Ulupono Initiative relies on key values to guide our work. We focus on the needs and wants of the people of Hawaii. This is our home. We aspire to high standards; strive to work with humility; and work to learn and improve continuously. We push for innovative and transformative solutions that will have the most impact on the lives of the individuals and the community we serve. We believe that sustainability is essential to our future prosperity, and will help shape our vision of a 21st century economy where economic progress and environmental stewardship work hand in hand.

Mana Up Capital, founded in 2017 and headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, operates as an accelerator firm dedicated to supporting local entrepreneurs and businesses. Through a comprehensive six-month program, it helps participants identify high-impact sales opportunities, address production challenges, and enhance executive leadership skills. The accelerator offers workshops, access to a network of advisers, assistance in crafting compelling narratives for business expansion, and connections to distribution channels through various partners and digital platforms. By focusing on companies and founders based in Hawaii, Mana Up Capital aims to foster growth and innovation within the local economy.

Blue Startups is a Top 20 Accelerator in the US (Techcrunch) focused on helping scalable-technology companies compete on a global scale. With an extensive global mentor network, Blue Startups is a nexus of entrepreneurial activity in Hawai‘i, and between Asia and North America Blue Startups was founded by Maya and Henk Rogers of the Tetris Company and Chenoa Farnsworth of Hawaii Angels in 2012 and has been a member of the Global Accelerator Network since 2013. www.bluestartups.com We are focused on recruiting capital efficient and scalable technology companies, including web, software, and mobile. In addition, the program is targets companies in the travel, gaming and impact sectors. We focus recruitment on Asia and the U.S. and are particularly interested in companies addressing both markets. Blue Startups is a member of the Global Accelerator Network, an invite-only community of the world’s most respected organizations that provide startups with the best resources to create and grow their businesses, wherever they are. Startups accepted into a GAN accelerator have access to a variety of exclusive perks including over $1M worth of free services, introductions to a network of investors and access to soft landing spaces worldwide.

Elemental Impact is a consulting organization established in 2009, dedicated to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship within the business sector. Based in Honolulu, Hawaii, it focuses on initiatives that encourage waste reduction, recycling, and efficient resource utilization across various industries. By providing resources, tools, and guidance, Elemental Impact assists companies in adopting sustainable practices that enhance operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. The organization emphasizes the importance of equity and access in climate solutions, filling critical gaps in funding innovative climate technologies for real-world applications. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, Elemental Impact aims to cultivate a culture of sustainability and create a positive impact on the planet.

XLR8UH is a first-of-its kind, award winning venture accelerator. The program, a partnership between the University of Hawai‘i and Sultan Ventures, is one of the first public university investment programs in the nation, revolutionizing the way innovation is commercialized at universities. Recently XLR8UH has been featured in Forbes as one of The Best Startup Accelerators of 2017. http://bit.ly/TheBestStartupAccelerators2017

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency established in 1950 and based in Alexandria, Virginia. It is dedicated to supporting research and education in science and engineering across a wide range of disciplines. The NSF provides significant non-dilutive funding, up to $1.5 million, to startups and small businesses through its America's Seed Fund initiative, which is part of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program mandated by Congress. With an operating budget of approximately $7.8 billion, the NSF is committed to advancing fundamental research and education, thus fostering innovation and technological development in the United States.

Startup Capital Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2005 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in investing in technology companies, primarily focusing on those that operate within Silicon Valley and Hawaii. Startup Capital Ventures targets capital-efficient enterprises, particularly in the software sector, that have begun generating revenue and demonstrate a potential for near-term profitability. The firm is distinguished by its commitment to investing in strong management teams and fostering supportive relationships based on flexibility, integrity, and patience. With a seasoned team of professionals and an extensive network of strategic contacts, Startup Capital Ventures aims to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies, helping them achieve critical milestones in their development.

Reef Capital Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2014 and based in Honolulu, Hawaii. The company focuses on pre-seed, seed, and early-stage investments across various sectors, reflecting a sector-agnostic approach. With its origins in the picturesque setting of Maui, Reef Capital Ventures aims to leverage Hawaii's unique culture and environment to foster innovation and support the growth of emerging companies. By providing capital, expertise, and a network of resources, the firm is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs achieve their milestones and drive their businesses towards success.

