Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm established in 1998 that focuses on investing in early-stage companies across a diverse range of sectors. The firm targets technology-led businesses as well as non-technology opportunities in areas such as advertising and media, healthcare, education, financial services, and retail. It engages in various investment stages, including seed, early-stage, later-stage, and expansion-stage financing. Lightspeed specializes in debt financing for start-ups and growth companies while also exploring opportunities in consumer, enterprise, cleantech, and other markets. The firm is known for its strategic investments in innovative sectors, including big data, bitcoin, mobile technology, and software solutions.
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.
Google for Startups is an initiative designed to support and empower startups globally. Established in 2011 and based in San Francisco, the program offers access to Google's products, resources, and best practices through a vast network of partners and six dedicated Google for Startups Campuses located in major cities such as London, Tel Aviv, and São Paulo. Its mission is to foster entrepreneurial success and create a positive impact on the future. By collaborating with over fifty leading startup organizations, Google for Startups enhances local tech ecosystems and supports startups across more than 135 countries. The program provides financial assistance, exclusive programming, and mentorship opportunities. The Google for Startups Campuses serve as collaborative spaces where startup founders can engage with their peers, access educational resources, and receive training from both Google and local experts. These Campuses offer free workspaces, events, and a vibrant community, enabling entrepreneurs to thrive in their respective industries.
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.
Right Side Capital Management (RSCM) is a venture capital firm established in 2010 and headquartered in San Francisco, California. The firm specializes in investing in the pre-seed stage of technology startups, primarily focusing on capital-efficient businesses that are not yet at full product-market fit. RSCM typically makes 75 to 100 investments annually, targeting companies with pre-money valuations between $1 million and $3 million. While the firm primarily invests in the United States and Canada, it occasionally extends its focus to startups in Western Europe, Israel, Australia, and New Zealand. RSCM aims to support what it perceives as the most underserved segments of the startup ecosystem, often investing in companies located outside major tech hubs like the San Francisco Bay Area and New York City. The firm is a Registered Investment Adviser and strives to provide potential entrepreneurs with a clear decision regarding their funding applications within two weeks. Since its inception, RSCM has made approximately 200 investments across 19 states.
Reach Capital is a venture capital firm based in the United States that focuses on investing in early-stage startups within the education-technology sector. The firm concentrates on developing technology solutions that address challenges in early childhood education, K-12, higher education, and workforce reskilling. Reach Capital typically invests between $100,000 and $500,000 in seed rounds, and $1 million or more in Series A or B rounds, acquiring stakes of 3% to 5% in seed investments and 8% to 10% in later rounds. The firm aims to enhance educational opportunities for all learners and acts as a catalyst to encourage both traditional and non-traditional investors to engage with the rapidly growing ed-tech market. Reach Capital does not invest in wearable devices or related applications for use in schools.
Goodwater Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm focuses on empowering exceptional entrepreneurs across various sectors, including housing, financial services, healthcare, food, transportation, education, and consumer technology. Goodwater believes that consumer technology has the potential to revolutionize culture and the global economy, and it seeks to invest in promising entrepreneurs who are dedicated to solving significant societal challenges. By supporting these innovators, Goodwater Capital aims to create a measurable positive impact on billions of lives worldwide.
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.
ECMC Foundation is a Los Angeles-based, nationally focused foundation whose mission is to inspire and to facilitate improvements that affect educational outcomes—especially among under served populations—through evidence-based innovation. It is one of several affiliates under the ECMC Group enterprise based in Minneapolis. ECMC Foundation makes grants in two focus areas: College Success and Career Readiness. Additionally, out of the Education Innovation Ventures portfolio, ECMC Foundation makes program-related investments, into both nonprofit and for-profit ventures. ECMC Foundation’s vision is for all learners to unlock their fullest potential and achieve family-sustaining wages.
Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg, established in 1992 and headquartered in Potsdam, Germany, serves as a regional development bank focused on financing public and private investment projects across various sectors in Brandenburg. It offers a diverse range of funding programs, including grants and low-interest loans, aimed at supporting commercial enterprises, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and sectors such as agriculture and media. The bank also finances infrastructure initiatives for municipalities and local authorities, as well as projects in social, scientific, educational, and cultural domains. Additionally, it provides financial support for municipal, cooperative, and private housing projects, promoting residential development within the state. As a subsidiary of NRW.BANK, Investitionsbank des Landes Brandenburg operates under a legal framework that enables it to utilize state guarantees in compliance with European Union regulations.
Expon I is a venture capital firm based in Luxembourg, established in 2015. It focuses on investing in innovative companies across various sectors, including cybersecurity, fintech, big data, digital health, and next-generation media. The firm seeks opportunities that demonstrate the potential for significant growth and positive societal impact, specifically targeting businesses in Europe, North America, and Israel. By concentrating on sectors such as software, media, mobile technologies, and communication networks, Expon I aims to support and scale transformative ideas that align with its investment philosophy.
HealthCap is a venture capital firm based in Stockholm, Sweden, founded in 1996. Specializing in life sciences, the firm invests in healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, nanotechnology, and information technology sectors, primarily focusing on companies located in Europe. With committed capital exceeding €800 million, HealthCap is recognized as one of the largest providers of venture capital within the European life sciences market. The firm operates across both early-stage and late-stage investment segments and has managed three funds, enabling it to make a total of 96 investments, with 31 successful exits to date. HealthCap's investment strategy is supported by its exclusive investment advisor, the Odlander Fredrikson Group.
Invexor Venture Partners is a venture capital investment firm established in 2015 and located in Santiago, Chile. The company focuses on partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs who are developing fast-growth and highly innovative companies. Invexor is particularly interested in the technology sector, aiming to support ventures that demonstrate significant potential for innovation and expansion. Through its investments, Invexor seeks to foster the growth of groundbreaking enterprises that can make a substantial impact in their respective fields.
IvyCap Ventures, founded in 2011 and based in Mumbai, India, is a venture capital firm that adopts an entrepreneur-centric investment strategy. The firm focuses on investing in a diverse range of sectors, including consumer technology, fintech, agritech, health tech, SaaS and enterprise solutions, edtech, skill tech, logistics, and aviation. IvyCap Ventures aims to build a portfolio of world-class enterprises, emphasizing excellence, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit that drives business success. By supporting exceptional entrepreneurs and fostering fresh ideas in emerging industries, IvyCap Ventures seeks to contribute to the growth of transformative companies.
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.
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.
Presto Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Prague, Czech Republic, founded in 2016 by Přemysl Rubeš. The firm focuses on investing in pre-seed and seed stage companies within the business-to-business technology sector. Presto Ventures aims to empower talented startup founders from Central and Eastern Europe by providing essential resources and guidance, thereby helping these companies achieve both local and global success. The firm targets impactful, fast-growing technology startups across NATO countries and allied nations, emphasizing its commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.
MassMutual Financial Group, established in 1851 and headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, is a mutual life insurance company that offers a comprehensive range of financial services. These include life, accident, and health insurance, as well as disability income and long-term care insurance. The company also provides annuities, college savings plans, individual retirement accounts, mutual funds, and various investment and wealth management solutions. In addition to traditional insurance products, MassMutual engages in impact investing through initiatives aimed at fostering growth in technology and sustainability-driven businesses, particularly in underserved regions. With a focus on both financial security and social impact, MassMutual serves a diverse clientele, helping them achieve their financial goals through a variety of tailored solutions.
LaunchVic works in partnership with entrepreneurs, industry, business, the community and their educational institutions to strengthen Victoria’s entrepreneurial and startup ecosystem.
