Kickstart is a seed-stage venture capital firm headquartered in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, established in 2008. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies across various sectors, including B2B, B2C, healthcare, financial services, information technology, life sciences, e-commerce, and health technology, specifically within the Mountain West region. Kickstart aims to support the growth of promising companies by providing capital, fostering a connected community, and offering expert guidance. Over its 17 years of operation, the firm has invested in more than 100 companies, including notable names such as Lucid, Podium, and Nomi Health.

Enhanced Capital Partners, established in 1999 and headquartered in New York City, is a national investment firm focused on providing tailored investment solutions to small and mid-size companies. The firm specializes in various sectors, including small businesses, renewable energy projects, historic real estate rehabilitation, and affordable housing, leveraging federal and state incentive programs. Enhanced Capital employs a versatile approach to investment, offering equity and debt financing options such as tax credit lending and impact lending, aimed at maximizing growth potential for businesses in the lower middle market. With over $400 million under management, the firm is committed to supporting the expansion and development of enterprises positioned for rapid growth.

Peterson Partners LP is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in early-stage investments across a range of sectors, including software, digital commerce, and healthcare. Founded in 2003, the firm focuses on pre-seed, seed, and growth-stage companies, typically investing between $0.25 million and $25 million. Peterson Partners aims to partner with entrepreneurs who seek more than just capital, offering strategic support to navigate the complexities of growth. The firm invests primarily in the Western United States, Canada, and Brazil, targeting companies with revenues between $5 million and $100 million and EBITDA ranging from $2 million to $20 million. With a portfolio of over 200 companies, Peterson Partners seeks to take both majority and minority stakes and often co-invests with other private equity firms. The firm typically holds investments for a period of five to ten years, emphasizing a collaborative approach in fostering entrepreneurial success.

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.

Album VC is a venture capital firm established in 2014 and headquartered in Lehi, Utah. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage technology ventures, with a particular emphasis on software, healthcare services, SaaS, life sciences, and oncology sectors. Album VC distinguishes itself by prioritizing relationships and value creation over mere transactions. This approach reflects the firm’s commitment to shaping the future of technology and culture. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Album VC leverages its expertise to support innovative companies in their growth journey.

EPIC Ventures is a premier early stage software and Internet infrastructure venture firm whose mission is to back entrepreneurs and companies positioned to lead the information economy of tomorrow. We bring the collective operational and financial experience of our partnership, our world class advisors, and our extensive network of technology industry contacts to engage and ensure our portfolio's success. Strategically located in Salt Lake City, we're never more than a short flight from any of the geographies we invest in.

Signal Peak Ventures is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah, specializing in growth equity, seed, and early-stage investments, with the potential for later-stage funding under certain conditions. Founded in 2011, the firm primarily targets the information technology and life sciences sectors, focusing on areas such as SaaS, enterprise software, networking, security software, and drug delivery systems. It aims to support companies based in the Rocky Mountain region and other underserved markets across the United States. Typical investment amounts range from $0.25 million to $5 million, with initial investments usually between $2 million and $3 million. Signal Peak Ventures prides itself on being the first institutional investor in many of its portfolio companies and offers operational assistance to help entrepreneurs develop their businesses effectively. The firm leverages its team's extensive experience in company leadership and private equity to create lasting value and foster growth within its investments.

Tamarak Capital is a private equity firm founded in 2016 and based in Springville, Utah. The company focuses on early-stage and seed-stage investment opportunities, aiming to support innovative ventures. In addition to its investment activities, Tamarak Properties LLC, a related entity, manages a diverse portfolio that includes active commercial leases, residential rentals, in-development lots, and raw land. Through its dual focus on private equity and real estate management, Tamarak Capital seeks to create value in both financial markets and the property sector.

RevRoad Capital is a venture services firm based in Provo, Utah, that specializes in providing financial support and business development services to early-stage startups. Established in 2017, it focuses on helping portfolio companies grow over a two-year period by offering essential resources and a dedicated team. RevRoad Capital actively seeks to invest in startups across various sectors, accepting 3 to 4 new companies each quarter. The firm works closely with these companies, providing tailored support to foster their growth and success in the competitive landscape.