Kirby Corporation is the premier tank barge operator in the United States, transporting bulk liquid products throughout the Mississippi River System, on the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, along all three U.S. Coasts, and in Alaska and Hawaii. Kirby's service includes the transporting of petrochemicals, black oil, refined petroleum products and agricultural chemical products by tank barge. Kirby also owns and operates eight ocean-going barge and tug units transporting dry-bulk commodities in United States coastwise trade.

Moss brings an honest, positive, and intelligent approach to their business that’s not readily found in the construction industry. That approach has not only created recognizable, sustainable, innovative and award-winning buildings, it has helped their company grow to being one of the most transparent, respected, and sought-after companies in the U.S. The Moss team of experts spans the country with offices in Hawai’i, California, Texas, and Florida. In addition to their Fort Lauderdale headquarters, they also have Florida offices in Orlando, Miami, Tampa, and West Palm Beach. Their passion for customer satisfaction runs deep. They are constantly focused on finding ways to exceed expectations at every turn. Their dedication to intelligent solutions is the core of their philosophy. They believe every project is first and foremost about genuine, rewarding relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and the surrounding community. They ’ve combined their deep expertise with a renowned level of integrity and transparency—serving as the foundation for all they do.

The Bernard Osher Foundation, headquartered in San Francisco, was started in 1977 by Bernard Osher, a respected businessman and community leader. The Foundation seeks to improve quality of life through support for higher education and the arts. The Foundation provides post-secondary scholarship funding to colleges and universities across the nation, with special attention to reentry students. It also supports a national lifelong learning network for seasoned adults. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, operating on the campuses of 124 institutions of higher education from Maine to Hawaii and Alaska, have a National Resource Center at Northwestern University. In addition, the Foundation benefits programs in integrative medicine in the United States and Sweden, including centers at the University of California, San Francisco; Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston; the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm; Northwestern University; Vanderbilt University; the University of Miami; and the University of Washington. Finally, an array of performing arts organizations, museums, and educational programs in Northern California and in Mr. Osher's native state of Maine receive Foundation grants. The Foundation has a nine-member Board of Directors, chaired by the Honorable Barbro Osher, Honorary Consul General of Sweden in California.

Harrison Street Real Estate Capital is a privately owned investment management firm based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in property investment across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and storage. Founded in 2005 by Christopher Galvin, the firm offers a range of investment products that provide access to both private and public real estate markets. It manages property assets through multiple investment vehicles, including commingled funds and publicly traded securities, for a diverse clientele that includes sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, endowments, insurance companies, foundations, and family offices. The firm is committed to creating differentiated investment products spanning the risk and return spectrum, and has also expanded its focus internationally with the launch of a European student housing opportunity fund. Harrison Street Real Estate Capital employs a rigorous investment strategy that combines fundamental research with a top-down and bottom-up approach.

The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is a self-governing corporate body of the State of Hawaii.

Sultan Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Honolulu, Hawaii, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on early-stage financing and aims to foster innovation and develop the startup ecosystem. Sultan Ventures targets a diverse range of sectors for investment, including healthcare, biotechnology, crowdfunding, entertainment, information technology, aviation, energy, food, and beverage. Through its strategic investments, the firm seeks to support emerging companies and contribute to the growth of various industries.

Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. is a timeshare company that develops, markets, and operates vacation ownership resorts primarily under the Hilton Grand Vacations brand. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Orlando, Florida, the company operates in two main segments: Real Estate Sales and Financing, and Resort Operations and Club Management. It offers vacation ownership intervals, manages resorts, and operates a points-based vacation club that serves approximately 326,000 members. In addition to selling vacation ownership interests, Hilton Grand Vacations provides financing for consumer purchases and engages in the rental of inventory made available through ownership exchanges. The company boasts a portfolio of 59 resorts with over 9,500 units across popular destinations, including the Hawaiian Islands, New York City, Orlando, and Las Vegas. Hilton Grand Vacations also offers various services to enhance the vacation experience, such as exchange programs and on-site management services for club resorts.

First Hawaiian Bank, established in 1858 and headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, operates as a commercial banking institution providing a comprehensive range of financial products and services to both consumer and commercial clients. The bank offers various deposit accounts, including personal checking and savings, as well as loans such as mortgages, home equity lines of credit, auto loans, and small business financing. In addition to traditional banking services, First Hawaiian Bank provides wealth management solutions, which encompass investment planning, insurance, and trust services. The bank also delivers online and mobile banking options, credit card processing, and treasury management services. With a commitment to serving the community, First Hawaiian Bank maintains a network of branches across Hawaii and the Pacific Islands.