Fuel Ventures is a venture capital firm based in London, established in 2014 by entrepreneur Mark Pearson. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology and digital companies, particularly in the sectors of marketplaces, fintech, platforms, and software as a service (SaaS). Fuel Ventures seeks to identify high-potential startups with scalable business models, focusing on those that can achieve substantial growth both domestically and internationally. The firm has invested in over 65 businesses, emphasizing a hands-on approach to nurture extraordinary entrepreneurs and innovative technologies. By fostering an environment of collaboration and support, Fuel Ventures aims to transform visionary ideas into successful enterprises, leveraging deep sector knowledge and an influential network to drive growth and innovation.
We Back Builders. Founded by @Jason Team behind This Week in Startups: https://www.youtube.com/c/ThisWeekIn @twistartups The LAUNCH Accelerator https://launchaccelerator.co/ @launchincubator The Syndicate https://thesyndicate.com/ @thesyndicate415 Founder university: https://www.founder.university/ @founderuni Remote Demo Day https://remotedemoday.com/ @remotedemoday
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.
Gradient Ventures, founded in 2017 and based in Mountain View, California, is a venture capital firm that specializes in seed and early-stage investments primarily in the artificial intelligence, information technology, and machine learning sectors. As the venture capital arm of Alphabet, Gradient partners closely with innovative founders to help integrate AI into various business processes. The firm provides essential resources and technical leadership to assist startups in overcoming challenges associated with developing new technology products. By focusing on best practices in areas such as recruiting, marketing, design, and engineering, Gradient aims to support disruptive ideas that have the potential to redefine industries and enhance operational capabilities.
Citi Foundation is a philanthropic organization focused on addressing societal challenges through innovative financial solutions. It operates a $500 million Impact Fund that invests in U.S.-based private sector companies, aiming to support ventures that demonstrate both financial viability and a positive social impact. The foundation typically co-invests with other venture capitalists, committing between $250,000 and $10 million in companies at various stages of development, from seed to pre-IPO. Its investment strategy emphasizes four key areas: the future of work, climate resilience, financial inclusion, and social infrastructure. Additionally, Citi Foundation is dedicated to reducing gender and racial disparities in venture capital by prioritizing investments in businesses led or owned by women and minorities. This commitment is further reflected in its $50 million Black Entrepreneurs Investment Initiative, part of a broader $1 billion Action for Racial Equity initiative aimed at providing equitable access to funding for black entrepreneurs.
Jumpstart Foundry is an investment firm that funds and supports early-stage healthcare companies. It is a healthcare innovation fund driven by a mission to make something better. JSF connects companies with strong industry stakeholders, consults them on strategic marketing plans and advises around talent and growth. Jumpstart Foundry was founded in 2010 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee.
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015 by Fabrice Grinda. The firm is stage-agnostic, primarily focusing on marketplaces and consumer-facing startups across various sectors, including B2B, B2C, financial services, mobile technology, advertisement technology, e-commerce, food technology, gaming, health technology, real estate technology, restaurant technology, ridesharing, software as a service, and virtual reality. FJ Labs typically invests in seed and Series A rounds, with investment amounts ranging from $50,000 to $5,000,000.
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.
Rebright Partners is a venture capital firm founded in 2008 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, with additional operations in Singapore. The firm specializes in investing in seed to early-stage Internet and mobile software startups, primarily focusing on markets in Southeast Asia and India. Rebright Partners targets various sectors, including healthcare, enterprise technology, logistics and supply chain, and mobility. Through its investments, the firm aims to support innovative companies that have the potential to drive significant growth in their respective industries.
Speedinvest GmbH is a venture capital firm based in Vienna, Austria, founded in 2011. It specializes in early-stage investments, primarily focusing on pre-seed, seed, and Series A funding for startup companies across various sectors, including fintech, insurtech, deep tech, consumer technology, and marketplaces. Speedinvest typically invests between €0.25 million and €3 million, aiming for minority stakes of up to 20% in its portfolio companies. The firm is particularly active in Central and Eastern Europe, with a focus on countries such as Austria, Germany, and the UK. Beyond financial support, Speedinvest emphasizes a hands-on approach, often taking on operational roles within its portfolio companies for six months to a year, to provide strategic guidance and expertise. With additional offices in Berlin, London, Paris, Munich, and San Francisco, Speedinvest leverages its diverse team and extensive networks to empower entrepreneurs through all stages of their business journey.