Pelion Venture Partners is a venture capital firm that focuses on investing in early-stage B2B software companies. Established in 1986, the firm is dedicated to assisting entrepreneurs in transforming their innovative ideas into successful businesses. With a team of seven investment professionals, Pelion combines extensive industry knowledge and investment experience to provide hands-on support to its portfolio companies. The firm emphasizes collaboration, working closely with entrepreneurs to navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses in the competitive technology landscape across the United States.

Sorenson Capital is a prominent venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early and growth-stage B2B software companies, primarily within the cybersecurity, application, developer tools, computing infrastructure, and analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence sectors. With over $1.6 billion in assets under management, the firm is composed of experienced entrepreneurs, industry executives, and investment professionals dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs at various stages of their business journey. Sorenson Capital aims to accelerate revenue growth and enhance product leadership for its portfolio companies, which include notable names such as Amplitude, BambooHR, Bridgecrew, Couchbase, Fastly, Harness, and Socure. The firm operates from offices in Lehi, Utah, and Palo Alto, California, and is committed to partnering with innovators across the United States.

Insight Partners is a global software investor that partners with growth-stage technology and software companies. Insight has a deep focus in Fintech, Cybersecurity, AI/ML, DevOps, and Healthcare sectors. Across their people and their portfolio, they encourage a culture around a core belief growth equals opportunity. As of December 31, 2022, the firm has over $75B in regulatory assets under management. Insight Partners has invested in more than 750 companies worldwide and has seen over 55 portfolio companies achieve an IPO.

Origin Ventures is a venture capital investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 1999. The firm specializes in early-stage investments in high-growth businesses within the software, marketplace, consumer products and services, and e-commerce sectors, primarily focusing on the Digital Native Economy. Origin Ventures has a strong track record, with multiple funds ranked in the top 5% for realized performance. The firm typically invests between $500,000 and $8 million in its portfolio companies. Notable exits from its investments include companies such as Grubhub, BacklotCars, Tock, Ahalogy, and Teem. As a Registered Investment Adviser, Origin Ventures is committed to fostering innovation and growth in its target industries across North America.

MedVenture Health, founded in 2015 and based in downtown Salt Lake City, Utah, is a growth investment firm focused on the life sciences sector. The company partners with entrepreneurs, physicians, and management teams to advance healthcare products, services, and technologies that address unmet medical needs. MedVenture provides both capital resources and strategic expertise to help healthcare companies at critical stages of development achieve their growth objectives. Its investment approach includes seed and venture financings, structured debt and royalty deals, as well as buyouts of developing companies. Through these efforts, MedVenture aims to significantly enhance the value of its portfolio companies in the healthcare landscape.

Ten Eighty Capital incubates high-growth concepts and invests in both private operating companies and funds that service growth companies. It adds flexible capital and deep operating expertise across diverse areas of investment. It was established in 2018 and is headquartered in Park City, Utah.

Mercato Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Cottonwood Heights, Utah, with additional offices in Lehi, Utah. Founded in 2007, the firm specializes in minority growth investments, primarily targeting high-growth technology and consumer companies across North America, particularly in Southern California, Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Texas, and the Midwest. Mercato Partners focuses on businesses with annual revenues between $5 million and $50 million, seeking to accelerate marketing and sales efforts rather than merely proving product viability. The firm typically invests between $3 million and $20 million in companies with experienced management teams and healthy margins. Mercato Partners aims to be an active participant in its investments, often acting as a lead or co-lead investor, and seeks representation on the board of directors to support the growth and development of its portfolio companies.

vSpring Capital was a private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2000 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It specialized in seed, startup, and early-stage investments, with a focus on information technology and life sciences sectors, including areas such as genomics, drug discovery, enterprise software, and medical devices. The firm primarily targeted companies located in the Intermountain West region of the United States, particularly the Rocky Mountain area. Known for its hands-on approach, vSpring Capital aimed to be the first investor in its portfolio companies, providing operational assistance, making key introductions, and helping to recruit top executives. The firm typically invested between $2 million and $3 million initially, with potential follow-on investments up to $10 million over the life of a company. In 2012, vSpring Capital merged with Signal Peak Ventures, combining their expertise and resources under the Signal Peak Ventures name.

