Sequoia Capital is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of startups, including seed, early, and growth stages, and focuses on sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, internet, and mobile. Sequoia typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in seed companies, $1 million to $10 million in early-stage ventures, and $10 million to $100 million in growth investments. The firm operates globally, with significant activities in regions like Israel, China, and India, where it partners with dynamic founders to build successful companies. Sequoia's extensive portfolio includes notable firms and offers valuable insights and resources, benefiting from decades of experience in the venture capital landscape.

Duke Energy is a major electric power holding company based in the United States, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 7.5 million customers across six states, including Ohio and Kentucky. The company operates through two primary segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure, and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure. It generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, and natural gas, and boasts an electric generating capacity of about 35,000 megawatts in the Carolinas and the Midwest. In addition to electricity, Duke Energy also offers natural gas transportation and distribution services. The company is committed to sustainability and community support, further evidenced by its philanthropic efforts through the Duke Energy Foundation, which focuses on enhancing community vitality and promoting climate resilience. Founded in 1837 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Duke Energy continues to play a significant role in the energy sector.

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.

Andreessen Horowitz LLC, founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of company development, from seed and early-stage to growth and late-stage ventures. It primarily targets the technology sector, with a strong emphasis on software, cloud computing, and Internet infrastructure. The firm also explores opportunities in consumer and business Internet applications, mobile software, and data storage, as well as at the intersection of computer science and life sciences, particularly in areas like digital therapeutics and computational medicine. Andreessen Horowitz is known for its significant financial backing, with investments typically ranging from $50,000 to $50 million. The firm has established multiple funds, including early-stage funds that focus on a variety of sectors, while explicitly avoiding investments in clean energy, transportation, and certain life sciences domains.

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, London, and Bangalore. The firm specializes in early and growth-stage investments, focusing on technology sectors such as software, big data, cloud technologies, fintech, healthcare, and digital media. Accel is known for backing innovative entrepreneurs and has a history of investing in notable companies including Facebook, Dropbox, and Spotify. With over three decades of experience, Accel employs dedicated teams that utilize market-specific strategies to identify and support the next generation of industry leaders. The firm manages approximately $9.6 billion and carries out investments typically ranging from $5 million to $15 million, aiming to foster the development of world-class, category-defining businesses globally.

Maddie's Fund is a non-profit organization established in 1994 by Dave Duffield and Cheryl Duffield. The foundation, named after their beloved Miniature Schnauzer, Maddie, has been endowed with over $300 million and has awarded more than $247.3 million in grants aimed at enhancing community lifesaving efforts, shelter management, shelter medicine education, and foster care across the United States. Maddie's Fund is dedicated to the mission of creating a no-kill nation, ensuring that every dog and cat has the opportunity for a healthy home or habitat. Through its initiatives, the foundation seeks to improve the welfare of domestic animals, particularly dogs, and to promote effective strategies for animal sheltering and care.

Lightspeed Ventures, LLC is a global venture capital firm founded in 2000, headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in Beijing, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Herzliya Pituach. The firm specializes in early-stage and expansion-stage investments, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including consumer, enterprise technology, cleantech, financial technology, mobile, e-commerce, and biotechnology. Lightspeed engages in both equity and debt financing for startups and growth companies, as well as providing incubation services. It primarily invests in the United States, Europe, Israel, China, and India, with specific investment strategies tailored to different regions. In India, for instance, it focuses on advertising, healthcare, education, and retail, while in China, it targets both early and late-stage businesses across various technology sectors. The firm manages significant capital through its funds, actively participating in the growth of innovative companies across multiple industries.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is a prominent grant-making organization co-founded by Bill and Melinda Gates in 2000, headquartered in Seattle, Washington, with additional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom. The foundation focuses on improving global health, enhancing education, and providing support to at-risk families, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. It actively promotes strategies that assist low-income families and works towards greater equality in various sectors. The foundation is also involved in investment management, overseeing an endowment that includes a diverse portfolio primarily in public equity and fixed income markets, while excluding tobacco-related investments. Its trustees include Bill Gates, Melinda Gates, and Warren Buffett.

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.

work with private equity and venture capital fund managers, investment advisors and business entities from around the world.

