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.

Intel Corporation, established in 1968, is a global leader in semiconductor chip manufacturing. The company designs, manufactures, and sells essential technologies for cloud, smart, and connected devices worldwide. Intel operates through various segments, offering platform products like central processing units and chipsets, and non-platform products such as accelerators, connectivity products, and memory and storage solutions. Additionally, Intel provides Internet of Things products and computer vision technology. Serving original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and cloud service providers, Intel collaborates with other tech giants to advance computing and communications. Intel Capital, the company's strategic investment arm, invests in innovative startups targeting cloud, AI, 5G, and other disruptive technologies. With a workforce of over 100,000 employees globally, Intel is transforming from a PC-centric company to a data-centric one, powering the future of computing and communications.

Qualcomm Ventures, established in 2000, is the investment arm of Qualcomm Incorporated. Based in San Diego, California, it is a global corporate venture capital fund that invests in early-stage technology companies. With over $500 million initially committed and subsequent regional funds totaling over $300 million, Qualcomm Ventures focuses on sectors such as artificial intelligence, automotive, cloud, enterprise, internet of things, mobile, and extended reality. It seeks to generate strong returns while complementing Qualcomm's existing products and services, and often invests between $500,000 and $10 million at the expansion stage. Notable portfolio companies include 99 Taxis, Cruise Automation, and Fitbit.

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.

The European Innovation Council (EIC), established in 2020 and headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, is dedicated to supporting high-potential innovators, entrepreneurs, small enterprises, and researchers. Its primary focus is on fostering early-stage startups that demonstrate significant environmental, social, and governance (ESG) impacts. The EIC collaborates with private investors to co-invest in ventures, particularly within the deep technology sector, aiming to drive innovation and sustainable development across Europe. By providing financial backing and resources, the EIC seeks to enhance the growth potential of promising startups and contribute to a more innovative and competitive European economy.

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.

Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, established in 1982, is a non-profit organization that fosters technological innovation and growth in the region. It primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, having supported over 1,750 such ventures since its inception. The organization also facilitates university-industry partnerships to accelerate scientific discoveries to market, and initiates regional programs to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its mission is to create jobs and transform lives by leading the region's technology community to new heights.

The European Investment Bank (EIB), established in 1958, is a long-term lending institution owned by the EU Member States. Headquartered in Luxembourg, it offers a wide range of financing solutions, including project loans, loans to banks and intermediaries, venture capital funds, and equity investments. EIB also provides structured finance products, guarantees, and securitization instruments, along with advisory services for infrastructure projects, urban development, and small to medium-sized enterprises. Its portfolio is predominantly composed of loans (93.08%), with a small portion allocated to debt and fixed income, shares, and other assets. EIB's mission is to support European integration and social cohesion, primarily within the European Union and internationally.

Bpifrance is a financial institution dedicated to supporting companies throughout their development stages, particularly those preparing for stock market listing and seeking credit equity. The organization provides a range of financial solutions, including financing, innovation assistance, and capital investment. By integrating various entities such as OSEO and CDC Entreprises, Bpifrance aims to deliver tailored financial support that addresses the specific needs of businesses. The institution is committed to fostering innovation and helping companies transition toward sustainable growth, ensuring they are well-equipped to face future challenges.

Addor Capital is a growth capital investment firm established in 2014 and located in Nanjing, China. The firm specializes in providing investment services by financing early-stage ventures and acquiring securities of various companies. Addor Capital focuses on a diverse range of sectors, including clean technology, health, new materials, advanced manufacturing, consumer services, cultural industries, and technology, media, and telecommunications. Its investment strategy encompasses seed-stage, early-stage, later-stage, and growth-stage companies, primarily within China.

