The U.S. Department of Energy is a government agency established in 1977, located in Washington, D.C. Its primary mission is to ensure the security and prosperity of the nation by tackling energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges. The Department focuses on promoting transformative scientific and technological solutions to address these issues, thereby supporting the country's energy needs and environmental sustainability.

Mountain State Capital, established in 2018, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Morgantown, West Virginia, with an additional office in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The company specializes in seed and early-stage investments, focusing on technology companies based in the Greater Appalachia region of the United States. It typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000 in companies, targeting information technology and healthcare sectors. Mountain State Capital operates as a Small Business Investment Company, providing early-stage risk capital to high-growth companies in the region.

WesBanco, Inc. is a bank holding company based in Wheeling, West Virginia, that operates through its subsidiary, WesBanco Bank, Inc. The company offers a range of financial services, including retail and corporate banking, personal and corporate trust, brokerage, mortgage banking, and insurance services. WesBanco serves its clients through community banking and trust and investment services, providing various deposit accounts, loans for residential and commercial real estate, consumer installment loans, and home equity lines of credit. Additionally, the company offers investment products such as mutual funds and annuities, as well as securities brokerage services. WesBanco also operates an insurance agency and a full-service broker/dealer. As of the end of 2019, the bank maintained 236 branches and 227 ATMs across multiple states, including West Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Founded in 1870, WesBanco has established a significant presence in the financial services sector.

Natural Resource Partners L.P. is a master limited partnership based in Houston, Texas, that owns, manages, and leases a diverse portfolio of mineral properties across the United States. The company primarily focuses on coal, soda ash, and other natural resources, with significant coal reserves located in regions such as Appalachia, the Illinois Basin, and the Northern Powder River Basin. In addition to coal, its assets include oil and gas royalties in Louisiana, timber in West Virginia, and trona ore mining and soda ash refining operations in Wyoming. Natural Resource Partners does not engage directly in mining but instead leases its properties to experienced operators, generating royalty income from these long-term agreements. The company's operations are organized into two main segments: Coal Royalty and Other, and Soda Ash. Founded in 2002, Natural Resource Partners has established itself as a key player in the natural resources sector.

FirstEnergy Corporation, established in 1996 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is a diversified energy company that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. The company operates through regulated distribution and transmission segments, owning and managing a vast network of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution systems. These include coal-fired, nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, wind, and solar facilities, as well as 24,486 circuit miles of transmission lines and 269,691 miles of distribution lines, with a total installed transformer capacity of approximately 156,115,196 kilovolt-amperes. In addition to its core operations, FirstEnergy also provides energy-related products and services to retail and wholesale customers, contributing to the strengthening of local communities through its foundation's support of nonprofit organizations.

Meritus Ventures, established in 2002 and based in London, Kentucky, is a venture capital firm focused on making equity investments in private, expansion-stage companies primarily located in rural areas of central and southern Appalachia. The firm targets investments in various sectors, including information technology, industrials, and telecommunications. Meritus Ventures operates in several states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Arkansas, and the Appalachian counties of Virginia, West Virginia, Ohio, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. In addition to financial support, Meritus Ventures offers operational assistance to its portfolio companies, aiming to foster growth and development in the communities it serves.

American Electric Power Company, Inc. is a major electric public utility holding company based in Columbus, Ohio, that engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across 11 states, serving over 5 million customers. The company operates through various segments, including Vertically Integrated Utilities and Transmission and Distribution Utilities. American Electric Power generates electricity from a diverse mix of sources, including coal, natural gas, nuclear, and renewable energy such as wind and solar. It also supplies wholesale electricity to other utilities, rural cooperatives, and municipalities. In addition to its core electric services, the company maintains a substantial infrastructure, including railcars and barges for coal transport, and actively invests in renewable energy initiatives to enhance its energy portfolio and minimize environmental impact. Founded in 1906, American Electric Power emphasizes reliability and sustainability in its operations and community engagement.

Dermatologists of Central States, LLC, based in Dayton, Ohio, is a dermatology practice management company that serves a network of dermatology clinics across Ohio and its neighboring states, including Michigan, West Virginia, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality dermatologic care in a friendly and supportive environment. For over 40 years, its partner practices have built a strong reputation for excellent clinical care and enhanced patient experiences. Dermatologists of Central States offers centralized non-clinical resources and services, such as administrative support, training, and technology, allowing clinicians to concentrate on providing comprehensive patient care, which includes general dermatology, surgical, pathology, and cosmetic services, while maintaining clinical autonomy and provider equity ownership.

