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.

Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking, securities, and investment management firm headquartered in New York City. Established in 1869, it provides a wide range of financial services to corporations, financial institutions, governments, and high-net-worth individuals. The firm operates through several segments, including Investment Banking, which offers financial advisory services related to mergers and acquisitions, and underwriting services for public and private offerings. Its Institutional Client Services segment facilitates client transactions across various asset classes and provides services like securities lending. The Investing & Lending segment focuses on long-term loans and investments in debt and equity securities, while the Investment Management segment offers portfolio management and wealth advisory services. Additionally, Goldman Sachs engages in private equity investments across multiple sectors and geographies, reinforcing its position as a leading investor in both public and private markets.

Starwood Capital Group is a private investment firm founded in 1991 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, with additional offices in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. The firm specializes in direct investments across various asset classes, including private equity, real estate, and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on opportunistic investing. Starwood Capital has invested approximately $11.8 billion in equity, focusing on sectors such as energy, hospitality, homebuilding, and luxury retail. The firm targets investments ranging from $5 million to $100 million in companies with sales up to $5 billion. Its real estate portfolio includes multi-family, office, retail, and industrial properties, as well as hotels and distressed assets. Starwood Capital employs a flexible investment approach, structuring its investments through equity, preferred equity, mezzanine debt, and senior debt to adapt to changing risk-return dynamics in the market.

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.

Invesco is an independent investment management firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, with a significant presence in New York and additional offices in several major cities worldwide. Established in 1981, it specializes in managing a diverse range of asset classes, including equity, fixed income, and alternative investments, totaling over $926 billion in assets under management. Invesco Private Capital, a subsidiary of Invesco, focuses on venture capital and private equity, engaging in both fund of funds and direct investments across various sectors and geographical regions, including the United States, Europe, and Asia. The firm is recognized for its disciplined investment approach and has built a reputation for excellence through its strategic partnerships and direct investments in early-stage ventures and established companies.

KKR is a global investment firm that specializes in managing a diverse range of alternative asset classes, including private equity, credit, energy, infrastructure, and real estate. Established in 1976 and headquartered in New York, KKR has expanded its operations internationally, with offices in major cities across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm aims to achieve attractive investment returns by employing a disciplined investment strategy and leveraging the expertise of its team. KKR manages a variety of funds, including hedge funds and specialized investment funds, designed to meet the needs of various clients, such as insurance companies, pension plans, and government entities. Additionally, KKR engages in direct lending and mezzanine financing, utilizing a combination of fundamental and technical analysis to inform its investment decisions. The firm is dedicated to promoting growth within its portfolio companies and actively contributing to the communities in which it operates.

OMERS Administration Corp. is a privately owned pension fund based in Toronto, Ontario, providing services to approximately 470,000 municipal employees and retirees across Ontario. Established in 1962, OMERS administers a range of retirement and death benefit programs to ensure the financial security of its members. The fund manages a diversified portfolio that includes investments in public equities, fixed income securities, and alternative assets, as well as real estate. OMERS focuses on value stocks for its equity portfolio and invests in a variety of fixed income instruments, including federal and provincial bonds, mortgages, and investment-grade corporate bonds. The firm also engages in global investments through its subsidiaries, OMERS Infrastructure and OMERS Private Equity, which target high-quality private equity and infrastructure assets in partnership with experienced management teams, aiming to generate sustainable returns for its members. OMERS has additional offices in key financial hubs, including New York, London, and Sydney.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a member of The World Bank Group that focuses on fostering sustainable economic growth in developing countries through private sector investment. It provides a range of financial services, including loans, equity investments, quasi-equity products, and advisory services aimed at supporting startups and various stages of company development. IFC invests in sectors such as agribusiness, financial services, health, education, infrastructure, global manufacturing, oil and gas, telecommunications, and tourism, with a particular emphasis on projects that promote food security, digital finance, and affordable healthcare. The organization targets investments ranging from $1 million to $100 million, often seeking minority stakes but may also take a majority position in its portfolio companies. IFC aims to create jobs, generate tax revenues, and enhance corporate governance in emerging markets, thus contributing positively to local communities. Established in 1956 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., IFC operates globally with offices across various regions, focusing its efforts on financing projects that align with its mission of improving lives in developing countries.

500 Global, formerly known as 500 Startups, is a venture capital firm and incubator based in Mountain View, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in seed investments, primarily focusing on early-stage technology and financial services startups across various sectors, including biotech, e-commerce, fintech, and digital healthcare. 500 Global operates a four-month accelerator program, where it typically invests between $0.05 million and $1 million for a 5 to 10 percent equity stake in companies with at least $100,000 in monthly revenue. The firm targets a global market, with particular emphasis on regions such as the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Since its inception, it has invested in over 2,200 startups and supports the growth of innovation ecosystems through educational programs and partnerships. 500 Global also prioritizes investments in companies led by minority founders, reflecting its commitment to diverse entrepreneurial leadership.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Manchester, New Hampshire, with additional offices in North America. The firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and late-stage pre-IPO investments, focusing on companies that have an alumni connection and an institutional lead investor with relevant expertise. It offers high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who previously lacked access to venture capital opportunities. Alumni Ventures Group invests between $0.01 million and $3 million in various sectors and geographies, without seeking board or observer seats. Additionally, the firm provides focused funds that enable any accredited investor to access a diverse venture portfolio, allowing for investment across different types, sectors, stages, and geographical locations.