Airspan Networks Inc. is a global provider of 4G broadband wireless systems and solutions, headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida. Founded in 1992, the company specializes in delivering high-speed data, voice, and multimedia services across various vertical markets, including smart utilities, transportation, and public safety. Airspan's product portfolio encompasses a range of technologies operating in licensed and unlicensed frequency bands from 700MHz to 6GHz. Their offerings include advanced small cells, pico base stations, and a virtual RAN platform, enabling seamless integration of LTE, WiMAX, Wi-Fi, and VoIP technologies. Airspan's solutions are designed to bridge connectivity gaps and enhance user experiences, with deployments in over 100 countries and a diverse customer base that includes Internet service providers and telecommunications carriers. The company also provides essential services such as network installation, integration, and support to facilitate the effective operation of its systems.

TEDCO is an independent organization established in 1998 and located in Columbia, Maryland. It serves as the leading source of entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies within Maryland's innovation economy. TEDCO focuses on early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, energy equipment, life sciences, and oncology. Its mission is to foster innovation and economic growth in Maryland by supporting the growth of startups and enhancing the state's position in the entrepreneurial landscape.

Scottish Enterprise, established in 1991, is Scotland's principal economic development agency, operating as a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government. Its mission is to stimulate Scotland's economic growth by fostering an innovative, high-wage, and productive economy with a strong international presence. The agency partners with both public and private sectors to identify and capitalize on opportunities that drive significant, lasting economic impact. Scottish Enterprise provides comprehensive support to businesses, including helping companies secure appropriate finance, strengthening management teams, and facilitating growth and export initiatives. It works closely with Scottish SMEs, as well as UK and international investors, such as business angels, venture capital groups, and corporate investors. The agency operates across Scotland in collaboration with Highlands and Islands Enterprise, aiming to increase the supply of finance for businesses and support the SME funding market.

Cisco, a global technology leader, specializes in developing and selling networking hardware, software, and telecommunications equipment. Its extensive product portfolio includes routers, switches, network security products, wireless solutions, collaboration tools, and data center technologies. Cisco's offerings enable businesses, organizations, and individuals worldwide to build, manage, and secure networks, facilitating communication and enhancing connectivity across diverse industries. The company also provides transformational services, such as technical assistance and advanced services, to help customers work more efficiently. Cisco fosters innovation through initiatives like the Cisco Innovation Grand Challenge, which supports early-stage businesses and startups leveraging the Internet of Things (IoT). Additionally, the Cisco Foundation contributes to creating technology-based solutions for non-profit organizations. With a workforce of 80,000 employees across 90 countries, Cisco is one of the world's largest providers of networking equipment and a significant player in the software industry.

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.

Deutsche Telekom is a leading telecommunications company based in Bonn, Germany, founded in 1995. It provides a comprehensive range of fixed-network services, including voice and data communication, utilizing both fixed and broadband technology. The company is a dominant player in the German telecom market for both mobile and fixed services. Additionally, Deutsche Telekom owns a controlling stake in T-Mobile US, a major wireless carrier in the United States that merged with Sprint in 2020. Beyond its core operations in Germany and the U.S., Deutsche Telekom serves several Central European markets and has an IT division known as Systems Solutions. The company's innovation efforts are spearheaded by the Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs), which act as a hub for developing new technologies and solutions to enhance customer experiences.

Sequoia Capital, established in 1972, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The company focuses on investing in early to growth-stage companies across various sectors, including information technology, healthcare, financial services, and energy. Sequoia Capital provides capital and strategic support to a select group of daring founders, helping them build legendary companies and push technological boundaries. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $100 million, with a preference for being the first investor in profitable, fast-growing companies with proven teams and products. Sequoia Capital also manages funds focused on specific regions and sectors, such as India and the technology sector.

Verizon Ventures, established in 2000, is the strategic investment arm of Verizon Communications, a leading broadband and telecommunications company. Based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, Verizon Ventures focuses on investing in early-stage companies operating in network solutions, media, consumer, and business sectors. The firm seeks to connect these startups with Verizon's extensive ecosystem, leveraging its engineering expertise and market insights to accelerate their development. Verizon Ventures' investments align with Verizon's core business, aiming to drive innovation in wireless telecommunications and related services.

Keio Innovation Initiative (KII), established in 2015, is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm spun off from Keio University. KII invests in early-stage startups, focusing on digital and medical healthcare sectors, with a mission to commercialize Keio University's research results and foster new industries. KII manages two funds, investing between JPY 40 million to JPY 1 billion per company, across 20 to 25 investments.

