Duke Energy is a major utility company based in Charlotte, North Carolina, providing electric and natural gas services to approximately 8.2 million customers across the United States. The company operates regulated utilities in the Carolinas, Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Kentucky, and has roughly 35,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity. In addition to its core services, Duke Energy manages natural gas distribution for over 1.6 million customers in Ohio and Kentucky. The company also owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including a significant portfolio of renewable energy projects in North America and Latin America. Through its efforts, Duke Energy aims to deliver energy in a sustainable manner while contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of the communities it serves.

Triangle Tweener Fund, established in 2021 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage, high-technology startups within the Triangle area, which includes Raleigh, Durham, and surrounding regions. The firm aims to build a comprehensive index of private company investments that meet its specific 'Tweener List' criteria, targeting promising ventures at a critical stage of their development. By concentrating on seed and early-stage investments, Triangle Tweener Fund seeks to support the growth of innovative companies that have the potential to contribute significantly to the local economy and the tech landscape.

NC IDEA is a nonprofit organization based in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 2005 to support entrepreneurs in starting and growing high-potential companies. It primarily focuses on providing early financing through competitive grants, particularly targeting young, innovative companies in sectors such as biotechnology, cleantech, healthcare information technology, and software. NC IDEA emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion in its initiatives and works to serve as a catalyst for the development of technology-driven businesses in the region. In addition to financial support, the organization offers various programs and leverages a network of strategic partners to assist entrepreneurs during critical stages of their ventures.

The North Carolina Biotechnology Center, established in 1981, is a private, non-profit organization based in Durham, North Carolina. It is funded by the North Carolina General Assembly with the mission of enhancing biotechnology research, business, and education across the state. Rather than serving as a laboratory for research, the Center focuses on fostering job creation and strengthening the biotechnology sector by providing support and resources to industry stakeholders. Through its initiatives, the Center aims to generate economic and societal benefits for the region, contributing to the advancement of biotechnology in North Carolina.

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.

Hatteras Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 2000. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage and emerging growth companies, primarily within the life sciences and healthcare sectors. Its investment focus includes biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, diagnostics, healthcare IT, and related technologies that enhance human health. Hatteras Venture Partners aims to support companies located in research-driven and capital-underserved regions, particularly in the Mid Atlantic and Southeastern United States. The firm typically makes initial investments ranging from $0.5 million to $4 million, with total investments reaching between $5 million and $20 million. The team at Hatteras Venture Partners possesses extensive operational experience and a successful track record, enabling them to effectively enhance the value of their portfolio companies.

VentureSouth is a venture capital firm based in Greenville, South Carolina, specializing in startup and early-stage investments. The firm focuses primarily on manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare sectors, targeting opportunities in the Southeastern United States, particularly the Carolinas and surrounding areas. Since its founding, VentureSouth has developed a network of over 550 investors through various angel investment groups, making it one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country. The firm typically invests between $0.25 million and $2 million for a preferred equity stake of 15% to 35%, aiming for companies that can potentially deliver a 50% annualized rate of return within a 3-5 year timeframe. VentureSouth does not engage in common equity or debt investments, and it rarely invests in convertible debt.

Cofounders Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2015 and located in Cary, North Carolina. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, focusing primarily on business-to-business software companies, particularly in the Southeast region. Cofounders Capital engages with entrepreneurs to refine their business ideas and facilitate the market introduction of their solutions. The firm typically invests around $0.3 million and prefers to acquire minority stakes in the startups it supports. Managed by experienced entrepreneurs and supported by a network of over a hundred advisors and mentors, Cofounders Capital aims to foster entrepreneurship and enhance the success of its portfolio companies.

IDEA Fund Partners is a venture capital firm based in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, founded in 2007. As one of the oldest and most active early-stage investment firms in the Southeast, it focuses on investing in entrepreneurs who leverage technology and innovative business models to disrupt industries at their earliest stages. The firm emphasizes funding opportunities that target underserved populations, regions, and developmental stages, with particular interest in sectors such as technology, software, automation, big data, and healthcare. IDEA Fund Partners operates as a Registered Investment Adviser, reflecting its commitment to providing strategic support to its portfolio companies.

