Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a non-profit organization established in 1982 that promotes the development and adoption of new technologies in the region. Over the past 30 years, it has emerged as a prominent provider of seed stage capital, investing more than $170 million in over 1,750 technology companies, many of which have achieved significant industry success. In addition to financial support, Ben Franklin fosters university and industry collaborations to expedite the commercialization of scientific innovations. The organization is dedicated to enhancing the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem, creating jobs, and transforming lives through its initiatives.
East Ventures is an early-stage, sector-agnostic venture capital firm founded in 2009, with offices in Tokyo, Singapore, and Jakarta. The firm has invested in over 170 companies across Southeast Asia, with a strong emphasis on Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. It is recognized as a pioneer in the Indonesian startup ecosystem, being the first investor in notable unicorns such as Tokopedia and Traveloka. East Ventures' diverse portfolio includes prominent companies like Mercari, Ruangguru, and Fore Coffee. In 2018, the firm established a growth-stage fund called EV Growth to provide further support to startups in the region. East Ventures has garnered accolades for its consistent performance, being named the most active investor in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, as well as a top-performing VC fund globally by various industry observers. The firm primarily targets investments in technology, consumer web, fintech, and mobile sectors, typically investing between $0.1 million and $0.5 million in early-stage ventures.
SoftBank is a multinational telecommunications and internet corporation based in Tokyo, Japan, founded in 1981 by Masayoshi Son. It offers a wide range of services, including mobile and fixed-line communication, broadband, digital television, and internet services. The company operates through several segments, encompassing mobile communications, fixed-line telecommunications, and internet services, including the operation of the Yahoo! JAPAN portal and e-commerce platforms. SoftBank has also expanded into robotics, artificial intelligence, and clean energy technology, with notable acquisitions like Arm Holdings. Its investment arm, the SoftBank Vision Fund, focuses on growth-stage technology companies across various sectors such as IoT, fintech, and cloud computing, aiming to drive innovation and technological advancement. Additionally, SoftBank is involved in renewable energy, payment processing, and media distribution, maintaining a diverse portfolio that supports its overarching goal of fostering the Information Revolution and enhancing global connectivity.
Techstars is a global startup accelerator founded in 2006, headquartered in Boulder, Colorado. It provides a supportive environment for entrepreneurs through various programs, including mentorship-driven accelerators, startup programs, and corporate innovation partnerships. Techstars connects founders with a vast network of mentors, investors, and industry experts to foster company growth. The organization operates multiple accelerator programs worldwide, focusing on diverse sectors such as mobility, retail, and social impact. It also manages a venture capital fund that invests in innovative technology companies at early stages. With over 1,000 companies in its accelerator portfolio, Techstars has developed a reputation for nurturing successful startups across various markets, helping them scale and achieve significant valuations.
UV Partners, Inc., operating as Pelion Venture Partners, is a venture capital firm established in 1986, with a focus on early-stage investments in technology companies across the United States. They specialize in investing in information technology and life sciences companies, with a particular emphasis on B2B software. The firm's investment team, consisting of 7 members, leverages their deep and diverse industry experience to provide hands-on support to portfolio companies. Pelion Venture Partners seeks to invest in companies based in the Western United States, particularly in regions like the Intermountain West, the Pacific Northwest, Southern California, and Northern California. They typically invest between $0.5 million and $10 million in a company over multiple rounds of funding, aiming to take a lead investor role in the first institutional financing round and often securing a Board seat in their portfolio companies. With offices in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Manhattan Beach, California, Pelion Venture Partners aims to help entrepreneurs transform early-stage concepts into successful industry-leading companies.
WI Harper Group, founded in 1993, is a venture capital firm with a focus on early and early expansion investments in Mainland China, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley. Managing over $1B in capital through 9 funds and 19 dedicated investment professionals, the firm specializes in technology, clean technology, and healthcare sectors. With a track record that includes successful investments in companies like DivX, Focus Media, Vizio, SiRF, and Commerce One, WI Harper Group is known for its strategic investments in start-up companies. Operating from offices in Beijing, Taipei, and San Francisco, the firm continues to play a significant role in fostering innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.
5Y Capital, previously known as Morningside Venture Capital, is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Shanghai, China, with additional offices in Beijing and Hong Kong. Founded in 1992, it specializes in early-stage investments across a wide range of sectors, including healthcare, technology, fintech, consumer services, media, and education. The firm manages approximately USD 3 billion in funds, leveraging investments from prominent sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and other institutional investors. With an initial investment threshold of over USD 500,000 per portfolio company, 5Y Capital focuses primarily on opportunities in China and other emerging markets in Asia and the Pacific. It is a subsidiary of the Morningside Group, which has a long-standing commitment to socially responsible investing and philanthropic initiatives, particularly in education and scientific research.
Betatron Limited is a venture capital firm and accelerator that focuses on investing in start-up and early-stage technology companies, primarily those looking to expand in Asia. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, the firm aims to invest up to US$ 0.5 million in approximately 15-20 startups each year. Initial investments are made as soon as startups join the program, with subsequent funding based on company valuations. Betatron fosters a network that includes investors, entrepreneurs, startups, mentors, and alumni, providing not only financial support but also hands-on guidance and access to a valuable network to help drive business success.
Sequoia Capital is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various sectors, including energy, financial services, healthcare, internet, mobile, and technology. Sequoia targets startups at different stages, from seed to growth, providing investments ranging from $100,000 to $100 million, depending on the company's maturity and market potential. The firm has a global presence, with significant operations in regions such as China, India, and Israel, where it actively partners with innovative founders to support the development of transformative companies. Sequoia Capital is known for its long-term commitment to its portfolio companies, leveraging extensive experience and industry knowledge to guide entrepreneurs from initial concept to public offerings. The firm also emphasizes the importance of social impact, as a significant portion of its profits is directed towards philanthropic causes.
Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm established in 1995, specializing in growth-stage investments in software, internet, and data services companies. With over $20 billion in assets under management, the firm has invested in more than 300 companies worldwide. Insight Partners emphasizes a hands-on approach to collaboration, leveraging the expertise of its team to foster significant growth and success for its portfolio companies. The firm promotes a culture that views growth as a pathway to opportunity, positioning itself as a trusted partner in the software industry.