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.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm founded in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey. Specializing in seed-to-growth stage investments, SOSV operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, including HAX for hardware, IndieBio and RebelBio for life sciences, Chinaccelerator and MOX for cross-border internet ventures, Food-X for innovative food solutions, and dlab for blockchain technology. The firm focuses on investments in revolutionary deep technologies aimed at improving human and planetary health, as well as cross-border markets, particularly in Asia. SOSV invests in approximately 150 startups annually, providing support through its resources to accelerate product development and scaling. Over its two-decade history, SOSV has established a strong reputation, consistently ranking among the top venture capital firms globally.

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.

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.

Elemental Impact, established in 2009 and located in Honolulu, Hawaii, is an impact investment firm dedicated to fostering positive change through strategic investments. The firm focuses on supporting companies in the energy, mobility, agriculture, circular economy, and water sectors. Elemental Impact aims to improve systems that significantly affect people's lives and has actively invested in numerous startups to facilitate this mission. By providing financial backing and resources, Elemental Impact contributes to the growth of innovative solutions that address critical global challenges.

Plug and Play, founded in 2006 and based in Sunnyvale, California, operates as a business accelerator and venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in technology startups. The firm runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting startups with corporate partners and investors to foster collaboration and growth. Plug and Play's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, travel, cybersecurity, and sustainability, allowing it to support diverse startups from any country. The firm provides various resources, including funding, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities, and has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Plug and Play has a strong track record, having helped numerous startups secure over $9 billion in funding since its inception. Its programs aim to refine business models and facilitate introductions to potential investors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Based in Menlo Park, California, the firm manages over $5 billion and primarily invests in early-stage technology companies throughout the United States. Khosla Ventures provides capital, strategic advice, and venture assistance to entrepreneurs focused on breakthrough innovations across various sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, health, education, agriculture, and sustainable energy. The firm has a particular interest in high-risk, high-reward opportunities, often acting as a sole investor in "science or innovation experiments." Investment sizes typically range from $100,000 to over $20 million, allowing Khosla Ventures to support both traditional ventures and unconventional projects.

SVG Ventures is an investment and advisory firm based in Silicon Valley, established in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage technology companies and engages closely with its portfolio to foster their growth and success. In addition, SVG Ventures manages the Thrive Fund, a venture capital fund located in Los Gatos, California, which targets sectors such as software, agriculture, ag tech, and food tech. Founded in 2013, Thrive operates a series of accelerators aimed at supporting sustainable agri-food companies. The firm offers a range of services, including acceleration, mentorship, validation, and venture-building, leveraging its extensive network of technology leaders to drive innovation and global expansion for its partners and portfolio companies.

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.

S2G Ventures, established in 2014 and based in Chicago, is a multi-stage venture fund focused on food and agriculture. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs whose products and services address the growing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable, and local food options. S2G Ventures identifies various sectors within the food system that are poised for transformation and builds a diverse portfolio through seed, venture, and growth-stage investments. Its investment areas encompass agriculture, food ingredients, infrastructure and logistics, food safety and technology, as well as retail, restaurants, and consumer brands. The firm’s mission is to drive innovation in these sectors to enhance sustainability and health in the food supply chain.