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.
The Invention Lab is a venture capital firm established in 2017 and based in Seoul, South Korea. It specializes in open innovation and seed investment, focusing on sectors such as consumer technology, digital healthcare, vertical online-to-offline services, in-demand services, and software as a service (SaaS). The firm aims to support and nurture innovative startups in Korea and Southeast Asia, providing strategic guidance and financial backing to help them grow and succeed in their respective markets.
Lightspeed Israel, established in 2006, is a venture capital firm based in Tel Aviv, Israel. It invests in seed, early, and later-stage companies across the information technology and TMT sectors. The firm focuses on supporting innovative Israeli startups, providing capital and strategic guidance to accelerate their growth. Lightspeed Israel typically invests between $2 million to $25 million per company, with a particular interest in enterprise, health, fintech, and consumer sectors. It manages multiple funds, including Lightspeed Venture Partners IX and Lightspeed India Partners I & II, to support its investment activities in Israel and India.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in Seattle, Washington, established in 2000. It is dedicated to reducing global inequities by focusing on improving health, alleviating extreme poverty, and supporting educational initiatives. The foundation also engages in community giving within the Pacific Northwest, promoting strategies and programs that assist low-income families. With regional offices in Washington, D.C.; New Delhi, India; Beijing, China; and London, United Kingdom, the foundation is governed by its co-founders, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with trustee Warren Buffett. Its mission encompasses a wide range of global challenges, aiming to create lasting change through targeted grant-making and programmatic efforts.
Carnegie Learning is a publisher specializing in innovative, research-based mathematics curricula tailored for middle school, high school, and post-secondary students. The company provides differentiated instruction aimed at enhancing student success in mathematics, thereby facilitating graduation and equipping learners for the demands of the 21st century. Carnegie Learning develops artificial intelligence and learning software designed for regional schools, offering a comprehensive suite of proven educational resources, including textbooks, professional development, and data analysis services. These resources support conceptual understanding and developmental learning while also incorporating project-based computer science and coding curricula, enabling K-12 and college students to receive adaptive, personalized education and achieve effective learning outcomes.
The Alfred P. Sloan Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization located in New York City, established in 1934 by Alfred Pritchard Sloan, Jr., who was the former President and CEO of General Motors Corporation. The foundation's mission focuses on providing grants to support original research and education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and economics. It aims to promote advancements in these areas to enhance public understanding and foster innovation. The foundation's assets are managed by a board of trustees, ensuring that its philanthropic efforts align with its core mission and values.
Winton Ventures, established in 2015, is a London-based venture capital firm and the corporate venture arm of Winton Group. It focuses on investing in innovative companies operating in the cybersecurity, energy and environment, and data science-driven healthcare sectors. Leveraging Winton's extensive data science expertise, the firm actively supports its portfolio companies and makes informed investment decisions. Winton Ventures has an additional office in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
RevTek Capital, established in 2021 and based in Phoenix, is a boutique asset manager focused on providing tailored credit solutions for SaaS technology companies and other high-growth businesses with recurring revenue models. The firm specializes in offering flexible, founder-friendly debt capital ranging from $3 million to $30 million, designed to maximize enterprise value while minimizing dilution for established growth companies with a proven track record of generating significant annual recurring revenue or EBITDA. In addition to its direct offerings, RevTek collaborates with co-investors managing substantial assets to facilitate larger investments. The firm targets high-net-worth investors, family offices, financial advisors, and institutions seeking attractive, uncorrelated returns through alternative investment products. RevTek's founders, experienced entrepreneurs themselves, understand the entrepreneurial mindset and aim to align their financing solutions with the success of their borrowers, whether for growth, acquisitions, milestone achievements, or refinancing existing debt.
Alphanonce, established in 2008, is a Seoul-based venture capital firm that specializes in investing in crypto assets. It employs a math and technology-driven approach to its investment and trading strategies.
