Eleven Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sofia, Bulgaria, specializing in early-stage investments in technology-driven startups. Founded in 2012, the firm focuses on sectors such as Fintech, HealthTech, e-commerce, the Future of Food, the Future of Work, software tools and platforms, consumer products, Sportstech, gaming, Adtech, mobility, and home automation. Eleven Ventures typically invests between €0.025 million and €0.5 million, taking minority stakes in its portfolio companies, generally ranging from 6% to 30% equity. The firm runs a three-month accelerator program quarterly, mentoring 10-15 teams per cycle, providing not only capital but also office space and back-office support. Additionally, accepted teams benefit from free deals with technology service providers, enhancing their operational capabilities. Eleven Ventures aims to foster a vibrant startup ecosystem in Southeast Europe, particularly in Bulgaria, while also being open to investing in startups from other countries, provided they participate in the program.

LAUNCHub Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2012 and headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria. It specializes in early-stage investments, targeting technology startups in the Seed and Series A funding stages primarily located in Central and Southeastern Europe. The firm focuses on ambitious founders and scalable businesses with initial traction, providing initial investments ranging from €300K to €2M, with the capacity to lead funding rounds up to €4M. LAUNCHub Ventures emphasizes not only financial support but also active partnership with portfolio companies, assisting them in achieving their milestones and securing subsequent funding through programs like their 'Series A academy'. The firm has played a significant role in enhancing the startup ecosystem in the CEE region and has attracted attention from major venture capital firms in Europe and the United States.

New Vision 3 is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2019 and based in Sofia, Bulgaria. The firm focuses on seed-stage and early-stage companies, seeking opportunities primarily in sectors such as fintech, blockchain, artificial intelligence, the shared economy, the Internet of Things, big data, 3D printing, robotics, nanotechnology, biotechnology, cybersecurity, cleantech, as well as augmented and virtual reality. By targeting a diverse range of innovative industries, New Vision 3 aims to support and drive the growth of transformative technologies and solutions in both the European and U.S. markets.

Silverline Capital provides mezzanine and equity financing solutions to mid-market businesses in Bulgaria.

Vitosha Venture Partners is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and located in Sofia, Bulgaria. The firm focuses on investing in various sectors, including business products, business services, consumer products, consumer services, healthcare, information technology, materials, and resources. With a commitment to supporting innovative startups, Vitosha Venture Partners operates an acceleration, seed, and post-seed fund, which amounts to EUR 20 million. The firm aims to foster growth and development within the Bulgarian entrepreneurial ecosystem.

BlackPeak Capital is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2014 and headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, with additional offices in Bucharest, Ljubljana, and Vienna. The firm focuses on investing in high-growth small and medium-sized enterprises in Southeast Europe, particularly in Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia. BlackPeak Capital specializes in early and mid-venture investments, mezzanine financing, and hybrid capital, while specifically avoiding sectors such as gambling, logging, and financial institutions. The firm seeks opportunities in niche manufacturing, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), information technology, industrials, and healthcare, preferring export-oriented companies or those with unique technology. It typically invests between €4 million and €10 million in each transaction, taking significant minority or majority stakes. BlackPeak Capital also engages in co-investments and raises follow-on equity and debt, with exit strategies that include trade sales or initial public offerings. The firm is supported by the European Investment Fund through the JEREMIE initiative, which focuses on fostering the growth of small and medium enterprises in the region.

Accession Capital Partners, previously known as Mezzanine Management Finanz- und Unternehmensberatungs GmbH, is a private equity firm established in 2000 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria. The firm specializes in mezzanine financing, focusing on management buyouts, recapitalizations, and growth capital investments in mature, middle-market companies. Accession Capital Partners targets sectors such as financial services, healthcare, consumer goods, business services, manufacturing, and information technology, with a particular emphasis on new European Union member states in Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria. The firm typically invests between €5 million and €50 million in companies with sales values ranging from €10 million to €400 million, enterprise values between €20 million and €400 million, and EBITDA from €2 million to €50 million. Accession Capital Partners does not engage in investments related to real estate, alcohol, tobacco, firearms, project finance, startups, or high-tech companies. With a strong local presence and established relationships in the region, the firm has positioned itself as a preferred partner for financial sponsors and business owners.

