MOST Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Almaty, Kazakhstan, established in 2020. It focuses on investing in pre-seed, seed, and series A stage technology startups across Central Eurasia. The firm aims to support companies that are developing disruptive and globally scalable products, particularly in sectors such as software, IT services, and fintech. In addition to financial investments, MOST Ventures offers a range of non-financial support, including incubation and acceleration programs, mentoring, workshops, and growth hacking strategies. As part of the broader MOST Ecosystem, which has been operational for over a decade, MOST Ventures contributes to a comprehensive support network for startups, which includes an angel investors' club, business incubator, working infrastructure for entrepreneurs, and media coverage for regional startup developments. Through these initiatives, MOST Ventures fosters a vibrant community of founders and industry experts in the Central Eurasian region.

I2BF Global Ventures Ltd. is a venture capital firm established in 2005 and headquartered in Beverly Hills, California, with additional offices in New York, London, Moscow, Astana, and Menlo Park. The firm specializes in investing across various stages of growth in technology-oriented sectors, particularly focusing on clean technology, nanotechnology, digital healthcare, and innovative solutions in areas such as energy, agriculture, aerospace, and telecommunications. I2BF Global Ventures has a global investment mandate, targeting opportunities in regions including Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, and Eastern Europe. The firm typically invests between $0.5 million and $10 million in its portfolio companies and has backed over 60 startups, achieving successful exits for 12 companies. With a team of technology and sector experts, I2BF Global Ventures aims to support companies that are poised to drive innovation and contribute to a sustainable future.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a multilateral development finance institution established in 1990. Headquartered in London, it operates primarily in Central and Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The EBRD provides a range of financial products and services, including loans, equity investments, and guarantees, to support private sector development and promote sustainable growth. It serves various sectors such as agribusiness, energy, finance, and infrastructure, and also offers policy dialogue and advisory services. The EBRD has invested over €130 billion in more than 5,200 projects since its inception, playing a significant role in fostering change and economic development in its regions of operation.

Eurasian Development Bank is an international financial organization headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, established in 2006 to promote economic growth and integration among its member states, which include Russia, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Tajikistan, Belarus, and Kyrgyzstan. The bank offers a range of banking products and services, including current accounts, term deposits, loans, and debt financing for both private and public entities. It is actively involved in financing infrastructure projects across various sectors such as power, mechanical engineering, chemicals, mining, and oil and gas. Additionally, the bank participates in the establishment of private equity funds and provides investment consulting services, aimed at fostering sustainable economic development and enhancing trade ties among its member countries.

Ceecat Capital is a private equity firm founded in 2005, with its headquarters in Istanbul, Turkey, and additional offices in Luxembourg, London, Bucharest, Kyiv, Moscow, and Almaty. The firm specializes in investments across Emerging Europe, Central Asia, and Turkey, targeting sectors such as manufacturing, food processing, consumer goods, business services, energy and infrastructure, telecommunications, media and technology, transport and logistics, and healthcare. Ceecat Capital focuses on companies with an EBITDA of EUR 2 million and above, and equity requirements ranging from EUR 10 million to EUR 30 million. Its investment strategy emphasizes supporting businesses that are well-positioned for growth in these dynamic markets.

Kazakhstan Potash Corporation Limited is a mineral exploration company focused on the identification, acquisition, exploration, and development of potash resources in Kazakhstan. The company owns interests in several key projects, including the Zhilyanskoye project, which spans 88 square kilometers in Aktobe Province, the Chelkarskoye project covering 779 square kilometers in northwestern Kazakhstan, and the Satimola deposit located in West Kazakhstan Province. Established in 2010 and based in Melbourne, Australia, Kazakhstan Potash aims to supply fertilizer products to both the burgeoning Chinese market and the domestic market in Kazakhstan, thereby contributing to the agricultural sector in the region.

Nostrum Oil & Gas is an independent oil and gas company focused on the production, development, and exploration of hydrocarbon resources in Kazakhstan. Operating primarily in the pre-Caspian basin in western Kazakhstan, the company produces crude oil, stabilized liquid condensate, liquefied petroleum gas, and dry gas. In addition to its production activities, Nostrum Oil & Gas manages the marketing and transportation of its products, utilizing a network of pipelines and terminals to deliver its offerings to a range of international customers. Through its licensed assets, the company plays a significant role in the regional energy sector.