Kamehameha Schools is a private educational and charitable trust based in Honolulu, Hawaii. The organization focuses on providing educational opportunities and enhancing the well-being of individuals of Hawaiian ancestry. It operates through a managed endowment fund, which supports its mission by generating resources for various educational initiatives. The endowment is overseen by an executive management team responsible for ensuring its effective operation and alignment with the trust's objectives. Kamehameha Schools plays a significant role in fostering the development and empowerment of the Hawaiian community through its dedicated educational programs and services.

Postmates Inc. operates an on-demand food and grocery delivery platform that connects customers with local couriers to deliver products from various restaurants and stores across the United States. Founded in 2011 and based in San Francisco, the platform features a wide selection of over 600,000 restaurants and retailers, many of which are exclusive to Postmates. The service covers approximately 80% of U.S. households, reaching all 50 states, with a strong presence in Los Angeles and other southwestern markets. Customers can enjoy free delivery from all merchants by subscribing to Postmates Unlimited, the industry’s first subscription service. In addition to food delivery, Postmates also offers gift card services, enhancing the user experience and encouraging local shopping without delays.

Sunstone Hotel Investors is a real estate investment trust that specializes in acquiring, owning, managing, and renovating upscale hotels across the United States. The company’s portfolio primarily includes upper upscale and luxury properties located in convention centers, resort destinations, and urban markets, with a significant number of hotels operating under well-known brands such as Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Four Seasons, and Montage. Sunstone's operations are heavily concentrated in California, which accounts for the majority of its revenue, along with additional properties in Florida and Hawaii. The company is dedicated to enhancing shareholder value through strategic investments, effective asset management, and capital improvements while actively seeking new opportunities for growth and value creation in the hospitality sector.

Bank of Hawaii Corporation is a bank holding company. The Company’s operating subsidiary is Bank of Hawaii (the Bank). The Bank provides a range of financial services and products primarily to customers in Hawaii, Guam and other Pacific Islands. The Bank's subsidiaries include Bank of Hawaii Leasing, Inc., Bankoh Investment Services, Inc. and Pacific Century Life Insurance Corporation. The Bank's subsidiaries are engaged in equipment leasing, securities brokerage, investment services and providing credit insurance. It operates in four segments: Retail Banking, Commercial Banking, Investment Services, and Treasury and Other. Its other subsidiary is the BOHC Investment Fund, LLC (the Fund). The Fund was organized to invest in and hold securities of Qualified High Technology Businesses. As of December 31, 2012, its available-for-sale investment securities portfolio consisted of securities with an average base duration of less than three years.

Brinker International, Inc. operates casual dining restaurants, primarily under the brands Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy. Chili's is known for its bar and grill offerings, featuring a menu that includes signature items such as slow-smoked baby back ribs, craft burgers, fajitas, and tableside guacamole. Maggiano's specializes in Italian cuisine, offering a diverse menu that includes appetizers, chicken, seafood, veal, prime steaks, and desserts. As of June 2013, Brinker International's system included 1,591 restaurants across 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as locations in various countries including Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. The company generates the majority of its revenue from the Chili's segment, reflecting its strong presence in the casual dining market.

Servco Pacific Capital, LLC (“SPC”) is the direct investment arm of Servco Pacific Inc. (“Servco”), one of the oldest multi-generational, privately held businesses in the Hawaiian Islands. SPC's investments range from venture to growth capital as well as private equity. Established in 1919, Servco is the largest privately held business in the state of Hawaii and has operations in the United States, Asia and Australia. Its operating businesses include automotive distribution, retail dealerships and appliance distribution. Servco also jointly controls Fender Musical Instruments, the world’s largest electric guitar and amplifier company, in partnership with TPG Growth. In addition to its focus on direct investments, SPC also leads corporate development and strategy efforts for Servco’s operating groups. SPC is based in San Francisco, California.

Central Pacific Bank, established in 1954 in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii, is a commercial bank focused on providing a variety of financial services to local families and small businesses. As the primary subsidiary of Central Pacific Financial, it manages approximately $5.4 billion in assets. The bank's offerings include construction and real estate development lending, commercial lending, residential mortgage lending, consumer lending, and trust services. Additionally, Central Pacific Bank provides wealth management products, including annuities and insurance. The institution is dedicated to serving its community by emphasizing diversity and opportunity while addressing the financial needs often overlooked by traditional banking establishments.