Sofia Angels Ventures is an investment firm that focuses on technology startups at the pre-seed and seed stages. Sofia Angels Ventures was founded in 2020 and was headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Abris Capital Partners is an independent private equity firm founded in 2007, headquartered in Warsaw, Poland, with additional offices in Leeds, Nicosia, and Bucharest. The firm specializes in management buyouts, acquisitions, and expansion capital investments in middle-market companies, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, with a focus on Poland, Bulgaria, Romania, and Ukraine. Abris targets growth-stage companies across various sectors, including industrial, healthcare, logistics, and digital technology, while avoiding investments in gambling, high content alcohol, drugs, and companies in operational distress. Typically investing between €15 million and €75 million, Abris seeks to take majority stakes and aims for investment periods of three to five years, with exits through trade sales or initial public offerings. The firm emphasizes operational or strategic improvements and supports companies in navigating succession situations or de-listing from stock exchanges.

NEVEQ, or New Europe Venture Equity, is a venture capital firm established in 2006 and based in Sofia, Bulgaria. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments across various sectors, including enterprise applications software, infrastructure software, and emerging technologies. NEVEQ focuses on enabling companies to scale and transition to growth stages, investing in areas such as business intelligence, travel technology, semantic technology, social media, telecommunication solutions, and data center businesses. Through its strategic investments, NEVEQ aims to support innovative startups and contribute to the development of the technology ecosystem in the region.

NOVA Broadcasting Group AD is a television and news broadcasting company based in Sofia, Bulgaria. Established in 1994, it provides a range of broadcasting services that include news, entertainment shows, and movies through its various television channels. As of April 2019, NOVA Broadcasting Group operates as a subsidiary of Advance Media Group EAD. The company plays a significant role in the Bulgarian media landscape, delivering content to inform and entertain its audience.

Industrial Holding Bulgaria AD is a public company focused on managing a diverse investment portfolio that includes both Bulgarian and foreign enterprises. Its primary activities involve the acquisition, management, assessment, and sale of shares in various companies. In addition, the company engages in the acquisition and evaluation of patents, as well as the licensing of these patents to entities within its portfolio. Industrial Holding Bulgaria also provides financing to the companies in which it holds stakes, facilitating their growth and development. The firm operates in accordance with legal regulations and explores opportunities across multiple industries.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) is a venture capital and private equity firm established in 1994 and headquartered in Luxembourg. Acting as an investment arm of the European Investment Bank, EIF specializes in enhancing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. The firm focuses on seed and early-stage investments, particularly in innovative sectors such as information technology, life sciences, and materials. EIF develops venture capital and guarantee instruments tailored to support SMEs, especially in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Central Eastern Europe, while also targeting investments in Turkey. By making cornerstone investments in various funds, EIF aims to stimulate private investments and foster a dynamic venture capital ecosystem. The firm manages a significant equity investments portfolio and engages in various financing activities, including direct investments and fund of funds, as well as providing guarantees and financial engineering services. Through its efforts, EIF plays a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth within the European Union.

Investment Advisor of private equity funds Funds under advisory contracts: Romanian-American Enterprise Fund, Balkan Accession Fund and Emerging Europe Accession Fund Most extensive investment experience in the region (+15 years presence, + €250M equity invested) Lower mid-market specialists; Deals ranging from €5M to €15M; funds invested for a 3-7 years term Largest team in SEE, comprising over 15 people, including investment professionals, finance specialists, legal advisers, and support staff. Blend of local and international perspective. Investment experience, expertise and contacts across relevant sectors and industries Full time presence in Romania and Bulgaria

Buenavista Equity Partners is an independent Private Equity group operating in the Iberian Peninsula and South-Eastern Europe. The company was incorporated in 1996 and GED’s professional Partners hold a majority stake in the Management Companies of the Group. GED is positioned in the middle market, managing funds in excess of €300M through 4 different Private Equity vehicles and operates in two different private equity sectors; private equity and private equity-real estate. GED Private Equity is looking at buyouts and expansion deals maximizing the portfolio value through a clear buy and build strategy in the core countries: Romania, Bulgaria, Spain and Portugal, backing medium size companies that can become regional market leaders. GED Opportunity targets opportunistic and value added real estate investments in South Eastern Europe. GED has a strong track record in Eastern Europe and the Iberian Peninsula, achieved it during its 19 years activity in the region through offices in Madrid, Seville, Bucharest, Sofia and Oporto.