HAX is a venture capital program focused on accelerating hardware startups through its comprehensive support and resources. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in Newark, New Jersey, HAX operates in two key locations, San Francisco and Shenzhen, providing founders with an environment conducive to rapid prototyping and iterative development. The program emphasizes the importance of launching both B2C and B2B hardware startups, guiding them through critical phases such as business development, fundraising, and market entry. HAX accepts teams that demonstrate strong potential for scaling their ventures and solving significant technological challenges. Through a structured curriculum, entrepreneurs refine their product-market fit and business strategies while benefiting from a robust network of mentors and industry connections. HAX maintains an ongoing relationship with participating startups to support their growth beyond the initial program, ensuring they have the necessary resources and partnerships to succeed in the competitive marketplace.

SoftBank Group is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Japan. It operates through four segments: mobile communications, Sprint, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet. The company provides a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line voice and data transmission services, broadband services, internet advertising, e-commerce, and digital television. SoftBank Group also invests in various technologies through its venture capital arms, such as SoftBank Investment Advisers and SoftBank Vision Fund, focusing on areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things. One of its notable subsidiaries, SoftBank Robotics, designs and manufactures humanoid robots for various applications, including education, healthcare, and business.

AT&T Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is an American multinational telecommunications conglomerate. It operates through four segments: Communications, WarnerMedia, Latin America, and Xandr. The Communications segment is the largest, contributing nearly 70% of AT&T's revenue, offering wireless and wireline telecom services, video entertainment, broadband, and Internet services to residential and business customers. This segment also sells handsets, accessories, and other devices through various channels. The WarnerMedia segment produces, distributes, and licenses television programming and feature films, operates cable networks, and offers digital media properties. The Latin America segment provides video entertainment, audio programming, and wireless services primarily to residential customers in the region. The Xandr segment offers digital and video advertising services. AT&T also has a significant presence in Mexico and holds a stake in a satellite television provider. The company's research and development division, AT&T Labs, focuses on data science, AI, network and customer experience, open-source, and 5G inventions and research. AT&T Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in innovative technologies, primarily at the seed and Series B stages.

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.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.

Oak Investment Partners, established in 1978, is a multi-stage venture capital and private equity firm headquartered in Greenwich, Connecticut, with additional offices in California and Minnesota. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth opportunities across various sectors, including Information Technology, Internet and Consumer, Financial Services Technology, Healthcare Information and Services, and Clean Energy. Oak focuses on buyouts, growth equity, and mid-to-late stage financings, typically investing between $10 million and $150 million. Since its inception, the firm has invested over $9 billion in more than 525 companies globally, providing steady guidance and deep domain expertise to entrepreneurs.

MedTech Innovator is a nonprofit global competition and accelerator based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2013. It focuses on supporting companies in the medical device, digital health, and diagnostic sectors. The organization aims to enhance patient outcomes by fostering the growth of businesses that contribute to the transformation of the healthcare system. Each year, MedTech Innovator showcases 100 companies that align with key themes identified through surveys of industry leaders. The accelerator's diverse portfolio includes firms involved in consumer healthcare, imaging, remote patient monitoring, clinical studies, and workflow optimization, emphasizing its commitment to advancing innovative healthcare solutions.

Post Road Group is a privately held investment firm based in Stamford, Connecticut, founded in 2015. As a Registered Investment Advisor, the company specializes in private credit and private equity investments, with a focus on various sectors including digital infrastructure, telecommunications, media, business services, real estate, and health care services. Post Road Group employs diverse investment strategies such as mergers, acquisitions, recapitalizations, buyouts, and growth capital to support its portfolio companies. The firm primarily targets opportunities within the United States and Canada, concentrating on tech-enabled businesses and specialty finance.

