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.

Seraphim Space, based in London, is a venture capital firm focused on financing early and growth-stage companies in the global space ecosystem. Founded in 2006, the firm targets series A investments in various sectors, including space technology, communications, healthcare technology, and energy exploration. With a strong background and extensive experience in venture capital, Seraphim Space has invested in over 180 businesses, returning significant value to its shareholders. The firm operates specialized funds, such as the Seraphim Global Space Stars Fund, which emphasizes investments in commercial products and space exploration. By leveraging its network of leading global corporates and governmental agencies in the space sector, Seraphim Space aims to create meaningful value for its portfolio companies, assisting them throughout their growth cycle with resources for market entry, partnerships, and capital.

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.

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.

Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Established in 1995 through the merger of Lockheed Corporation and Martin Marietta, it specializes in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration, and sustainment of advanced technology systems and products. The company operates through four main segments: Aeronautics, Missiles and Fire Control, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Space Systems. These segments provide a range of offerings, including combat aircraft, missile defense systems, military and commercial helicopters, and space transportation systems. Lockheed Martin also engages in cybersecurity and delivers command and control capabilities for defense applications. Additionally, the company has a venture capital arm, Lockheed Martin Ventures, which focuses on investing in early-stage companies across various high-tech industries, such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence, and space technologies, with the aim of fostering disruptive innovations that address complex challenges in its core markets.

Airbus Ventures is an independent venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, focused on investing in early-stage companies within the global aerospace ecosystem. With the launch of its fourth fund in 2023, Airbus Ventures targets technology companies primarily in aerospace-related sectors, including those in Canada. The firm aims to support visionary entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of flight through innovative solutions and technologies.

Lux Capital Management is a research-driven investment firm based in New York City and Silicon Valley, specializing in founding, seed, early-stage, and growth investments in the physical and life sciences. The firm actively collaborates with entrepreneurs to build successful businesses in high-growth sectors, having created over 20 companies from inception. Lux invests in a diverse range of industries, including 3D printing, artificial intelligence, flying and surgical robots, synthetic biology, genomics, satellites, drones, and computational imaging. With a focus on providing portfolio companies with better connections and deeper insights, Lux Capital aims to accelerate their industry leadership and competitive advantage. The firm manages approximately $4 billion in assets, reflecting its commitment to fostering innovation and growth in emerging technologies.

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.

Starburst Ventures is an innovation catalyst in the aerospace sector, recognized as the first global accelerator dedicated to aviation, space, and defense. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in California, it specializes in facilitating connections between established corporations and startups while offering strategic growth mentoring and consulting services. With a presence in major cities including Los Angeles, Paris, Montreal, Munich, San Francisco, and Singapore, Starburst has cultivated an extensive ecosystem that encompasses over 4,000 startups related to aerospace. The organization also hosts numerous international and national events, highlighting innovation in the industry, particularly at prominent air shows. Starburst Ventures focuses on series A and series B-stage investments, emphasizing the growth and development of aerospace companies worldwide.

In-Q-Tel, founded in 1999 and based in Tysons, Virginia, is a not-for-profit venture capital firm that partners with innovative companies to provide advanced technologies to the U.S. Intelligence Community, including the Central Intelligence Agency. The organization focuses on accelerating the development and delivery of vital solutions that enhance national security. In-Q-Tel invests in a diverse range of technology sectors, such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, data analytics, and the Internet of Things, seeking to support startups that can deliver timely innovations essential for intelligence and defense operations. By identifying and fostering cutting-edge technology, In-Q-Tel plays a crucial role in equipping government agencies with the tools necessary to fulfill their missions effectively.