SOSV is a global venture capital firm based in Princeton, New Jersey, founded in 1995. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on deep technology innovations that address human and planetary health. The firm operates startup development programs, notably HAX and IndieBio, which provide resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate the growth of promising startups. SOSV supports companies from their inception through various funding stages, including seed and series A rounds, while offering ongoing assistance to help them scale and attract additional investors. By concentrating on revolutionary technologies and cross-border markets, particularly in Asia, SOSV aims to foster significant advancements that benefit humanity and the environment.

Alexandria Venture Investments, LLC is a venture capital firm established in 1996 and located in Pasadena, California. As a subsidiary of Alexandria Real Estate Equities, the firm specializes in seed, early-stage, and growth capital investments primarily within the healthcare sector. Its focus areas include biopharma, diagnostics, life sciences, research tools, agrifood technology, and technology. By leveraging its extensive industry expertise and a robust network of relationships with leading investors and scientific advisors, Alexandria Venture Investments aims to support innovative companies that are developing breakthrough technologies and therapies to enhance human health.

Rex Health Ventures, established in 2012 and based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the corporate venture capital arm of UNC REX Healthcare. The organization focuses on supporting the discovery and development of innovative healthcare solutions, including treatments, tools, products, and services. By investing in and collaborating with entrepreneurs and companies, Rex Health Ventures aims to facilitate the introduction of new offerings into the healthcare marketplace. The firm targets seed-stage, early-stage, and later-stage investments primarily in the healthcare, software as a service, life sciences, and health technology sectors within the United States. Through its strategic initiatives, Rex Health Ventures is committed to enhancing patient care and addressing the challenges faced by early-stage healthcare startups.

Bull City Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, particularly in sectors such as software, health information technology, mobile, e-commerce, and digital media. Bull City Venture Partners focuses on the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States but is open to opportunities in other areas as well. The firm evaluates potential investments based on their innovation and growth potential, often seeking to take a board seat and lead efforts to secure additional capital for growth rounds. By providing both capital and strategic support, Bull City Venture Partners aims to foster the development of its portfolio companies.

IndieBio, founded in 2014 and based in San Francisco, is the world’s first accelerator dedicated to startups that leverage biology to address significant global challenges. As part of SOSV, a global venture capital firm, IndieBio focuses on nurturing seed-stage and early-stage companies across various sectors, including healthcare, life sciences, biotechnology, and consumer products. The accelerator provides funding and support to innovative ventures aiming to create impactful solutions in areas such as pharmaceuticals, oncology, and advanced manufacturing. By fostering emerging technologies and biological applications, IndieBio plays a crucial role in advancing the next generation of startups that seek to make a positive difference in society.

SECU Foundation is a charitable organization funded by the contributions of SECU members, to help identify and address community issues and promote local and community development in North Carolina primarily through high-impact projects in the areas of education, housing, healthcare, and human services.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is a leading biomedical research facility in the United States, operating under the Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1887 and based in Bethesda, Maryland, NIH is the primary agency responsible for biomedical and health-related research in the country. It comprises 27 separate institutes and centers, each focusing on different disciplines within biomedical science. NIH conducts its own scientific research through the Intramural Research Program and provides significant funding for research at external institutions via the Extramural Research Program. With a workforce that includes 1,200 principal investigators and over 4,000 postdoctoral fellows, NIH has been instrumental in major medical breakthroughs, such as the development of vaccines for hepatitis and human papillomavirus, as well as the discovery of treatments for various health conditions. As the world's largest source of medical research funding, NIH continues to advance scientific knowledge and contribute to public health improvements.

Battery Ventures is a Boston-based investment firm founded in 1983 that specializes in technology-focused investments. The firm targets category-defining businesses across various sectors, including application software, IT infrastructure, consumer internet and mobile services, industrial technologies, and life science tools. By identifying and supporting innovative companies within these markets, Battery Ventures aims to foster growth and development in the technology landscape. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm combines expertise and strategic insight to guide its investment decisions.

The Carlyle Group is a global alternative asset manager founded in 1987, specializing in private equity, real assets, and investment solutions. The firm invests in both early and later-stage companies across various sectors, focusing on leveraged buyouts, venture and growth capital, real estate, and leveraged finance investments. Carlyle aims to achieve attractive risk-adjusted returns by investing significant capital into businesses and management teams, emphasizing long-term value creation strategies to enhance the potential of its portfolio companies. Through its diverse investment approach, Carlyle seeks to deliver substantial capital appreciation and maintain a strong presence in the global financial markets.