Frontier Development Capital is an alternative fund manager based in Birmingham, United Kingdom, established in 2016. The firm specializes in providing flexible long-term debt funding to established mid-market SMEs and property developers, with investment amounts ranging from £1 million to £20 million. Frontier Development Capital is particularly focused on supporting growth capital, shareholder transactions, and property development. Additionally, the firm offers tailored capital programs for the advanced manufacturing sector. As part of its operations, Frontier Development Capital is affiliated with Mercia Asset Management PLC, emphasizing its commitment to fostering the growth of businesses in the UK.
Physiomics Plc is a consulting firm based in Oxford, United Kingdom, specializing in services for pharmaceutical companies in the realms of quantitative pharmacology and computational biology. Established in 2001, the company utilizes its proprietary Virtual Tumour predictive software to offer modeling, simulation, and data analysis services, primarily focused on oncology research and development. By combining systems biology with advanced mathematical techniques, Physiomics aims to optimize dosing and scheduling of oncology drugs during pre-clinical and clinical trials, enhancing the efficacy of drug combinations and streamlining the overall drug development process. The company's operations extend across the United Kingdom, the European Union, Switzerland, and the United States, with a commitment to advancing personalized medicine through innovative technology.
Future Africa is a Lagos-based venture capital firm established in 2016, dedicated to empowering mission-driven founders and innovators to tackle significant challenges across the African continent. The firm focuses on creating a future where purpose and prosperity are accessible to all. Future Africa invests in a diverse array of sectors, including agriculture, data and artificial intelligence, e-commerce, education, finance, healthcare, and technology, among others. By supporting startups and entrepreneurs, Future Africa aims to foster the development of transformative solutions that contribute to the continent's economic growth and social progress.
Simons Foundation is an independent non-profit organization based in New York, established in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons. The foundation is dedicated to funding research in mathematics and the basic sciences, operating various divisions that encompass mathematics and physical sciences, life sciences, data analysis, and education and outreach. It supports initiatives like the Flatiron Institute, which focuses on computational science through in-house research. The foundation's mission centers on advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation in diverse scientific fields.
Eight Roads is a global venture capital firm, established in 1969, that invests in technology and healthcare companies across Asia, Europe, Israel, and the United States. It manages over $11 billion in assets through various funds, including Eight Roads Ventures China, Europe, India, and Japan. The firm focuses on early venture, growth capital, and growth stage investments, typically committing between $1.29 million to $30 million per company. Eight Roads seeks minority and majority stakes, often taking a board seat, and has invested in over 500 companies such as Alibaba, Chewy, and Toast. It operates as the proprietary investment arm of Fidelity International Limited.
TC Energy is a prominent energy infrastructure company that operates across Canada and the United States, focusing on natural gas, oil, and power generation assets. The company manages an extensive network, comprising over 60,000 miles of oil and gas pipelines, which play a critical role in supplying more than 25% of the clean-burning natural gas utilized daily for heating, industrial processes, and transportation. In addition to its pipeline operations, TC Energy has significant natural gas storage capacity, exceeding 650 billion cubic feet, and generates approximately 4,300 megawatts of electric power. With a commitment to low carbon energy solutions, TC Energy aims to leverage its vast infrastructure and trading platform to meet the growing energy demands of various sectors, including industrial and oil markets.
Five Elms Capital, established in 2007 and headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri, is a global growth equity firm specializing in investments in fast-growing B2B software businesses. The firm provides capital and resources to accelerate growth and solidify industry leadership. With over $2.4 billion in assets under management and a team of over 70 investment professionals, Five Elms has invested in more than 65 software platforms globally, demonstrating a deep domain expertise and extensive network in the software sector.
Goodwater Capital, established in 2014 and headquartered in Burlingame, California, is a venture capital firm dedicated to empowering exceptional entrepreneurs globally. They focus on early-stage investments in consumer technology companies, aiming to solve pressing problems and transform the global economy. Their mission is to measurably improve billions of lives by supporting entrepreneurs who are building products and platforms that consumers love.
Z3Partners is a venture capital investment firm based in Mumbai, India, founded in 2019. The firm focuses on investing in technology and digital sectors, leveraging 20 years of experience in both investing and operating businesses. Z3Partners is committed to supporting entrepreneurs in developing sustainable and profitable enterprises, emphasizing the identification of early trends and quality teams. With a combined investment and leadership experience of 70 years, the firm's team dedicates over half of their time to working closely with investee companies, fostering strong partnerships. Z3Partners operates within a robust network of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, providing valuable resources and relationships to enhance the growth of their portfolio companies.