Global Finance is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 1991, headquartered in Athens, Greece, with additional offices in Sofia, Bulgaria; Belgrade, Serbia; Bucharest, Romania; and Greater London, United Kingdom. The firm specializes in management buyouts, turnaround investments, and growth capital for middle-market and underperforming companies. Global Finance focuses on various sectors, including manufacturing, information technology, specialty retail, media, telecommunications, healthcare, and services, while also engaging in real estate development in South-Eastern Europe. The firm primarily targets investments in Greece, the European Union, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, and Serbia, making both minority and majority investments. It typically invests up to €40 million in Greek companies and $15 million in Eastern European ventures. Global Finance aims for a three to six-year exit period through strategies such as trade sales, IPOs, management buybacks, and sales to other venture capital funds.

Teres Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2012 and headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria. The firm focuses on providing a financial platform to support business development and aims to invest in seed and early-stage companies across Eastern Europe. Teres Capital targets sectors such as technology, web and mobile services, software, gaming, education, and energy efficiency, seeking to foster innovation and growth in these industries.

At FocusVision, we are in the business of Customer Truth™, looking beyond the voice of the customer to understand their hearts and mind to understand how they think, feel and act. We believe that a customer’s truth is the most powerful element that can be used by all business leaders to authentically understand, engage and connect with their customer. It provides the perspective of why they do what they do based on interacting with them holistically. Customer Truth™ is what connects a brand’s story with their customer’s story. This is what we enable our clients to do every day. With our comprehensive suite of experience insights software solutions including advanced survey, online interview and focus group, and online qualitative research community solutions, FocusVision is the only insights technology company that can bring you close enough to your customer to have a full understanding of how they think, feel, and act. In addition to leading software solutions, our award-winning global support team continues to break-ground and empower brands to gather, analyze and securely share insights. How we help: Customer: Voice of the Customer programs, customer journey mapping and assessment, test online user experience Brand: Test brand health, Net Promotor Scores, segment and target, test campaigns and messaging, post-event feedback Product: Map the market, test product and marketing concepts, test packaging and pricing Employees: Ask for employee feedback, send pulse surveys, 360-degree reviews Let us know how we can help you! · Trusted by 18 of the top 20 Fortune 100, all 10 of the top 10 healthcare and 10/10 of the top CPG companies. · Clients include Facebook, P&G, Microsoft, GM, eBay, Lilly, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Pfizer, Salesforce, IPSOS, 3M, L’Oreal, Universal Music, Comcast, and Walmart. · FocusVision won the 2018 Martech Breakthrough Award for Outstanding Innovation in customer experience management. Trusted by 18 of the top 20 Fortune 100, all 10 of the top 10 healthcare and 10/10 of the top CPG companies. Clients include Facebook, P&G, Microsoft, GM, eBay, Lilly, McDonald’s, Pepsi, Pfizer, Salesforce, IPSOS, 3M, L’Oreal, Universal Music, Comcast, and Walmart. FocusVision was founded in 1990 and is Headquartered in New York, New York. It has additional offices in Stamford, Connecticut; Fresno, California; Portland, Oregon; Atlanta, Georgia; Sofia, Bulgaria; London, England.

Devexperts is a software development company specializing in technological solutions for the capital markets, established in 2002. The company focuses on creating advanced trading platforms, including DXtrade XT for listed securities and derivatives, DXtrade CFD for OTC asset classes, and DXtrade Crypto for cryptocurrencies. Additionally, Devexperts offers tools such as DXmatch for exchange solutions and dxFeed for market data. Recognized as a leading software vendor in the financial industry, Devexperts has received over 25 global fintech awards and is supported by a team of more than 700 engineers. With a commitment to technical excellence and a customized approach, Devexperts assists financial firms in enhancing their operations and gaining a competitive technological edge. The company maintains a global presence with offices in various countries, including the USA, Germany, Bulgaria, Singapore, Japan, Portugal, Turkey, Georgia, Ireland, and Lithuania.