Triangle Angel Partners invests time, analysis, and money into early life cycle companies in the high-tech and life sciences industries. It invests in early-stage companies in and around North Carolina’s Research Triangle Park. Its members provide counseling, mentoring and access to an extensive network of potential investors, customers, strategic partners and management talent. Triangle Angel Partners is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2012 by Craig Stone.

Intersouth Partners is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, established in 1985. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily within the technology and life sciences sectors. In technology, Intersouth focuses on areas such as software, semiconductors, communications, digital media, clean technology, and security. In the life sciences domain, its investment interests include medical devices, biopharmaceuticals, agricultural biotechnology, and biomaterials. The firm typically avoids sectors like airline, apparel, broadcasting, consumer products, energy, entertainment, environmental, industrial, manufacturing, oil and gas, publishing, real estate, and restaurants. Intersouth seeks to invest between $0.5 million and $8 million in companies located across the Southeast, particularly in the region from Baltimore to Florida, and aims for total investments averaging $12 million through various financing rounds. The firm prefers to obtain a board seat in its portfolio companies and typically looks to exit investments within two to six years. With a track record of investing in over 100 private companies, Intersouth Partners is recognized as one of the largest venture capital firms in North Carolina and the Southeast.

Sapphire Ventures is a global software venture capital firm dedicated to partnering with innovative management teams and venture funds to develop significant companies. Founded in 1996 and becoming an independent entity in 2011, Sapphire has invested in over 170 companies worldwide, resulting in more than 30 public listings and 45 acquisitions. With over $11 billion in assets under management and a presence in Austin, London, Menlo Park, and San Francisco, Sapphire Ventures focuses on scaling companies and enhancing their potential to become category leaders. The firm employs a Portfolio Growth team of experienced operators who provide strategic support, resources, and tools to help portfolio companies thrive in competitive markets. Additionally, Sapphire Sport, a specialized investment platform within the firm, targets early-stage investments at the intersection of sports, media, and entertainment technology, addressing emerging opportunities in the sports technology sector.

Orlando Health is a prominent private, not-for-profit healthcare network located in Orlando, Florida. It serves nearly two million residents of Central Florida, along with approximately 4,500 international visitors each year. The organization is recognized for its comprehensive range of facilities, advanced medical treatments, and a highly qualified staff, positioning it as a leader in the healthcare sector. Orlando Health is committed to delivering high-quality care and improving health outcomes in the community it serves.

Silicon Valley Bank is a commercial bank headquartered in Santa Clara, California, that specializes in providing financial services to technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity, and premium wine businesses. Established in 2023, the bank offers a range of services including banking for startups, debt financing, treasury management, and international banking. With 27 offices across the United States and operations in several international locations, Silicon Valley Bank combines industry expertise with a global network to support its clients' strategic needs and enhance their chances of success. The bank is recognized for its commitment to innovation and client service, making it a notable institution in the financial landscape.

The Aurora Funds, Inc. is a venture capital firm based in Cary, North Carolina, with an additional office in Durham. Founded in 1994, the firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily in healthcare and information technology sectors. In healthcare, it focuses on biotechnology, therapeutics, medical devices, healthcare services, and healthcare information technology. In the information technology sector, its interests include internet infrastructure, software, data communications, semiconductors, and emerging technologies like photonics and nanotechnology. The firm targets investments in companies located in the Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States, typically making initial investments ranging from $50,000 to $2.5 million. As companies mature, The Aurora Funds generally invests between $4 million and $8 million across multiple financing rounds, aiming for companies with enterprise values between $2 million and $40 million and EBITDA up to $75 million. The firm prefers to take a lead or co-lead role in investments and secure a board seat in its portfolio companies.

Alumni Ventures Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, as well as late-stage pre-IPO opportunities, with a flexible approach that is sector and geographic agnostic. Alumni Ventures aims to provide high-quality, diversified venture portfolios to individual investors, particularly accredited alumni from top entrepreneurial schools, who may not have had access to venture capital previously. The firm focuses on backing companies that have an alumni connection and are led by established institutional investors with expertise in their respective fields. Additionally, Alumni Ventures offers focused funds that enable accredited investors to access a diverse portfolio of investments across various types, sectors, stages, and geographies.

US Department of Energy is a government agency that regulates energy policy, research, and development. The Energy Department's mission is to ensure America’s security and prosperity by addressing its energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through transformative science and technology solutions.

