support economic activities across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. It invests in both direct equity and debt, as well as fund investments, with a focus on projects that promote sustainable development and inclusive growth. IFC's investment range typically spans from $1 million to $100 million, with a minority equity stake, often up to 20%. It also offers debt financing, with loan sizes up to 25% of total project costs or 50% for expansion projects. IFC's portfolio includes a mix of asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, government obligations, equity investments, and derivative assets. It aims to exit investments through domestic stock markets, arrangements with project sponsors, or public listings within 7 to 15 years.
Investissement Québec is a Canadian financial institution established in 1998, dedicated to supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large companies in the province of Québec. The organization offers a variety of financing solutions and consulting services to assist businesses in their expansion projects. By combining the strengths of financial institutions and economic development agencies, Investissement Québec aims to facilitate the establishment and growth of companies within the region. The institution plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and guidance to corporations looking to invest in Québec, thereby contributing to the local economy.
Collateral Good Ventures, established in 2022 and based in Schwyz, Switzerland, is a technology-focused venture capital firm founded by Dr. Regina Hecker and Michael Kleindl. The firm is dedicated to supporting visionary business leaders who aim to create a positive impact on society and the environment. Collateral Good Ventures focuses on investments that address climate change and promote food-tech innovation, specifically in areas like plant-based ingredients, cellular agriculture, food waste reduction, and sustainable packaging. The firm targets investments at the Seed to Series A stages, ensuring that each opportunity can yield significant financial returns alongside measurable social and environmental benefits. Collateral Good Ventures emphasizes its commitment to responsible investment strategies that adhere to the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation.
Venture Kick is a private philanthropic initiative based in Zurich, Switzerland, founded in 2007 to support Swiss startups at the pre-seed stage. It provides up to 150,000 Swiss francs in funding and offers structured entrepreneurial training aimed at developing sustainable businesses. Entrepreneurs participate in a competitive process, pitching their ideas up to three times for increasing funding amounts, while receiving valuable feedback from expert juries. To date, Venture Kick has supported 600 startup projects with a total of 24.9 million francs, leading to the incorporation of 454 active companies that have created over 6,000 jobs and attracted approximately 2.49 billion francs in subsequent investments. Companies founded by Venture Kick alumni have notably achieved significant recognition, with 55 percent of the TOP 100 Swiss Startup Award in 2018 represented by these ventures. In 2019, the initiative aimed to allocate 4.35 million francs to support idea-stage projects, facilitating the transition of Swiss scientific innovations to global markets.
Coats plc is a global manufacturer and supplier of industrial threads and related products, serving various industries including apparel, footwear, telecommunications, energy, personal protection, and automotive. The company offers a diverse range of products, including protective layers for cables and composites, threads and yarns, bedding quilting, and technical applications. Its well-known brands include Ultrabloc, Gotex, Neophil, and Gral, among others. Coats operates in over 60 countries and employs approximately 19,000 people across six continents. The company generates significant revenue from markets in China and Hong Kong, as well as from Vietnam, India, and the United Kingdom. Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Uxbridge, the United Kingdom, Coats plc was formerly known as Guinness Peat Group plc until its rebranding in March 2015.
B Capital Group is a private equity and venture capital investment firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, with additional offices in major cities across the United States and Asia. The firm specializes in early-stage to growth-stage investments in a variety of sectors, including enterprise technology, financial services, healthcare, and biotechnology. B Capital partners with innovative entrepreneurs to help them scale their companies globally, leveraging its strategic alliance with the Boston Consulting Group to provide access to industry insights and top corporate connections. With a focus on transforming traditional industries, B Capital has built a diverse portfolio that emphasizes both B2B and B2B2C startups. The firm manages $6.3 billion in assets across multiple funds, offering entrepreneurs the necessary support to navigate challenges, secure funding, and attract skilled leadership.
Fashion For Good is a global initiative established in 2017 and based in Amsterdam, Netherlands, focused on transforming the fashion industry into a more sustainable and circular model. The organization promotes innovation and practical solutions to improve the design, production, and consumption of fashion. It encompasses six complementary initiatives, including programs aimed at identifying and scaling circular technologies and business models, as well as providing guidance for sustainable practices in fashion. Additionally, Fashion For Good offers a co-working space for like-minded organizations and features the Fashion For Good Experience, which serves as an interactive platform for education and engagement in sustainable fashion. Through these efforts, Fashion For Good aims to foster a fashion industry that benefits companies, communities, and the planet.