Epiq Capital is a growth-stage investment firm based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, established in 2016. The firm specializes in partnering with entrepreneurs to scale technology companies into large and sustainable enterprises. Epiq Capital focuses on supporting founders who are developing innovative solutions within the Indian technology sector, actively seeking the next promising entrepreneurs to foster long-term growth and success.
Index Ventures, established in 1996, is a global venture capital firm with offices in London, San Francisco, and Geneva. The company invests in early and growth-stage technology startups, focusing on sectors such as software, artificial intelligence, machine learning, fintech, healthcare, and mobility. Index Ventures has a proven track record of backing successful companies like Adyen, Deliveroo, Dropbox, Farfetch, King, Slack, and Supercell. The firm's investment strategy is to support bold entrepreneurs with transformative ideas, helping them build global businesses.
Tin Alley Ventures is a venture capital investment firm based in Melbourne, Australia, founded in 2022. The firm focuses on investing in technology startups at various stages, including seed, early, and later stages. It collaborates closely with companies and researchers within the University of Melbourne's ecosystem, aiming to support and develop businesses that have the potential to create significant social and economic impact. Through its strategic partnerships and investment approach, Tin Alley Ventures seeks to foster innovation and drive growth in the technology sector.
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.
Japan Post Investment is a private equity firm established in February 2018 and headquartered in Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in managing private equity funds, focusing primarily on investments within the information technology sector. Japan Post Investment aims to partner with and support a select number of companies, typically targeting around ten investments to foster growth and development. The firm is affiliated with Japan Post Investment I, LLP, which reflects its commitment to strategic investments that align with the broader objectives of Japan Post.
The University of Tokyo Edge Capital (UTEC), established in 2004, is a Tokyo-based early-stage venture capital firm. It is affiliated with The University of Tokyo, a renowned research institution offering graduate and undergraduate courses, and facilitates various facilities including hospitals, libraries, and museums. UTEC manages over $500 million in assets and has invested in over 100 companies globally, with a notable track record of 13 IPOs and 12 successful M&A exits. The firm predominantly focuses on deep-tech sectors, namely Healthcare & Life Sciences, IT/AI, and Physical Sciences & Engineering.
Altos Ventures, established in 1996, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California, with an additional office in Seoul, South Korea. The company specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on consumer and technology sectors, including enterprise SaaS, FinTech, e-commerce, and consumer brands and services. Altos Ventures invests in high-growth, capital-efficient, founder-led companies, typically starting with investments of $0.5 million to $3 million, and has been the first and lead institutional investor in over 100 companies worldwide. The firm supports companies throughout their lifecycle, from inception to global growth and profitability.
Blossom Capital, established in 2018 and headquartered in London, is a venture capital firm focusing on early-stage investments in the technology sector. It primarily invests in Europe, with a secondary focus on Asia and the United States. The firm typically allocates between $5 million to $10 million per company, supporting startups from seed to Series A and growth stages. Blossom Capital has a track record of backing European founders building global businesses and has invested in unicorns across the US and Europe.
GreatPoint Ventures, established in 2015, is a San Francisco-based early-stage venture capital firm. It invests in Seed, A, and B rounds, with a typical investment size ranging from $250,000 to $20 million. The firm focuses primarily on healthcare and consumer-facing technology companies in the United States, with a diverse portfolio spanning sectors such as autonomous surgical robots, plant-based meat, health insurance, and health technology.
Elefund, established in 2015, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Mountain View, California. It specializes in early-stage investments, focusing on consumer-facing services and technology companies across the United States. The firm's portfolio spans various sectors, including insurance technology, e-commerce, digital health, manufacturing, health technology, SaaS, financial technology, enterprise, and consumer.