VEON Ltd. is a global telecommunications company headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, that provides mobile and fixed-line services across various countries, including Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan. The company offers a wide range of voice and data telecommunication services, including mobile internet, multimedia messaging, national and international roaming, and various value-added services. It operates under well-known brands such as Beeline, Kyivstar, Jazz, Djezzy, and banglalink, serving approximately 212 million customers. VEON focuses on leveraging technology to deliver connectivity and digital services, thereby empowering individuals and fostering economic growth in the regions it serves. The company was founded in 1992 and underwent a rebranding from VimpelCom Ltd. to VEON Ltd. in 2017.

Yandex is a Russian internet and technology company, operating the largest search engine in Russia and the most visited website in the country. It develops and provides a range of internet-based services and products, including transportation services, navigation products, and mobile applications, all powered by machine learning. Yandex's services span search and portal, e-commerce, mobility, delivery, entertainment, classifieds, and media, generating revenue primarily from its search and portal segment in Russia, Belarus, and Kazakhstan.

Central Asia Metals plc is a mining and exploration company focused on the production of base metals. It operates primarily in Kazakhstan, where its Kounrad segment produces and sells copper cathode through an off-take arrangement with Traxys. Additionally, the company has a zinc and lead mine in North Macedonia known as Sasa, which supplies zinc and lead concentrate to two European smelters under a similar off-take agreement. The majority of the company's revenue is derived from its operations in Kazakhstan, particularly from the Kounrad segment. Central Asia Metals is committed to sustainable mining practices and aims to contribute positively to the regions in which it operates.

UFG Private Equity, established in 2005 and headquartered in Moscow, is a private equity firm focusing on growth capital and buyout investments in small to mid-sized companies across Russia and the CIS. It primarily targets companies in the financial services, healthcare, technology, consumer goods, and logistics sectors, with a specific focus on the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Belarus, and Kazakhstan. UFG typically invests between $15 million and $75 million, seeking a majority stake and aiming for a three to five-year exit. It also offers co-investment opportunities for larger deals.

QIWI is a company that operates electronic online payment systems primarily in Russia, Kazakhstan, Moldova, Belarus, Romania, and the United Arab Emirates. Founded in 2007 and based in Nicosia, Cyprus, it offers a range of services through its various segments, including Payment Services, Consumer Financial Services, and Small and Medium Enterprises. QIWI provides payment solutions via a network of approximately 111,000 kiosks and 23,000 terminals, enabling transactions through its proprietary software. Its key products include QIWI Wallet, an online and mobile payment processing system that facilitates payments to merchants and peer-to-peer transfers, as well as Visa-branded prepaid cards. The company also offers installment payment card systems under the SOVEST brand and digital banking services for retail customers through Rocketbank and for small and medium businesses through Tochka. QIWI's focus on innovation is further exemplified by its venture initiatives to support new business ideas.

DOMiNO Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2021 and headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The firm specializes in investing in high-tech and digital startups from Eastern Europe, Central Asia, and Turkey, with a mission to foster innovative solutions for modern challenges. DOMiNO Ventures focuses on a variety of sectors, including artificial intelligence, deep tech, cleantech, health tech, fintech, hr tech, edtech, game tech, cybersecurity, and life science. Operating globally, the firm has offices in several countries including Turkey, Estonia, Poland, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and is dedicated to supporting founders who aim to create a positive impact through their ventures.

White Hill Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2021 and located in Astana, Kazakhstan. The firm focuses on investing in fast-growing technology and IT companies across various stages and industries worldwide. With a team boasting over 20 years of investment experience in both local and global markets, White Hill Capital aims to identify and support innovative enterprises within the technology sector.