General Catalyst Group Management, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including technology, advanced materials, clean energy, cybersecurity, healthcare, and consumer services. General Catalyst seeks to invest in companies that demonstrate strong growth potential, typically targeting those with an EBITDA between $3 million and $30 million and minimum revenues of $10 million. The firm has managed eight venture capital funds with approximately $3.75 billion in capital commitments. It emphasizes building lasting relationships with entrepreneurs and provides mentorship to foster success, enabling companies to scale effectively. General Catalyst primarily invests in North America and Australia, with a preference for seed investments in Silicon Valley, New York, and Boston.

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Based in Menlo Park, California, the firm manages over $5 billion and primarily invests in early-stage technology companies throughout the United States. Khosla Ventures provides capital, strategic advice, and venture assistance to entrepreneurs focused on breakthrough innovations across various sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, health, education, agriculture, and sustainable energy. The firm has a particular interest in high-risk, high-reward opportunities, often acting as a sole investor in "science or innovation experiments." Investment sizes typically range from $100,000 to over $20 million, allowing Khosla Ventures to support both traditional ventures and unconventional projects.

Qiming Venture Partners is a prominent venture capital firm established in 2006 and headquartered in Shanghai, with additional offices in Beijing, Suzhou, and Hong Kong. The firm specializes in investing in early to growth-stage companies across various sectors, including media and internet, information technology, consumer and retail, healthcare, and clean technology in China. Since its inception, Qiming has built a reputation as a leading investment firm in the region, managing multiple funds with over $1 billion in assets. The firm aims to support promising entrepreneurs and innovative businesses, contributing to the development of China's dynamic economic landscape.

NC IDEA is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting early-stage, high-growth technology companies in North Carolina. It primarily offers financial assistance through its NC IDEA SEED and NC IDEA MICRO programs. NC IDEA SEED provides $50,000 grants to innovative startups with viable concepts, helping them scale more quickly, while also offering mentorship to mitigate growth risks. Since its inception in 2006, this initiative has granted over $7.2 million to 161 companies, with nearly 70 percent of these businesses still operational today. Collectively, they have secured over $295 million in additional funding and created more than 1,860 jobs. The NC IDEA MICRO program complements this by offering $10,000 grants to early-stage companies seeking to validate and advance their ideas. Through these efforts, NC IDEA plays a crucial role in fostering the growth of technology-driven entrepreneurship in the region.

New Enterprise Associates, Inc. is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1977 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with additional offices in India and China. The firm specializes in investments across various stages of company development, including seed, start-up, early stage, and later stage, with a focus on sectors such as information technology, healthcare, and energy technology. NEA's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of industries, including consumer internet, software, biotechnology, medical devices, and alternative energy. With over $19 billion in cumulative committed capital, the firm has a notable track record, having participated in more than 210 portfolio company IPOs and over 360 acquisitions. NEA aims to invest between $0.05 million and $20 million, targeting both domestic and international markets, particularly in Asia and the Americas.

Matrix Partners is a venture capital firm established in 1977, with offices in San Francisco, Cambridge, Shanghai, Beijing, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The firm focuses on seed, early-stage, late-stage, and growth capital investments across various sectors, including software, communications, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital health, and clean technology. With a commitment to building long-term relationships with entrepreneurs, Matrix Partners aims to support visionary founders in developing significant, industry-leading companies. The firm has a strong track record, having participated in hundreds of investments, with many of its portfolio companies achieving successful IPOs or profitable mergers and acquisitions. The team at Matrix Partners combines local insights with global expertise, comprising both former entrepreneurs and seasoned investors.

GV Management Company, LLC, established in 2009 as the venture capital arm of Alphabet Inc., specializes in investments across various stages, including seed, early, and late-stage funding. Based in Mountain View, California, with additional offices in Boston, New York, Seattle, Cambridge, and London, GV focuses on sectors such as life sciences, healthcare, artificial intelligence, robotics, transportation, cybersecurity, and agriculture. The firm has invested in over 300 companies, aiming to drive innovation and improve lives. GV seeks to make investments of up to $50 million, while offering early-stage startups funding of up to $250,000, typically taking minority stakes in these companies. Through its extensive network, GV provides startups with unique access to technology and talent, enhancing their potential for success.