BDC Capital Inc., established in 1975, is a private equity and venture capital arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada. It specializes in direct and fund of funds investments, focusing on middle market, later stage, and emerging growth companies. BDC Capital provides a full spectrum of risk capital, from seed investments to transition capital, with a focus on early and development technology stage companies. It invests in healthcare, information technology, and industrial/energy/clean technology sectors across Canada, with a focus on Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia. BDC Capital typically invests between CAD3 million and CAD35 million, preferring minority stakes and Board representation. It seeks to exit investments within three to five years through IPOs, strategic sales, or leveraged management buyouts.

NTT DoCoMo, established in 1991, is a leading telecommunications company based in Tokyo, Japan. It provides a wide range of mobile services, including voice, data, and value-added services, as well as public wireless LAN and international roaming services. The company's product portfolio includes smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices, along with various services such as cloud-based email, machine-to-machine (M2M) services, and pet tracking. NTT DoCoMo also offers enterprise solutions like Office Link and Business Mopera Anshin Manager, and operates in diverse business fields such as media, finance, commerce, healthcare, and safety. Its venture capital arm, NTT Docomo Ventures, founded in 2008, invests in incubation, early to later-stage companies globally, focusing on information technology, telecommunications, cloud services, and related sectors. The firm seeks minority stakes and typically invests up to USD $3 million per round, aiming for exits through stock sales or share transfers to DOCOMO and NTT Group companies.

Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd (SCGC) is a venture capital firm founded in 1999 by the Shenzhen Government. The company is dedicated to fostering national industries, developing national brands, and promoting economic transformation through investments in emerging sectors. SCGC primarily targets small to medium enterprises and innovative high-tech companies, focusing on those in various stages of growth, including startups and those undergoing transformation. Its investment portfolio spans industries that align with national policy support, such as information technology, internet services, new media, biopharmaceuticals, new energy, environmental protection, chemical engineering, and high-end equipment manufacturing. With a registered capital of 5.42 billion RMB and significant assets under management, SCGC has established itself as a leader in the venture capital landscape, having invested in numerous companies, many of which have achieved public listings across global capital markets.

Charter Communications is an American telecommunications and mass media company that operates under the Spectrum brand. Formed in 2016 through the merger of Legacy Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks, it has a long history in the industry. Charter provides a range of services, including high-speed Internet, premium cable television, and 5G mobile services, often offering these without contracts and at competitive monthly rates. The company serves approximately 58 million homes and businesses across the United States, accounting for around 40% of the market. With 30 million residential and 2 million commercial customer accounts, Charter is the second-largest cable provider in the country. Additionally, it owns various sports and news networks, further enhancing its media offerings.

Google.org is a philanthropic arm of Google, a multinational technology company. It funds and supports nonprofits globally, providing them with funding, tools, and volunteers. Google.org has committed approximately $100 million annually to these efforts, aiming to extend the reach of innovative nonprofits and create lasting global impact.

Business Growth Fund, established in 2011, is a prominent investor in small and mid-sized businesses, offering patient capital and strategic support to growing companies and ambitious entrepreneurs. As the UK and Ireland’s most active investor in small and medium-sized companies, they have £2.5bn to support businesses across various sectors and regions. With 14 offices, they are closely connected to the businesses they invest in. Boasting a team of over 150 professionals and a network of board-level executives, they aim to drive economic activity by enabling entrepreneurs to scale up their businesses and contribute to increased employment, exports, and overall growth. The companies in their portfolio collectively employ close to 50,000 people, highlighting their significant impact on the business landscape.

Motorola Solutions, Inc., established in 1928 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, specializes in mission-critical communication solutions. The company operates in two segments: Products and Systems Integration, and Services and Software. The Products segment offers a wide range of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video solutions, along with their integration and optimization. These include two-way radios, video cameras, network software, and access control solutions, primarily serving government, public safety, and commercial customers. The Services segment provides repair, maintenance, and support services, as well as software updates, cybersecurity, and command center solutions. Motorola Solutions also has a venture capital arm, Motorola Solutions Venture Capital, which invests in technology companies that complement its business strategy, typically providing between $1 million and $5 million per investment. The company's products and services are used in over 100 countries, with a significant portion of its revenue coming from government agencies.

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.