SV Health Investors, established in 1993 and headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, is a prominent venture capital and growth equity firm specializing in the healthcare and life sciences sectors. The firm manages over $2 billion across seven private healthcare funds and has a 20-year track record of investing in transformative companies and treatments in both the US and Europe. SV Health Investors focuses on a diverse array of areas, including therapeutics, biotechnology, healthcare services, dementia, and medical technology, supporting entrepreneurs who drive innovation and advancements in healthcare. With additional offices in San Francisco and London, the firm is committed to fostering breakthroughs that can significantly improve patient care and health outcomes.
gradCapital is a Bengaluru-based institution established in 2020, focusing on investing in student founders and recent graduates across India. As a venture capital firm, it also operates as an accelerator and incubator, providing support and resources to emerging entrepreneurs. By fostering innovation among young talent, gradCapital aims to empower the next generation of business leaders and contribute to the startup ecosystem in India. The firm engages with a diverse range of companies, helping to nurture ideas and drive growth in various sectors.
Madrona Venture Group, LLC is a venture capital firm based in Seattle, Washington, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in seed and early-stage investments, primarily focusing on the information technology sector. Its investment portfolio includes companies involved in e-commerce, digital media, advertising, software, gaming, data analytics, mobile technologies, and infrastructure. Madrona actively seeks to invest between $2 million and $10 million, often as a lead investor, and aims to take board positions in its portfolio companies. The firm is particularly interested in businesses that are aligned with the Future of Work and the low-code/no-code development areas, primarily targeting opportunities within the Pacific Northwest region.
Joyance Partners, LLC is a venture capital firm based in the United States that focuses on investing in early-stage startups. The firm is dedicated to identifying and supporting emerging science and bio-based technologies that enhance individual health and well-being. Its investment strategy emphasizes companies that aim to increase joy, fulfillment, and independence for their customers. Joyance Partners seeks to invest in the health and consumer sectors, targeting ventures that demonstrate potential for impactful innovation within a two-year timeframe. The firm's mission is to cultivate joy and improve quality of life through scientific advancements and technology.
FasterCapital is an online incubator and accelerator based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, founded in 2015. The company specializes in supporting startups and small businesses worldwide through a work-per-equity investment model, offering either technical or business development assistance in exchange for equity stakes. FasterCapital focuses on various sectors, including finance technology, health technology, education technology, artificial intelligence, and more. The firm aims to facilitate capital raising efforts for startups by connecting them with angel investors, venture capitalists, and other funding sources. By providing essential resources and expertise, FasterCapital helps entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of launching and growing their businesses.
At IKIGAI, we empower founders, professionals and students by running startup acceleration & incubation programs, offering scholarship grants to young professionals and providing job orientation to high-school students. IKIGAI is the Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program by Fondazione MPS (Fondazione Monte dei Paschi di Siena).
Innovate U.K. is a NPO that offers funding services to support science and technology innovations. The organization offers services and information on births, deaths, marriages, business, self-employed, childcare, parenting, citizenship, law, disabled persons, transportation, education, environment, housing, money, tax, travel, immigration, and jobs. Innovate U.K. is based in Swindon.
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.
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.
Guild's lifelong learning platform offers classes, programs, and degrees for working adults, with a path for them to move forward in their education and careers. It offers these adults support from start to finish, with their technology platform for discovery, learning, and organizing the experience, and extra support with their tech-enabled student advising model.
Calm is a company that focuses on improving mental well-being through its meditation and relaxation application. Founded in 2012 and headquartered in San Francisco, the company aims to make the world happier and healthier by addressing significant mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress. Its application offers a variety of original audio content, including stories and programs, designed to help users reduce anxiety and promote a calm lifestyle. Calm has received notable recognition, being named the 2017 iPhone App of the Year by Apple and an Editors’ Choice by Google Play in 2018. Through its digital and physical products, Calm seeks to enhance mental fitness and support users in overcoming stress for a healthier life.
