Antler is a global early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies and incubating startups across various sectors. The firm aims to build the defining companies of tomorrow by identifying and supporting exceptional entrepreneurs. Antler provides a comprehensive ecosystem that includes a global network of co-founders, access to talent, expert advisors, and expansion support, along with the necessary capital to help startups grow and succeed.
Sway Group is a California-based content marketing agency that specializes in creating tailored content, videos, media campaigns, and live events for various social media platforms. Founded in 2008, the agency offers a range of services including sponsored blog posts, brand ambassador programs, and social influence initiatives. Sway Group collaborates with publishers across diverse content verticals such as parenting, lifestyle, food, fashion, beauty, and fitness, ensuring a comprehensive approach to marketing. The agency's strategies leverage popular platforms like Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Snapchat, facilitating effective brand engagement and outreach.
GMO Pepabo, Inc. established in 2003 as a web hosting service company. Since its foundation the company has focused on consumer-targeted Internet services, and today it comprises four business segments: Hosting which operates consumer domain registration and web hosting services, Ecommerce Support which provides ecommerce platform solutions, Customer to customer (C2C) marketplace for handmade products, and Community that facilitates communication among Internet users through blogging and media portal services.
Agile Media Network is a Tokyo-based advertising network and blog marketing company for blogs and social media. Much like Federated Media in the US, Agile Media Network, is well known for working with many top blogs, i.e. Engadget Japanese. The company, one of the biggest of its kind in Japan, provides a number of solutions in the advertising and planning fields for its clients. For example, Agile Media Network handles and organizes banner ad sales, large-scale blogger meetings, web industry events or campaign blogs. In August 2009, the company organized WISH 2009, a web industry event in Tokyo at which startups were given the chance to demonstrate their services onstage to an audience of over 400 people.
SaaStr, established in 2012, originated as a blog to share Jason M. Lemkin's insights on building a successful SaaS business. It has evolved into a prominent online community for SaaS founders and entrepreneurs, attracting over 2.5 million views monthly and more than 50 million views on Quora. The platform offers extensive long-form content on its website, which is also featured in major publications such as Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. SaaStr is renowned for hosting the SaaStr Annual, recognized as the world's largest non-vendor B2B conference. The community has gained accolades, including being named one of the Top 100 blogs for entrepreneurs by Forbes and one of the 50 Best Websites for Entrepreneurs by Inc. Through its resources and events, SaaStr aims to empower the next generation of SaaS and B2B business leaders.
ScoopWhoop is an internet media company that creates and curates India-specific stories for a wider audience. It focuses on sections such as life, news, humor, travel, sports, food, foreigners, and more. ScoopWhoop was founded in 2013 and is based in New Delhi, India.
Tumblr is an online publishing platform designed to enable users to connect, express themselves, and discover content. It allows individuals to share a variety of media, including text, photos, quotes, links, music, and videos, from various devices such as browsers, phones, desktops, or via email. This functionality facilitates the creation of short-form blogs, making it easy for users to post and engage with multimedia content.
TradeKing is a provider of equity and options trading services that emphasizes social engagement among its users. The company offers low-cost trading options, with a flat fee for trades and an additional charge for options contracts. To enhance the trading experience, TradeKing provides daily financial market blogs and facilitates collaboration among users who share similar trading strategies or research interests. Founded by Don A. Montanaro, who previously established one of the earliest electronic trading operations, TradeKing aims to create a community-driven platform that not only caters to individual trading needs but also fosters interaction and shared learning among its members.
Odyssey is an internet company based in New York, founded in 2009, that operates a social media platform aimed at fostering discussions on current events and personal interests. The platform empowers users to share their thoughts and perspectives, enabling meaningful conversations around topics that matter to them and their communities. By democratizing content creation and consumption, Odyssey encourages creative self-expression through writing and facilitates positive social impact and personal growth for its users.
Brit + Co is a digital media company founded in 2011 by Brit Morin, focusing on inspiring, educating, and entertaining women with creative interests. As one of the largest media platforms for women, Brit + Co has built an engaged community of over 125 million users across various online platforms. The company produces more than 100 pieces of content daily, generating tens of millions of video views. Its platform facilitates connections between users and a diverse range of creators, including makers, designers, chefs, and inventors. This approach not only fosters a vibrant community of creativity but also allows customers to purchase do-it-yourself project kits and curated products. In addition to its website and free app, Brit + Co extends its presence through social media and experiential offerings, effectively bridging online engagement with real-world connections.