Aries Capital Partners, founded in 2007 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, is a private equity investment firm that focuses on building businesses through strategic investment. The firm leverages its extensive expertise in various areas, including strategy, finance, marketing, information technology, and management, to enhance the value of its portfolio companies. By combining capital with a comprehensive understanding of business operations, Aries Capital Partners aims to foster growth and innovation within the enterprises it supports.

Cougar Capital is a student-run venture capital and private equity evergreen fund run by 2nd-year MBA students at the Marriott School at Brigham Young University. Cougar Capital partners with venture capital and private equity firms and becomes a member of the syndicate team conducting due diligence on potential investments. When appropriate, Cougar Capital will co-invest with the industry partners in the deal. Started in 2005, Cougar Capital has produced alumni currently working in private equity, venture capital, investment banking, and award-winning entrepreneurial startups. Forbes magazine recently designated Cougar Capital as one of the most innovative business classes in America.

Intermountain Healthcare is a nonprofit health system headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. It operates 22 hospitals and employs approximately 1,100 primary and secondary care physicians across more than 185 clinics within the Intermountain Medical Group. As the largest healthcare provider in the Intermountain West, the organization serves the healthcare needs of residents in Utah and southeastern Idaho, employing over 33,000 individuals. Intermountain Healthcare offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including specialties in cancer, heart health, women's health, newborn care, orthopedics, sports medicine, and diagnostics, among others. In addition to clinical services, the organization also provides health insurance plans through SelectHealth, reinforcing its commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare to the communities it serves.

Hall Labs Innovation Campus, located in Provo, is where our 20 portfolio companies grow thanks to the amazing efforts of our 400 strong team members. Utah is becoming a true hotbed of tech nationally and we are proud to have helped in a small way to build a great ecosystem here.

Alta Ventures Mexico is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and based in Monterrey, Mexico, with additional offices in Lehi, Utah, and Bogota, Colombia. The firm specializes in early-stage investments, targeting innovative companies in high-growth sectors such as technology, software as a service (SaaS), mobile computing, consumer goods, healthcare, clean technology, and education. Alta Ventures typically invests between $50,000 and $10 million, focusing on companies with enterprise values ranging from $1 million to $10 million. The firm aims to support Mexican companies and international firms with strategic ties to Mexico and Latin America. By leveraging its extensive investment and operational experience, Alta Ventures seeks to foster innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to the development of industry best practices and the globalization of its portfolio companies.

HGGC, LLC is a private equity firm founded in 2007 and based in Palo Alto, California, with additional offices in West Palm Beach, Florida; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Foxborough, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in leveraged buyouts, add-on acquisitions, platform investments, recapitalizations, and corporate carve-outs, primarily focusing on middle market and mid-cap private and public companies. HGGC seeks to invest in various sectors, including business services, manufacturing, consumer products, financial services, healthcare, industrial services, chemicals, infrastructure, information services, software, and technology. The firm typically invests between $25 million and $125 million in companies with revenues ranging from $100 million to $1 billion, targeting those with EBITDA between $15 million and $75 million and an enterprise value of $100 million to $500 million. HGGC aims to take majority or minority positions with control rights, aligning its interests with partners to drive performance and success.

AIM Ventura Capital is a growth equity firm established in 2019 and located in Logan, Utah. The company focuses on making investments in various sectors, including technology, software, real estate services, business services, and consumer products. With a strategic approach to growth equity, AIM Ventura Capital aims to support companies that demonstrate strong potential for development and expansion within these industries.

Quansight Initiate is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Austin, Texas, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in investing in startups that leverage open-source technology, focusing on sectors such as education technology, the Internet of Things, data management, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Quansight Initiate primarily targets companies operating in Texas and Utah, aiming to support innovative businesses that are poised to make significant impacts across various market segments.

TAB Bank is a technology-focused commercial banking institution established in 1998 and headquartered in Ogden, Utah. The bank specializes in providing customized financial solutions to small businesses, families, and individuals throughout the United States. Its range of services includes business and personal savings and checking accounts, treasury management, equipment financing, accounts receivables financing, asset-based loans, lines of credit, and factoring services. TAB Bank is committed to enhancing financial accessibility and prosperity through its innovative banking solutions, offering high-yield savings accounts with competitive annual percentage yields and straightforward account management terms.