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

The Wyoming Energy Authority combines the responsibilities of the Wyoming Infrastructure Authority, Wyoming Pipeline Authority, and State Energy Office, effectively combining their functions into one organisation that supports Wyoming's entire energy portfolio and works to advance the state's energy strategy.

EQT Corporation is a natural gas production company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with a significant focus on the Appalachian region, particularly the Marcellus and Utica shale plays. Founded in 1925, the company has established itself as a leader in the industry, employing advanced horizontal drilling technology to minimize environmental impact. As of year-end 2023, EQT's proven reserves reached 27.6 trillion cubic feet equivalent, with net production totaling 5.79 billion cubic feet equivalent per day, predominantly from natural gas, which constituted 94% of the production. Furthermore, EQT is involved in gathering and transmission operations and serves as the general partner and major equity owner of EQT Midstream Partners. The company is dedicated to safe and responsible energy production to meet the growing demand for clean-burning energy while enhancing the communities where it operates.

U.S. Silica Holdings is a prominent producer of high-quality silica products, including unground silica, ground silica, fine ground silica, calcined kaolin clay, and aplite. Established over a century ago, the company traces its origins to the discovery of the Oriskany sandstone deposit in West Virginia by Henry Harrison Hunter, who showcased silica sand at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Over the years, U.S. Silica has expanded its operations through acquisitions and the development of a diverse range of over 200 unique products. The company operates a comprehensive network of production plants and packaging facilities across the United States, facilitating reliable procurement of silica and other industrial minerals. A significant portion of its revenue is generated from its Oil and Gas Proppants segment, supporting hydraulic fracturing operations. U.S. Silica emphasizes collaboration with customers to innovate product applications while maintaining a commitment to health, safety, quality, and environmental integrity. In 2008, the company was acquired by Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm based in San Francisco.

Eastern Vault Company, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Princeton, West Virginia, specializing in precast and prestressed concrete products. Established in 1970, the company produces a wide range of concrete solutions, including bridge beams, manholes, box culverts, precast vaults, and various structural elements for construction and utility projects. Eastern Vault's offerings also extend to architectural precast products and specialized items such as burial vaults and crypts. The company serves clients primarily in West Virginia and neighboring states, including Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia, through a network of dealers. Its extensive portfolio is designed to meet the needs of diverse construction applications, particularly in mission-critical projects.

Core10 is a North American-based company specializing in banking and lending products and services within the fintech and financial services industry. Their flagship product, Accrue, is a configurable lending and banking application built on the Salesforce Platform, tailored for community banks and credit unions aiming to enhance digital innovation. Core10 offers API integration and SaaS implementation services, providing customized solutions to meet specific client needs. The company's development team is based in smaller US communities, including Huntington, West Virginia; Martin, Tennessee; and Johnson City, Tennessee. This strategic location allows Core10 to maintain low costs while ensuring high-quality and secure development operations. With expertise in regulatory compliance and financial trends, Core10 supports top financial technology providers, banks, and credit unions.

Altice USA is a prominent broadband communications and video services provider in the United States, serving over 4.9 million residential and business customers across 21 states. Established as a subsidiary of Altice NV, the company offers a range of services including broadband internet, pay television, telephony, and Wi-Fi hotspot access. It operates under the Optimum brand, which encompasses the former Cablevision and Suddenlink networks, delivering services primarily in the New York City metro area and smaller markets in states like Texas, West Virginia, and Louisiana. Altice USA also provides proprietary content, international news, and hyper-local news tailored to the communities it serves. The company focuses on innovative, customer-centric products and solutions, aiming to connect users and enhance their digital experiences.

Novitas Capital, established in 1997, is a Pennsylvania-based venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in technology and life science companies. With offices in Wayne, PA, Pittsburgh, PA, Allendale, NJ, and Morgantown, WV, Novitas has a proven track record of over a decade in generating returns by discovering and investing in promising start-ups with strong intellectual capital and breakthrough concepts. The firm manages approximately $237 million across three venture funds and currently has around 30 active portfolio companies. Novitas' success is driven by its investment philosophy, strong partner relationships, and the significant hands-on experience of its team in guiding companies to growth and value creation.