The FSE Group is an independent not-for-profit Community Interest Company based in Camberley, United Kingdom, established in 2002. Its primary focus is on providing funding and support to early-stage and growth-stage startups, particularly in the renewable energy and social enterprise sectors. The organization operates through several subsidiary companies, with all regulated activities conducted by FSE Fund Managers Limited, which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Additionally, Finance East Limited is a key component of the group, delivering funding specifically to businesses in the East of England. The FSE Group reinvests its surpluses into the business, prioritizing community benefit over profit maximization for shareholders.
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.
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.
Accel, established in 1983, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in investing in early and growth-stage technology startups, focusing on sectors such as software, cloud technologies, consumer services, enterprise, healthcare, fintech, and security. Accel's portfolio includes notable companies like Atlassian, Facebook, Slack, and Spotify, reflecting its ability to identify and support entrepreneurs building businesses that drive next-generation industries.
All In Capital is a venture capital firm based in Mumbai, India, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed-stage companies across the Indian market. Through its investments, All In Capital aims to support early-stage entrepreneurs and drive innovation in various sectors within the region.
Second Avenue Capital Partners, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, specializes in providing asset-based loans for the retail and consumer products sectors. As a Schottenstein Affiliate established by SB360 Holdings, the firm focuses on serving middle-market companies by offering a range of tailored capital solutions. These include debt financing, bridge loans, revolving credit lines, and secured debt, aimed at supporting businesses in recapitalization, growth, and buyouts. With a team that combines the expertise of retail operators, product merchants, and financial lenders, Second Avenue Capital Partners is positioned to meet the diverse financing needs of its clients in the retail space.
Venrex Investment Management is a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, founded in 2002. The firm specializes in investing in consumer industries that are influenced by technology, supporting innovative businesses led by creative founders. Emphasizing diversity, Venrex has a notable commitment to backing female entrepreneurs, with a significant percentage of its investments involving female founders or co-founders. Through its efforts, Venrex aims to foster the growth of early-stage companies that are poised to disrupt traditional markets and create impactful solutions.
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.
Lightspeed Israel, established in 2006, is a venture capital firm based in Tel Aviv, Israel. It invests in seed, early, and later-stage companies across the information technology and TMT sectors. The firm focuses on supporting innovative Israeli startups, providing capital and strategic guidance to accelerate their growth. Lightspeed Israel typically invests between $2 million to $25 million per company, with a particular interest in enterprise, health, fintech, and consumer sectors. It manages multiple funds, including Lightspeed Venture Partners IX and Lightspeed India Partners I & II, to support its investment activities in Israel and India.
A91 Partners, established in 2018 and headquartered in Mumbai, India, is a venture capital firm focusing on early- to growth-stage private companies. It invests in emerging sectors such as consumer, healthcare, financial services, and technology, with a preference for small- and mid-sized companies in India. The firm typically invests between $10 million and $30 million per company, aiming to make 15 to 17 investments per fund.
Yorkville Advisors Global, LLC is a privately owned hedge fund sponsor established in 2001 and headquartered in Mountainside, New Jersey, with additional offices in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida; Denver, Colorado; Milan, Italy; and Hong Kong. The firm specializes in providing specialty financing solutions, primarily through structured debt and equity investments, with a focus on growth companies across various industries. Yorkville Advisors employs a combination of technical and fundamental analysis to identify investment opportunities, often acting as a sole investor in capital raises to ensure a controlled exit strategy. The firm's investment strategy spans public equity, fixed income, and alternative investment markets globally, with particular emphasis on sectors such as healthcare, metals and mining, energy, technology, and electric vehicles. Each investment is tailored to meet the specific needs of the companies involved, reflecting Yorkville's commitment to supporting growth and acquisition capital for public companies.
The Ermenegildo Zegna Group is a prestigious luxury menswear brand based in Italy, established in 1910 in Trivero, Biella Alps, by Ermenegildo Zegna. The company was founded with a vision to ethically produce the finest textiles, emphasizing innovation and sourcing high-quality fibers from their regions of origin. Currently led by the fourth generation of the Zegna family, with Gildo Zegna serving as CEO, the brand has evolved significantly since the late 1980s, implementing a vertical integration strategy. This approach has enabled Zegna to offer a comprehensive range of products, including fabrics, clothing, and accessories, while focusing on retail expansion. The company has been a pioneer in entering emerging luxury markets, particularly in BRIC countries and Asia, and notably became the first luxury brand to establish a dedicated store in China in 1991.