Al Hilal Bank is a 100% government-owned Islamic bank based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, established in 2007. The bank offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services through its Wholesale Banking Group, Personal Banking Group, and Treasury Banking Group segments. Its offerings include current and savings accounts, various financing solutions such as home, auto, and personal finance, as well as credit and debit cards. Al Hilal Bank also provides corporate banking services, wealth management, cash management, and Islamic insurance. The bank facilitates transactions through multiple channels including phone, SMS, and internet banking services. With branches in the UAE and Kazakhstan, Al Hilal Bank is recognized for its rapid growth and commitment to serving individual and institutional clients.

Impact Capital Global, founded in 2018 and based in Moscow, Russia, is a private equity investment firm focused on growth and expansion. The firm targets early-stage and growth-stage companies across various sectors. With a presence in markets such as Britain, Spain, Portugal, the UAE, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Armenia, Impact Capital is actively expanding its footprint through new branches and an affiliate program. Its diverse client base includes corporate entities such as funds, banks, and family offices, as well as individual investors with capital ranging from $50,000 to several billion dollars.

Chocofamily is the largest e-commerce holding company in Kazakhstan, founded in 2011. It operates eight leading projects, including Chocolife.me, Chocotravel, Aviata, Chocofood, Lensmark, Idoctor, Rakhmet, and BeSmart, each recognized in its respective sector. The company offers a variety of services such as daily deals, food delivery, and online travel, aimed at enhancing customers' quality of life. Chocofamily has garnered accolades, including the "Best Employer of Central Asia" award in 2017 and a position among the top ten of Forbes' "50 largest Internet companies." Over the past seven years, the company has experienced remarkable growth, with a turnover increase of 131 times. With an employee loyalty index of 81%, Chocofamily is committed to its mission of increasing the number of happy people through its diverse offerings.

Big Sky Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2022 and based in Astana, Kazakhstan. The firm focuses on investing in exceptional founders from emerging markets who are developing disruptive software as a service (SaaS) solutions for enterprises. Big Sky Capital operates under a "Founder First" mentality, emphasizing a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs throughout the early stages of company growth. Drawing from their experience as serial entrepreneurs, the team at Big Sky Capital aims to provide actionable support to founders, fostering an environment conducive to innovation and success.

Quest Ventures is a prominent venture capital firm based in Singapore, established in 2011. The firm is dedicated to fostering the digital economy across Asia, with a particular focus on sectors such as artificial intelligence, e-commerce, entertainment, finance, food, insurance, logistics, media, property, and sports. It has built a diverse portfolio that includes leading companies like 99.co, Carousell, and Shopback, among others. In addition to its investment activities, Quest Ventures collaborates with the Applied Innovation Institute to drive enterprise innovation and transformation in various industries, including aviation and smart cities. The firm also emphasizes social responsibility through its environment, social, and governance (ESG) strategy, supporting initiatives aimed at financial inclusion, gender equality, healthcare, and education. By the end of 2023, Quest Ventures' portfolio comprises over 100 companies operating in more than 150 cities, creating significant employment opportunities and contributing to the advancement of the region's economic potential.

International Finance Corporation (IFC), established in 1956, is a member of the World Bank Group dedicated to fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with global offices, IFC provides financial and advisory services to support economic activities across various sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, manufacturing, and financial services. It invests in both direct equity and debt, as well as fund investments, with a focus on projects that promote sustainable development and inclusive growth. IFC's investment range typically spans from $1 million to $100 million, with a minority equity stake, often up to 20%. It also offers debt financing, with loan sizes up to 25% of total project costs or 50% for expansion projects. IFC's portfolio includes a mix of asset-backed securities, corporate debt securities, government obligations, equity investments, and derivative assets. It aims to exit investments through domestic stock markets, arrangements with project sponsors, or public listings within 7 to 15 years.

Citi, a global financial services holding company, operates through two primary segments: Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG). The GCB segment caters to retail customers, offering traditional banking services, Citi-branded cards, and retail services. The ICG segment serves corporate, institutional, and high-net-worth clients, providing a wide range of banking, financial, and investment services. Citi also manages approximately $4.3 billion in equity investments and committed capital through its global emerging markets private equity arm, CVCI. Additionally, Citi Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, invests in innovative ideas across sectors like fintech, data analytics, and digital assets, fostering growth and collaboration with Citi colleagues, clients, and the broader innovation ecosystem.

