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

ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based organization established in 2000, dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes, particularly for underserved populations, through evidence-based innovation. As part of the ECMC Group enterprise, it focuses on two primary areas: College Success and Career Readiness. The foundation provides grants and engages in program-related investments in both nonprofit and for-profit ventures, aimed at fostering improvements in post-secondary education and initiatives. Its overarching vision is to empower all learners to realize their full potential and attain family-sustaining wages.

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

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.

Charter Communications is an American telecommunications and mass media company that operates under the Spectrum brand. Formed in 2016 through the merger of Legacy Charter, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks, it has a long history in the industry. Charter provides a range of services, including high-speed Internet, premium cable television, and 5G mobile services, often offering these without contracts and at competitive monthly rates. The company serves approximately 58 million homes and businesses across the United States, accounting for around 40% of the market. With 30 million residential and 2 million commercial customer accounts, Charter is the second-largest cable provider in the country. Additionally, it owns various sports and news networks, further enhancing its media offerings.

Panera Bread is a retail bakery-cafe chain headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, established in 1987. The company specializes in freshly prepared, clean food, offering a diverse menu that includes freshly baked goods, soups, salads, and custom roasted coffees. Panera operates through three business segments: bakery-cafe, franchise, and fresh dough operations. It also provides omnichannel access for customers, including mobile ordering and catering services, enhancing convenience and accessibility for its clientele.

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.

Gaingels is a venture investment syndicate founded in 2014 and based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to supporting the LGBT+ community and its allies. The organization invests in companies led by LGBT+ founders and executives at all stages of development, as well as in established firms committed to enhancing their diversity and inclusivity. With a global portfolio comprising over 130 companies and $70 million in investment capital deployed, Gaingels plays a vital role in fostering an inclusive business environment. Additionally, the Gaingels network actively assists its portfolio companies in identifying and recruiting diverse talent for their leadership teams, while cultivating a vibrant community of industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs committed to driving positive social change through business initiatives.

Delta Community is one of the largest financial institutions in Georgia, serving over 400,000 members. We offer a variety of traditional banking products such as deposit accounts, credit cards, home mortgages and consumer loans, as well as financial planning services, insurance and more. As a not-for-profit organization, we give back our earnings to members and the communities that we serve.

Antler, established in 2017 and headquartered in Singapore, is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on investing in technology companies. It supports exceptional founders from day one, providing access to a global network of co-founders, talent, advisors, and expansion support, along with capital. Antler's funds, including Antler UK Fund and Antler India Fund, target various sectors such as information technology, climate tech, healthtech, software, energy services, and SaaS, with investments ranging from USD 0.2 to 0.4 million.

Building Hope’s expertise is in finance, real estate, and charter school operations. They offer finance, real estate, services, and a charter support unit. They provide schools with the advantage of having a professional partner with a shared mission of creating charter schools. Their financing through direct investment, loans, and bonds at below-market rates frees charter schools.

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.

Collaborative Fund, established in 2010 in New York, is a venture capital firm that invests in innovative companies at the intersection of technology, media, and creative industries. The firm focuses on sectors such as climate, consumer, industrial solutions, precision health, kids, food, health, and financial services, with a particular interest in businesses driven by creativity and collaborative consumption.

Naples Children & Education Foundation is a non-profit organization that improves the physical, emotional, and educational lives of underprivileged and at-risk children. They also support effective, disciplined charitable programs.

NBCUniversal is a prominent media and entertainment company headquartered in New York, formed from the merger of NBC and Vivendi Universal Entertainment in 2004. The company develops, produces, and markets a wide array of content, including entertainment, news, and information, catering to a global audience. Its diverse portfolio encompasses broadcast and cable networks, a motion picture studio, television production operations, a television station group, and world-renowned theme parks. Additionally, NBCUniversal operates a suite of internet-based businesses that allow consumers to access its content across various platforms and devices. With a significant presence in multiple U.S. states and London, NBCUniversal is dedicated to delivering exceptional media experiences and innovative storytelling.

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.

Reach Capital, established in 2015 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, is a venture capital firm focused on investing in early-stage education technology (ed-tech) startups across the United States. The firm seeks to support entrepreneurs developing technology solutions for challenges in early childhood, K-12, higher education, and workforce reskilling or upskilling. Reach Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $500,000 in seed rounds, taking a 3% to 5% stake, and up to $1 million or more in Series A or B rounds, with an 8% to 10% stake. Additionally, the firm acts as a catalyst, encouraging traditional and non-traditional investors to support the growing ed-tech market.