California Water Service Group is a prominent water utility holding company headquartered in California, serving over two million customers. It specializes in the production, treatment, storage, distribution, and sale of water, addressing various needs for residential, commercial, and municipal clients. The company operates through a mix of regulated and unregulated subsidiaries, with its regulated public utilities located in California, New Mexico, Washington, and Hawaii. The unregulated subsidiaries offer water utility services to private companies and municipalities. A significant portion of California Water Service Group's revenue is generated from its operations in California, primarily from residential customers, underscoring its importance in the region's water supply and infrastructure.

CIBC, or the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, is a prominent commercial banking firm headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Established in 1905, the bank offers a wide range of financial solutions tailored for both individuals and businesses. Its services encompass bank accounts, credit cards, mortgages, lending, investments, and insurance. CIBC also operates through its investment banking subsidiary, CIBC World Markets, which provides comprehensive financial services including mergers and acquisitions, capital market products, and advisory services. Additionally, CIBC Capital Markets focuses on corporate and investment banking, offering sustainable finance and a variety of banking solutions. Through its various divisions, CIBC serves diverse sectors such as consumer goods, telecommunications, real estate, and technology, positioning itself as a versatile player in the financial services industry.

Goldman Sachs is a global financial services firm that offers a diverse range of services across four main segments: Investment Banking, Institutional Client Services, Investing & Lending, and Investment Management. The Investment Banking segment provides financial advisory services, such as guidance on mergers and acquisitions, corporate restructuring, and capital raising through public and private offerings. Institutional Client Services focuses on executing transactions in various financial markets, including equities, fixed income, and commodities, while also offering securities lending and prime brokerage services to institutional clients. The Investing & Lending segment engages in investment activities across a wide array of asset classes, including debt securities and real estate. Finally, the Investment Management segment delivers investment management and wealth advisory services to high-net-worth individuals and institutions, emphasizing portfolio management and financial counseling. Founded in 1966 and headquartered in London, Goldman Sachs operates as a subsidiary of Goldman Sachs Group UK Limited, serving a diverse client base that includes corporations, governments, and individual investors worldwide.

Citizens Bank, National Association is one of the oldest and largest financial services institutions in the United States, with its origins dating back to 1828. Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, it provides a wide range of banking services to individuals, small businesses, and commercial clients across 11 states. The bank offers personal banking products such as checking and savings accounts, mortgages, home equity loans, and credit cards. For businesses, Citizens Bank delivers services including business checking, cash management, and commercial lending, along with specialized offerings for various industries. Additionally, the bank provides investment banking services, focusing on retirement planning and insurance protection. With a customer-centric approach, Citizens Bank emphasizes community engagement and technological innovation, featuring mobile and online banking options, a 24/7 customer support center, and a network of approximately 3,200 ATMs and 1,200 branches.

Regions Bank is a financial institution that offers a wide range of personal, small business, commercial banking, and wealth management services. Its personal banking services encompass checking and savings accounts, cash solutions, protection services, and various financial products such as money market accounts and IRAs. For small businesses, Regions provides checking accounts, cash management, merchant processing, and payroll services. In the commercial banking sector, it offers asset-based lending, equipment financing, and government financing solutions. The bank also specializes in wealth management, including private wealth management, estate planning, and trust services. Regions Bank operates branches across multiple states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and Texas, and was founded in 1928 in Birmingham, Alabama. Originally known as First Alabama Bank, it adopted the name Regions Bank in 1996 and operates as a subsidiary of Regions Financial Corporation.

Barclays PLC is a global financial services company headquartered in London, United Kingdom, with a rich history dating back to 1690. The company operates through various segments, including retail banking, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management, serving customers and clients in over 50 countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia. Barclays provides a wide array of financial products and services, including consumer banking, credit cards, mortgages, loans, and insurance, as well as advisory, financing, and risk management solutions for corporate clients and institutions. The company is also engaged in securities dealing and offers integrated corporate banking solutions, such as cash management and trade financing. With a workforce of more than 147,500, Barclays serves over 48 million customers globally, focusing on innovation and sustainability to meet diverse financial needs.