Chalmers Ventures AB is a venture capital firm based in Gothenburg, Sweden, specializing in the incubation, seed, early venture, and growth capital stages of investment. Founded in 1997, the firm focuses on companies with a clear connection to the Gothenburg region and Sweden, particularly in sectors such as information and communications technology, new materials, environmental engineering, medical technology, and biotechnology. Chalmers Ventures does not invest in industries related to weapons or drugs. The firm typically invests between SEK 0.05 million and SEK 10 million, with a maximum investment limit of SEK 15 million per company across all phases. It prefers to take minority stakes in companies, particularly those that have participated in its incubation and accelerator programs. Additionally, Chalmers Ventures engages in coaching and business development to support the growth of its portfolio companies.

Sunsino Venture Group is a venture capital firm based in Taipei, Taiwan, founded in 1994. The firm has invested in over 200 companies across Taiwan and the United States, focusing primarily on the healthcare, technology, and software sectors. With approximately US$150 million in assets under management, Sunsino Venture Group aims to support innovative companies that demonstrate growth potential in these industries.

Standard Chartered PLC, a multinational banking and financial services company, operates globally with a significant presence in Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East. It offers a broad range of banking products and services through four primary segments: Corporate & Institutional Banking, Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, and Private Banking. The company serves a diverse client base, including corporations, financial institutions, governments, small businesses, mid-sized companies, and individuals. Its services encompass retail products like deposits, savings, mortgages, credit cards, and personal loans; wealth management products and services; transaction banking services; corporate finance products and services; and financial market services. Standard Chartered also provides digital banking solutions. With approximately 1,026 branches worldwide, the company was founded in 1853 and is headquartered in London, United Kingdom.

Entrada Ventures, established in 2018 and based in Santa Barbara, California, is a venture capital firm that focuses on late seed-stage investments. They work intensively with a select group of startups each year, helping them evolve from product-market fit to Series A readiness. Entrada invests in innovative technologies across various sectors, including information technology, SaaS, AI, and IoT, and partners with strong founders who have demonstrated initial traction. Their goal is to enhance these companies' business acumen, scalability, and Series A fundraising potential.

SBA Communications is a U.S.-based company founded in 1999 that specializes in owning and operating wireless communications infrastructure across North, Central, and South America, as well as parts of Africa. It manages nearly 40,000 cell towers, with a significant presence in the United States, where it owns over 17,000 towers, contributing to approximately 70% of its total revenue. The company leases space on its multi-tenant towers to various wireless service providers, enabling them to install equipment necessary for their networks. Additionally, SBA offers site development services, assisting wireless operators with site acquisition, zoning, construction, and installation. Its international operations are notably strong in Brazil, where it operates around 10,000 towers.

Infineon Technologies, headquartered in Munich, is one of Europe’s largest semiconductor manufacturers, having been spun off from Siemens in 2000. The company addresses key societal challenges related to energy efficiency, communications, and security by providing semiconductors and system solutions across various sectors. Infineon is a leader in the automotive semiconductor market, offering products that enhance active safety and powertrain performance in vehicles. Additionally, it excels in power semiconductors that regulate voltage in diverse electrical systems. The company's operations are divided into four segments: automotive, green industrial power, power and sensor systems, and connected secure systems, catering to a wide range of industrial and consumer applications.

BCE is Canada's largest communications company, offering a comprehensive range of services including wireless communications, broadband Internet, digital television, and landline telephone services. As one of the major national wireless carriers, it serves over 10 million customers, capturing approximately 30% of the market. BCE operates as the incumbent local exchange carrier in much of eastern Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, which are the country's most populous provinces. In addition to its telecommunications services, BCE has a media division that manages television, radio, and digital media assets, and holds licensing rights for popular movie channels such as HBO, Showtime, and Starz. The company also provides integrated information and communications technology services to businesses and government entities, including virtual chief information officer services for small and medium enterprises.