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

Aveanna Healthcare is a leading provider of pediatric home care services, formed through the merger of two major companies, Epic Health Services and PSA Healthcare. Established in 2016 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Aveanna operates a vast network of over 200 branch offices across 23 states, delivering care to medically fragile patients. The company focuses on addressing the needs of complex and high-cost patient populations, offering services through three main segments: Private Duty Services, Home Health & Hospice, and Medical Solutions. Its Private Duty Services encompass private duty nursing and pediatric therapy, with a growing emphasis on adult home health and hospice care due to increasing demand. By providing safe, high-quality care in the home, Aveanna aims to transform pediatric healthcare delivery and respond effectively to the challenges within the U.S. healthcare system.

East Ventures, established in 2009, is a leading, sector-agnostic venture capital firm headquartered in Tokyo with offices in Singapore and Indonesia. It provides multi-stage investment, from Seed to Growth, to over 300 tech companies across Southeast Asia. East Ventures is renowned for being an early backer of prominent regional tech companies like Tokopedia, Traveloka, and Ruangguru. It has been recognized as the most active investor in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, and the most consistent top-performing VC fund globally. Committed to sustainable development, East Ventures is Indonesia's first venture capital firm to sign the Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI), supported by the United Nations (UN).

Dairy Council of California develops the health and wellness of children and families by developing lifelong healthy eating habits. The organizational nutrition and education philosophy defines its activities and serves as a lens through which nutrition and education resources are perceived. In addition, they offer a mobile dairy classroom and an outdoor assembly with a live cow.

Republic Services, Inc. is a leading provider of non-hazardous solid waste management services in the United States, offering collection, transfer, disposal, and recycling solutions for residential, commercial, and municipal customers. The company's operations encompass curbside waste collection, the provision of waste containers, and rental of compactors. In addition, Republic Services processes and sells recyclable materials, including corrugated containers, newsprint, aluminum, and glass. As of the end of 2019, the company operated 340 collection facilities, 212 transfer stations, 189 active landfills, and 79 recycling processing centers across 41 states and Puerto Rico. With a commitment to sustainability, Republic Services also engages in landfill gas-to-energy projects and educational initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness. Founded in 1996 and headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company continues to play a significant role in the waste management industry, focusing on efficient and responsible waste disposal practices.

The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a philanthropic organization founded in 1990 that focuses on the intersection of artificial intelligence, data science, and social impact. Established as a legacy of IDG founder Patrick J. McGovern, the Foundation aims to harness the potential of technology to democratize access to knowledge and improve the human condition. It invests in initiatives that explore and develop AI and data science to create positive societal change. By fostering innovation in these fields, the Foundation seeks to fulfill McGovern's vision of leveraging technology for the greater good, ultimately enhancing lives and addressing pressing global challenges.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas is a member-owned cooperative that provides credit products and financial services to support housing and economic development in its member institutions across Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, and Texas. By offering various financial tools, the bank enables its members to deliver essential financial products that fund housing, small businesses, rural development, and agriculture. Additionally, the bank focuses on specialized community investment, along with affordable housing loan and grant programs, aimed at financing community redevelopment and enhancing affordable housing opportunities in the regions it serves.

General Catalyst is a venture capital firm established in 2000, headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in North America and Europe. The company specializes in early-stage and growth equity investments, focusing on technology-driven businesses. It invests across various sectors, including consumer internet, enterprise software, fintech, health assurance, and crypto. General Catalyst provides not only capital but also mentorship and resources to accelerate the growth of its portfolio companies. To date, it has managed eight venture capital funds, totaling approximately $3.75 billion in capital commitments.

Superior HealthPlan, based in Austin, Texas, is a managed healthcare organization established in 1999 that focuses on improving the overall health of individuals through personalized and affordable care. The company primarily serves low-income and underserved residents of Texas, offering a range of services including medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, and behavioral health coverage. Currently, Superior HealthPlan provides nine distinct products to nearly 2 million individuals and collaborates with local grassroots organizations to enhance the well-being of its members. It partners with the State of Texas to support individuals enrolled in Medicaid, CHIP, Medicare, and the Health Insurance Marketplace. Notably, Superior was the first managed care organization in the United States to provide statewide benefits to children and youth in foster care through the STAR Health program. Since 2015, it has consistently been recognized as one of the top Medicaid health plans in Texas, most recently receiving a rating of 3.5 out of 5.0 from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for 2023-24. With a workforce of over 3,000 employees, Superior HealthPlan operates in all 254 counties in Texas.

GIC Pte. Ltd. is a sovereign wealth fund wholly owned by the Government of Singapore, established in 1981 to manage the country’s foreign reserves. The firm focuses on securing Singapore's financial future by investing across a diverse range of asset classes in both public and private markets. Its investment strategy includes public and private equity, with particular emphasis on health care, financial services, natural resources, real estate, and fixed income, as well as alternative markets such as foreign exchange and commodities. GIC also engages in venture capital, providing seed capital to start-ups and growth companies. The organization operates through subsidiaries that specialize in various investment categories and maintains a global presence with offices in key financial centers around the world. GIC aims to achieve sustainable long-term returns above global inflation, thereby fulfilling its responsibility to preserve and enhance Singapore's financial reserves for future generations.