University Venture Fund, established in 2001, is a venture capital firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah, affiliated with The University of Utah. The firm focuses on investing in early and later stage companies across a variety of industries, including consumer products, software, biotechnology, internet, technology, and healthcare. It primarily targets companies located in the U.S., with a specific emphasis on the Intermountain West region. University Venture Fund is distinct in its collaborative approach, involving students from Brigham Young University, University of Utah, Westminster College, and Wharton School of Business, thereby leveraging their innovative insights and perspectives. This impact investment firm concentrates on growth equity and buyout opportunities, aiming to foster entrepreneurial development and economic growth in the region.

Crocker Ventures is a venture capital investment firm established in 1998 and located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The firm focuses on investing in startups within the life sciences, healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, drug delivery, diagnostics, and information technology sectors. In addition to managing its portfolio of startup companies, Crocker Ventures is actively involved in managing intellectual property and exploring opportunities for the acquisition of new technologies. The firm aims to support innovation and growth within its targeted industries through strategic investments and management.

The Park City Angels is a group of accredited investors located in Park City, Utah. We invest in promising opportunities that can produce significant shareholder return. Since inception in 2007, we have made over $50M in seed stage investments. The active lifestyle of Park City has attracted many dynamic and successful business leaders that have deep experience in building world class businesses. We facilitate unique, high-caliber networking and development forums for angel investors and mentors involved in early-stage investment.

Zetta Venture Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2013, focusing on early-stage investments in the enterprise software sector, particularly in analytics and artificial intelligence. Headquartered in San Francisco, with additional offices in New York and Utah, the firm aims to co-lead funding rounds typically ranging from $1 million to $5 million. Zetta seeks to invest in approximately 20 companies, making initial investments between $1 million and $2 million while targeting a 15% to 20% ownership stake. The firm emphasizes its expertise in the analytics market, positioning itself to leverage a strong network of partners and industry connections to drive exceptional deal flow and returns. Zetta Venture Partners is led by experienced professionals, including founder Mark Gorenberg, who has a notable background in venture capital.

Beyond is an online retailer that specializes in offering a wide variety of products at clearance prices. The company provides an extensive range of items, including furniture, home décor, bedding, kitchenware, and outdoor goods. Beyond operates through its own inventory as well as through partnerships with manufacturers and distributors, allowing it to feature products from various suppliers on its websites. In addition to retail, Beyond engages its customer base through interactive promotions, gift card giveaways, and community discussions on social media platforms. Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Midvale, Utah, Beyond has evolved from its original name, D2-Discounts Direct, to become a prominent player in the online retail space.

2.0 Ventures is a venture capital investment firm established in 2020 and located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The firm specializes in partnering with innovative technology and consumer companies to accelerate their growth and enhance their strategic options. By providing investment and essential operational support, 2.0 Ventures assists founders in overcoming complex growth challenges and positioning their businesses for future financing, strategic exits, or sustained profitability. The firm emphasizes the importance of open-mindedness and flexibility in collaboration between investors and founders, believing that this approach ultimately benefits the business and its long-term success.

SpringTide Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2018 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company specializes in investing in the health tech industry, focusing on early-stage opportunities within the healthcare sector. By leveraging its expertise, SpringTide Ventures aims to support innovative companies that are developing solutions to enhance healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.

Blackbrook Management Group is an early-stage venture capital company focusing mainly on health tech. The firm was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, United States.

Watertower Ventures, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2017 and headquartered in Los Angeles, California. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on sectors such as consumer technology, enterprise SaaS, marketplaces, fintech, real estate tech, media, and gaming. Watertower Ventures aims to be the first investor for founders seeking their initial venture funding, often leading investment rounds or playing a significant role in syndicates. The firm typically invests between $0.1 million and $1 million and actively supports its portfolio companies as they grow. It operates primarily in major U.S. tech hubs, including Los Angeles, New York City, Boston, San Francisco, and Utah, as well as other emerging technology regions.