Kleiner Perkins is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 1972. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage, growth, and incubation companies across a range of industries, including business products, consumer services, financial services, healthcare, information technology, and life sciences. Kleiner Perkins partners with entrepreneurs from the inception of their ideas through to their initial public offerings, aiming to maximize the potential of innovative concepts. The firm has a global investment focus, engaging with founders in the United States, Canada, the Middle East, the United Kingdom, and Mainland China. It is recognized for its strategic support of bold ideas and its commitment to fostering growth in various sectors.
Norrsken VC is a Stockholm-based venture capital firm that focuses on investing in startups dedicated to addressing significant global challenges while simultaneously creating substantial business opportunities. The firm seeks to identify and support innovative companies that tackle issues such as poverty, environmental sustainability, and mental health. In addition to its investment activities, Norrsken VC is closely associated with the Norrsken Foundation, a non-profit organization that also works on initiatives aimed at solving pressing societal problems. This dual approach reflects Norrsken's commitment to fostering meaningful change through entrepreneurship and impact-driven solutions.
TCG is an independent media company. Their focus is on majority and minority investments in growing consumer businesses. Our portfolio includes digital media, commerce, marketplaces, sports, gaming, consumer finance, and health and wellness brands and platforms.
Pracinco is an angel network founded in 2019 and located in Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. The company focuses on investing in various sectors, including business services and technology, communications, healthcare, and education. By supporting early-stage companies within these industries, Pracinco aims to foster innovation and growth, contributing to the development of emerging markets and technologies.
Flutter Entertainment is a leading sports betting and iGaming operator formed in 2016 through the merger of the Irish company Paddy Power and the UK firm Betfair. The company encompasses a range of well-known brands, including FanDuel, Sky Betting & Gaming, and Sportsbet, and has a significant presence in the United States, the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Italy. Flutter operates in over 100 countries and serves an average of 12.3 million monthly users. In 2023, its revenue sources were primarily from sports betting (56%), followed by online gaming (39%), with the remaining 5% coming from fantasy sports, horse racing, and other activities. By leveraging its diverse portfolio of brands, Flutter combines local market expertise with the advantages of being a global leader in the gaming industry.
We developed an acceleration program using the best practices observed in the main startup ecosystems of the world and adapted to the Brazilian reality. We have already invested in more than 30 startups from more than 8 states in Brazil. Our acceleration program happens twice a year, and selected companies receive the investment of R$ 100k. During the 12-week period of our program, the founders of startups work with our operational team, mentors, investors, and partners with an emphasis on product-market fit, business model validation and customer acquisition across different traction channels. We are also passionate about helping build viable startups in Brazil and run educational programs, events, webinars, hackathons, conferences, and partnerships.
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.
AltaIR Capital manages funds that invest in the world's most promising companies with disruptive ideas and great return potential. They invest in early and growth stage startup companies in various sectors. Its portfolio companies represent key players of the startup industry, top incubator graduates, and promising teams.
GV Investment Managers is a private equity firm founded in 2000 and based in Stamford, Connecticut. The firm specializes in impact investing, private equity, and portfolio management services. It focuses on sectors such as life sciences, consumer products, enterprise solutions, cryptocurrency, climate technology, and frontier innovations. With Alphabet as its sole limited partner, GV Investment Managers primarily targets investments in North America and Europe. The firm collaborates with operating partners who assist startups in areas such as design, diversity and inclusion, talent acquisition, and engineering, while also facilitating connections with Google for technological support and expertise.
Founded in 2009 by Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz, Andreessen Horowitz is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in incubating and investing in startups across various stages, from seed to late-stage funding. It primarily focuses on sectors such as technology, including software, cloud computing, enterprise software, and consumer Internet. Additionally, it invests in emerging fields like artificial intelligence, fintech, and healthcare, specifically targeting companies at the intersection of technology and life sciences, such as digital therapeutics and computational medicine. Andreessen Horowitz is committed to fostering innovation and supporting companies that contribute to American dynamism, while strategically avoiding investments in areas like clean energy, transportation, and consumer retail.
Founded in 1972 and based in Menlo Park, California, Sequoia Capital is a leading venture capital firm that specializes in investing in early to growth stage companies across various sectors, including energy, financial services, healthcare, internet, mobile, and technology. The firm aims to collaborate with a select number of ambitious founders to help them build transformative companies. Sequoia Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $1 million in startups at the seed stage, $1 million to $10 million in early-stage companies, and $10 million to $100 million in growth-stage firms. With a strong preference for being the first investor in profitable and rapidly growing companies, Sequoia seeks to partner with teams that have demonstrated successful products or services. The firm's investment strategy encompasses a global perspective, with significant allocations in markets such as China, India, and Israel.
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.