Bharti Airtel Limited, commonly known as Airtel, is an Indian multinational telecommunications services company headquartered in New Delhi, India. It operates in 20 countries across South Asia, Africa, and the Channel Islands. Airtel has a GSM network in all countries in which it operates, providing 2G, 3G and 4G services depending upon the country of operation. Airtel is the largest provider of mobile telephony and second largest provider of fixed telephony in India, and is also a provider of broadband and subscription television services. It offers its telecom services under the "airtel" brand, and is headed by Sunil Bharti Mittal. Bharti Airtel is the first Indian telecom service provider to achieve Cisco Gold certification. It also acts as a carrier for national and international long distance communication services. The company has a submarine cable landing station at Chennai, which connects the submarine cable connecting Chennai and Singapore.

Crosslink Capital, established in 1989, is a prominent venture capital firm with over $1.6 billion in assets. Based in San Francisco, California, the firm partners with early-stage founders disrupting enterprise and consumer technology sectors, typically at the Seed-Series A stage. Crosslink's portfolio includes notable companies like Chime, Coupa, and Postmates. The firm manages multiple funds, including Crosslink Ventures IV and VI, focusing on early-stage investments in software, energy technology, and TMT sectors across the United States and Canada. Crosslink also invests in public equity long/short strategies, with a focus on technology, across five principal sectors.

Mizuho Capital is a venture capital firm headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, and is affiliated with Mizuho Bank, the second-largest bank in Japan by assets. Founded in 1983, the firm specializes in investments across various sectors, including information technology, internet-related services, biotechnology, healthcare, and manufacturing. Mizuho Capital manages approximately ¥49.6 billion JPY and has a significant track record, with over 600 of its portfolio companies having gone public. The firm was established in its current form in 2002 through the merger of three subsidiaries: Fujigin Capital, Tokyo Venture Capital, and IBJ Investment, which were previously associated with leading Japanese banks. Mizuho Capital is recognized as the fifth-largest venture capital firm in Japan, reflecting its influential position within the industry.

IQT focuses on advancing innovative technology solutions tailored for the intelligence and defense sectors. By fostering the development of cutting-edge tools, IQT aims to enhance the capabilities of these communities in their efforts to ensure national security. The organization plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between emerging technologies and their practical applications within government agencies, ultimately contributing to the safety and protection of the nation.

Fixtuur, established in 2013, is a technology company specializing in Visual Commerce. It develops a platform that enhances online shopping experiences for furniture and home decor products by offering 3D visualization, product configuration, and augmented reality features. This enables consumers to explore products in various colors, sizes, and materials, providing them with confidence in their purchasing decisions. The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida, and is backed by DigitalBridge Group, a global alternative asset management firm focusing on digital infrastructure investments.

Bell Canada, a Montreal-based company established in 1880, is a leading communications provider in Canada. It offers a wide range of services to both consumers and businesses, including residential and wireless voice and data communications, high-speed Internet, digital television, and Wi-Fi services. The company also provides end-to-end solutions to small and medium-sized businesses, such as network design, IT consulting, and managed services. Additionally, Bell Canada offers security solutions, call center services, and vertical industry-specific solutions. It is committed to delivering cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service, continually evolving to better serve its customers and shareholders.

InnovationQuarter is the regional development agency for South Holland, established in 2013 and headquartered in The Hague. The agency focuses on funding innovative and rapidly growing companies while aiding foreign businesses in establishing operations within the region. It fosters collaboration among entrepreneurs, knowledge institutes, and government entities to drive innovation. Additionally, InnovationQuarter Capital offers diverse financing options, including equity investments and various types of loans, tailored for seed, early-stage, and growth companies. The agency targets investments across multiple sectors, including maritime, food, data science and artificial intelligence, biobased materials, horticulture, aerospace, life sciences, health, high-tech systems, energy, circular economy, information technology, and cybersecurity.

Vertex Ventures China, established in 2013, is a Beijing-based venture capital firm that invests in high-growth internet and technology start-ups across mainland China. The firm focuses on providing funding support and value-added services to portfolio companies in their growth stage, with a particular interest in sectors such as semiconductors, edtech, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. Vertex Ventures China operates under the auspices of Vertex Holdings, collaborating with a global network of venture funds across the US, Israel, Southeast Asia, and India, offering local insights with a global perspective.