Avito, established in 2007 by Jonas Nordlander and Filip Engelbert, is Russia's leading online classifieds platform. It facilitates the buying and selling of a wide array of items, including used cars, clothing, real estate, and collectibles, as well as services and event tickets. The platform connects buyers and sellers, enabling transactions without charging fees for ad placement, and caters primarily to small and medium-sized businesses.

Alchemist Accelerator, established in 2013 and based in San Francisco, is an accelerator focused on seed-stage startups that generate revenue from enterprises. It invests in the Internet-of-Things sector, offering a six-month program that provides up to $40,000 in seed funding, mentorship, and a structured path to traction and fundraising. Alchemist prioritizes distinctive technical co-founders and has backed around 75 enterprise-monetizing ventures annually since 2016, making it one of the top accelerators globally. Notable alumni include LaunchDarkly, Rigetti Quantum Computing, and Matternet.

Sberbank of Russia, founded in 1841 and headquartered in Moscow, is the largest credit institution in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). It offers a wide range of banking products and services to individuals, small businesses, corporate clients, and financial institutions. Its offerings include consumer and education loans, mortgages, deposit accounts, and various types of cards, as well as personal banking services, cash transfers, and foreign exchange. Sberbank also provides investment services, mutual funds, asset management, and insurance products for real estate and vehicles. With a significant market presence, it holds a substantial share of retail deposits and corporate loans in Russia. The bank operates an extensive network of branches and regional banks across the country and has a presence in 18 countries internationally. The Central Bank of the Russian Federation is the principal shareholder, owning over half of the bank's shares. Sberbank has evolved into a universal commercial bank, emphasizing corporate banking, retail banking, and investment banking in its operations.

Almak Capital is an independent investment firm based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in private equity and focuses on providing a diverse range of investment opportunities across both developed and emerging markets. Almak Capital targets several key industries, including oil and gas, solar energy, healthcare, and retail, aiming to capitalize on growth potential in these sectors.

Google for Startups is an initiative launched in 2011 that focuses on supporting startups globally by providing access to Google's products, connections, and best practices. The program partners with over fifty leading startup organizations to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems in more than 135 countries. It offers various resources, including financial support and exclusive programming, to help these partners and their startups thrive. Central to this initiative are six Google for Startups Campuses located in London, Tel Aviv, Seoul, Madrid, São Paulo, and Warsaw. These Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can access mentorship, educational resources, and networking opportunities within their local communities. Startups benefit from free workspaces, community events, and a network of like-minded entrepreneurs, all aimed at nurturing their growth and innovation across diverse sectors such as healthcare, retail, finance, and technology.

Baring Vostok Capital Partners, established in 1994, is a private equity firm headquartered in Moscow, Russia, with additional offices in Limassol, Cyprus, and Guernsey. The company invests in various stages of growth and across diverse sectors, including technology, media, natural resources, and consumer goods, primarily in Russia and the CIS region.

Startup Wise Guys, established in 2012 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia, is a leading early-stage investor and accelerator in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region and the Nordics. It offers a world-class, up to five-month accelerator program focused on validating, developing, and selling products to business customers, with a particular interest in Sustainability, B2B SaaS, Fintech, Cybersecurity, and XR sectors. The program, supported by over 200 international and local mentors, has accelerated more than 300 startups, with an 80% success and survival rate, and 11 major exits. Post-program, startups join an alumni community of over 300 startups across 40 countries, gaining access to invite-only events for business development and fundraising support.

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) is a global financial institution founded in 1869, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. It offers a wide range of services including personal and commercial banking, credit cards, insurance, investor and treasury services, capital markets, and wealth management. RBC caters to diverse sectors such as agriculture, automotive, clean technology, healthcare, and technology. RBC Ventures, established in 2017, is the corporate venture arm of RBC, focusing on seed, early, and later-stage investments in software, AI, machine learning, B2B payments, fintech, marketing technology, big data, cybersecurity, and e-commerce sectors.