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.

Berkshire Bank, founded in 1845 and headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, is a full-service commercial bank operating through 75 branches across Western Massachusetts, Northeastern New York, and Southern Vermont. It offers a wide array of banking, insurance, and wealth management services to retail, commercial, not-for-profit, and municipal customers. Berkshire Bank's commitment to community development is reflected in its foundation, established in 1997, which supports various initiatives focused on education, economic development, and community betterment.

Blue Collective LLC, established in 2014, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Brooklyn, New York. It invests in early-stage, growth, and majority equity positions in companies across North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. The firm is industry-agnostic, focusing on B2B software, enterprise tech, hardware, consumer products, and biotech sectors. Blue Collective typically invests between $0.25 million to $50 million in companies with an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $5 million to $15 million.

ANRI is a venture capital firm founded in 2012 and based in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on investing in seed and early-stage startups across a diverse range of sectors, including business products, business services, energy, information technology, blockchain, life sciences, mobile, software-as-a-service, technology, media and telecom, and robotics. By supporting innovative companies in these fields, ANRI aims to foster growth and development within the startup ecosystem.

Lilly Endowment is an independent private foundation located in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 1937. Its mission centers on providing sustainable support for religion, education, and community development. The foundation places a strong emphasis on initiatives that benefit young people and foster leadership education and financial self-sufficiency within the nonprofit and charitable sectors. Additionally, it supports programs aimed at enhancing higher education opportunities for African Americans, Native Americans, and Latino Americans across the United States, focusing on projects that align with its commitment to community enrichment and empowerment.

LightBay Capital, established in 2016, is a Los Angeles-based private equity firm that focuses on middle market investments. It targets the consumer, healthcare, and business services sectors, employing a flexible capital approach to support its portfolio companies.

Unicharm Corporation, founded in 1961 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a leading manufacturer and seller of disposable hygiene products, focusing on baby care, feminine care, health care, household, and pet care products. The company's extensive range of baby and child care items includes disposable diapers and training pants marketed under the Moony and MamyPoko brands. In feminine care, Unicharm offers a variety of products such as napkins and tampons under the Sofy brand. The health care segment features incontinence products branded as Lifree. Additionally, the company produces home care items like cleaning sheets and personal care products including cosmetic puffs under the Silcot brand. Unicharm also manufactures pet care products, including food and cleanup materials. With a significant portion of its sales generated internationally, particularly in Asia, Unicharm serves various markets through drugstores, supermarkets, specialty stores, and e-commerce platforms, making it the largest producer of disposable hygiene products in Japan and Asia.

SMBC Venture Capital is the corporate venture capital arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, established in 2005 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The firm focuses on investing in companies across various sectors, including information technology, life sciences, services, and manufacturing. SMBC Venture Capital leverages its parent company's extensive financial services experience to identify and support innovative startups and growth-stage companies, aiming to foster advancements in these key industries. By providing not only capital but also strategic guidance and resources, SMBC Venture Capital seeks to drive growth and create long-term value for its portfolio companies.

Everywhere Ventures, established in 2017 and based in New York, is a unique early-stage venture fund created by founders for founders. It invests globally in pre-seed deals, typically in a company's first financing round. The fund, with over $70 million under management, is backed by over 500 founders and operators who serve as its limited partners. Everywhere Ventures focuses on purpose-driven teams in the money, health, and work verticals, providing not just capital, but also the expertise and mentoring of its experienced limited partners.

Conagra Brands is a leading packaged food company primarily operating in the United States, where it generates over 90% of its revenue. The company specializes in a diverse range of products, with a significant focus on frozen foods, including well-known brands such as Marie Callender's, Healthy Choice, Banquet, and Birds Eye. In addition to frozen offerings, Conagra also markets snacks, shelf-stable staples, and refrigerated foods under various brands, including Duncan Hines, Hunt's, Slim Jim, Vlasic, Orville Redenbacher's, Reddi-wip, Wish-Bone, and Chef Boyardee. The company primarily distributes its products through the retail channel, with a smaller portion of its revenue coming from international markets and foodservice. Conagra Brands also engages in philanthropic efforts through its foundation, which provides support to nonprofits that offer essential programs and services to diverse communities across the country.

Metrodora Ventures, established in 2020 and based in New York, is a venture capital firm focusing on health and learning businesses. It invests in seed, early, and later-stage companies across business products, services, healthcare, and technology sectors, typically taking minority stakes.

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.