NSF International is a global organization focused on improving public health and safety through various services. It specializes in management solutions, technical support, and consumer information for industries such as food, water, health sciences, and sustainability. The organization provides comprehensive services including product certification, testing, auditing, and consulting to ensure quality and safety standards are met. NSF Euro Consultants, a subsidiary of NSF International, operates in the agri-food and agro-industrial sectors, offering management consulting, training, operational assistance, and research services. Founded in 1990 and based in Wavre, Belgium, NSF Euro Consultants has expanded its reach with branches in multiple countries including Tunisia, Canada, Bulgaria, and France. The company is dedicated to enhancing food safety and quality within various industries, supporting clients in optimizing their systems and projects while navigating complex regulatory landscapes.

Trillion Energy International Inc. is an oil and gas exploration and production company operating primarily in Turkey and Bulgaria. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Ankara, Turkey, Trillion Energy focuses on enhancing shareholder value by increasing production from its proven gas reserves, particularly in the SASB gas field, where it holds a 49% ownership stake. The company also has a 19.6% interest in the Cendere oil field and holds a coal bed methane exploration license in Bulgaria, specifically in the Vranino 1-11 block. With a strategic emphasis on its assets in Turkey, Trillion Energy aims to capitalize on its operational segments in North America, Turkey, and Bulgaria, deriving the majority of its revenue from its Turkish operations.

Skyscanner Limited is a global travel search engine headquartered in Edinburgh, United Kingdom, founded in 2001. The company enables users to compare a wide range of travel options, including flights, hotels, and car rentals, by aggregating data from various travel providers. This allows travelers to easily find and book the best deals available from major airlines and online travel agents. Skyscanner operates additional offices in several countries, including Singapore, Spain, China, the United States, Hungary, and Bulgaria. By serving the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries, Skyscanner aims to simplify the travel planning process and offer users a comprehensive platform for their travel needs.

Oktogon Ventures is a venture capital investment firm established in 2019 and headquartered in Budapest, Hungary. The firm focuses on early-stage technology-based startups across Central and Eastern Europe, specifically targeting markets in Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, Croatia, Romania, Slovenia, and Bulgaria. Oktogon Ventures aims to support startups with strong founding teams and core technologies that demonstrate significant growth potential and global appeal from their inception. The firm leverages its extensive local expertise, operational background, and a robust network of connections to assist these startups in realizing their full potential. Oktogon Ventures has established relationships with various co-investment partners and maintains strong ties with top-tier venture capital firms and angel investors in the United States and Western Europe, positioning it well to foster innovation and growth in the region.

Established by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs – Empower Capital is a EUR 21 million fund financed by the European Investment Fund – JEREMIE Initiative Bulgaria with the mandate to provide unique access to equity and quasi-equity funding to growing Bulgarian companies. The team brings together extensive international operating experience, expertise and deep industrial knowledge, along with a comprehensive understanding of SME strategic management and finance. They have a proven track-record of both investing in and managing companies in Bulgaria, including raising substantial amounts of money from a range of investors (high net worth individuals, banks, funds etc.) and completing exits to international strategic buyers. Playing vital role in helping companies achieve their potential, they uncover value by identifying great organizations and enhancing their performance by providing growth capital, strategic contribution and operating support to strong management teams.

Rockaway Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Prague, Czech Republic, that specializes in investing in seed to series A stage companies primarily within Central and Eastern Europe and the DACH region. Established as part of Rockaway Capital, the firm aims to support start-ups that are digitalizing traditional industries while adhering to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Rockaway Ventures targets investments in various countries, including but not limited to Israel, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Poland, emphasizing innovation and sustainable practices in their portfolio companies.

Innova Capital Sp. z o.o. is a private equity firm specializing in growth capital, buyouts, buyins, bridge financing, founder succession solutions, corporate spin-offs, buy and build, replacement capital, platform strategies, and cross-border expansion, acquisitions, and development capital in mature and middle market companies. It does not invest in turnarounds or start-ups. The firm seeks to invest in construction, manufacturing, energy, technology, media, financial services, consumer goods, telecommunication companies, industrial compounds and automotive, healthcare, outsourcing, and other business services. It prefers to invest in companies based in Central Europe and Central Eastern Europe with a focus on Poland, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary, Romania, Moldova, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Germany, and Austria. The firm typically invests between €5 million ($5.96 million) and €75 million ($96 million) in its portfolio companies with enterprise value between $50 million and $184 million. It seeks both majority and minority stakes in its portfolio companies. The firm can provide additional equity, debt, and mezzanine capital through its network of co-investors, senior lenders, and investment banks. It prefers to invest for a period of three to five years, and exits by either sale to a strategic investor or via an initial public offering of shares. Innova Capital Sp. z o.o. was founded in 1994 and is based in Warsaw, Poland with an additional office in Bucharest, Romania.