Mahindra Partners, established in 2010, is the private equity and corporate venture capital arm of the Mahindra Group, with over USD 1 billion in assets under management. Based in Mumbai, India, with a presence in Silicon Valley, the company invests in early-stage technology startups in the US and growth-stage companies across sectors such as healthcare, clean-tech, renewables, consumer, and industrial in India. Its portfolio spans logistics, automotive components, and other sectors, reflecting the diversified interests of the Mahindra Group.

Heidrick & Struggles International is a recruiting and management consulting firm established in 1953 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company specializes in executive search and leadership consulting services across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Its offerings include the recruitment and management of senior executives for board and executive management positions, as well as leadership consulting that encompasses succession planning, talent retention, executive assessments, and development. Additionally, the firm provides transition consulting for newly appointed executives and M&A human capital integration consulting. Heidrick & Struggles serves a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 1000 companies, major non-U.S. organizations, middle market firms, governmental entities, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations, across various industries such as healthcare, financial services, technology, and private equity.

Tiger Global Management, established in 2001 by Charles Coleman, is a global investment firm headquartered in New York. It specializes in both public and private equity investments, focusing on companies that drive growth through technological innovation. The firm's public equity strategy encompasses long/short and growth-oriented investments, while its private equity arm targets early to late-stage companies across diverse industries. Tiger Global takes a long-term view, collaborating with portfolio companies throughout their lifecycle to identify and capitalize on high-quality growth opportunities worldwide, with a particular focus on emerging markets like China, India, and Latin America.

One of the priorities of Internet Initiatives Development Fund (IIDF) is financial and expert support to startups in their early development stages. IIDF has invested in 402 tech startups. The Fund invests between 2.5M and 324M rubles in tech companies at early stages, i.e. pre-seed, seed and series A. The Fund also plans to launch a variety of educational programs and to perform a number of legislative initiatives. These steps will help to increase transparency and ensure effective cooperation between entrepreneurs, investors, and state agencies in the field of venture capital investments in Russian online-projects. IIDF's mission is to make Russia more attractive for tech enterpreneurs. They want to make the Russian venture market understandable and accessible to anyone who wants to begin or grow their Internet businesses.

BASF, established in 1865, is the world's largest chemical company, operating globally with a top-three market position in approximately 70% of its businesses. Its portfolio spans the full chemical spectrum, from commodities to specialties, including agricultural chemicals and emissions control catalysts. BASF Venture Capital, founded in 2001, is the company's corporate venture capital arm. It invests worldwide in promising startups and funds relevant to BASF's current and future business fields, focusing on innovations in chemistry, new materials, sustainability, digitization, and new business models. The firm supports its portfolio companies by leveraging BASF's global research, partnership, and customer networks. BASF Venture Capital is headquartered in Ludwigshafen, Germany, with additional offices in San Francisco, Boston, Shanghai, Sao Paulo, and Tel Aviv.

QPDigital is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and located in Kyiv, Ukraine. The firm specializes in investing in emerging technologies, focusing on sectors such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, digital healthcare, information technology, logistics, and gaming. QPDigital aims to enhance the business models of its portfolio companies by providing support in client acquisition, optimizing technical infrastructure, and facilitating connections with top industry providers. The firm is dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within its targeted sectors.

Citigroup Inc. is a global financial services holding company headquartered in New York City, established in 1812. It offers a comprehensive range of financial products and services to consumers, corporations, governments, and institutions across North America, Latin America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The company operates through two main segments: Global Consumer Banking (GCB) and Institutional Clients Group (ICG). The GCB segment provides traditional banking services, including retail banking, credit card offerings, and investment services, utilizing a network of branches and electronic platforms. Meanwhile, the ICG segment delivers wholesale banking solutions, such as corporate lending, investment banking, securities services, and cash management, catering to corporate and institutional clients, as well as high-net-worth individuals. As of the latest data, Citigroup operates thousands of branches, primarily in the United States, Mexico, and Asia, reinforcing its role as a significant player in the global financial landscape.