Service Provider Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and located in Golden, Colorado. The firm focuses on co-investing in seed and series A rounds, primarily in collaboration with institutional venture funds. It targets a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, cannabis, cybersecurity, e-commerce, education technology, fintech, hardware, information technology, robotics, and health. By concentrating on these industries, Service Provider Capital aims to support innovative companies at critical stages of their development.

Kohlberg Kravis Roberts is a prominent global investment firm that specializes in managing a diverse range of alternative asset classes, including private equity, energy, infrastructure, real estate, and credit, as well as hedge funds through strategic partnerships. Founded in 1976, the firm focuses on generating attractive investment returns by employing a disciplined and patient investment approach. KKR is committed to driving growth and value creation in its portfolio companies while aligning its interests with those of its investment partners. The firm also provides comprehensive human resources services to enhance operational effectiveness. With a presence in multiple countries, including India and Japan, KKR continues to leverage its extensive expertise and industry knowledge to deliver value across its investment strategies.

OSF Ventures, founded in 2015 and based in Peoria, Illinois, is the corporate venture arm of OSF HealthCare. It focuses on investing in companies that aim to enhance patient outcomes, improve patient experiences, and lower healthcare costs. OSF Ventures adopts a collaborative approach, combining financial investment with strategic partnerships to foster innovation in health information technology, medical devices, therapeutics, diagnostics, and technology-enabled delivery sectors. The organization is rooted in the mission and values of OSF HealthCare, emphasizing compassion, integrity, teamwork, and stewardship. By employing principles of humble curiosity and thoughtful risk-taking, OSF Ventures seeks to challenge conventional practices and advocate for more compassionate healthcare solutions for all.

J.P. Morgan is a leading financial institution that provides a diverse range of services to its clients. The company specializes in asset management, commercial banking, investment banking, merchant services, securities services, treasury and payments, and wealth management. With a comprehensive global product platform, J.P. Morgan offers tailored solutions to meet the needs of various clients, including corporations, institutions, and individuals. Additionally, the firm has a focus on commodity risk management, providing essential services in both physical and financial markets. Through its extensive expertise and resources, J.P. Morgan aims to deliver innovative financial solutions while maintaining a commitment to client service.

Wolfpack Investor Network (WIN) is an angel investing platform that connects the entrepreneurial community and alumni network of North Carolina State University. Focused on empowering innovative private companies, WIN exclusively invests in portfolio companies that have an affiliation with NC State and are based in the United States. By leveraging its extensive network, WIN fosters collaboration and support among entrepreneurs and investors, aiming to drive the growth of businesses that are poised to shape the future.

GE Capital Equity was the private equity investment arm of General Electric, focusing on maximizing returns through strategic equity investments. The firm specialized in acquiring minority ownership stakes in established companies with significant growth potential across various sectors, including healthcare, energy, transportation, and aviation. GE Capital Equity leveraged its extensive industry expertise and global reach to identify and support strong management teams in these high-growth areas. By engaging in investment opportunities such as growth capital, buy-out co-investments, and recapitalizations, the firm aimed to foster sustainable value creation and enhance the overall performance of its portfolio companies.

Greycroft is a venture capital firm that specializes in technology start-ups, focusing primarily on the Internet and mobile sectors. With offices in New York and Los Angeles, Greycroft is strategically positioned to support entrepreneurs in these key business hubs. The firm utilizes a vast network of connections within the media and technology industries to help entrepreneurs increase visibility, establish strategic partnerships, and successfully bring their products to market. Since its inception, Greycroft has made over 200 investments totaling more than $1 billion, backing notable companies such as Acorns, App Annie, Bird, and Venmo. Additionally, Greycroft is committed to promoting diversity in the venture capital space, as evidenced by its adoption of the Diversity Term Sheet Rider.

Pappas Capital, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, with an additional office in San Diego, California. Founded in 1994, the firm specializes in investments within the life sciences sector, focusing on biotechnology, biopharmaceuticals, drug delivery, medical devices, and related fields. Pappas Capital primarily targets companies in various stages of development, particularly those preparing for human clinical trials or progressing through Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies. The firm invests across North America, particularly in California and the East Coast, including the Research Triangle area of North Carolina, while also exploring opportunities in Texas, Indiana, Montreal, and Asia. Investment sizes range from $0.1 million for seed deals to $6 million for later-stage transactions, with Pappas Capital often acting as a lead or co-lead investor for its portfolio companies. The firm also operates through Pappas Ventures, which serves as its main venture arm, alongside specialized fund management and partnerships with research universities to advance scientific discoveries.