Foxmont Capital Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2018 and located in Makati, Philippines. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology startups that are either focused on the Philippines or founded by Filipinos. Foxmont Capital Partners aims to support Filipino entrepreneurs by providing them with capital, access to a robust network, and assistance throughout various stages of their business development.
Business Finland is a Finnish government agency established in 2018, focusing on innovation funding and services to promote internationalization and travel. It supports research communities, industry, and service sectors, emphasizing a diverse approach to innovation that includes technological, service-related, design, business, and social advancements. The agency does not seek financial profit from its activities and does not claim intellectual property rights. Business Finland plays a crucial role in connecting international buyers with Finnish companies, facilitating investment opportunities, and showcasing Finland's key industries, which range from food and nature to advanced technology. Its initiatives aim to foster continuous innovation with a global impact, particularly in sectors such as cleantech, digitalization, consumer goods, and healthcare.
TCW Group, established in 1971, is a global asset management firm headquartered in Los Angeles with offices across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. It offers a diverse range of investment products, including fixed-income, equities, emerging markets, and alternative investments. TCW serves a broad client base comprising corporate and public pension plans, financial institutions, endowments, foundations, financial advisors, and high net worth individuals. The firm's history includes strategic acquisitions and spin-offs, reflecting its evolution and expansion in the asset management industry.
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 Inc. is a vertically integrated global manufacturer and marketer of basic apparel, specializing in non-fashion products such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, underwear, socks, and hosiery. The company primarily serves the screen print markets in North America, Europe, and other international regions, supplying wholesalers, major clothing brands, and printers. Gildan also operates retail and direct-to-consumer channels under its brands, which include Gildan, American Apparel, Comfort Colors, and Gold Toe. Most of its production takes place in Latin America, along with a new facility in Bangladesh, and the company generates nearly 90% of its sales in the United States. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Montreal, Gildan continues to expand its market presence while maintaining a focus on basic apparel.
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.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a multilateral development finance institution established in 1990. Headquartered in London, it operates primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The EBRD provides a range of financial products and services, including loans, equity investments, and guarantees, to support private sector development and promote sustainable growth. It serves various sectors such as agribusiness, energy, finance, and infrastructure, and also offers policy dialogue and advisory services. The EBRD has invested over €130 billion in more than 5,200 projects since its inception, playing a significant role in fostering change and economic development in its regions of operation.
Sagard Holdings, established in 2002, is a multi-strategy alternative asset manager headquartered in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in New York and Toronto. As a private equity arm of Power Corporation of Canada, Sagard specializes in middle-market investments, focusing on FinTech and HealthTech sectors in the United States and Canada. The firm targets companies with a minimum profit of $10 million, seeking significant minority or control positions. Sagard offers a unique, long-term shareholder perspective and provides tailored financing solutions through its Sagard Credit Partners vehicle.
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.
VF Corporation is a leading company in the outdoor and activity-based lifestyle and work-wear sectors, offering a diverse portfolio of well-known brands such as Vans, The North Face, Timberland, Altra, and Dickies. Established in 1899 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, VF designs, produces, and distributes a wide range of branded apparel, footwear, and accessories, focusing on active, outdoor, and work categories. The company markets its products across the Americas, Europe, and Asia-Pacific through various channels, including wholesale sales to retailers, e-commerce platforms, and its own branded stores. Committed to innovation and sustainability, VF aims to create long-term value for its customers and shareholders while maintaining socially and environmentally responsible operations.
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.
NewBound Venture Capital, established in 2019, is a Minneapolis-based venture capital firm. It focuses on investing in consumer-centric companies, particularly in the seed and Series A rounds. The firm seeks opportunities in both consumer and technology sectors, with a geographical focus on the United States and Canada.
Google for Startups is an initiative launched in 2011 that focuses on supporting startups globally by providing access to Google's products, connections, and best practices. The program partners with over fifty leading startup organizations to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in more than 135 countries. It offers various resources, including financial support and exclusive programming, to help these partners and their startups thrive. Central to this initiative are six Google for Startups Campuses located in London, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Madrid, São Paulo, and Warsaw. These Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can access mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities within their local communities. Startups benefit from free workspaces, community events, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, all aimed at nurturing their growth and innovation across diverse sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, and technology.