SFC Capital, established in 2012 and headquartered in London, is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage, UK-based companies. It focuses on sectors such as software, technology, e-commerce, consumer, and enterprise. SFC Capital differentiates itself by combining angel networks and seed funds, offering investors exposure to SEIS- and EIS-qualifying businesses through direct investment or diversified portfolios managed by its expert team.

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

Learning Care Group, Inc. is a leading provider of early education and care services for children aged six weeks to twelve years, operating over 900 corporate and franchise schools across North America, as well as in Hong Kong and Indonesia. The company focuses on creating a safe and stimulating environment that fosters a lifelong love of learning. Its curriculum is designed to enhance physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language skills, preparing children for kindergarten through engaging activities such as dramatic play, exploration, and problem solving. Additionally, Learning Care Group offers Montessori education that includes language, mathematics, and arts, along with employer-sponsored child care and corporate partnership programs. Founded in 1967 and headquartered in Novi, Michigan, the company serves more than 100,000 children with a dedicated team of approximately 17,000 educators and staff.

F-Prime Capital is a venture capital firm established in 1969 and headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with additional offices in San Francisco and London. It is part of the Fidelity Investments family, which has a long history of supporting entrepreneurs. F-Prime Capital focuses its investments on companies in North America and Europe, specializing in sectors such as healthcare, life sciences, therapeutics, fashion, medtech, health information technology and services, and technology. The firm emphasizes a hands-on approach, leveraging its deep industry expertise and extensive relationships to assist entrepreneurs in building significant companies. F-Prime Capital operates without the pressures of external fundraising, allowing it to concentrate on identifying and nurturing promising ventures.

SOSV, established in 1995 and headquartered in Princeton, New Jersey, is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments. It focuses on deep tech innovations in the health and environmental sectors, supporting founders with breakthrough technologies through its HAX and IndieBio startup development programs. SOSV provides resources, facilities, and lab equipment to accelerate product development and scale, with a track record of helping its portfolio companies secure subsequent funding rounds led by top-tier investors.

Rethink Food, a venture capital firm, invests in early-stage companies that leverage technology to digitize and decarbonize the food system. It focuses on six verticals: AgTech & Precision Farming, Ingredient Technology, Sustainable Distribution, Packaging Technology, Food As Medicine, and No/Low Waste Tech. The firm seeks to support female-led companies and those with women in C-level roles, aligning with its mission to promote gender diversity and create social impact. Rethink Food invests $2 million to $10 million in late Seed to Series C rounds, targeting companies with $500,000 to $15 million in annual recurring revenue.

GGV Capital V, established in 2016, is a venture capital fund based in Menlo Park, California, managed by GGV Capital. The fund invests in the United States and China, focusing on the software sector. It typically allocates USD 5 to 25 million for initial investments in companies within this sector.

Inflection Point Ventures, established in 2018 and based in Gurgaon, India, is a prominent angel network dedicated to investing in early-to-mid stage startups across various sectors, including healthcare, software, clean technology, and fintech, among others. With a community of over 3,300 CXOs, professionals, high-net-worth individuals, and family offices, IPV not only provides capital but also leverages its extensive network to assist entrepreneurs in accessing new markets, customers, and mentorship. The firm aims to democratize angel investing by offering a low membership fee, minimal investment ticket size, and a transparent investment process, all underpinned by thorough due diligence conducted by industry experts. IPV is committed to supporting dedicated and capable founders, fostering innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem.

Chick-fil-A, Inc. is a family-owned quick-service restaurant chain headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, that operates and franchises over 1,800 locations across the United States. The company is renowned for its chicken sandwiches and offers a diverse menu that includes breakfast items, entrées, salads, sides, kid's meals, treats, drinks, and various sauces and dressings. In addition to its dine-in services, Chick-fil-A provides catering options and has restaurants located in airports, malls, and college campuses, as well as in neighborhood areas. Founded in 1946, the company emphasizes freshly prepared food and community service, and it is recognized for its competitive employee benefits, which include a 401k plan, pension, on-site childcare, and a fitness center for corporate staff.

Initialized Capital, established in 2012, is a San Francisco-based early-stage venture capital firm. It manages over $3.2 billion across five core funds, investing in technology sectors, with a focus on software. The firm has six investing partners and has created over $200 billion in market value through its portfolio startups. Initialized V, its latest fund, targets investments in the software sector, with a typical investment size ranging from $0.1 million to $0.5 million.

Care.com is dedicated to enhancing the lives of families and caregivers by facilitating reliable connections between them. The platform serves as a comprehensive marketplace, enabling families to make informed decisions regarding quality care for children, parents, pets, and other loved ones. By providing access to a wide range of caregivers, Care.com aims to be the leading destination for quality care providers, helping them find meaningful employment and career opportunities worldwide. The service has gained rapid popularity among families seeking care solutions, reflecting its commitment to fulfilling the essential human need for caregiving.