Insight Partners is a global private equity and venture capital firm established in 1995, specializing in growth-stage investments in the software, internet, and data services sectors. Headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in London, Tel Aviv, and Palo Alto, the firm manages over $75 billion in assets and has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide. Insight Partners focuses on partnering with high-growth technology and software companies that are driving significant change in their industries. The firm aims to support visionary executives by providing practical, hands-on expertise throughout their growth journey, from initial investment to public offering. With a strong commitment to fostering a culture of growth and opportunity, Insight Partners has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve IPO status.

Founders Fund is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm established in 2005, specializing in investments across various stages, from seed to growth. The firm focuses on transformative technologies and seeks to address significant global challenges through its investments in sectors such as biotechnology, artificial intelligence, aerospace, cybersecurity, and consumer internet. With over $2 billion in capital under management, Founders Fund has a history of backing notable companies, including SpaceX, Palantir, and Facebook, emphasizing a founder-friendly investment strategy that provides substantial support with minimal interference. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $300 million, targeting innovative companies worldwide.

Index Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1996, with offices in London, San Francisco, and Geneva. The firm specializes in investing in high technology and life sciences, focusing on early-stage companies across various sectors including artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare, and entertainment. Index Ventures partners with innovative entrepreneurs who aim to transform their industries and has supported the growth of notable companies such as Adyen, Deliveroo, Dropbox, Farfetch, King, Slack, and Supercell. The firm's investment strategy typically involves allocating between $2 million to $20 million to promising ventures, primarily in Europe and the United States.

Bessemer Venture Partners is a $4 billion venture capital firm founded in 1911 and based in California, specializing in investments across consumer, enterprise, and healthcare sectors globally, from seed stage to growth. The firm supports founders by providing guidance and resources, starting with seed and Series A investments and maintaining involvement throughout the development of their companies. Bessemer has a diverse portfolio, having funded early-stage companies such as Pinterest, Blue Apron, Skype, and Twitch, and has played a role in the successful initial public offerings of 117 companies, including Twilio, Yelp, and LinkedIn. The firm also operates several specialized funds targeting various sectors, including information technology, software, and digital health, with a presence in key markets such as India and Israel.

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.

Tiger Global Management, LLC is an investment firm established in 2001 by Charles Coleman, based in New York, with affiliate offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangalore, and Melbourne. The firm operates in both private and public markets, focusing on regions such as China, India, Latin America, Eastern Europe, and the United States. Tiger Global employs a fundamentally oriented investment strategy that targets growth-oriented private companies through its private equity efforts, which have a ten-year investment horizon. In the public equity space, the firm emphasizes thorough due diligence on individual companies and long-term secular themes. Its investment approach primarily concentrates on sectors including the global Internet, technology, telecommunications, media, consumer, and industrial industries. Tiger Global is committed to principles such as integrity, intellectual honesty, teamwork, and long-term thinking in its pursuit of superior risk-adjusted returns for its investors.

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.

Google is a multinational corporation specializing in Internet-related services and products. Its extensive product portfolio includes Google Search, which provides access to online information; Google Ads, an auction-based advertising program; AdSense, which allows websites to display ads; and YouTube, a platform for video content. Google also offers Android, an open-source mobile operating system, alongside hardware products like Chromebooks and Chromecast. The company provides cloud-based services such as Google Drive, Google Cloud Storage, and Google App Engine, as well as tools for real-time analytics. Additionally, Google AI focuses on advancing artificial intelligence and integrating it into various products. The philanthropic arm, Google.org, supports initiatives that leverage technology for social good, while the Google Foundation invests in innovative technologies to address global challenges. Founded in 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin in Mountain View, California, Google has become the world's leading search engine and a key player in the digital landscape.

MassVentures meets critical capital needs in the Massachusetts innovation economy, providing seed and early-stage venture funding to high growth startups as they move from concept to commercialization. The Boston-based venture firm was formed in 1978 as a quasi-public corporation by the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, governed by an independent Board of Directors, and managed by experienced venture capitalists. Leveraging the entrepreneurial spirit, educated workforce, and centers of innovation in Massachusetts, MassVentures has a track record of success with early-stage ventures.

SV Angel is a San Francisco-based seed fund founded in 2009, specializing in early-stage investments primarily within the Internet software sector. The firm adopts a portfolio approach to seed investing, distinguishing itself from traditional venture capital firms by not taking board seats and investing in a larger number of companies, often exceeding 100 annually. SV Angel leverages an extensive network to assist startups with business development, financing, mergers and acquisitions, and other strategic advice. This approach, pioneered by founder Ron Conway over 20 years ago, has enabled SV Angel to invest in and advise numerous successful companies, including notable names like Facebook, Google, and Airbnb. The firm continues to focus on providing support to technology-focused consumer and enterprise sectors across the United States.