Berwind Natural Resources Corporation is a land and resource management company based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Established in 1962, it specializes in the ownership, leasing, development, and sale of mineral resources, primarily focusing on natural gas and coal reserves across Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia. As a fifth-generation, family-owned business, Berwind has a rich history and is committed to effectively managing its assets in the natural resources sector. Formerly a subsidiary of The Berwind-White Coal Mining Company, Berwind continues to leverage its legacy in resource management.

Giant Eagle is a regional supermarket chain operating primarily in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, and Indiana. Established in 1931 through the collaboration of five families, Giant Eagle has evolved from its roots in small grocery stores to a prominent player in the grocery industry. The company provides a wide range of products, including bakery items, dairy, deli, frozen foods, meat, produce, and prepared meals, as well as personal care and household goods. With a focus on quality and competitive pricing, Giant Eagle aims to meet the diverse needs of its customers while maintaining a strong presence in the neighborhoods it serves. The first Giant Eagle supermarket opened in 1936, and the chain has continued to expand, adapting to changing consumer preferences over the decades.

MVB Financial Corp is a bank holding company based in Fairmont, West Virginia, that provides a range of community banking, mortgage banking, insurance, and wealth management services to individuals and corporate clients primarily in the Mid-Atlantic region. The company's offerings include various deposit products such as checking accounts, money market accounts, and certificates of deposit, as well as diverse loan products, including commercial and residential real estate loans, home equity lines of credit, and consumer loans. MVB Financial also provides debit cards, safe deposit rental facilities, and non-deposit investment products through partnerships with broker-dealers. Additionally, the company offers correspondent lending services to other community banks and various insurance products. MVB operates multiple full-service banking branches and loan production offices, ensuring access through walk-in offices, ATMs, and online banking platforms. Established in 1997, MVB Financial continues to serve its community with a focus on personalized financial solutions.

Tencarva Machinery is a prominent distributor of process equipment and services, catering to industrial and municipal clients across the Southeast United States since 1978. The company specializes in providing a wide range of pumping systems, fluid handling systems, air handling equipment, and liquid process equipment tailored for various industries, including chemical, citrus, paper, textile, and power. In addition to its diverse product offerings, Tencarva also operates repair centers and field service teams capable of servicing most types of rotating process equipment. This comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive reliable and cost-effective solutions that meet their specific application needs.

Postmates Inc. is an on-demand food and grocery delivery platform based in San Francisco, California. Founded in 2011, the company connects customers with local couriers to facilitate the delivery of products from a wide range of stores and restaurants across the United States. With access to over 600,000 merchants, including exclusive offerings, Postmates enables users to discover, order, and track groceries, alcohol, and meals with ease. The platform is particularly prominent in Los Angeles and covers 80% of U.S. households, serving customers in all 50 states. Additionally, Postmates offers a subscription service, Postmates Unlimited, which provides free delivery from all participating merchants, enhancing the convenience of its service.

TT Capital Partners, LLC, established in 1997, is a Minnesota-based independent firm that operates as the private equity arm of TripleTree. It specializes in growth equity investments, focusing on the healthcare sector, particularly healthcare technology and services. The firm invests in innovative, high-growth companies expanding their customer base or entering new markets, often taking majority stakes. TT Capital Partners is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with an additional office in New York, New York.

Second Avenue Capital Partners, founded in 2018 and headquartered in Needham, Massachusetts, specializes in providing asset-based loans for the retail and consumer products sectors. As a Schottenstein Affiliate established by SB360 Holdings, the firm focuses on serving middle-market companies by offering a range of tailored capital solutions. These include debt financing, bridge loans, revolving credit lines, and secured debt, aimed at supporting businesses in recapitalization, growth, and buyouts. With a team that combines the expertise of retail operators, product merchants, and financial lenders, Second Avenue Capital Partners is positioned to meet the diverse financing needs of its clients in the retail space.

leading global alternative asset manager

Truist is a banking organization formed through the merger of BB&T and SunTrust, with a history spanning over 275 years. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, Truist serves approximately 12 million households and stands as the sixth-largest commercial bank in the United States. The company offers a diverse range of services, including retail and commercial banking, asset management, insurance, mortgage lending, and wealth management. Truist also provides specialized services for small businesses and corporate clients, encompassing areas such as asset-based lending, treasury services, and supply chain financing. With a commitment to innovation and community development, Truist aims to enhance financial experiences for individuals and businesses alike.

