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.

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.

Closed Loop Partners is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2014, that focuses on early-stage investments in the United States and Canada. The firm aims to promote the circular economy through its investments in sustainable consumer goods, advanced recycling technologies, and innovative supply chains. Closed Loop Partners manages various funds, including the Closed Loop Ventures Fund, which targets sectors such as software, apparel, AgTech, and robotics. Additionally, the firm operates the Closed Loop Local Recycling Fund, which provides loans to businesses in technology, material, and resource sectors, with an emphasis on supporting the development of local recycling initiatives. Overall, Closed Loop Partners is dedicated to fostering sustainable practices and technologies that contribute to a circular economy.

Speedinvest GmbH is a venture capital firm founded in 2011 and based in Vienna, Austria, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-related startups across Europe. The firm focuses on sectors such as deep tech, fintech, health, industrial tech, consumer marketplaces, software as a service, and climate tech. Speedinvest typically invests between €0.25 million and €3 million in pre-seed to Series A stages, aiming to take minority stakes of up to 20% in its portfolio companies. The firm emphasizes operational support, often taking on active roles within the companies it invests in for periods ranging from six months to a year. With additional offices in cities including San Francisco, Berlin, Paris, London, and Munich, Speedinvest seeks to leverage a global network to enhance its contributions to Europe’s startup ecosystem.

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.

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.

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.

Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm founded in Singapore in 2017, focused on investing in technology companies with significant growth potential. With a presence across six continents and major entrepreneurial hubs such as London, New York, Singapore, and Sydney, Antler has supported the establishment of over 200 startups, 40% of which have at least one female co-founder. The firm identifies exceptional individuals and early-stage businesses, providing comprehensive support from team formation and business model validation to capital investment. Antler invests primarily at the pre-seed stage and continues to engage with its portfolio companies through subsequent funding rounds, including Series C. The firm operates several funds, including those targeting specific regions like East Africa, while maintaining a commitment to fostering diverse founding teams representing 70 nationalities. Through its global platform, Antler aims to help founders build impactful startups that can define the future of technology.

Hitachi is a global electronics company headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with a diverse range of products and services spanning various sectors. Established in 1910, Hitachi manufactures and sells electronic and electrical products while operating across eleven business segments, including information and telecommunication systems, social infrastructure, power systems, automotive systems, and financial services. The company offers solutions such as system integration services, power generation systems, industrial machinery, and consumer electronics. Hitachi is committed to advancing technology and innovation to address societal challenges and promote sustainability. It actively invests in innovative companies through Hitachi Ventures, focusing on key areas like IT, industrial automation, energy, and smart cities, aiming to foster collaboration within the technology ecosystem. With a history in North America dating back to 1926, Hitachi continues to enhance industrial infrastructure and drive social innovation through its advanced technologies and comprehensive industrial services.

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992, headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, with additional offices across the United States. The firm specializes in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt investments, focusing primarily on small businesses at various stages of development, excluding seed stage. Advantage Capital targets investments in low-income communities, both urban and rural, and supports economic development initiatives. The firm seeks to invest in companies that utilize proprietary technologies in sectors such as communication, information technology, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and energy, among others. It offers various forms of debt capital, including senior and mezzanine debt, and has a preference for co-investing with other firms. Initial investments typically range from $0.5 million to $10 million in companies with sales under $5 million, with potential for larger investments based on milestones. Advantage Capital is committed to addressing the funding gaps in underserved areas and fostering economic growth in communities that lack traditional sources of risk capital.