Global Founders Capital (GFC) is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and headquartered in Berlin, Germany. The firm is stage agnostic, meaning it invests in companies at various stages of development, from early-stage ventures to those preparing for an initial public offering. GFC focuses on empowering talented entrepreneurs and seeks investment opportunities in sectors such as internet, retail, financial software, media, communication, and information technology. With a global perspective, GFC aims to support innovative companies across all continents.

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.

Global Brain is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm founded in 1998, specializing in early-stage investments across various sectors, including e-commerce, software, gaming, media, IoT, education, entertainment, and fintech. The firm has expanded its investment activities to the US and Asia, targeting series A-stage technology companies. Since its inception, Global Brain has invested in approximately 30 companies, achieving seven initial public offerings and seven mergers and acquisitions. The firm supports its portfolio companies by providing not only capital but also strategic guidance, partnerships, and team-building resources to help them reach their milestones. Global Brain is particularly adept in e-commerce, operating a platform called EC-PLANET, which encompasses several group companies, including a large online sports goods store and a logistics firm offering comprehensive fulfillment services. This network, along with Global Brain's connections to established Japanese companies, facilitates market entry for US and Asian businesses into Japan.

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.

Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd is a venture capital firm established by the Shenzhen Government in 1999. The company aims to cultivate national industries, promote economic transformation, and support emerging industries. With a registered capital of 5.42 billion RMB and total assets under management of 338.99 billion RMB, the firm primarily invests in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovative high-tech companies, and businesses in various stages of growth and transformation. Its investment focus spans sectors aligned with national policies, including information technology, new media, biopharma, new energy, environmental protection, and high-end equipment manufacturing. By April 2019, Shenzhen Capital Group had built a diverse portfolio of 994 companies, with investments totaling 43.9 billion RMB, and had successfully listed 145 of these companies across 16 global capital markets.

Intel Corporation is a leading global designer and manufacturer of semiconductor technologies, focused on powering the cloud, smart devices, and connected technologies. Founded in 1968 and headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Intel operates through various segments including Data Center Group, Internet of Things Group, Mobileye, and Client Computing Group, among others. The company offers a range of products such as central processing units, chipsets, accelerators, and memory solutions, catering to original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and cloud service providers. Intel has been transitioning from a PC-centric to a data-centric business model, emphasizing advancements in performance, power, and connectivity across various workloads. With a strong commitment to innovation, Intel also invests through Intel Capital in startups that drive technologies in cloud infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and 5G, among others. The company’s collaborations with prominent organizations aim to develop privacy-preserving analytics and enhance computing capabilities. As one of the largest semiconductor manufacturers by revenue, Intel continues to shape the future of computing and communications.

Plug and Play, founded in 2006 and based in Sunnyvale, California, operates as a business accelerator and venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage and seed investments in technology startups. The firm runs 12 industry-specific accelerator programs annually, connecting startups with corporate partners and investors to foster collaboration and growth. Plug and Play's investment strategy encompasses a wide range of sectors, including fintech, health and wellness, travel, cybersecurity, and sustainability, allowing it to support diverse startups from any country. The firm provides various resources, including funding, mentorship, office space, and networking opportunities, and has a global presence with offices in North America, Europe, and Asia. Plug and Play has a strong track record, having helped numerous startups secure over $9 billion in funding since its inception. Its programs aim to refine business models and facilitate introductions to potential investors, ultimately contributing to the growth of the startup ecosystem.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state agency established to promote the growth of the clean energy sector in Massachusetts. Founded in 2009 under the Green Jobs Act, MassCEC focuses on accelerating job creation and economic development within the clean energy industry. The organization provides early-stage investments to startups, offers renewable energy rebates for residents and businesses, and supports workforce development initiatives to prepare individuals for careers in clean energy. By leveraging the state's unique assets, MassCEC aims to facilitate the development of renewable energy projects and establish Massachusetts as a leader in the national and global clean energy landscape.