Deutsche Bank is a global investment bank headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, and established in 1870. It is the leading German bank with a strong European presence and a comprehensive global network. The bank focuses on its core strengths, operating through a Corporate Bank, a leading Private Bank, a specialized investment bank, and asset management services. Deutsche Bank provides a wide range of banking services tailored to corporations, governments, institutional investors, small and medium-sized enterprises, and private individuals. Its expertise spans various sectors, including financial institutions, healthcare, media and telecommunications, natural resources, real estate, and technology. Since its inception, Deutsche Bank has been committed to facilitating cross-border transactions and supporting businesses in their global endeavors.

MUFG Investor Services, established in 2013, is a prominent provider of solutions for the global alternative investment management sector. Operating from 14 locations worldwide, the firm administers over $770 billion in assets, making it one of the leading fund administrators globally. MUFG Investor Services offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes administration, asset servicing, banking and liquidity solutions, corporate and regulatory support, financing, and business consulting. The firm's diverse clientele, comprising nearly 500 clients, spans various investment strategies including hedge funds, private equity, private debt, and mutual funds. As a division of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, one of the largest financial institutions in the world, MUFG Investor Services is well-positioned to enhance operational efficiency and risk management for its clients in the competitive financial landscape.

TT Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, specializing in growth equity investments within the healthcare sector. The firm focuses on innovative companies in healthcare technology and services that demonstrate significant growth potential, particularly those expanding their customer base or entering new markets. TT Capital Partners seeks to acquire majority stakes in these high-growth enterprises. Additionally, the firm operates as an independent merchant bank, offering services in mergers and acquisitions, financial restructuring, and strategic advisory. Founded in 1997, TT Capital Partners is recognized for its expertise in the healthcare industry and is a Registered Investment Adviser.

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. We recognize that small business is critical to our economic recovery and strength, to building America's future, and to helping the United States compete in today's global marketplace. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build and grow businesses. Through an extensive network of field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations, SBA delivers its services to people throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, the U. S. Virgin Islands and Guam. Overview & History Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. The SBA was officially established in 1953, but its philosophy and mission began to take shape years earlier in a number of predecessor agencies, largely as a response to the pressures of the Great Depression and World War II. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC), created by President Herbert Hoover in 1932 to alleviate the financial crisis of the Great Depression, was SBA's grandparent. The RFC was basically a federal lending program for all businesses hurt by the Depression, large and small. It was adopted as the personal project of Hoover's successor, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and was staffed by some of Roosevelt's most capable and dedicated workers. Concern for small business intensified during World War II, when large industries beefed up production to accommodate wartime defense contracts and smaller businesses were left unable to compete. To help small business participate in war production and give them financial viability, Congress created the Smaller War Plants Corporation (SWPC) in 1942. The SWPC provided direct loans to private entrepreneurs, encouraged large financial institutions to make credit available to small enterprises, and advocated small business interests to federal procurement agencies and big businesses. The SWPC was dissolved after the war, and its lending and contract powers were handed over to the RFC. At this time, the Office of Small Business (OSB) in the Department of Commerce also assumed some responsibilities that would later become characteristic duties of the SBA. Its services were primarily educational. Believing that a lack of information and expertise was the main cause of small business failure, the OSB produced brochures and conducted management counseling for individual entrepreneurs. Congress created another wartime organization to handle small business concerns during the Korean War, this time called the Small Defense Plants Administration (SDPA). Its functions were similar to those of the SWPC, except that ultimate lending authority was retained by the RFC. The SDPA certified small businesses to the RFC when it had determined the businesses to be competent to perform the work of government contracts. By 1952, a move was on to abolish the RFC. To continue the important functions of the earlier agencies, President Dwight Eisenhower proposed creation of a new small business agency -- the Small Business Administration (SBA). In the Small Business Act of July 30, 1953, Congress created the Small Business Administration, whose function was to "aid, counsel, assist and protect, insofar as is possible, the interests of small business concerns." The charter also stipulated that the SBA would ensure small businesses a "fair proportion" of government contracts and sales of surplus property. By 1954, SBA already was making direct business loans and guaranteeing bank loans to small businesses, as well as making loans to victims of natural disasters, working to get government procurement contracts for small businesses and helping business owners with management and technical assistance and business training. The Investment Company Act of 1958 established the Small Business Investment Company (SBIC) Program, under which SBA licensed, regulated and helped provide funds for privately owned and operated venture capital investment firms. They specialized in providing long-term debt and equity investments to high-risk small businesses. Its creation was the result of a Federal Reserve study that discovered, in the simplest terms, that small businesses could not get the credit they needed to keep pace with technological advancement. In 1964, SBA began to attack poverty through the Equal Opportunity Loan (EOL) Program. The EOL Program relaxed the credit and collateral requirements for applicants living below the poverty level in an effort to encourage new businesses that had been unable to attract financial backing, but were nevertheless sound commercial initiatives. SBA has grown in terms of total assistance provided and its array of programs tailored to encourage small enterprises in all areas. SBA's programs now include financial and federal contract procurement assistance, management assistance, and specialized outreach to women, minorities and armed forces veterans. The SBA also provides loans to victims of natural disasters and specialized advice and assistance in international trade.