Intel Corporation, established in 1968, is a global leader in semiconductor chip manufacturing. The company designs, manufactures, and sells essential technologies for cloud, smart, and connected devices worldwide. Intel operates through various segments, offering platform products like central processing units and chipsets, and non-platform products such as accelerators, connectivity products, and memory and storage solutions. Additionally, Intel provides Internet of Things products and computer vision technology. Serving original equipment manufacturers, original design manufacturers, and cloud service providers, Intel collaborates with other tech giants to advance computing and communications. Intel Capital, the company's strategic investment arm, invests in innovative startups targeting cloud, AI, 5G, and other disruptive technologies. With a workforce of over 100,000 employees globally, Intel is transforming from a PC-centric company to a data-centric one, powering the future of computing and communications.

Runa Capital, established in 2010, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Moscow, Russia, with a focus on early-stage technology investments. The firm manages three funds, totaling $405 million, and invests in rapidly growing tech sectors such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and SaaS. Runa Capital seeks to support growth-stage businesses that generate revenues, helping them expand globally and become international champions. The firm's investment size typically ranges from $1 million to $10 million per company, with an average investment of $3 million to $5 million. Runa Capital's team comprises successful entrepreneurs with extensive operational and investment experience, spanning various industries and geographies, including North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Brinc is an accelerator firm founded in 2014 and headquartered in Hong Kong, with additional offices in Poland, China, Spain, Australia, India, and Bahrain. The firm accelerates startups that focus on a diverse range of sectors, including blockchain technology, alternative protein, health technology, agritech, smart cities, clean technology, food technology, logistics, mobility, proptech, and fintech. Brinc operates 15 multidisciplinary accelerator programs across seven countries, aiming to foster a sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future. The company also develops training programs in China for incubators, accelerators, and investment firms, enhancing the overall quality of startups in the region and facilitating future investment opportunities. Brinc collaborates with various global corporations, government organizations, and educational institutions, providing support in distributed innovation and venture-building. As a leader in venture acceleration, Brinc strives to create impactful relationships that align equity interests between startups and their investors.

LETA Capital, established in 2012 and headquartered in the Cayman Islands, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage software startups. The company invests in both B2B and B2C businesses, with a preference for those in the information technology, big data, robotics, and related sectors. LETA Capital provides funding, typically ranging from $0.5 million to $5 million, to support innovative startups in their seed or early growth stages, primarily in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Israel. The firm's third fund, launched in 2021, is currently in an active investment period until 2024. LETA Capital aims for long-term cooperation with talented teams, seeking to foster the growth of ambitious entrepreneurs.

Abu Dhabi Investment Council (ADIC), established in 2007, is an investment arm of the Government of Abu Dhabi. It manages a globally diversified portfolio, investing in various asset classes to generate positive capital returns. ADIC's investment strategy includes public and private equity, fixed income, real estate, infrastructure, and global special situations. It employs active investment strategies, co-investments, and direct investments, with a focus on the MENA region. ADIC also provides support functions such as accounting, human resources, information technology, and general services.

S4 Capital is a digital advertising and marketing services company dedicated to creating a purely digital business model. It focuses on integrating leading companies across three key practice areas: first-party data, digital content, and digital media planning and buying. The firm's strategy emphasizes delivering faster and more cost-effective solutions in a consumer-driven market. S4 Capital operates through three main segments: Content, Data & Digital Media, and Technology Services, aiming to serve a diverse clientele that includes global, regional, and local brands, as well as millennial-focused influencer brands.

Visa is an American multinational financial services company that specializes in electronic payment systems globally. As the largest payment processor in the world, Visa facilitates the transfer of value and information among financial institutions, merchants, consumers, businesses, and government entities. In fiscal 2023, the company processed nearly $15 trillion in total volume, operating in over 200 countries and handling transactions in more than 160 currencies. Visa's advanced systems can process over 65,000 transactions per second, underscoring its significant role in the global payments landscape.

CITIC Capital, established in 2002, is a global alternative investment management and advisory company headquartered in Hong Kong. It specializes in private equity and real estate investments, primarily in China, the United States, and Japan. The firm is majority-owned by China Investment Corporation (CIC), China's sovereign wealth fund, and CITIC Group. In 2012, Qatar Holding, an investment company of Qatar Investment Authority, acquired a significant minority stake, further diversifying the ownership.