Created to facilitate applied research, product development and commercialization programs, and to strengthen South Carolina's Knowledge Economy by creating high wage-earning jobs. SC Launch provides entrepreneurs with key tools for success to help build technology startups, jobs and equity in the future for South Carolina. SC Launch provides access to business, academic and economic development entities through the SC Launch Resource Network. SC Launch is a collaboration among SCRA and South Carolina's university research foundations: Clemson University, the University of South Carolina and the Medical University of South Carolina.

BoxGroup Services, LLC is a venture capital firm based in New York that focuses on early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed, seed, and early Series A companies. Established in 2009 by Adam Rothenberg and David Tisch, the firm primarily targets disruptive technology sectors, including health, biotech, food, SaaS, marketplaces, e-commerce, and fintech. BoxGroup typically invests between $50,000 and $500,000, supporting entrepreneurs with innovative visions and teams capable of creating category-defining businesses. While the firm primarily invests in New York City, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles, it does not limit its geographic focus. BoxGroup does not take board seats or ownership stakes in its portfolio companies, emphasizing a supportive investment approach.

GGV Capital is a global venture capital firm established in 2000, specializing in investments in local founders across various sectors. The firm focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments in areas such as Consumer/New Retail, Social/Digital & Internet, Enterprise/Cloud, and Frontier Tech. GGV manages approximately $6.2 billion in capital across 13 funds, offering expansion capital ranging from $5 to $25 million for initial investments. Its portfolio includes notable companies such as Airbnb, Alibaba, Affirm, ByteDance, and Peloton. GGV Capital operates offices in major tech hubs including Beijing, San Francisco, Shanghai, and Silicon Valley, emphasizing a commitment to supporting innovative businesses in the United States, China, and Southeast Asia.

High-Tech Gründerfonds Management GmbH, established in 2005 and based in Bonn, Germany, is a venture capital firm that specializes in early-stage investments in high-tech startups across various sectors, including information and communication technology, software, healthcare, and life sciences. The firm focuses on companies that are less than one year old and have a turnover of less than €10 million. High-Tech Gründerfonds typically invests between €0.5 million and €3 million, acquiring a minority stake of up to 25% in its portfolio companies. The firm often acts as the lead investor and provides follow-on financing, having facilitated over €2 billion in additional funding from external investors. With a commitment to nurturing innovation, it has supported the development of more than 500 startups and has successfully exited over 100 investments. The firm’s backing includes participation from various public and private entities, reflecting its role as a key player in the German startup ecosystem.

ARCH Venture Partners, L.P. is a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 1986 and based in Chicago, Illinois, with additional offices across North America and South America. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth capital investments, primarily focusing on life sciences and biotechnology, but also covering a wide array of technology sectors such as advanced materials, communications technologies, and information technology. ARCH is recognized for its role in commercializing innovations developed at academic research institutions and national laboratories. It has raised over $3 billion through ten venture funds and has invested in more than 150 companies, often co-founding them with leading scientists and entrepreneurs. The firm typically invests between $50,000 and $150 million per company, aiming to enter at seed rounds to minimize risk, and seeks a seat on the Board of Directors for its portfolio companies. While primarily investing in the United States, ARCH also targets opportunities in Canada, Europe, and select countries in Asia, focusing on underserved geographic markets rich in scientific research and technological talent.

Korea Investment Partners (KIP) is a prominent venture capital and private equity firm based in Seoul, South Korea, with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Established in 1986, KIP focuses on investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including biotechnology, healthcare, media, financial technology, and information technology. The firm has a diverse portfolio that includes notable companies such as Kakao, Naver, and YG Entertainment. KIP manages more than 20 venture and private equity funds, with total assets under management amounting to approximately $1.8 billion. In addition to its headquarters in Seoul, KIP operates offices in Shanghai, Beijing, and Sunnyvale, showcasing its commitment to global investment opportunities.

Felicis Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, established in 2006. It focuses on seed-to-series C investment opportunities in early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, healthcare IT, energy, and education. Felicis Ventures has invested in notable companies such as Credit Karma, Adyen, and Shopify, with over 60 portfolio companies having been acquired or gone public, including Fitbit and Twitch. The firm utilizes a combination of angel investing, active mentoring, and advisory services to support entrepreneurs, aiming to provide more than just capital. Its investments typically range from $100,000 to $1 million, with a significant portion of its portfolio based in the Bay Area. Felicis Ventures has nearly $200 million in total committed assets and has backed over 120 technology companies since its inception, representing a diverse array of nationalities and industries. Aydin Senkut, the founder and president, previously held a senior management role at Google, contributing to the firm's strategic vision and growth.