Peloton Equity, LLC is a private equity firm based in Greenwich, Connecticut, that specializes in growth capital and buyout investments within the healthcare sector. Founded in 2014, the firm focuses on lower middle-market companies, typically investing between $15 million and $30 million in businesses with revenues ranging from $20 million to $200 million and EBITDA between $5 million and $10 million. Peloton Equity targets various subsectors of healthcare, including services, clinical products, and IT/outsourced services, and is open to acquiring control, majority, or minority positions in its investments.
IIMA Ventures is an accelerator firm founded in 2007 and based in Ahmedabad, India. The firm aims to deliver significant impact to entrepreneurship in the country by supporting purpose-driven entrepreneurs who leverage technology to address some of India's most pressing challenges. It provides seed funding and incubation support to aspiring entrepreneurs, focusing on sectors such as information technology, cleantech, healthcare, and education. By fostering innovative business models tailored to the Indian context, IIMA Ventures plays a crucial role in nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in India.
JAB Holding Company is a privately held group focused on long-term investments in companies with premium brands, attractive growth and strong margin dynamics in the Consumer Goods category. The group's portfolio includes controlling stakes in Keurig Green Mountain, a leader in single-serve coffee and beverage technologies, Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), the largest pure-play FMCG coffee company in the world, Coty Inc., a global leader in beauty, and in luxury goods companies including Jimmy Choo, Bally and Belstaff. JAB also has controlling stakes in Peet's Coffee & Tea, a premier specialty coffee and tea company, Caribou Coffee Company, a specialty retailer of high-quality premium coffee products, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, Inc., a leading company in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry, and in Espresso House, the largest branded coffee shop chain in Scandinavia. JAB also owns a minority stake in Reckitt Benckiser PLC, a global leader in health, hygiene and home products. In July 2015, Coty announced it had reached a definitive agreement to purchase some of Procter & Gamble's beauty brands to create one of the world's largest cosmetic companies.
Dieter von Holtzbrinck Ventures (DvH Ventures) is one of the leading European early-stage investors. As an independent venture capitalist, DvH Ventures invests in young technology companies, building successful investment clusters in areas such as digital health, education and fintech. In addition to capital, DvH Ventures supports companies with management expertise and an international investor network. An exclusive media-for-equity program also offers access to strong brands such as Handelsblatt, DIE ZEIT, WirtschaftsWoche and Apotheken Umschau, and thus an enormous reach into the respective target groups. DvH Ventures was founded in 2014 and today manages various venture capital funds from its offices in Cologne and Vienna. Managing partners are Peter Richarz and Fabian von Trotha.
Unshackled Ventures is an early-stage venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, California, established in 2014. The firm specializes in supporting unrecognized and excluded immigrant founders in launching their companies in the United States. By providing not only capital but also assistance with visa and green card sponsorships, Unshackled Ventures enables these entrepreneurs to focus entirely on building their businesses. The firm has demonstrated its investment thesis by successfully backing a diverse range of sectors, including software, hardware, life sciences, and generative AI, among others. Since its inception, Unshackled Ventures has invested in approximately 80 companies and has collaborated with over 200 entrepreneurs, affirming its commitment to fostering innovation and driving strong investment returns through its unique focus on immigrant founders.
Ufi is an independent charity focused on enhancing adult vocational learning through the use of digital technology. It recognizes the necessity for a skilled workforce in the UK and aims to address this need by transforming the learning experience with innovative digital solutions. Ufi acts as a specialist investor in VocTech ventures, providing funding between £150,000 and £1 million to seed-stage companies that are developing technologies designed to equip individuals and businesses with essential skills for current and future employment. Through its initiatives, Ufi seeks to improve access to vocational education and foster skill development in the workforce.