Sequoia Capital, established in 1972, is a prominent venture capital firm headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The company focuses on investing in early to growth-stage companies across various sectors, including information technology, healthcare, financial services, and energy. Sequoia Capital provides capital and strategic support to a select group of daring founders, helping them build legendary companies and push technological boundaries. The firm typically invests between $100,000 and $100 million, with a preference for being the first investor in profitable, fast-growing companies with proven teams and products. Sequoia Capital also manages funds focused on specific regions and sectors, such as India and the technology sector.
DST Global, established in 2009, is a venture capital firm headquartered in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, with additional offices in Menlo Park, New York, London, Beijing, and Hong Kong. The company specializes in late-stage investments in the internet sector, focusing on rapidly growing ventures. Its investment portfolio spans various sectors, including software, TMT, fintech, and e-commerce, with a global investment strategy.
Simpact Fund Sp. z o.o. is a venture capital firm based in Warsaw, Poland, that focuses on growth capital and early-stage investments in technology-driven startups. As the first impact investment venture capital fund in the country, Simpact aims to support ventures that demonstrate high business potential while also delivering positive social or environmental outcomes. The firm primarily invests in the information technology sector across Central and Eastern Europe, with funding ranging from EUR 0.1 million to EUR 2 million. Simpact is dedicated to empowering founders to create companies that align profitability with purpose, contributing to meaningful change in society.
AIP Seed Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Warsaw, Poland, founded in 2009. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, primarily targeting founders from Poland and the Polish diaspora who are developing transformative technologies. AIP Seed Capital provides not only financial backing but also strategic expertise through its Competence Hubs, which support entrepreneurs in critical areas such as AI technology, marketing, and finance. With a focus on quality over quantity, AIP Seed Capital seeks visionary founders who align with its long-term commitment to excellence. The firm typically invests up to $250,000 in initial funding rounds, fostering lasting partnerships with entrepreneurs who aspire to make a significant impact in their industries. Drawing on the extensive experience of its founder, Dariusz Żuk, AIP Seed Capital aims to nurture early-stage companies into global successes.
HSG, formerly known as Sequoia Capital China, is a global venture capital and private equity firm, managing over USD 55 billion across various funds. Established in 2005, HSG invests in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors, with a focus on seed, venture, growth, buyout, and infrastructure stages. The firm has backed over 1,500 companies, with more than 160 listed on public exchanges and over 140 achieving unicorn status. HSG operates globally, with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, London, Tokyo, and Singapore, providing extensive resources and industry expertise to its portfolio companies.
Enterprise Loans East Midlands, operated by First Enterprise Business Agency, is a prominent social enterprise in the East Midlands region. With a strong track record of offering proactive business advice and support, they specialize in providing loans to help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive. Their dedication to fostering economic growth and supporting local businesses sets them apart as a trusted resource for those in need of financial assistance to start or expand their ventures in the East Midlands.
Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, established in 1982, is a non-profit organization that fosters technological innovation and growth in the region. It primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, having supported over 1,750 such ventures since its inception. The organization also facilitates university-industry partnerships to accelerate scientific discoveries to market, and initiates regional programs to bolster the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its mission is to create jobs and transform lives by leading the region's technology community to new heights.
Big Basin Partners is an early-stage technology investment partnership founded in 1997 and based in Sammamish, Washington. The firm focuses on supporting entrepreneurs who have not yet secured traditional venture capital funding and may lack a formal business plan. Big Basin Partners specializes in identifying and refining target markets that are crucial for the initial growth of emerging companies. The firm invests across a range of sectors, including computer hardware, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, semiconductors, internet software services, application software, medical devices, healthcare, alternative energy, and education.
Woori Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Seoul, South Korea, founded in 1981. As a subsidiary of Woori Financial Group, the firm focuses on investments across various sectors, including entertainment and content, mobility, chemicals, manufacturing, semiconductors, biotechnology and healthcare, consumer services, and software, including the metaverse. The firm actively seeks to support innovative startups and growth-stage companies within these industries, aiming to foster technological advancement and economic development.