Quadrangle Group is a private investment firm founded in March 2000 and headquartered in New York, with additional offices in London and Silicon Valley. The firm manages over $6 billion in assets across three primary investment areas: private equity, public equity, and asset management. Quadrangle Group focuses its investment strategies on sectors such as communications, networking, media, and technology, media, and telecommunications (TMT). The firm's extensive experience, industry knowledge, and relationships are integral to its approach to maximizing value. As a registered investment adviser, Quadrangle Group does not provide investment services to the public.

Wells Fargo & Company, established in 1852, is a diversified financial services company headquartered in San Francisco, California. It offers a wide range of products and services, including banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance, to individuals, businesses, and institutions worldwide. The company operates through three main segments: Community Banking, Wholesale Banking, and Wealth and Investment Management. Community Banking provides retail banking services such as checking and savings accounts, credit cards, and various lending products. Wholesale Banking offers commercial banking, capital markets, and investment banking services, including corporate loans, lines of credit, and investment banking services. Wealth and Investment Management delivers personalized wealth management, investment, and retirement products and services. Wells Fargo also provides fund administration, middle-office, and operations services to alternative investment managers through its subsidiary, Wells Fargo Global Fund Services. The company operates through approximately 7,400 locations and 13,000 ATMs, with offices in 32 countries and territories.

Apollo Global Capital is a holding company that operates primarily in the mining sector, engaging in the extraction of magnetite iron ore and competing in the global iron ore market. The company also manages various business activities, including the sale of database research engine-related products and the execution of pre- and post-production tasks for websites. These products are marketed through finished product advertisements. In addition to its focus on mining, Apollo Global Capital is involved in alternative investment management, with interests spanning private equity, credit-oriented capital markets, and real estate investments.

Equativ is an ad tech company that specializes in developing direct and programmatic advertising software aimed at optimizing the value of each advertisement impression. Their platform efficiently manages inventory and ad delivery across multiple formats and devices, utilizing advanced forecasting, targeting, and big data analytics. This approach allows publishers to enhance their revenue from both premium and programmatic advertisements while minimizing reliance on third-party vendors. Equativ is committed to providing brand and privacy-safe solutions that empower clients to uphold consumer rights, combining technical expertise with a focus on professionalism and innovation.

Google.org is a philanthropic arm of Google, a multinational technology company. It funds and supports nonprofits globally, providing them with funding, tools, and volunteers. Google.org has committed approximately $100 million annually to these efforts, aiming to extend the reach of innovative nonprofits and create lasting global impact.

KeyBank, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, is a significant player in the banking and financial services sector, with assets totaling approximately $92.9 billion. As a bank holding company, it primarily operates through its subsidiary, KeyBank National Association, offering a wide array of services that encompass retail and commercial banking, investment management, consumer finance, and investment banking. The bank serves individual, corporate, and institutional clients across the United States and, in certain cases, internationally. KeyBank's operations are organized into two main segments: Key Community Bank and Key Corporate Bank. Its services include commercial lending, treasury management, derivatives, foreign exchange, and equity and debt underwriting, among others. KeyBank maintains a robust presence with a network of branches, ATMs, and digital platforms, ensuring accessibility and convenience for its customers.

WhiteHawk Capital Partners, established in 2020, is a private credit investment manager specializing in asset-based financing solutions for middle-market private and public companies across diverse industries. The firm focuses on providing creative and flexible non-traditional capital to address the liquidity and growth needs of its clients. WhiteHawk offers senior secured financing through various structures, catering to purposes such as refinancing, recapitalization, growth, acquisitions, restructuring, and bridging financial gaps. Its expertise spans multiple sectors, including commercial services, transportation, financial services, retail, energy, and e-commerce, among others.

The Hilb Group is a property and casualty insurance provider and employee benefits broker focused on serving small and medium-sized businesses, primarily along the East Coast of the United States. The company offers a range of risk management and insurance services, including general lines and specialty niches such as cosmetic protection, passenger transportation, restaurants, education, and habitational insurance. By providing tailored insurance solutions, The Hilb Group enables organizations to safeguard their assets, protect their employees, and secure their future.

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), established in 1999, is a public-private partnership agency based in Lansing, Michigan. It is dedicated to fostering economic growth and job creation across the state. The MEDC achieves this by offering a range of business assistance services and capital programs, including business attraction and acceleration, entrepreneurship support, talent enhancement initiatives, and urban and community development projects. Additionally, it promotes tourism, film, and digital media industries, as well as arts and cultural affairs, through various incentives and grants. The MEDC works with businesses, entrepreneurs, and communities both locally and globally to strengthen Michigan's economy.

