Y Combinator is a startup accelerator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2005. It has pioneered a new funding model for early-stage startups by investing a modest amount of capital, typically around $150,000, in a large number of companies twice a year. Over a three-month program, Y Combinator collaborates closely with these startups to prepare them for investor pitches and enhance their business strategies. Each funding cycle concludes with Demo Day, where startups present to an exclusive audience of investors. Y Combinator focuses on various sectors, including business software, education, healthcare, and financial technology, among others. In addition to initial funding, it offers ongoing support through its extensive alumni network. Since its inception, Y Combinator has funded over 630 startups, contributing significantly to the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Silicon Valley and beyond.

Techstars Central LLC, founded in 2006 and based in Boulder, Colorado, operates as a startup accelerator and venture capital firm focused on supporting early-stage technology-oriented companies. It specializes in a mentorship-driven accelerator program, selecting ten startups each summer to participate in a three-month incubation period, offering funding of $120,000 in exchange for equity. Techstars invests primarily in sectors such as fintech, artificial intelligence, blockchain, augmented reality, and IoT, while avoiding investments in medical devices, healthcare technology, and local service-oriented businesses. In addition to its primary accelerator, Techstars has various specialized programs, including those focused on music, retail, mobility, and social impact, with global reach extending to regions such as Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The firm prefers taking minority stakes, typically between six and ten percent, without seeking board representation or investor rights. Techstars has built a robust network of entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners to foster innovation and growth within its portfolio, which includes over 1,000 companies with a significant collective market capitalization.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as software, big data, cloud technologies, fintech, healthcare, and digital media. Accel is known for backing innovative entrepreneurs and has a history of investing in notable companies including Facebook, Dropbox, and Spotify. With over three decades of experience, Accel employs dedicated teams that utilize market-specific strategies to identify and support the next generation of industry leaders. The firm manages approximately $9.6 billion and carries out investments typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million, aiming to foster the development of world-class, category-defining businesses globally.

Sequoia Capital is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of startups, including seed, early, and growth stages, and focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, internet, and mobile. Sequoia typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early-stage ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. The firm operates globally, with significant activities in regions like Israel, China, and India, where it partners with dynamic founders to build successful companies. Sequoia's extensive portfolio includes notable firms and offers valuable insights and resources, benefiting from decades of experience in the venture capital landscape.

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm established in 1995, specializing in growth-stage investments in the software, internet, and data services sectors. Headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide. Insight Partners focuses on partnering with high-growth technology and software companies that are driving significant change in their industries. The firm aims to support visionary executives by providing practical, hands-on expertise throughout their growth journey, from initial investment to public offering. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity, Insight Partners has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve IPO status.

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is a global investment firm that manages a diverse range of alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and hedge funds through strategic partnerships. Founded in 1976 by Jerome Kohlberg, Jr., Henry Kravis, and George R. Roberts, the firm has completed numerous notable transactions, including the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco and TXU. KKR employs a disciplined investment approach aimed at generating attractive returns for its fund investors while investing its own capital alongside that of its clients. The firm's extensive operations span 21 cities across 16 countries, with its headquarters currently located in New York. KKR also offers comprehensive human resources services, further diversifying its business capabilities.

Global Founders Capital (GFC) is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm is stage agnostic, meaning it invests in companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. GFC focuses on empowering talented entrepreneurs and seeks investment opportunities in sectors such as internet, retail, financial software, media, communication, and information technology. With a global perspective, GFC aims to support innovative companies across all continents.

Silicon Valley Bank (SVB), founded in 1983, specializes in providing diversified financial services to emerging and mature companies primarily in the technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity, and premium wine sectors. With a network of 27 offices in the United States and seven international locations, SVB offers a range of services including financing, treasury management, corporate investment, and international banking. The bank is known for its industry expertise and global connections, which enhance its clients' chances of success. In the UK, SVB has operated since 2010, facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting clients' strategic needs. Recognized for its exceptional service, SVB has received accolades such as being listed among America's Best Banks by Forbes Magazine.

East Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2009, with offices in Singapore, Tokyo, and Jakarta. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and Series A investments, focusing on technology and consumer sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and education technology, primarily in Southeast Asia. East Ventures has supported over 170 companies across the region, with notable investments in Indonesia's unicorns such as Tokopedia and Traveloka. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $0.5 million and has been recognized for its consistent performance, being named the most active investor in Southeast Asia. In 2018, it launched a joint venture called EV Growth, aimed at providing growth capital to startups throughout Southeast Asia. East Ventures continues to play a significant role in nurturing the startup ecosystem in the region.

FJ Labs is a U.S.-based investment firm established in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm operates with a stage-agnostic approach, primarily targeting marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. FJ Labs focuses its investments on seed and Series A rounds, with a financial commitment ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000. The firm has invested in a variety of notable companies, including Alibaba Group, beepi, BrightRoll, Betterment, and ADORE ME.