USANA Health Sciences, Inc. is a company that develops, manufactures, and sells science-based nutritional and personal care products. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, USANA offers a range of product lines including Essentials, which consists of core vitamin and mineral supplements; Optimizers, designed to address specific health needs; and Foods, which includes meal replacement shakes and snack bars. Additionally, the company provides Celavive, a skin care regimen catering to various skin types and demographics. USANA operates through a direct selling model and markets its products globally across the Asia Pacific, the Americas, and Europe, utilizing both in-person and online channels. The company also equips its associates with materials and tools to support their business development and marketing efforts.

Intermountain Ventures is the corporate venture arm of Intermountain Healthcare, established in 2012 and located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The organization specializes in strategic investments and partnerships, focusing on early- and growth-stage innovative companies within the healthcare sector. Intermountain Ventures collaborates with a variety of entities, including corporations, venture capital and private equity firms, technology organizations, and mission-driven organizations, all aimed at advancing health improvements. Through its investments, Intermountain Ventures seeks to drive innovation and enhance healthcare delivery.

Cross Creek is a venture capital firm established in 2006, originally as part of Wasatch Advisors, Inc. Based in Salt Lake City, Utah, the firm focuses on investing in high-quality late-stage companies and top-tier venture capital funds. Cross Creek employs a dual investment strategy that aims to create meaningful connections between private and public investors while striving to achieve above-market returns for its limited partners. The firm is dedicated to fostering growth in its investment sectors through a combination of direct investments and fund investments, ensuring a comprehensive approach to capital deployment and investment management.

Sifted LLC is a data science-driven logistics company based in Kaysville, Utah, that specializes in predictive logistics solutions for shippers. Incorporated in 2017, Sifted has established itself as a leader in parcel spend management, leveraging advanced technologies to optimize shipping processes. The company's latest innovation, SiftedAI, employs artificial intelligence to monitor shipping expenditures, carriers, and contracts, offering personalized recommendations to enhance efficiency. Unlike traditional consulting methods, SiftedAI continuously identifies anomalies and alerts shippers when actions are required, thereby transforming logistics from a costly administrative task into a strategic advantage. By automating manual processes and providing real-time insights, Sifted ensures that businesses maintain optimal parcel operations. In July 2019, Sifted was rebranded and is currently a subsidiary of Veriship, Inc.

RET Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in Park City, Utah, is a venture capital firm focused on the real estate technology sector. It is the first industry-backed seed-stage venture firm dedicated to developing innovative technology solutions for the multifamily and single-family rental markets. RET Ventures collaborates with high-quality entrepreneurs to scale their businesses by leveraging the extensive knowledge and expertise of its team and limited partners, who collectively manage a significant network of rental units across North America. This collaboration enables property owners to gain early access to effective technology solutions tailored to their needs.

Enservco Corporation provides a variety of well-site services to the domestic on-shore oil and gas industry. Through its two operating subsidiaries, Heat Waves Hot Oil Service and Dillco Fluid Services, Enservco Corporation has emerged as one of the energy service industry's leading providers of hot oiling, acidizing and frac heating. From hot oiling to frac heating to water hauling, Enservco Corporation provides dependable, round-the-clock service to a broad spectrum of large and small U.S. energy companies. Based in Colorado Springs, Colorado, the Company serves oil and gas producers operating in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. Enservco Corporation also has a growing presence in the Northeastern United States, where customers are targeting the prolific Marcellus shale in the Appalachian Basin. In addition, the Company is establishing a facility in North Dakota from which it will serve customers operating in the Bakken Formation. To customers, Enservco Corporation is best known by its two operating subsidiaries: Heat Waves Hot Oil Service and Dillco Fluid Services. Combined, these businesses operate a fleet of more than 200 specialized trucks, trailers, frac tanks and related well-site equipment. In addition to fluid services, the Company provides a range of oilfield construction and frac tank rental services.

Beta Boom, founded in 2017 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah, focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed-stage startups that are often overlooked by traditional venture capitalists. The firm is dedicated to supporting founders who do not fit the conventional Silicon Valley mold, including those from diverse backgrounds, non-Ivy League institutions, and various personal and professional experiences. Beta Boom specializes in sectors such as digital health, financial technology, cybersecurity, enterprise solutions, small and medium business SaaS, and the future of work. By often being the first or only investor in pre-seed rounds, the company aims to provide significant post-investment support to its portfolio companies, fostering their growth and success.