First Citizens Bank helps customers do more with money. It is a full-service banking institution, Its parent company, First Citizens BancShares, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCNCA), has more than $35 billion in assets. First Citizens is now a family-controlled bank, with a record of stable leadership few institutions can rival. First Citizens Bank provides banking services, essential business and professional services, wealth management capabilities, and a full-service telephone bank, and sophisticated online and mobile banking offerings. The company is committed to reflecting the rich diversity of the communities where it does business. It strives to encourage associates to accomplish their full potential by contributing to business success and service excellence. The security of financial information is among the company's priorities. First Citizens Bank was founded in 1898 and is headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Google is a technology company primarily known for its search engine that helps users locate information across the internet. In addition to search, it offers a range of services, including Gmail for email communication, Google Drive for cloud storage, and productivity tools such as Google Docs and Google Sheets. The company also provides advertising solutions through Google Ads and operates the video-sharing platform YouTube. Furthermore, Google develops the Android mobile operating system and engages in research and innovation in artificial intelligence and machine learning through its dedicated division, Google AI. This focus on advancing technology underpins its diverse portfolio of products and services.

Madrona Venture Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on the information technology sector. Its investment portfolio includes companies involved in e-commerce, digital media, advertising, software, gaming, data analytics, mobile technologies, and infrastructure. Madrona actively seeks to invest between $2 million and $10 million, often as a lead investor, and aims to take board positions in its portfolio companies. The firm is particularly interested in businesses that are aligned with the Future of Work and the low-code/no-code development areas, primarily targeting opportunities within the Pacific Northwest region.

Good Growth Capital is a venture capital firm based in Charleston, South Carolina, specializing in early-stage investments in transformative science and technology companies. The firm focuses on sectors such as life sciences, data sciences, and greentech/hard sciences, aiming to deliver exceptional returns for its investors. Good Growth Capital is known for its ability to source, assess, and invest in innovative businesses that are poised for growth, particularly in software, healthcare technology systems, materials and resources, and energy sectors. The firm emphasizes a strategic approach to identifying opportunities that leverage cutting-edge advancements to drive positive change and economic value.

Piedmont Capital Investments is a venture capital firm established in 2020 and located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The firm specializes in investing in transformative companies within the science and technology sectors. By focusing on innovative and impactful businesses, Piedmont Capital Investments aims to support the growth and development of ventures that have the potential to make significant contributions to their respective industries.

SJF Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, with additional offices in San Francisco and New York. The firm specializes in providing growth capital to early and mid-stage companies, primarily focusing on sectors such as resource efficiency, sustainability, and technology-enhanced services. SJF Ventures invests between $3 million and $10 million in companies with annual sales ranging from $2 million to $30 million and aims for rapid sales growth and strong profitability. It targets specific areas including energy efficiency, smart grid technologies, sustainable agriculture, health and wellness technologies, and digital media services. The firm is selective in its investment approach, seeking to partner with entrepreneurs dedicated to creating positive societal impacts through their businesses. SJF Ventures typically prefers to take a board seat in its portfolio companies and aims for exits within five years through strategic mergers or initial public offerings. Founded in 1999, SJF Ventures emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and innovation in its investment strategy.

Carousel Capital is a private investment firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in investing in companies located in the Southeastern United States, focusing on three key sectors: business services, consumer products and services, and healthcare services. Carousel Capital has built a strong reputation for partnering with management teams to develop and enhance companies with aspirations for national and global reach. Its investor base includes institutional investors and a distinguished group of over one hundred current and former Chief Executive Officers, who contribute valuable insights and strategic support while aiding in opportunity sourcing. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Carousel Capital is committed to fostering growth and innovation within its portfolio companies.

