Robert Wood Johnson Foundation

Acumen is a venture philanthropy organization that invests in visionary entrepreneurs building transformational companies from seed to scale. They focus on funding bold entrepreneurs who are creating inclusive solutions across sectors like sustainable agriculture, quality education, renewable energy, healthy communities, dignified jobs, and gender equality. Their mission is to break the cycle of poverty through patient capital investments in high-innovation, high-impact enterprises. They operate by deploying philanthropic capital to shape markets and support entrepreneurs who are addressing the world's toughest poverty-related challenges, investing where traditional funders won't. Acumen Ventures has established itself as a significant force in the impact investing ecosystem since 2001, with an A to Z directory of portfolio companies spanning over two decades. They matter because they've reinvented the rules of return, prioritizing impact alongside financial sustainability and helping to demonstrate that venture philanthropy can drive meaningful systemic change in underserved communities globally.

AlphaLab is a nationally recognized startup accelerator based in Pittsburgh, supporting early-stage companies across software, hardware, life sciences, and robotics. Founded in 2008 and powered by Innovation Works, AlphaLab provides founders with capital, mentorship, and a structured program to accelerate growth. The platform operates multiple specialized tracks, including AlphaLab (software), AlphaLab Gear (hardware), AlphaLab Health (life sciences), and Robotics Factory, offering tailored support depending on the company’s sector. AlphaLab has played a key role in building Pittsburgh into a leading innovation hub, helping startups move from idea to scalable venture.

The American Heart Association Social Impact Funds are investment vehicles managed by American Heart Association, focused on advancing health equity and improving cardiovascular outcomes. The funds invest in companies addressing social determinants of health, access to care, and innovations that reduce disparities in underserved communities. By combining mission-driven capital with strategic partnerships, the platform supports startups and growth-stage companies working across healthcare, digital health, and community-based solutions that improve long-term health outcomes.

Angelini Ventures is the venture capital arm of Angelini Industries, investing in innovative startups across biotech and digital health. The firm focuses on advancing healthcare through breakthrough therapies, medical technologies, and data-driven solutions. With a global investment strategy, Angelini Ventures backs early and growth-stage companies working to improve patient outcomes and transform how diseases are treated and managed. The firm combines capital with deep industry expertise and strategic support from its parent organization.

Ashoka is one of the world’s leading organizations supporting social entrepreneurs. Founded in 1980, Ashoka pioneered the concept of social entrepreneurship and has built a global network of changemakers working to solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through its flagship Ashoka Fellows program, the organization identifies and supports high-impact entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and a powerful global network. Ashoka’s broader mission is to create a world where everyone is a changemaker, embedding social innovation across education, business, and civil society.

Bain Capital Double Impact is the impact investing strategy of Bain Capital, focused on building market-leading companies that deliver both strong financial returns and measurable social and environmental impact. The platform leverages Bain Capital’s global reach and sector expertise to scale businesses across healthcare, sustainability, and inclusive growth. The firm partners with management teams to drive operational improvements, expand market reach, and embed impact into core business strategy. Its approach combines rigorous private equity discipline with a commitment to long-term, responsible value creation.

Better Society Capital is the UK’s leading social impact investor, focused on growing the flow of capital into solutions that address social challenges and inequalities. Established in 2012, the organization acts as a market builder, connecting investors, government, and social enterprises to scale impact investing across the UK. Rather than only deploying capital, Better Society Capital plays a catalytic role in developing the broader ecosystem, helping expand the UK impact investment market to over £11 billion while committing more than £1 billion directly into funds and enterprises.

Better Ventures is an early-stage impact venture capital firm investing in founders building solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. The firm backs companies across climate, health, circular economy, PropTech, and sustainable consumer sectors, with a focus on scalable technologies that deliver measurable impact. Operating with an “impact + return” philosophy, Better Ventures supports entrepreneurs not just with capital, but with access to a curated network of operators, angels, and advisors. The firm positions founders as the drivers of change, helping them scale companies that generate both financial returns and meaningful environmental and social outcomes.