Three Hills Capital Partners is a private equity firm established in 2013, headquartered in London, with additional offices in Luxembourg and Milan. The firm focuses on providing financing solutions to mid-market companies in Europe, specifically targeting those seeking alternatives to traditional bank debt and standard equity. It specializes in refinancing, expansion capital, management buyouts, minority buyouts, and growth capital. The firm typically invests between €20 million and €100 million, primarily through preferred capital instruments such as preferred equity and subordinated debt, and generally aims to acquire a majority stake in its portfolio companies. Three Hills Capital Partners is industry agnostic, with interests spanning various sectors including retail, software, textiles, restaurants, hotels, and cleantech. The firm seeks to partner with experienced management teams and entrepreneurs, often taking a board position in its investments to help guide their growth and success.
Mento VC is a venture investment company founded in 2023 and based in Wilmington, Delaware. The firm focuses on investing in global startups with teams from the USA, Israel, Europe, and the UK. Mento VC primarily concentrates on sectors such as productivity tools, the future of work, B2B SaaS, enterprise solutions, fintech, HR technology, and consumer products. Established by three friends with diverse backgrounds in investment and business, Mento VC aims to leverage their collective experience to support and nurture innovative startups.
Alchemist Accelerator, LLC is a San Francisco-based accelerator that specializes in nurturing seed-stage startups, particularly those focused on the Internet of Things and other enterprise-oriented sectors. Founded in January 2013, the organization runs six-month programs, accepting 13 startups every four months. Alchemist invests approximately $28,000 to $40,000 in seed funding per company, aiming to support teams with distinctive technical co-founders. The accelerator provides a structured framework for startups, offering mentorship, guidance on traction and fundraising, and fostering a strong community among founders. Alchemist has received recognition for its successful alumni, which include notable companies such as LaunchDarkly and Rigetti Quantum Computing, and it is backed by prominent corporate and venture capital investors in Silicon Valley. The accelerator focuses on ventures that generate revenue from enterprises rather than consumers, aiming to seed around 75 such startups each year.
Fonbulucu is a crowding funding platform that provides innovative financing and investment system benefit to entrepreneurs and investors. The company's mobile application that allows investors to easily transact will strengthen its new approach, which they call digital investing. As a result, regardless of time or location, all investors, whether individual or institutional, qualified or unqualified, can invest.
Forerunner Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and based in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in high-growth, privately-held branded consumer companies, particularly within sectors such as online commerce, social/mobile commerce, and internet marketplaces. Forerunner Ventures aims to understand the evolving mindset of modern consumers and supports entrepreneurs who are positioned to meet future consumer needs. By providing funding, strategic guidance, and consumer insights, the firm helps to transform industries and drive cultural advancements. With a focus on seed stage and Series A investments, Forerunner typically invests between $250,000 and $500,000 in initial funding, with the potential for additional investments in high-performing companies. The firm prefers to partner with companies in the Bay Area but also considers opportunities in New York and Los Angeles, often seeking collaboration with local investors when companies are outside its primary geographic focus.
Index Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 1996, with offices in London, San Francisco, and Geneva. The firm focuses on partnering with entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into successful global businesses. It invests in a diverse range of sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare, and mobility. Index Ventures has a notable track record of supporting high-profile companies such as Adyen, Deliveroo, Dropbox, and Slack, reflecting its commitment to fostering technology-driven enterprises. By leveraging its extensive experience and network, Index Ventures aims to empower exceptional founders in reshaping industries and driving forward the future of business.
Union Square Ventures, LLC is a private equity and venture capital firm established in 2003 and headquartered in New York. The firm specializes in early-stage, growth capital, and late-stage financing, primarily focusing on internet-related ventures, including web applications, internet services, and mobile technologies. Union Square Ventures seeks to invest in companies that leverage information technology in innovative ways across diverse sectors such as media, marketing, financial services, fintech, climate tech, blockchain, telecommunications, and healthcare. The firm targets investments in businesses capable of creating large networks of engaged users and those that demonstrate strong user experience and defensibility through network effects. Union Square Ventures typically makes initial investments ranging from $1 million to $3 million, with a maximum investment of up to $20 million per company. The firm prefers to take an active role in supporting entrepreneurs and aims for ownership stakes of 15% to 20%. Its investment strategy is geographically focused on companies located in major cities such as New York, San Francisco, London, and Berlin.
SV Angel is a San Francisco-based angel investment group founded in 1992 that focuses on supporting entrepreneurs in the software-centric consumer and enterprise sectors across the United States. The organization assists founders at crucial stages of their business development by providing strategic advice, financing, and support for mergers and acquisitions. Unlike traditional venture capital firms that typically invest in a limited number of companies annually, SV Angel is known for its high volume of investments, often exceeding 100 companies each year. By leveraging its extensive network, SV Angel aims to help startups build sustainable and enduring companies.