Charter Communications is an American telecommunications and mass media company that operates under the Spectrum brand. Formed in 2016 through the merger of Legacy Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks, it has a long history in the industry. Charter provides a range of services, including high-speed Internet, premium cable television, and 5G mobile services, often offering these without contracts and at competitive monthly rates. The company serves approximately 58 million homes and businesses across the United States, accounting for around 40% of the market. With 30 million residential and 2 million commercial customer accounts, Charter is the second-largest cable provider in the country. Additionally, it owns various sports and news networks, further enhancing its media offerings.

Aqua-Spark is an investment fund with a focus on sustainable aquaculture businesses around the world. The small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) they invest in are working toward the production of safe, accessible aquatic life, such as fish, shellfish and plants, in ways that do not harm their oceans. Their investors value the fact that each investment aims to create triple impact—specifically, each investment is chosen for its potential to generate significant financial returns while also activating positive environmental and social outcomes. Aqua-Spark believes that committing to a long-term vision is the way to realize effective and lasting impact results. When it comes to investments, they do not seek quick exits; instead, they look for entrepreneurs who strive to build and scale toward the future, who see their business as major economic opportunities that can also help solve looming environmental and food security challenges over the long-term. As an essential of each investee, Aqua-Spark seeks sustainability.

The Riverside Company is a prominent private equity investment firm established in 1988 and headquartered in New York, New York. It is recognized as one of the largest and oldest firms in its sector, focusing on growth-stage companies through buyouts. Riverside targets a diverse range of industries, including business services, consumer brands, education and training, franchisors, healthcare, software and information technology, and specialty manufacturing. The firm operates across various regions, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand. Riverside is known for partnering with sellers who wish to remain involved in their companies, collaborating to drive growth and enhance value. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Riverside emphasizes strategic investment and active management to foster long-term success in its portfolio companies.

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd. is a closed-ended investment holding company managed by Pershing Square Capital Management, L.P. Established on February 2, 2012, and based in Guernsey, the firm focuses on investing in public equity and fixed income markets globally. Its investment strategy emphasizes value stocks across various sectors, complemented by positions in convertible and debt securities, as well as derivatives. The fund employs a long/short strategy, aiming to preserve capital while seeking long-term capital appreciation with a reasonable risk profile. Performance is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index and the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index, reflecting its commitment to achieving superior returns through diversified investment approaches.

Equativ is an ad tech company that specializes in providing a digital marketplace for advertisers. The company develops direct and programmatic advertising software aimed at optimizing the value of advertisement impressions. Its platform efficiently manages inventory and ad delivery across multiple formats and devices, utilizing advanced forecasting, targeting, and big data analytics. This approach enables publishers to enhance their revenue from premium and programmatic advertisements without the need for third-party vendors. Equativ focuses on delivering brand and privacy-safe solutions, combining client expertise with engineering to ensure a high level of professionalism and technical sophistication in its services.

Kirenaga Partners LLC is a venture capital firm based in Orlando, Florida, with an additional office in Bronxville, New York. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in lower middle market companies, focusing on transformative technologies that address significant social challenges such as clean water, fresh food, and infection control. Kirenaga targets companies with annual revenues under $25 million, aiming to provide the necessary funding that other firms may overlook, typically in the range of $1 to $3 million. By offering substantial financial support and leveraging operational expertise, Kirenaga seeks to de-risk its investments and facilitate the growth of its portfolio companies. The firm also connects these companies with a broad network of professionals and resources, enhancing their ability to compete effectively in the market.

