Ecosystem
Venture firms, accelerators, and communities relevant to the work of international founders entering the U.S.
Venture Capital
Firms whose focus may align with international founders and cross-border expansion
Graphene Ventures
Graphene Ventures is a Palo Alto-based venture capital firm focused on early-stage technology investments. Its public portfolio includes consumer and enterprise technology companies.
Pegasus Tech Ventures
Pegasus Tech Ventures is a global venture capital firm and the organizer of Startup World Cup, the world's largest startup competition with regional events in 60+ countries. With offices across the U.S., Asia, and Europe, Pegasus specializes in cross-border investments and helping international founders navigate global expansion. Their $1M Grand Prize at Startup World Cup has become one of the most coveted prizes in the startup ecosystem.
ShuckerVC
ShuckerVC invests in early-stage, U.S.-based B2B software startups alongside leading venture capital firms. What sets them apart is their unique support model: after investment, they dedicate a full-time Support Partner to manage back-office functions—bookkeeping, hiring, operations—allowing founders to focus entirely on product and customers. This model secures their place in oversubscribed rounds alongside top lead investors. They prefer technical founders targeting markets ripe for digital transformation.
Hico Ventures
Hico Ventures is an early-stage VC fund investing in AI and the digital asset space, aspiring to be the first institutional check in a startup's journey. "Hico" stands for High Conviction and Highly Collaborative—they overcome conviction scarcity by conducting rigorous due diligence and forming meaningful partnerships with a selective pool of companies. Though based in Silicon Valley, they are geography-agnostic investors. Their global platform provides post-investment support across business development, marketing, fundraising, and talent, backed by partnerships with SK Networks (F500 conglomerate) and Bow Capital (UC ecosystem fund).
Accelerators & Incubators
Programs and facilities relevant to company building, customer discovery, and technical readiness
Plug and Play Tech Center
Plug and Play is a global innovation platform connecting early-stage companies with corporate partners across fintech, health, mobility, and enterprise technology. Its programs and events give founders opportunities to meet potential customers and investors.
UW CoMotion Labs
CoMotion Labs is a multi-industry incubator program hosting early-stage startups across four locations—three on UW campus and one in downtown Seattle. The Tech+ Incubator at Startup Hall supports startups in IT, software, AI/ML, fintech, edtech, and social impact. Members benefit from a robust network of mentors, investors, and peer startups, plus partner programs with Plug and Play, Founders Co-Op, and WTIA. Crucially, CoMotion Labs nurtures success without taking equity or IP—providing space, learning, mentoring, and networking entirely founder-friendly.
Communities & Events
Public platforms where founders can learn, connect, and present their work
AI Summit
AI Summit is an event series focused on practical business applications of artificial intelligence. Its conferences bring together enterprise decision-makers, AI practitioners, founders, and investors.
Startup World Cup
Startup World Cup is a global pitch competition with regional events leading to a Grand Finale in San Francisco. Pitch & Win helps founders prepare for investor presentations and relevant public competitions.
TechEquity
TechEquity works at the intersection of technology and policy to build a more equitable tech economy. It brings together technologists, policymakers, and community leaders.
Become a Partner
We're always looking to expand our network with venture firms, accelerators, and communities that share our mission of helping international founders succeed in the U.S. market.
Contact Us About Partnership