OCA Ventures, established in 1999 and headquartered in Chicago, is a private equity firm specializing in early-stage investments. The company focuses on equity investments in high-growth potential technology and scalable services businesses, with a particular emphasis on digital health, fintech, consumer software, and enterprise software sectors within the United States.

Seyen Capital is a venture capital firm established in 2007 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm focuses on growth-stage investments, specifically targeting information technology, software, and telehealth companies. Seyen Capital typically invests between $5 million and $15 million in its portfolio companies, preferring to be the first or lead institutional investor. The firm is dedicated to partnering with management teams and co-investors, often acquiring a seat on the Board of Directors of the companies in which it invests. Seyen Capital concentrates its investment activities in several metropolitan areas, including Chicago, Nashville, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Dallas, Austin, Denver, Tampa, Philadelphia, and New York.

Gemspring Capital, established in 2015, is a private equity firm headquartered in Westport, Connecticut, with additional offices in El Segundo, California, and Charlotte, North Carolina. The firm focuses on investing in lower middle-market companies, typically with revenues between $20 million and $500 million, across various sectors including consumer, business services, industrial services, healthcare services, and technology. Gemspring provides flexible capital and partners with management teams to drive growth and realize the full potential of these companies through strategies such as recapitalizations, leveraged buyouts, and growth equity investments.

PNC, established in 1845, is a prominent commercial bank headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It offers a wide array of financial services, including personal and business banking, residential mortgage banking, real estate finance, asset-based lending, wealth management, and specialized banking for corporations and government entities. PNC's primary geographic markets span across the Mid Atlantic and Northeast United States. PNC Mezzanine Capital, an investment arm of PNC Financial Services Group, specializes in acquisitions, mezzanine, recapitalization, growth capital, and buyout transactions. It primarily invests in middle market companies in the United States and Canada, focusing on niche manufacturing, value-added distribution, commercial services, and business and consumer services sectors. The firm typically invests between $5 million and $70 million, often taking majority stakes, and structures investments as second lien debt, subordinated debt, or equity.

Battery Ventures, established in 1983 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a technology-focused private equity and venture capital firm. It invests in early and growth-stage companies across various technology sectors, including application software, IT infrastructure, consumer internet, mobile services, and industrial technologies. The firm's investment strategy is global, targeting companies primarily in the United States, Europe, and Israel. Battery Ventures is registered as an Investment Adviser.

Starboard Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Southport, Connecticut, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in investing in lower middle-market companies across various sectors, including healthcare, consumer discretionary, industrials, software, and financial services. Starboard typically targets companies with revenues between $10 million and $200 million and focuses on those with potential for turnaround or growth. The firm engages in acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and recapitalizations, often collaborating with other investors and management teams. It aims to secure equity interests and actively seeks board representation in its portfolio companies. Starboard Capital Partners prefers to exit investments through sales to strategic buyers, initial public offerings, or recapitalizations within three to five years. As a fundless sponsor, the firm leverages a diverse network of funding relationships, including personal capital, to support its investment activities.

Wasatch Equity Partners, founded in 1988 and based in Logan, Utah, is a private equity investment firm that focuses on investing in companies within the medical technology, property technology, energy, and enterprise services sectors. The firm engages in a variety of investment strategies, including all-equity and leveraged buyouts, growth equity investments, public-to-private transactions, and recapitalizations. In addition to its investment activities, Wasatch Equity Partners offers a range of support services, including accounting, legal, marketing, tax, finance, information technology, and human resources. The firm also provides debt financing options such as guaranty capital, convertible debt, and mezzanine financing, catering to the diverse needs of the companies it invests in. Inquiries can be made through phone calls, email, and online applications.

Twenty Five Ventures is a consultancy and venture capital firm based in San Mateo, California, established in 2020. The company specializes in providing consultancy services to seed and series-stage companies that are innovating within the real estate technology sector. With a focus on real estate, property technology, and financial infrastructure, Twenty Five Ventures aims to support emerging businesses in these areas by leveraging its expertise and industry knowledge.

