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.

Foundamental GmbH is a venture capital firm founded in 2018, with offices in Berlin, San Francisco, and Singapore. It focuses on investing in the construction and mining technology sectors, targeting early-stage companies across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America. As a prominent global investor in ConstructionTech and related fields, Foundamental aims to support ambitious founders from the inception of their ventures through to their initial public offerings. The firm manages approximately $150 million across its early-stage funds and has invested in several leading companies in construction and design technology, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovation in these industries.

Brick & Mortar Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2015, located in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in architecture, engineering, construction, and technology sectors, particularly focusing on innovative software and hardware solutions for the built environment. By concentrating on the real estate, hospitality, and construction industries, Brick & Mortar Ventures cultivates deep industry expertise and fosters relationships that enhance the value of its portfolio companies. The firm takes an active role as an investor and partner, providing support to emerging companies that align with its mission of advancing technology for the built world. In 2022, Brick & Mortar Ventures launched an early-stage venture capital fund to further its investment activities.

Bpifrance Financement S.A. is a French financial institution that provides a range of financing solutions and support services aimed at fostering the growth of startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and mid-cap companies. It offers various financial products, including medium to long-term loans, export insurance, and leasing options for both tangible and intangible assets. Additionally, Bpifrance supports companies through consulting services, guarantees for bank financing, and training for executives. The organization also engages in direct investments and manages funds aimed at enhancing the financial landscape for businesses at different stages of their development. Established in 1980 and based in Maisons-Alfort, France, Bpifrance was formerly known as OSEO S.A. and rebranded in July 2013. It operates as a subsidiary of Bpifrance SA, reinforcing its commitment to bolstering the French economy through diversified financial solutions.

CEMEX is a Mexico-based company that specializes in the manufacturing and distribution of a wide range of construction materials, including cement, clinker, ready-mix concrete, aggregates, concrete blocks, roof tiles, and concrete pipes. With production facilities in various countries, including the United States, Spain, and Germany, CEMEX serves a global market. The company is committed to sustainability and innovation through its Research Group, which focuses on developing advanced products and managing intellectual property. Additionally, CEMEX Ventures operates as a corporate venture capital arm that invests in urban development and construction technologies, fostering collaboration with startups, universities, and other stakeholders. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity within the construction ecosystem and support new trends and project financing solutions, thereby driving the evolution of the industry.

Business Growth Fund is an influential investor in small and mid-sized businesses. It was set up in 2011 to offer growing companies and ambitious entrepreneurs patient capital and strategic support. With 14 offices, they are close and relevant to the businesses they invest in. They have grown to a team of 150+ and a network that’s made up of one of the largest pools of board-level executives. Collectively, the companies in their portfolio employ close to 50,000 people. They want to see more entrepreneurs using their capital not only to scale-up their own business but also, collectively, to drive economic activity and with it increase employment, exports, and growth.

Navitas Capital GP, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Los Angeles, California, established in 2008. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in start-ups and growth capital, primarily focusing on the energy and information technology sectors. Its primary areas of interest include real estate and construction technologies, intelligent buildings, cities, infrastructure, and enterprise solutions. Navitas Capital aims to leverage its domain expertise and industry relationships to enhance the value of its investments. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $5 million throughout the investment lifecycle and often seeks a board seat in companies where it leads investments, while also participating as a co-investor in syndicates. By fostering partnerships and offering strategic support, Navitas Capital strives to create a self-reinforcing cycle of value within its network.

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.

Building Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2017, headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, with an additional office in San Francisco. The firm specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage startups within the built environment sector, focusing on innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable and efficient world. The team at Building Ventures comprises experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and industry veterans who are dedicated to fostering disruptive ideas that enhance the built environment. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm actively seeks to invest in companies that are positioned to drive significant change and improvement within this sector.