The National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency in the United States that funds and supports research and education in science and engineering. It funds fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering and administers non-dilutive funding programs to aid early‑stage technology development, helping translate discoveries into commercially viable products and services. Through grants and fellowships, the NSF supports researchers, educators, and startups, contributing to innovation and U.S. competitiveness. The agency operates with a substantial budget to advance science, engineering, and STEM education nationwide.
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.
Duke Energy is a leading U.S. energy company providing electric and gas services to approximately 7.9 million customers across six states. Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the company owns and operates diverse power generation assets, including renewable energy sources, with a focus on sustainability and community vitality.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.
The U.S. Department of Education is a federal agency responsible for establishing policies and administering most federal assistance programs related to education. Its mission is to promote student achievement and ensure equal access to education for all individuals. The Department supports the implementation of education policies set by the President and Congress, coordinating efforts among various stakeholders, including state and local education systems, private educational institutions, and community organizations. It oversees programs that serve millions of students across public and private schools and provides financial assistance through grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. Additionally, the Department enforces civil rights laws to eliminate discrimination in educational programs receiving federal funding, thereby fostering an inclusive educational environment. Established in 1979, the agency aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of education, improve management of federal education activities, and increase accountability to the public and government entities.
National Institutes of Health is a biomedical research agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, based in Bethesda, Maryland. It is the primary U.S. government organization devoted to biomedical and health research, conducting science through the Intramural Research Program and funding external research through the Extramural Research Program. The NIH comprises 27 institutes and centers and supports about 1,200 principal investigators and more than 4,000 postdoctoral fellows across basic, translational, and clinical research. It has contributed to major advances such as vaccines and therapies and is dedicated to advancing knowledge and translating discoveries into improvements in public health. Established in 1887, NIH operates as a central hub for medical research in the United States.
The Government of Canada provides a centralized online platform for accessing government information and services, ensuring accessibility via any internet-connected device. It offers insights into the government's operations, priorities, laws, finances, transparency initiatives, digital governance, and policies.
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.
Google is a multinational technology company renowned for its search engine, offering services such as Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, and YouTube. It specializes in advertising solutions through Google Ads and mobile operating systems with Android, while actively innovating in artificial intelligence and machine learning.
Google for Startups is an initiative supporting global startups. It offers access to Google's products, connections, and best practices through a network of partners in over 135 countries. The program aims to help determined startups succeed.
Established in 1937, Lilly Endowment is a private foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana. It focuses on funding initiatives in religion, education, community development, philanthropy, public policy, and disaster relief, with an emphasis on supporting youth and underserved groups.
MassChallenge is a global startup accelerator supporting early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries. Founded in 2009, it provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities through its programs worldwide.
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.
Founded in 2015, Reach Capital is a venture capital firm based in the United States. It specializes in early-stage investments in education technology (ed-tech) companies, focusing on tools and applications that improve educational opportunities for all learners.
Charter Communications is an American telecommunications company offering high-speed internet, cable TV, and mobile services under the Spectrum brand. It serves approximately 29 million residential and 2 million commercial customers across the U.S., making it the second-largest cable provider behind Comcast.
Owl Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that specializes in education technology and related sectors. Founded in 2014, it supports startups across the education spectrum—from early childhood to higher education and career mobility—through an active, hands-on approach that leverages deep domain expertise to help entrepreneurs scale and build category-leading companies. The firm has a portfolio of edtech and related enterprises and assets under management of over $600 million.
Established in 1990, the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation is a global philanthropic organization dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence and data science for social impact. It invests in research, development, and implementation of data-driven technologies across various sectors to improve lives worldwide.
Founded in 2016, GSV Ventures is a global venture capital firm focused on the digital education market. It invests in early and late-stage companies transforming the $7 trillion sector, with notable investments including Coursera, ClassDojo, Degreed, and Guild Education. The firm also convenes the annual ASU+GSV Summit, attracting over 35,000 attendees from around the world.
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.
Rethink Impact Management is a venture capital firm that invests in late seed through growth-stage opportunities with a gender lens and social impact focus. It targets tech-enabled sectors such as health, education, and environmental sustainability and backs companies pursuing systemic change aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The firm prioritizes entrepreneurs led by women or with women in senior leadership, and seeks to back mission-driven teams delivering scalable impact. Typical investments range from 2 million to 15 million, with annual recurring revenue in the 0.5 to 15 million range. Founded in 2016, the firm is based in the United States with offices in Washington, DC; New York; and San Francisco.
Established in 1934, the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is a philanthropic nonprofit institution based in New York City. Its mission is to support original research and education related to science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics through grants.
Founded in 2014, Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California. It invests in early-stage consumer technology companies, empowering exceptional entrepreneurs to solve pressing problems and create global impact.
Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm that backs startups across enterprise software, consumer technologies, fintech, healthtech, and cleantech from seed through growth stages. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Menlo Park, California, it maintains offices in Beijing, Shanghai, New Delhi, and Herzliya to engage markets in the United States, Asia, and Israel. The firm focuses on technology-enabled businesses and has supported companies across software, mobile, data, e-commerce, and services, spanning early-stage to expansion rounds. It offers strategic guidance, network access, and capital, and has historically included debt financing as part of its investment approach. With a multi-region footprint and a broad multi-stage mandate, Lightspeed seeks to partner with entrepreneurs to scale innovative companies globally.
The Jim Joseph Foundation, established in 2006, is a non-profit organization based in the United States dedicated to enhancing Jewish education for young Jews. Collaborating with various grantee-partners, the Foundation aims to create impactful Jewish learning experiences across diverse settings. By awarding grants to effective organizations, it seeks to engage, educate, and inspire young Jewish individuals, fostering a sense of joy and connection to vibrant Jewish life. The Foundation recognizes the importance of dynamic learning environments and is committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of Jewish youth and young adults.
The Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, established in the mid-1960s by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ewing Marion Kauffman, is a prominent philanthropic organization based in Kansas City, Missouri, with assets of around $2 billion. The foundation's mission is to cultivate a society of economically independent individuals who actively engage in improving their communities. To achieve this vision, the Kauffman Foundation concentrates its efforts on two primary areas: education and entrepreneurship. These focus areas reflect Kauffman's belief in the interconnectedness of education and entrepreneurial spirit as essential components for fostering individual and community development.
Learn Capital is a venture capital firm focused on education technology and related human capital development, investing in early- to mid-stage startups that improve learning through innovative content, platforms, and services. The firm targets companies with scalable solutions across the global education sector and places particular emphasis on emerging markets, including Latin America. Founded in the late 2000s in California, Learn Capital maintains a national and international footprint with offices in Austin, Texas and Beijing, and it backs entrepreneurs who aim to reshape how people teach and learn using technology-enabled platforms and on-demand learning tools.
Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011, that manages investment portfolios and provides asset management services to clients across sectors, with a focus on software as a service companies, and analyzes market trends to inform its investment decisions while operating in finance, technology, and real estate.
FasterCapital is an online incubator, accelerator, and venture builder based in Dubai that supports startups and small businesses worldwide. It provides equity-based services, including technical development and business development, and assists ventures seeking funding from angels and venture capitalists. Founded in 2010, FasterCapital engages in a broad range of technology-driven sectors such as fintech, edtech, health tech, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and related fields.
Lumina Foundation is an independent non-profit private foundation based in Indianapolis, Indiana, established in 2000. Its primary mission is to expand access to education, aiming to increase the proportion of Americans with degrees, certificates, and other high-quality credentials to 60 percent by 2025. The foundation employs an outcomes-based approach that emphasizes the design and development of an equitable, accessible, responsive, and accountable higher education system. Additionally, Lumina Foundation fosters a national sense of urgency for action to achieve its educational goals through research, information dissemination, and innovation.
Denso is a global automotive technology company and supplier of advanced systems and components. It develops and manufactures thermal and powertrain control systems, electronics, and electrification solutions for major automakers, helping vehicles run more efficiently and safely. Headquartered in Kariya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, Denso was founded in 1949 as Nippondenso and is a core member of the Toyota Group. The company provides a broad range of automotive electronics and collaborates with automakers to advance mobility through world-leading products and technologies, with a focus on reducing environmental impact and improving road safety worldwide.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts functions as a government administration, overseeing various state services and regulatory functions. One of its key agencies, the Massachusetts Department of Revenue, provides critical resources and services related to taxation. This includes offering detailed tax forms and instructions, mailing addresses for submissions, and estimated tax payment vouchers. The Department also facilitates the filing of extensions for personal income or fiduciary tax, along with essential information pertinent to the tax filing season, such as tax guides and legal resources. Additionally, it manages tax-related issues including bills, collections, audits, and appeals, while also supporting tax professionals and software developers. The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate within the department further assists individuals navigating the complexities of tax obligations.
Founded in Singapore in 2017, Antler is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests globally. It focuses on backing exceptional founders from day one, offering a global community network of co-founders, talent, advisors, expansion support, and capital across various sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, consumer goods, and more.
Founded in 2015, FJ Labs is a New York-based venture capital firm focusing on stage-agnostic investments in marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. Their investment range varies from $50,000 to $5,000,000, typically at seed or series A stages.
Founded in 2007, Innovate UK is a non-profit organization based in Swindon, UK. It supports businesses across various economic sectors by offering funding services to promote science and technology innovations.
A public business accelerator founded in 2010 by the Chilean government. It aims to attract global entrepreneurs to launch their businesses in Chile, offering a large portfolio of up to 160 startups annually through distinct programs tailored to different stages.
Sequoia Capital Israel is a venture capital firm that backs startups and growth companies across seed to late-stage rounds, with a focus on Israel. It invests across sectors including fintech, financial services, internet, mobile, technology, and healthcare, spanning banking, payments, advertising, ecommerce, data, security, software, and related enabling tech. Typical commitments range from 100,000 to 1 million in seed, 1 to 10 million in early venture, and 10 to 100 million in growth rounds. The firm is based in Tel Aviv and operates as part of Sequoia Capital's global network.