Accor is a global hospitality company that operates over 821,000 rooms across approximately 50 hotel brands, catering to various market segments from luxury to economy. The company's brand portfolio includes well-known names such as Ibis, which is the largest, accounting for 35% of total rooms, followed by Mercure and Novotel. Accor's operations have shifted towards an asset-light model, with a significant portion of its earnings derived from managed and franchised hotels, particularly following the sale of most of its owned assets in 2018-2019. The company maintains a strong presence in Europe and North Africa, which collectively represent 44% of its room offerings, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 34%, the Americas for 13%, and the remaining 10% is spread across India, the Middle East, and Africa. Accor also extends its services beyond accommodation, offering entertainment, dining, coworking solutions, and business services to enhance guest experiences and operational performance.

Naxicap Partners, established in 1971 and headquartered in Paris, France, is a private equity firm specializing in leveraged buyouts and growth capital investments. It operates across various sectors, focusing on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies in the business-to-business (B2B) sector. Naxicap is committed to being an active and supportive financial partner, providing practical assistance and effective strategies to its portfolio companies during both growth and challenging periods.

Dragon Capital is a prominent Ukrainian financial services firm established in 2000, headquartered in Limassol, Cyprus. The company provides a wide range of investment and financial services, including equities and fixed-income sales, trading and research, investment banking, private equity, and asset management to institutional, corporate, and private clients. Dragon Capital has a significant presence in the Ukrainian stock and debt markets, executing a substantial portion of the country's transactions and advising leading corporates and banks on debt financing through local bonds, Eurobonds, and structured finance. The firm's investment banking capabilities encompass domestic and cross-border mergers and acquisitions, initial public offerings, private placements, and various debt financing solutions. With a successful track record in private equity investments across various sectors in Ukraine, Dragon Capital has garnered a reputation for excellence, receiving multiple awards for its equity research and investment banking services. The company has completed over 100 capital-raising and advisory deals, contributing significantly to the development of the Ukrainian financial landscape.

Avrio Capital Inc. is a venture capital and private equity investment firm based in Alberta, Canada, with additional offices in Ontario and Quebec. Established in 2006, the firm specializes in investing in commercialization to growth-stage companies, focusing on later-stage, early-stage, mid-venture, middle-market, and emerging growth businesses. Avrio Capital targets companies in sectors such as food technology, advanced agriculture, industrial bioproducts, and nutraceutical ingredients, particularly those addressing global challenges in health, wellness, and sustainability. The firm typically invests between CAD $1 million and CAD $10 million in companies with sales values ranging from CAD $1 million to CAD $20 million, reserving significant capital for future financing rounds. Avrio Capital takes an active role in its investments, aiming to support the long-term growth of its portfolio companies throughout their development.

TotalEnergies, formerly known as Total, is a multinational energy company headquartered in France. With operations in over 130 countries and a workforce of approximately 93,000 employees, the company is involved in every aspect of the energy industry. TotalEnergies explores for, produces, and markets oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables, and electricity. It also has a significant presence in chemicals. The company is committed to diversifying its energy sources to meet growing demand and is actively investing in renewable energy projects, such as solar and biofuels. TotalEnergies Ventures, the company's venture capital arm, focuses on funding and fostering start-ups that contribute to a low carbon future, with interests including renewables, energy storage, and the circular economy.

Penske Media Corporation is a digital media, publishing, and information services company headquartered in Los Angeles, California, with additional offices in New York, London, Paris, Moscow, Mumbai, and Hong Kong. Founded in 2003, the company produces a diverse range of content that spans various sectors, including entertainment, fashion, beauty, technology, and lifestyle. It offers a variety of platforms for its audiences, including video strategy and production services, industry trend reporting, and analysis of products in the mobile and gadget sector. Penske Media also provides commentary on the restaurant and retail industries, as well as specialized content for Bollywood news, cricket, and Hollywood. Its portfolio includes publications and digital channels dedicated to men’s and women’s fashion, health advice, and entertainment news, thereby reaching global audiences and influencers across multiple media formats.