Maspex is the largest in Poland and one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe companies in the segment of food products. Maspex is the clear market leader in juices, nectars and soft drinks in Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, the leading producer in Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Lithuania and the leading manufacturer of instant products (cappuccino, cocoa, creamer for coffee, tea soluble) in Central and Eastern Europe. Maspex is also a leader in the pasta market in Poland and the leading manufacturer in Romania. It also occupies the position in the market liderską jams, ketchups and sauces and is a leading manufacturer in the segment of ready meals and vegetable preserves in Poland. The company is also a leading player in the water market in Romania.

UniCredit Bulbank is the biggest Bulgarian bank in terms of assets, exceeding BGN 13.9 billion as of September 2014. The Bank is servicing over one million individual clients and households, high profile private customers, small and mid sized businesses, larger domestic and multinational corporates, municipalities and budget enterprises.

VTB Capital is an investment banking firm established in 2008 and headquartered in Moscow, Russia. It offers a comprehensive range of investment banking products and services to both Russian and international clients. The firm's capabilities include trading operations, debt and equity placements, mergers and acquisitions, consulting services, private equity, asset management, and foreign exchange and interest-rate products. Additionally, VTB Capital provides hedging strategies and global commodities services. The firm has a global presence with offices in London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Sofia, as well as in various international locations associated with VTB Group, including Shanghai, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Zug.

Neo Ventures, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, is an open-ended early-stage investment firm focusing on high-growth sectors such as SpaceTech, BioTech, and cybersecurity. The firm invests in transformative businesses without geographic constraints, partnering with exceptional founder teams to disrupt existing markets or create new ones. With a proven track record of backing over 30 startups and achieving 10 successful exits, Neo Ventures emphasizes support in business planning, scaling operations, and navigating challenges. The firm's investment interests extend to areas including data analytics, computer vision, the Internet of Things, health tech, communications, transportation, artificial intelligence, and leisure, aiming to capitalize on disruptive opportunities across these diverse sectors.

Clean Harbors is the leading provider of environmental, energy and industrial services throughout North America. The Company serves over 50,000 customers, including a majority of the Fortune 500 companies, thousands of smaller private entities and numerous federal, state, provincial and local governmental agencies. Within Clean Harbors Environmental Services, the Company offers Technical Services and Field Services. Technical Services provide a broad range of hazardous material management and disposal services including the collection, packaging, transportation, recycling, treatment and disposal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Field Services provide a wide variety of environmental cleanup services on customer sites or other locations on a scheduled or emergency response basis. Within Clean Harbors Energy and Industrial Services, the Company offers Industrial Services and Exploration Services. Industrial Services provide industrial and specialty services, such as high-pressure and chemical cleaning, catalyst handling, decoking, material processing and industrial lodging services to refineries, chemical plants, pulp and paper mills, and other industrial facilities. Exploration Services provide exploration and directional boring services to the energy sector serving oil and gas exploration, production, and power generation. Headquartered in Norwell, Massachusetts, Clean Harbors has more than 175 locations, including over 50 waste management facilities, throughout North America in 36 U.S. states, seven Canadian provinces, Mexico and Puerto Rico. The Company also operates international locations in Bulgaria, China, Singapore, Sweden, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Start It Smart is an entrepreneurship organization created to spread and develop the entrepreneurial way of thinking, while supporting young people to start their own business. Start It Smart is a co-founder of BEIC (www.beic.co) – the Bulgarian entrepreneurship and innovation cluster – and Startup Generation (www.startupgen.org) – the world’s largest network of young entrepreneurs.

Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV is an international manufacturer of baking products, operating in over 22 countries across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. The company specializes in a wide array of products, including packed bread, sweet baked goods, salty snacks, cookies, tortillas, pitas, and confectionery items. Key brands under Grupo Bimbo include Bimbo, Ideal, Ricolino, Oroweat, Arnold, Thomas, and Sara Lee. The company maintains a robust direct distribution network, ensuring that products are efficiently delivered from its manufacturing facilities located in regions such as Uruguay, Rio de Janeiro, China, Santiago de Chile, and Argentina to various sales centers and warehouses. Grupo Bimbo's extensive product range includes sliced bread, buns, pastries, cakes, cookies, toast, English muffins, bagels, tortillas, flatbreads, and other snack items.

Shasta Ventures invests in startups in sectors. Their program consists of a proven methodology and a set of comprehensive playbooks that dive deep into the obstacles and challenges of early-stage startups. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to early-stage, so this agile program allows founders to tap into the resources they need when they need them.

OMERS Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Toronto, Canada, that specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies across various sectors, including Fintech, healthcare, and information technology. Founded in 2011, the firm focuses on Series A-C funding rounds and invests in a wide range of areas such as human-computer interfaces, mobile and enterprise software, clean technology, and life sciences. OMERS Ventures typically invests between CAD$0.5 million and CAD$30 million, depending on the stage of the company, and aims to lead or co-lead investments. The firm seeks to support founders with ambitious visions and prefers to maintain a long-term investment relationship, often securing a Board seat in its portfolio companies. While primarily focused on North America, particularly Canada and the United States, OMERS Ventures may also consider investments in Europe and other regions on a case-by-case basis.

MFG Invest was established by a group of angel investors with the goal of financing venture capital.

A growth equity and development venture stage investor.

R12 Kapital is a private equity firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 2009. The company specializes in pursuing new investments and providing strategic advice to its portfolio companies. R12 Kapital focuses on sectors such as the internet of things, manufacturing, and commercial products, aiming to support the development of innovative businesses within these industries. Through its investment strategy, the firm seeks to foster growth and enhance the operational capabilities of its investments.

Benhamou Global Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2003 by Eric Benhamou and based in Menlo Park, California. The firm focuses on investing in innovative companies, particularly those involved in cloud technologies, virtual and software-defined networking, productivity applications, cybersecurity, mobility, and the Internet of Things. Additionally, it has a keen interest in startups that leverage enterprise artificial intelligence. With a commitment to building valuable companies, Benhamou Global Ventures aims to support the growth of technologies that shape the future of business and enhance operational efficiency.

HBM Healthcare Investments is a principal investment firm based in the Cayman Islands, primarily focused on the biotechnology and healthcare sectors. Founded in 2001 and with its operational roots in Zug, Switzerland, the firm invests globally in emerging companies involved in human medicine, pharmaceuticals, drug development, healthcare services, life sciences, medical technology, and diagnostics. HBM Healthcare Investments targets private companies with significant value creation potential, with a portfolio that includes around 40 mature firms that either have advanced products in development or are already commercially available. This strategic approach has allowed HBM to establish a distinctive position in the market, emphasizing high-growth opportunities within the healthcare landscape.

BDC Capital Inc. is the private equity and venture capital arm of the Business Development Bank of Canada, established in 1975 and headquartered in Montreal. The firm specializes in direct investments and fund of funds, focusing on a broad spectrum of financing options including venture capital, growth equity, and mezzanine investments. It primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors, including healthcare, information technology, and clean technology. BDC Capital is particularly interested in early-stage and development technology companies, as well as women-led firms. The firm typically invests between CAD 0.1 million and CAD 35 million, often taking minority stakes and seeking board representation in its investee companies. BDC Capital emphasizes a strong presence across Canada, with particular attention to regions such as Quebec, Ontario, and British Columbia, and it employs various exit strategies, including initial public offerings and strategic sales. With a history of investing in over 400 companies, BDC Capital aims to foster the growth of innovative businesses and contribute to the economic development of the Canadian landscape.

Ernst & Young is a global organization that offers assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services. Founded in 1998 and headquartered in Nassau, Bahamas, the firm aims to build trust and confidence in capital markets and economies worldwide. With a workforce of approximately 190,000 professionals, Ernst & Young collaborates closely with clients to understand their needs and proactively identify potential challenges. The organization emphasizes the importance of leadership and teamwork, striving to deliver quality services that contribute to a better working world for people, clients, and communities. Each member firm operates as a separate legal entity, allowing Ernst & Young to leverage a broad network of experts to meet diverse business requirements.