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.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is an insurance company headquartered in Richardson, Texas, that has been in operation since 1929. It specializes in providing health insurance services, along with property and casualty insurance products. As a subsidiary of the Health Care Service Corporation, BCBSTX is committed to delivering financially sound healthcare coverage to its members, focusing on the well-being and health needs of individuals and families across Texas. The company is dedicated to adapting its offerings to meet the evolving demands of the healthcare landscape.
Ulu Ventures is a Palo Alto, California-based seed and early-stage venture capital firm that backs technology-driven startups across the United States. Founded in 2008, it focuses on internet-enabled consumer and business services and a broad range of sectors including EdTech, FinTech, healthcare, sustainability, enterprise IT, SaaS, IoT, digital media, mobile, agtech, and marketplaces. The firm emphasizes backing diverse entrepreneurial teams and typically engages in co-investments with other investors to pursue meaningful exits. It is described as the first Latina-led venture fund in Silicon Valley and is among the larger seed-focused vehicles in the region.
Right Side Capital Management is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage, pre-seed technology startups in underserved segments of the ecosystem. It invests in a high-volume, capital-efficient portfolio, typically funding rounds of 50,000 to 500,000 and making roughly 75 to 100 investments per year. The firm targets opportunities across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe, prioritizing companies with scalable products and prudent capital use outside major metro hubs. Since its inception, it has built a broad portfolio across many states. It commits to a fast decision process, often delivering a yes or no within two weeks to help founders establish momentum.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) was established on 10 July 2011 as part of the Australian Government's Clean Energy Future package. As an independent statutory authority under the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997, ARENA aims to enhance the competitiveness of renewable energy technologies and increase the supply of renewable energy in Australia. Since its operational start on 1 July 2012, ARENA has managed the administration of projects and initiatives previously overseen by the Australian Centre for Renewable Energy and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism. Additionally, as of 1 January 2013, ARENA has taken on the responsibilities of the Australian Solar Institute. With approximately $3 billion available for investment, ARENA plays a crucial role in advancing renewable energy projects across the country.
Established in 2017 by Nahdet Misr Publishing House, EdVentures is a corporate venture capital firm based in Giza, Egypt. It focuses on investing in early-stage startups specializing in education, culture, and innovative learning solutions across Egypt, Africa, and the Arab World.
TEDCO is an independent organization established in 1998 and located in Columbia, Maryland. It serves as the leading source of entrepreneurial business assistance and seed funding for the development of startup companies within Maryland's innovation economy. TEDCO focuses on early-stage companies across various sectors, including software, technology, energy equipment, life sciences, and oncology. Its mission is to foster innovation and economic growth in Maryland by supporting the growth of startups and enhancing the state's position in the entrepreneurial landscape.
American Student Assistance is a Boston-based foundation established in 1956, dedicated to assisting students in exploring their educational and career opportunities. With over six decades of experience, the foundation aims to empower students to make informed decisions about their future paths early in life. Through various programs and resources, American Student Assistance provides guidance and support, helping young individuals navigate their options in education and career planning. The foundation is managed by an executive team that oversees its initiatives and ensures the effective use of its resources to achieve its mission.
Founded in 1987, Panera Bread is a leading bakery cafe chain offering freshly baked goods, soups, salads, custom roasted coffees, and other complementary products. It provides omnichannel access to mobile ordering and catering services.
The T.D. Jakes Foundation is a workforce training that prepares workers to compete in today's economy through STEM/STEAM education, financial literacy and inclusion,
NBCUniversal is a global media and entertainment company that develops, produces, and markets entertainment, news, and information. Its portfolio includes broadcast and cable networks, film studios, theme parks, and digital properties.
Kapor Capital is a venture capital firm based in Oakland, California, founded in 1999. Specializing in seed and early-stage investments, the firm focuses on tech-enabled startups that aim to address significant social needs while transforming industries. Kapor Capital invests primarily in sectors such as education, health, finance, justice, and communication, and emphasizes the importance of diversity in its portfolio companies. The firm seeks to leverage information technology to create innovative solutions that generate positive social impact. Recognizing the potential of startups to drive meaningful change, Kapor Capital operates as a Registered Investment Adviser and primarily invests in the United States.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), established in 1901 and a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is one of the oldest physical science laboratories in the United States. NIST was created to address the challenges posed by inadequate measurement standards that jeopardized U.S. industrial competitiveness compared to nations like the United Kingdom and Germany. The institute plays a crucial role in developing and promoting measurement standards, which support innovation and enhance the quality and efficiency of various industries. Through its research and services, NIST helps ensure accuracy and reliability in measurements, which is essential for scientific advancement and economic growth.
Emerge is a pre-seed fund with $70 million in capital, backed by over 100 prominent edtech and future of work founders and executives. Its mission is to democratize access to opportunities for early-stage entrepreneurs focused on redefining learning and work.