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.

8VC is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on early-stage investments across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, consumer goods, logistics, biology, IT infrastructure, and government and defense. 8VC aims to catalyze industry transformation by promoting innovative platforms that can replace outdated technology infrastructures, thereby fostering greater innovation and global prosperity. Additionally, the firm manages co-investment funds that target software, telecommunications, media, technology, and 3D printing sectors. With a commitment to enabling significant advancements in these industries, 8VC positions itself as a key player in the venture capital landscape.

The Jim Joseph Foundation, established in 2006, is a non-profit organization based in the United States dedicated to enhancing Jewish education for young Jews. Collaborating with various grantee-partners, the Foundation aims to create impactful Jewish learning experiences across diverse settings. By awarding grants to effective organizations, it seeks to engage, educate, and inspire young Jewish individuals, fostering a sense of joy and connection to vibrant Jewish life. The Foundation recognizes the importance of dynamic learning environments and is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of Jewish youth and young adults.

Salesforce is a global leader in cloud computing, specializing in business software delivered on a subscription basis. Renowned for its customer relationship management (CRM) solutions, Salesforce serves a wide array of industries, including healthcare, finance, and retail. Its product offerings encompass Sales Cloud, which helps manage customer interactions; Service Cloud, which provides intelligent customer support; and Marketing Cloud, which focuses on digital marketing strategies. Additionally, Salesforce features Community Cloud for collaboration among customers and partners, as well as Analytics Cloud for data insights and teamwork. The company also operates Salesforce Ventures, its investment arm that supports the growth of enterprise technology startups, and the Salesforce AI Investment Fund, which focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning innovations. Founded in 1999 in California, Salesforce continues to drive customer success through its diverse range of services and investment initiatives.

Redpoint is a venture capital firm founded in 1999, based in Woodside, California, with additional offices in San Francisco, Beijing, and Shanghai. The firm specializes in early-stage and growth capital investments, primarily focusing on technology, media, telecommunications, consumer internet, and alternative energy sectors. Redpoint manages approximately $4 billion across multiple funds and has a history of backing over 465 companies, resulting in 140 initial public offerings and mergers and acquisitions. Investments typically range from $0.1 million to $50 million, with a preference for seed and early-stage companies. Redpoint China Ventures, a division of the firm, specifically targets seed and early venture investments within the technology-driven consumer and enterprise IT sectors in China. The firm seeks to partner with visionary founders to drive innovation and market transformation across various industries.

QED Fund V, managed by QED Investors, is an early-stage venture capital fund based in Alexandria, Virginia. Established in 2008, it focuses on investing in high-growth companies primarily within the fintech sector, including mortgage technology, real estate technology, software, and financial services. The firm targets its investments across various regions, including Latin America, the United States, and the United Kingdom. QED Investors is dedicated to supporting its portfolio companies by providing both capital and operational expertise, fostering a close partnership that emphasizes the importance of information in driving business success. The fund aims to nurture innovative startups that leverage technology to enhance competitive advantage in the financial services landscape.

Bain Capital Ventures is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing across all stages of a company's growth, from seed to growth equity. Founded in 1984 and based in Boston, with additional offices in New York, San Francisco, and Palo Alto, the firm focuses on high-growth opportunities in sectors such as fintech, enterprise software, and infrastructure. Bain Capital Ventures has invested in over 200 companies, including well-known names like DocuSign and LinkedIn, and manages around $3 billion in assets. The firm typically invests between $1 million and $100 million, with specific allocations for early-stage and growth capital investments ranging from $3 million to $50 million. It aims to support innovative startups that leverage technology to disrupt existing markets or create new ones, emphasizing industries transformed by data.

Mitsubishi UFJ Capital Co., Ltd. is a Tokyo-based venture capital firm established in 1974, specializing in seed, development stage, and start-up investments. The firm focuses primarily on the Japanese market, investing in sectors such as healthcare, biotechnology, information technology, electronics, and high technology. Mitsubishi UFJ Capital actively participates in investment syndications for Japanese investments and aims to support companies with relevance to the Japanese market. The firm operates additional offices in Osaka and Nagoya, enhancing its reach within Japan. It manages several venture capital funds, including those targeting drug discovery and life sciences.