Investissement Québec is a Canadian financial institution established in 1998, dedicated to supporting the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as large companies in the province of Québec. The organization offers a variety of financing solutions and consulting services to assist businesses in their expansion projects. By combining the strengths of financial institutions and economic development agencies, Investissement Québec aims to facilitate the establishment and growth of companies within the region. The institution plays a crucial role in providing financial assistance and guidance to corporations looking to invest in Québec, thereby contributing to the local economy.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ is a private equity and venture capital firm based in Montreal, Canada, with additional offices in Quebec. Established in 1983, the firm specializes in investing in small and medium-sized businesses across various sectors, including natural resources, aerospace, agri-food, life sciences, and culture. It primarily focuses on projects that require funding of $3 million or more and provides loans up to $2 million. The firm actively seeks investment opportunities in Quebec, particularly in regions such as Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Montérégie. Fonds de solidarité FTQ invests in a range of activities, including business succession, financial restructuring, and market development, while avoiding sectors like retail, real estate, and biotechnology. It typically engages in equity financing and unsecured debt with investment horizons ranging from five to ten years. The firm aims to support projects that positively impact the Quebec economy and often takes either minority or majority stakes in its portfolio companies.

Optum is a healthcare services and innovation company dedicated to helping people live healthier lives. It offers a range of medical services, including family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, women's health, mental health, and specialized care for rare diseases. Optum's unique care model, Optum Frontier Therapies, simplifies access to advanced treatments for patients with rare diseases. The company also provides healthcare financial services, technology, and data-driven insights to health plan providers and employers, aiming to improve care delivery, quality, and efficiency. Through its venture capital arm, Optum Ventures, it invests in early-stage digital health and healthcare companies, fostering innovation in the sector.

BlackRock, established in 1988, is a global investment management corporation headquartered in New York City. It offers a wide range of services, including investment management, financial technology, and advisory services, catering to diverse clients such as institutions, intermediaries, and individual investors. BlackRock's investment focus spans multiple asset classes, strategies, sectors, and regions. Its private equity arm, BlackRock Private Equity Partners, founded in 1999, specializes in direct investments and fund of fund investments across various stages and sectors, with a global investment scope.

Astorg Partners, established in 1998, is a European private equity firm headquartered in Luxembourg with additional offices in Europe and the United States. The firm specializes in leveraged buyouts, growth capital, and family transmissions, focusing on mid-sized companies with enterprise values ranging from €20 million to €2 billion. Astorg invests globally, with a particular focus on France and the US, across various sectors including software, technology-based industrials, healthcare, manufacturing, and business services. The firm seeks to invest between €5 million and €500 million, typically holding a majority stake in its portfolio companies for a period of four to six years. Astorg partners with entrepreneurial management teams, providing strategic guidance and adequate capital to create value.

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is a prominent financial holding company based in New York, United States, that provides a wide range of financial services globally. Established in 2000, the firm operates through various segments, including investment banking, commercial banking, and asset management. Its investment banking division offers services such as corporate advisory, capital raising in equity and debt markets, risk management, and market-making. Additionally, JPMorgan Chase serves consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients by delivering innovative banking solutions and financial transaction processing. With a legacy dating back to 1877, the company has built a reputation for providing comprehensive financial strategies and services to meet the diverse needs of its clientele.

White Star Capital, established in 2007, is a global venture capital firm headquartered in New York, with additional offices in London, Montreal, Toronto, Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. The company invests in early-stage technology companies across North America, Europe, and Asia, focusing on sectors such as software, big data, digital health, fintech, and artificial intelligence. White Star Capital provides multi-stage funding, typically ranging from USD 0.5 million to USD 7 million, to support exceptional entrepreneurs and help them scale their businesses internationally from Series A onwards. The firm's extensive experience and global network enable it to partner closely with founders, offering operational support and strategic guidance to facilitate international growth.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is a United States government agency established in 1958, primarily in response to advancements in space exploration by the Soviet Union. Originating from the National Advisory Committee on Aeronautics, NASA has a long history of advancing aeronautics and astronautics. It gained prominence for its Apollo program, which successfully landed humans on the moon in 1969. NASA has since been instrumental in various space missions, including the development of the space shuttle, which provided regular access to space from 1981 until its retirement in 2011. The agency plays a key role in the International Space Station, furthering human presence in space through international collaboration. In addition to manned missions, NASA conducts extensive scientific research, exploring planets like Mars and monitoring Earth's climate through satellites. Its aeronautics teams continue to innovate in creating safer and more efficient aircraft. Overall, NASA's work aims to expand human knowledge and capabilities in space while contributing to advancements that benefit life on Earth.