Citigroup is a global financial services holding company that offers a wide range of financial products and services through two primary segments: Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG). The GCB segment provides traditional banking services to retail customers, including retail and commercial banking, as well as Citi-branded cards and retail services. The ICG segment caters to corporate, institutional, public sector, and high-net-worth clients, offering services such as corporate lending, investment banking, advisory services, and various wholesale banking products. With a commitment to sustainability and social responsibility, Citigroup invests in initiatives that foster economic progress. The company has a global presence, with offices in major financial centers worldwide, enabling it to support clients through innovative solutions and expertise.

Beedie Capital is a Vancouver-based multi-strategy direct investment platform that manages alternative investments and assets for Beedie, a prominent industrial and residential development company in Canada. Established in 1954, Beedie Capital employs a flexible, evergreen investment structure that allows for a diverse range of investment sizes, typically between $10 million and $50 million. The firm takes an agnostic approach to investment duration and structure, enabling it to support partners in achieving their strategic goals while optimizing costs and shareholder returns. Beedie Capital focuses on sectors such as technology, tech-enabled services, and metals and mining, and it engages directly with management teams and stakeholders to facilitate favorable outcomes. With a commitment to both public and private companies, Beedie Capital aims to grow its invested capital alongside the enterprise value of its investments.

EASME is a European Union executive agency that supports small and medium-sized enterprises and promotes innovation in Europe. It manages projects in the areas of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the environment, energy, and maritime sectors, funded by COSME, LIFE, and EMFF. EASME organizes the European Sustainable Energy Week and serves industries such as environmental management, energy production, and maritime activities.

Inovia Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2007 and based in Montreal, Canada. The firm is dedicated to partnering with passionate tech founders to build impactful and lasting businesses. It focuses on investing in both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) sectors, particularly targeting software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies in areas such as commerce, digital health, enterprise platforms, and the future of work. Inovia aims to support founders by providing capital, mentorship, and access to a global network, facilitating growth in North America and Europe. With a team that adopts an operator mindset, Inovia Capital is committed to transforming complex legacy industries, including healthcare and financial services, by leveraging innovative technologies. The firm manages over $2.2 billion and has established operations in major cities such as Toronto, Calgary, San Francisco, and London.

DNX Ventures is a venture capital investment firm established in 2011 and located in San Mateo, California. The firm specializes in supporting early-stage B2B startups, particularly those in the SaaS/cloud, cybersecurity, deep tech, sustainability, hardware, retail, and finance sectors. DNX Ventures focuses on Seed and Series A investments, helping startups secure their initial customers to validate Product Market Fit and foster growth. By leveraging a robust network of CXOs from global conglomerates, DNX Ventures has successfully facilitated over 100 partnerships between startups and Fortune 500 companies, aiding in the development and expansion of innovative business solutions.

Fusion Fund is an organization that supports early-stage entrepreneurs focused on creating globally disruptive companies through innovative technologies. With a commitment to driving systemic change, Fusion Fund recognizes the importance of foundational innovation in facilitating significant growth during the next wave of technological advancement. The team behind Fusion Fund possesses both technical and entrepreneurial expertise, allowing them to effectively assist entrepreneurs in developing businesses characterized by strong technical barriers and competitive advantages. Through this support, Fusion Fund aims to empower visionary founders to realize their potential in transforming industries and addressing complex challenges.

WestCap is a growth and expansion firm founded in 1997 and headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in San Francisco and London. The firm focuses on partnering with visionary leaders to develop generational businesses, leveraging a team of seasoned industry experts and entrepreneurs. WestCap invests in various sectors including financial technology, real estate technology, infrastructure technology, health technology, and experience technology, targeting opportunities across the United States, Europe, Canada, and Asia. Noteworthy investments include companies such as Airbnb, StubHub, and NYDIG, demonstrating WestCap's commitment to fostering innovation and guiding companies through critical growth phases.

Blue Star Innovation Partners is a growth equity investment firm founded in 2017 and based in Frisco, Texas. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to companies in sectors such as fintech, technology, sports, fitness, healthcare, entertainment, and health and wellness. Blue Star Innovation Partners typically targets businesses with annual revenues ranging from $3 million to $50 million. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm focuses on identifying and supporting companies that demonstrate strong growth potential within these dynamic industries.