Fonangels.com is a platform for the discovery and support of innovative and original ideas. All projects supported by fonangels.com are aimed at innovation and progress, whether it is a far from traditional product or an extraordinary idea. In line with this goal, we offer investors an alternative investment tool.
Knight Foundation is a national foundation with deep local connections, dedicated to promoting informed and engaged communities, which it views as vital for a healthy democracy. The foundation invests in journalism, the arts, and the development of cities where its founders, John S. and James L. Knight, once published newspapers. Through its Knight Enterprise Fund, it provides early-stage venture funding specifically aimed at media innovation. By supporting early-stage companies at the intersection of media and technology, Knight Foundation seeks to enhance access to quality information, thereby contributing to the overall well-being of communities.
Fifty Years is a venture capital firm founded in 2016 and located in San Francisco, California. The firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who leverage technology to address significant global challenges. Fifty Years primarily invests in companies within the technology sector in North America and Europe. Its investment strategy emphasizes backing ventures that have the potential to achieve substantial profitability while contributing to the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. By prioritizing innovative solutions and impactful business models, Fifty Years aims to foster a positive change in society through its portfolio companies.
IVP is a business information systems service company headquartered in Nagoya, Aichi, Japan, with a focus on electronic manufacturing. The company specializes in producing music amplifiers, concentrators, and UV sterilization devices. Established in 1980, IVP has evolved into a later-stage venture capital firm, investing in fast-growing technology companies across various sectors, including artificial intelligence, consumer products, digital health, and fintech. With a 40-year history, IVP has developed a reputation for partnering with innovative companies and helping them navigate the complexities of growth, ultimately aiming to transform these businesses into market leaders.
SoftBank Capital is the venture capital arm of SoftBank Corp, founded in 1999 and headquartered in Newton Center, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Buffalo and San Carlos, California, as well as New York City. The firm specializes in investments in technology-based services, focusing on socially-driven applications, digital media, online advertising, financial technology, and various other sectors, including mobile applications and cloud computing. SoftBank Capital typically invests between $5 million and $15 million, primarily in early to growth-stage companies in the United States and Indonesia. It favors co-investing and often takes a minority stake in its portfolio companies, securing one or more board seats. While no longer actively investing, SoftBank Capital has a history of supporting entrepreneurs building disruptive businesses and has established connections with leading companies in the Asian technology sector, offering unique insights and strategic guidance to its portfolio.
Wisdom Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Los Gatos, California, established in 2021. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage and seed-stage companies, particularly in the healthcare and technology sectors, with a particular emphasis on compassion and wellness startups. Wisdom Ventures leverages the extensive networks and proven track record of its partner team, which consists of experienced investors, experts, and leaders in their fields. By fostering innovation in these areas, the firm aims to support the growth of businesses that prioritize well-being and social impact.
14W is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 and based in New York, New York. The firm specializes in investing in sectors such as healthcare, software, and marketplaces, with a focus on companies that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and connectivity. With a global presence that includes teams in London and Madrid, 14W aims to partner with exceptional founders who are disrupting traditional industries and creating new categories across North America and Europe. The firm is also a Registered Investment Adviser, emphasizing its commitment to thoughtful and conviction-driven investment strategies.
Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in São Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in managing investment portfolios and providing asset management services across various sectors, including finance, technology, and real estate. Bossa Invest analyzes market trends to guide its investment decisions, with a particular focus on companies in the software as a service sector. Through its strategic investments, the firm aims to support the growth and development of innovative businesses.
Lerer Hippeau is a seed-stage venture capital firm based in New York City, established in 2010. The firm focuses on investing in entrepreneurs with innovative ideas and a strong work ethic, supporting them as they develop their businesses. Lerer Hippeau has built a diverse portfolio of over 400 companies across various sectors, including notable names such as Guideline, MIRROR, Blockdaemon, K Health, Allbirds, ZenBusiness, and Thrive. The firm is recognized for its active engagement in the early stages of startups, providing not only capital but also expertise and guidance to help founders navigate the challenges of building successful enterprises.