S2G Investments is a multi-stage investment firm that targets venture and growth-stage businesses in food and agriculture, oceans, and energy sectors. The firm provides capital to businesses shaping the future of food systems and energy resources, aiming for significant sector transitions. S2G Investments assist entrepreneurs and leadership groups in seeking innovative, market-driven solutions aimed at providing increased value, better results, and superior performance compared to conventional options.

Cavallo Ventures, Inc. is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and based in San Francisco, California. As the venture capital arm of Wilbur-Ellis Holdings, it focuses on investing in innovative companies within the livestock feed, pet nutrition, aquafeed, and ingredient formulation sectors. The firm is dedicated to supporting pioneering entrepreneurs who aim to build successful businesses while adhering to high standards of integrity and quality. In addition to its core areas of investment, Cavallo Ventures also explores opportunities in human and animal nutrition, health, alternatives to industrial chemicals, agriculture, novel agrochemical active ingredients, water management, irrigation, soil biology, and resource conservation.

SEMCAP is an impact investment firm established in 2018 and located in Wayne, Pennsylvania. It focuses on growth equity investments in early and growth-stage private companies, primarily in the healthcare, education, and food & nutrition sectors. Led by experienced entrepreneurs and investors Buck Buckley and Cyrus Vandrevala, SEMCAP targets businesses that can benefit from significant technological advancements, social transformations, and regulatory changes. The firm employs a methodology aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure that its investments generate positive social and environmental impacts.

Irradiant Partners is a private equity firm based in Austin, Texas, established in 2021. The firm specializes in alternative investments, concentrating on liquid credit, opportunistic credit, and renewable private equity and credit. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Irradiant Partners aims to provide innovative investment strategies within these sectors, emphasizing sustainability and growth potential.

1517 supports teams with pre-seed and seed funding for technology startups. Their focus is on makers, hackers, and scientists interested in working outside tracked institutions because we believe that the path geared towards higher education is not for all. They motivate people to work on what they’re passionate about, to learn by doing, and to create new technologies.

Base Ventures is a venture capital firm located in Berkeley, California, that focuses on seed-stage investments in technology and financial technology start-ups. Founded by Erik Moore, the firm has built a diverse portfolio that includes companies such as MOS, Blavity, Space Perspective, Genies, and 6Sense Inc. Base Ventures has achieved successful exits with notable companies, including Olly Nutrition, which was acquired by Unilever, and Plangrid, acquired by Autodesk. Through its strategic investments, Base Ventures aims to foster innovation and support the growth of emerging technology businesses.

Prime Movers Lab is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Jackson, Wyoming. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage startups focused on deep technology innovations across various sectors, including energy, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, human augmentation, agriculture, and more. Prime Movers Lab aims to support entrepreneurs who are redefining these industries by providing access to comprehensive resources and integrated coaching, which includes leveraging academic research and commercialized intellectual property. The firm typically makes equity investments ranging from $0.25 million to $5 million but does not seek board representation, lead investments, or acquire controlling stakes. Additionally, Prime Movers Lab does not invest in publicly traded securities or engage in co-investments.

Dig Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, United Kingdom, founded in 2018 by Ross Mason, the founder of Mulesoft. The firm specializes in investing in pre-seed and seed-stage businesses, particularly focusing on cloud infrastructure, B2B SaaS, and fintech companies in Europe, Israel, and the United States. With a partnership composed entirely of experienced operators, Dig Ventures aims to facilitate the growth of early-stage technical companies by addressing common challenges in their development. The firm employs a distinctive approach to portfolio management that emphasizes the successful navigation of the hurdles associated with building innovative technology businesses.

Alaska Airlines is the eighth-largest U.S. airline based on passenger traffic and is the dominant U.S. West Coast air carrier. Headquartered in Seattle, Alaska carries more passengers between the state of Alaska and the Lower 48 than any other airline. During recent years, the airline has expanded significantly to serve more U.S. East Coast, Mexican and Canadian destinations.

Happiness Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in startups that aim to improve the world’s happiness. The firm helps entrepreneurs to co-create a happier world as a global community. Its investment portfolio covers seed to growth-stage companies in the US, Europe, Israel, China, and Hong Kong, with the focus on the future of food, health, education, and work. Happiness Capital was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Hong Kong.

Find US is a startup/small business consulting company that operates Virtual CFO Service and corporate training courses.