Alamosʼ core focus as a gold producer is to be a leader in growing low-cost production, a leader in financial performance, and a leader in delivering shareholder value. Alamos has consistently achieved these key objectives throughout its history and they remain the focus of our strategy going forward. Alamos, through the strength of its employees, has earned a reputation as a highly efficient, profitable mining company with significant growth potential. We believe people are the key to our success. This begins with employing some of the most talented people in the industry and treating our people – from management on down – in a way that assures we’ll get the best they have to offer. Our commitment to principles of sustainable development has been a critical factor in this success, and we are proud of the contributions that Alamos has made to our host and neighboring communities over the years, many of which are described in the Sustainability section of this site. Our commitment to principles of sustainable development is consistent with the Company’s core values – respect, equality, honesty and accountability – and our performance in this area is a critical part of how we measure our success as an organization.

Excelerate Health Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Durham, North Carolina, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in early-stage investments within the healthcare sector, focusing on healthcare software and digital health technologies. With a particular emphasis on B2B models, Excelerate Health Ventures aims to nurture companies that offer tech-enabled healthcare services and solutions. The firm distinguishes itself by leveraging a network of investors who are decision-makers from various segments of the healthcare industry, including pharmaceuticals, providers, and payers, to facilitate the adoption and revenue growth of its portfolio companies. Through this strategic approach, Excelerate Health Ventures seeks to accelerate innovation and enhance the overall efficacy of healthcare delivery.

Intel Corporation is a leading technology company founded in 1968, known for its innovation in silicon design, manufacturing, and integrated digital technology platforms. The company plays a pivotal role in advancing computing and communications by providing powerful processors, accelerators, and data-centric solutions that enhance performance, power, and connectivity across a wide range of applications. Intel's commitment to transforming data into actionable insights is evident in its diverse offerings, which include advancements in artificial intelligence, 5G, and autonomous technologies. With a global workforce of approximately 107,000 employees, Intel strives to create transformative products that shape the future of technology and improve everyday life. Through its research arm, Intel Labs, the company continues to pioneer new technologies, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of innovation in the tech industry.

CFV Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm established in 2017 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina. It specializes in investing in companies within the fintech sector, focusing on innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of financial technology. As a part of RevTech Labs, CFV Ventures aims to support and foster growth in emerging fintech businesses, providing not just capital but also strategic guidance to help them navigate the complexities of the financial landscape.

Ridgemont Equity Partners is a private equity firm founded in 1993 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, with an additional office in Dallas, Texas. The firm specializes in direct investments, focusing primarily on middle-market buyouts and growth equity. Ridgemont invests across various sectors, including industrial services, energy, healthcare, technology, telecommunications, and media. Within healthcare, the firm targets areas such as behavioral health, specialty distribution, and physician services. In the environmental and infrastructure sector, it seeks investments in services related to water management and energy transition. Ridgemont also emphasizes technology investments in software and telecom infrastructure. The firm typically invests between $25 million and $250 million in companies with EBITDA ranging from $5 million to $50 million, preferring to hold majority or minority stakes and to lead equity investments for growth through acquisitions. Ridgemont focuses its efforts primarily in North America, including the United States, Canada, Central America, and the Caribbean, with an investment horizon of three to seven years.

One Better Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2013 and located in Raleigh, North Carolina. The company focuses on nurturing and developing consumer brands that positively impact society. It provides advisory services, investment, and incubation for mission-driven ventures that feature sustainable business models. One Better Ventures has a notable history of building successful businesses, including Burt’s Bees and Seventh Generation. Currently, the firm collaborates with innovative ventures such as Leesa Sleep and Filter Easy, positioning itself as a principled and patient investor and operating partner. Committed to corporate citizenship, One Better Ventures allocates 10% of its profits to charitable donations and another 10% to an employee bonus pool, reflecting its dedication to service and community engagement.

The Startup Factory is an accelerator investing in seed capital and startups. The firm offers $50,000 for a 7.5% equity in the companies. It also has a three month program. For companies that complete The Startup Factory's program get between $20,000 and $150,000 in the form of a convertible note. The Startup Factory is based in Durham, North Carolina.

Duke Capital Partners is a venture capital investment firm based in Durham, North Carolina, established in 2015. The firm focuses on investing in the consumer and life science sectors, aiming to support innovative companies in these fields. In addition to its investment activities, Duke Capital Partners is committed to educating the next generation of investment professionals and startup founders through its associate program. This initiative not only fosters talent but also enhances the overall ecosystem for emerging businesses.

Oval Park Capital they give services for industries such as healthcare, financial, cybersecurity, agricultural, sustainable food, animal health, clean energy, water, construction, and industrial technologies.