Kima Ventures is a venture capital firm that focuses on seed and early-stage investments across various sectors, with a particular emphasis on technology. Established in 2010 and headquartered in Paris, France, the firm also operates an office in London, United Kingdom. Kima Ventures is recognized as one of the most active early-stage investors globally, typically investing in two to three startups each week. The firm aims to support ambitious founders by providing not only financial backing but also a network and resources to facilitate growth. Kima Ventures often acts as a lead investor, making quick decisions to streamline the fundraising process, allowing entrepreneurs to concentrate on building their businesses. Over the past five years, Kima has invested in more than 400 startups in 24 countries, reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
Alpha Transform Holdings (ATH) is a holding company formed through the merger of strategic assets from Enzo Villani of Alpha Sigma Capital and Michael Terpin of Transform Ventures. Established in 2019 and headquartered in Bradenton, Florida, ATH focuses on the digital asset sector, offering comprehensive advisory services alongside its investment capabilities. The company aims to support innovative enterprises and decentralized projects that utilize blockchain technology to transform traditional industries, including finance, healthcare, and media. By leveraging its extensive research and expertise, ATH seeks to foster the mass adoption of distributed ledger technology, driving value and creating sustainable solutions within the evolving tech landscape.
Spark Capital Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm founded in 2005 with offices in San Francisco, Boston, and New York City. The firm specializes in growth capital investments, focusing on early-stage companies across a wide range of sectors, including consumer products, fintech, software, media, and e-commerce. Spark Capital is known for its unique approach to investing, emphasizing support for exceptional products and the creative individuals behind them. The firm embraces risk and aims to help founders achieve success on their own terms, often taking board seats in its portfolio companies. Spark Capital has backed notable companies such as Twitter, Discord, and Warby Parker, demonstrating its commitment to innovative ventures. With investment amounts ranging from $0.5 million to $30 million, the firm targets businesses with revenues up to $1 billion, primarily within the United States but with a global outlook.
PENN Entertainment is a diversified gaming and entertainment company that operates 43 properties across 20 states under 12 brands, including Hollywood Casino and Ameristar. The company's roots trace back to the opening of a racetrack in Pennsylvania in 1972. In 2023, land-based casinos accounted for 89% of its total sales, while the interactive segment, which includes sports betting, iGaming, and media revenue, contributed 11%. The retail gaming portfolio boasts mid-30s EBITDAR margins, which enhance PENN's ability to secure licenses for digital wagering markets. Additionally, its media assets, including theScore and a partnership with ESPN launched in November 2023, provide critical access to sports betting and iGaming technology, further expanding its customer base and market presence.
Village Ventures, Inc. is a venture capital firm founded in 2000 and headquartered in Williamstown, Massachusetts, with additional offices in Bloomington, Indiana; New York, New York; and Denver, Colorado. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on sectors such as consumer, media, retail, healthcare, life sciences, business services, information technology, and financial services. Village Ventures typically invests between $0.5 million and $5 million in companies based in the United States, particularly in regions like New England, Florida, New Mexico, Western Massachusetts, and Central Indiana. The firm targets early-stage companies with revenues under $10 million and seed-stage companies with no revenues, aiming to acquire a minimum of 20% ownership in its portfolio companies. While Village Ventures is no longer actively investing, it has established a reputation for co-investing alongside groups familiar to the firm.
MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs from various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in countries such as Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge operates a non-equity model, allowing startups to retain full ownership while benefiting from expert guidance and connections. The accelerator conducts various programs tailored to specific sectors, such as MassChallenge HealthTech and MassChallenge FinTech, which facilitate partnerships between startups and established enterprises to drive innovation and market growth. Through its extensive global network, MassChallenge aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and empower high-potential startups to create meaningful impact.
Upfront Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 1996 and headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with additional offices in Los Angeles and San Francisco. The firm specializes in investing in technology-driven companies across various sectors, including digital content and distribution, Ad-Tech, e-commerce, financial services, mobile technology, big data, software, and health. Upfront Ventures primarily focuses on early-stage investments, specifically targeting seed and Series A rounds, with typical investments ranging from $0.5 million to $15 million. The firm strategically invests at least 50% of its capital in North America, particularly in the vibrant ecosystems of Southern California, while also considering opportunities in Europe and other regions, including the Caribbean and Central America. Upfront Ventures takes an active role in its portfolio companies by securing board seats and has a history of backing notable startups such as Ring, TrueCar, and Maker Studios. The firm is led by Managing Partners Yves Sisteron, Mark Suster, and Kara Nortman.
FundersClub is a venture capital investment firm founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California. As the world's first online venture capital platform, it specializes in seed and early-stage investments across a variety of sectors, including technology, consumer products, healthcare, and logistics. The firm has backed notable companies such as Coinbase, Instacart, and GitLab. FundersClub is supported by prominent investors and accelerators, including Y Combinator, Andreessen Horowitz, and Spark Capital, which enhances its credibility and reach within the startup ecosystem. The firm aims to leverage its unique online platform to democratize access to venture capital, allowing a broader range of investors to participate in early-stage funding opportunities.