Smilegate Investment, established in 1999 in Seoul, South Korea, is a venture capital and private equity firm that has actively supported the growth of over 200 companies since its inception. Originally founded as MVP Capital, the firm has organized and managed more than 30 funds, focusing on a diverse range of sectors including B2B, B2C, media, healthcare, energy, information technology, advanced manufacturing, climate technology, digital health, SaaS, artificial intelligence, big data, e-commerce, financial technology, mobile commerce, clean technology, and life sciences. Smilegate Investment aims to identify and nurture promising growth potential within these industries, contributing to the advancement of the South Korean economy.
KB Securities is a financial services company that operates as an asset management firm, catering to both individual and corporate clients. The company specializes in various financial activities, including asset management for stocks, bonds, and derivatives. In addition to its asset management services, KB Securities provides wealth management, securities trading, and loan banking services, positioning itself as a comprehensive provider of financial solutions.
Slow Ventures, established in 2009 and based in San Francisco, is a private equity firm specializing in early-stage venture capital investments. The company focuses on innovative technology startups, particularly those operating at the intersection of science, society, and culture. Slow Ventures supports companies across various sectors, including software, TMT, and non-financial services, providing them with resources, connections, and empathy to foster their growth and sustainability.
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.
Change Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2016 and headquartered in Tallinn, Estonia. The firm specializes in pre-seed stage investments, primarily targeting ambitious technology startups, with a focus on B2B and SaaS businesses in Eastern Europe, particularly in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Change Ventures aims to support founders by providing investments ranging from €100,000 to €500,000, along with a straightforward and efficient investment process that facilitates quick decision-making. Beyond financial backing, the firm assists entrepreneurs in achieving product-market fit, securing additional funding, and scaling their businesses by leveraging an extensive network of follow-on investors and partners.
Manta Ray Ventures, established in London, is an early-stage venture capital firm focusing on Poland and Central & Eastern Europe. It invests in mission-driven, IT sector startups, offering flexible, long-term capital and extensive support, including time, resources, and networks. The firm leverages Kulczyk Investments' three-decade track record of backing European companies for global growth, understanding the unique challenges faced by growing entrepreneurs.
Omidyar Network, established in 2004 by eBay founder Pierre Omidyar and his wife Pam, is a global impact investing firm that combines philanthropy and venture capital to catalyze social change. It invests in for-profit and non-profit organizations across sectors such as digital society, emerging technology, education, financial inclusion, governance, and property rights. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, typically committing between $1 million to $10 million in for-profits and $0.5 million to $5 million in non-profits. Omidyar Network operates globally, with a significant focus on India, and seeks to create opportunities for people to improve their lives and make a difference in their communities.
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.
Liquid 2 Ventures, established in 2015, is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm. It specializes in seed-stage investments, focusing on early-stage technology companies, particularly in the software and TMT sectors. The firm, founded by Joe Montana, Mike Miller, and Michael Ma, aims to support and nurture startups during their initial growth phases.
Path Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm founded in 2019 and based in San Mateo, California. The firm specializes in investing in pre-seed startups, focusing on sectors such as consumer and enterprise software, including financial technology, enterprise SaaS, consumer technology, property technology, and legal technology. Path Ventures typically invests between $100,000 and $300,000 in emerging companies, aiming to support founders at the initial stages of their entrepreneurial endeavors. The firm is committed to simplifying the capital raising process while remaining open to exploring new sectors as they develop. Path Ventures primarily targets opportunities across the United States and Canada.
Bloomberg Beta, established in 2013, is a San Francisco-based corporate venture capital arm of Bloomberg. It invests in early-stage technology companies across the United States, with a focus on sectors such as software, communications, education, and media. The firm seeks to back extraordinary founders developing innovative solutions that improve business operations, particularly in the realm of machine intelligence. Bloomberg Beta typically invests between $0.5 million to $1 million per company.
Mana Ventures is a venture capital firm based in South San Francisco, California, founded in 2016. The firm focuses on investing in early-stage companies, specifically those in the software and technology sectors, that are disrupting traditional industries and pioneering frontier technologies. Mana Ventures supports its portfolio companies by refining their vision, building effective teams, developing suitable products, and aiding in fundraising efforts. The firm is dedicated to celebrating the successes of the companies it invests in, fostering innovation and growth in the tech landscape.