Foresight Group is an independent alternative asset manager with over 30 years of experience, specializing in environmental and solar infrastructure as well as private equity. With more than £2.2 billion in assets under management, the firm serves a diverse client base that includes private and high-net-worth individuals, family offices, pension funds, and other institutional investors from the UK and internationally. Foresight aims to generate sustainable dividends and capital appreciation for its investors by developing compelling long-term investment strategies. The firm is committed to supporting sustainable economic and social development through its investments. Foresight Group operates offices in the UK, USA, Italy, and Australia.
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.
leAD Sports & Health Tech Partners sources, funds, and drives growth of early-stage sports & health tech startups globally. leAD was founded in 2016 and was inspired by the legend of the sports industry Adi Dassler. Since its inception, leAD has taken on new companies into its business every year. With 30 companies from around the globe under its portfolio, leAD is constantly empowering founders to create their own legacy. leAD works with groundbreaking solutions across the verticals of fan engagement, connected athletes, and health & well-being and focuses on driving growth through smart investment, premier network access, and expert training. leAD has three three investment vehicles – Academy, Portfolio, and ADvantage Fund – and commercial partnerships with adidas, Citi Private Bank, Tavistock Group, OurCrowd, and Lake Nona to further support portfolio growth.
Global Founders Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2013 and based in Berlin, Germany, with a focus on empowering entrepreneurs globally. The firm is stage agnostic, investing in companies across various sectors, including internet, software, fintech, e-commerce, and telecommunications. Global Founders Capital typically invests in the equity of young technology companies, with a preference for startups located in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, North Africa, Vietnam, Colombia, Europe, the United States, and China. Investment amounts range from €0.01 million to €10 million, with specific allocations varying by stage: seed investments typically between €0.1 million and €1 million, early-stage investments between €1 million and €3 million, and growth-stage investments between €3 million and €8 million. The firm often seeks to be the lead investor and aims to secure board representation in its portfolio companies.
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.
Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 1992, specializing in growth equity, lending, and mezzanine debt investments in companies at various stages of development, excluding seed stage. The firm focuses on small businesses and invests in low-income communities, both urban and rural, to support state and local economic development efforts. Advantage Capital seeks to invest in companies that develop or apply proprietary technologies primarily in industries such as communication, information technology, business services, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, life sciences, and energy. Additionally, the firm provides debt and equity capital to real estate development firms and projects. It primarily invests in underserved states and communities in the United States, with an initial investment range between $0.5 million and $10 million. Advantage Capital partners with other investment firms and government agencies to support bank lending and economic initiatives, aiming to bring businesses, technologies, and jobs to communities in need.
Bitkraft is a private equity firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in Berlin, with an additional office in New York. The firm focuses on early-stage investments in the esports sector, targeting companies across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific. Established by entrepreneur Jens Hilgers, Bitkraft has assembled a team of diverse professionals, including entrepreneurs, operators, and investors, who are dedicated to developing businesses and technologies that enhance the esports ecosystem for players, fans, and stakeholders globally. With a presence in major cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London, Bitkraft actively engages in the dynamic landscape of video games and esports, fostering innovation and growth in this rapidly evolving industry.
Encomenda is a Venture Capital specialized in seed investments in technology startups. We open the door to investors and professional business angels to capitalize their investments through collective investment vehicles. We minimize investment risks thanks to the diversification of the portfolio and preferential access to the best projects in search of financing.
Stadia Ventures is a sports- and esports-focused venture firm with a sports business accelerator. We’re based out of St. Louis, and we expanded our operations to Frisco/Dallas last year. Twice a year, we search for 4-6 of the best sports/esports startups in the world; invest $100K into each; drop the founders into a 7-session/14-week business development bootcamp; surround the founders with rockstar business mentors; and introduce them to as many potential clients in our network as physically possible. In four years, we're entering our 10th cohort; we have 40 companies in our portfolio; and we already have 5 exits (INFCLR from Fall 2018 to Teamworks; Rival.ai from Fall 2018 to Wondr Gaming; Upgraded from Spring 2017 to Ticketmaster; Fishidy from Fall 2015 to FLIR Systems; Winning Identity from Fall 2015 to Blast Motion). And, our portfolio companies have gone on to raise over $53M.