Decathlon Capital Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and headquartered in Park City, Utah. The firm specializes in providing growth capital through customized revenue-based financing solutions, offering an alternative to traditional equity investments. This approach allows companies to secure long-term capital without the common drawbacks associated with equity funding, such as dilution of ownership and increased operational burdens. Decathlon targets a diverse range of sectors, including business products and services, consumer goods, financial services, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, e-commerce, and various technology-related fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and virtual reality. By focusing on these areas, Decathlon aims to support innovative businesses across North America in achieving their growth objectives.

Foothills Exploration is an independent oil and gas exploration and production company based in Los Angeles, California. The company focuses on the acquisition and development of oil and natural gas properties, primarily in the Rocky Mountain region of the United States. It holds approximately 34,000 acres in the Greater Green River and Wind River Basins of Wyoming, as well as 7,800 acres in the Uinta Basin of Utah. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Foothills Petroleum, Inc., the firm is actively involved in acquiring both producing and developmental properties. Key projects include the Wind River Basin, Stagecoach Project, and Altamont-Bluebell Project.

BoxGroup Services, LLC is a venture capital firm based in New York City, founded in 2009. It specializes in early-stage investments, primarily focusing on pre-seed, seed, and early Series A rounds. The firm targets a variety of sectors, including disruptive technology, healthcare, biotech, food, software as a service, e-commerce, and fintech. BoxGroup typically invests between $50,000 and $500,000 in each company, emphasizing a conviction in the founding team and their vision to create category-defining businesses. Although it primarily invests in New York City, Silicon Valley, and Los Angeles, the firm is open to opportunities globally. Notably, BoxGroup does not take board seats or ownership stakes in the companies it supports.

Leavitt Partners is a healthcare consulting firm established in 2009 and located in Salt Lake City, Utah. The firm specializes in providing strategic advice on a range of topics within the healthcare sector, including value market analytics, alternative payment models, federal strategies, insurance market insights, and alliances. Leavitt Partners serves a diverse clientele, including government organizations, healthcare associations, technology companies, life science firms, employers, and investors. In addition to its consulting services, the firm has a private equity arm, Leavitt Equity Partners, which focuses on growth and lower middle market investments primarily in the healthcare industry.

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.

Pluralsight, Inc. is a cloud-based technology skills platform headquartered in Farmington, Utah, that offers comprehensive learning solutions for software developers, IT administrators, and creative professionals. Founded in 2004, the company provides an extensive library of over 3,000 expert-authored courses, along with skill assessments, directed learning paths, and interactive content to facilitate technology skills development. Pluralsight serves customers in more than 150 countries, enabling organizations to align around digital initiatives, enhance workforce capabilities, and adapt to evolving industry demands. Additionally, the platform includes Pluralsight Flow, which offers technology leaders analytical insights into workflow patterns, helping to measure and improve software development productivity. Through its offerings, Pluralsight aims to democratize professional technology learning and equip individuals and businesses with the skills necessary to succeed in a competitive landscape.

42.ventures is a family office firm based in Salt Lake City, Utah, founded in 2006. The company specializes in providing business building support and investment for growth-oriented companies, particularly in the software-as-a-service, mobile software, artificial intelligence, and big data sectors. Unlike traditional venture firms, 42.ventures takes a hands-on approach, with a team of experienced entrepreneurs who understand the challenges of growing a business. They offer investments ranging from $250,000 to $1.5 million, focusing on companies that already have established products and customer bases. The firm operates with an evergreen fund, allowing for flexible timelines and investment structures tailored to the needs of each portfolio company, rather than being constrained by conventional exit strategies. 42.ventures seeks to partner with entrepreneurs who desire more than just capital, aiming to foster business growth through active collaboration and expertise.

RenewableTech Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2009 and based in Salt Lake City, Utah. It focuses on early-stage and growth-stage investments in a wide range of sectors, including renewable energy, clean technology, energy conservation, advanced materials, and agriculture. The firm leverages its extensive international network, which includes industry leaders and co-investors, to support the success of its portfolio companies. With over 40 years of combined experience in clean technology, venture capital, and entrepreneurship, RenewableTech Ventures is recognized as a leading investor in the clean tech sector within the Rocky Mountain region of Canada and the United States.