Yale University is a research institution that prioritizes its students and promotes education as a vital aspect of daily life. Yale University comprises three academic components: Yale College (the undergraduate program), the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the professional schools. In addition, Yale encompasses a wide array of centers and programs, libraries, museums, and administrative support offices. Approximately 11,250 students attend Yale.

Yale University

ZhenFund is a seed fund founded by former entrepreneurs to invest in the most promising innovators. New Oriental co-founders Bob Xiaoping Xu and Victor Qiang Wang established ZhenFund in 2011 in collaboration with Sequoia Capital China. ZhenFund now has a network of over 800 portfolio companies, including over 30 unicorns based in China.  We believe that great businesses start with exceptional founding teams. We are dedicated to helping our entrepreneurs build successful companies by providing them with mentorship and the best resources available. Some of our services include biannual demo days to top Chinese VCs, ZhenHR services, marketing and PR consulting, as well as fundraising. Our strong and large CEO network also facilitates entrepreneurs helping each other, especially via our WeChat platform.  ZhenFund has been ranked as the “#1 Early-Stage Investment Firm” for six years. Bob Xiaoping Xu, Founder of ZhenFund, has been named on the Midas List since 2016 and ranked #11 in 2019. Anna Fang, Founding Partner and CEO of ZhenFund, has been named on the Midas List since 2019 and made her 4th appearance as #12, and #1 on Midas Seed List in 2022.

ZhenFund

NewMargin Ventures is a Chinese venture capital management company that supports emerging entrepreneurs.  Founded in July 1999, NewMargin Ventures offers a unique and compelling combination of strong local and national government support within an organizational culture defined by independent decision-making, professionalism, and teamwork. NewMargin currently has about $520 million under management.

NewMargin Ventures

PreAngel is an incubator focused on early-stage AI startups. Investment in each project ranges from 50K to 1M USD. In addition to the acquisition, PreAngel plays a key role as ''co-founder'', providing guidance in startup operation, business model refinement, and industry resources.

PreAngel

NXT Venture Fund is established for the purpose of discovering and enabling the next truly disruptive start-up companies, with potential to transfer and create cross-border synergies between US and China.

NXT Ventures

Leyard is a global joint-stock mechatronics firm that develops, manufactures, distributes, and supports digital displays, video walls, and visualization solutions. It provides indoor, outdoor, fixed, and creative displays, as well as various ancillary and lighting solutions for the urban environment, and it has grown its share of the fine-pitch LED market significantly.  Globally, it has major installations in a variety of settings, including broadcast, sports arenas, stadiums, advertising networks, retail digital signs, control rooms, exhibitions, sizable events, and digital cultural experiences.

Leyard

ESVC principal strategy is to create and initially operate life sciences companies founded on intellectual property developed at Yale University and other research institutions in the region (from New York City through Southern New England).  With experienced management and access to local, professionally managed venture capital, Elm Street Ventures can help scientists build significant technology companies from the seed and early stage. Our partners include successful serial entrepreneurs and experienced corporate managers, who may serve as the interim CEOs or operating chairmen of a number of the companies we form.  While they expect to be co-founders of companies in some circumstances, ESVC are also interested in hearing from entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers who have already formed or plan to form new ventures in the life sciences.  Attractive markets, solid patent protection and freedom to operate, defensible market position, and a world class management team are elements ultimately critical for success.

Elm Street Ventures

NXT is a radically enhanced cryptocurrency built from scratch, to deliver a unique and decentralized financial platform. Not only does it open up new possibilities –from digital cash to transfer of shares – but it addresses all of the most serious deficiencies in existing cryptocurrencies.

CAS Star is engaged in high-tech industry incubation and venture capital investment. It is committed to building a scientific and technological entrepreneurial ecological network system with “research institution + angel fund + incubator + entrepreneurship training” to provide professional, in-depth and comprehensive entrepreneurship for technology entrepreneurs.

CAS Star

Fosun International Limited is a Hong Kong-based investment holding company engaged in financial, property, steel, and healthcare businesses. The Company has nine segments. Insurance operates and invests in insurance businesses. Investment is engaged in strategic investment, private equity investment, venture capital investment, and secondary market investment. Fosun International Limited was founded in 1992.

Fosun International

''BV is an independent venture fund established by Baidu in 2017. BV's investors include Baidu as well as other leading financial institutions and businesses. BV currently manages roughly $500M USD across 3 funds and has offices in Beijing and San Francisco. Its mission is to support entrepreneurs and companies who are spearheading the new age of artificial intelligence. These companies are changing the way we work and live—and ultimately how we interact.''

Baidu Ventures

Tongsheng Capital

Saphlux

Saphlux provides the industry-first QD in chip micro-LED solutions. The company designs and manufactures micro-LED chips and micro-display modules for display applications.  The current products include the NPQD R1 chip for public information display and the NPQD T1 micro-display for AR glasses. The company operates globally in the US, China, and Japan.

Saphlux is a Connecticut-based startup specializing in gallium nitride (GaN) light engine products and microLED display technology. The company's core innovation is its patented nanoporous quantum dots (NPQD) technology, which embeds quantum dots into nanopores in GaN to enable direct color conversion on blue microLED wafers. Saphlux's NPQD process allows for the creation of red and green quantum dot conversion of blue GaN microLEDs at pixel pitches below two microns, achieving full-color monolithic light engines.

The world’s First Quantum Dot Micro LED Chip Began Mass Production

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LED Displays With Nanoporous Quantum Dots

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Saphlux developed a 0.39" full-color microLED microdisplay using its NPQD color conversion technology

Saphlux Unveils T2 Series Monolithic Full-Color Micro-Display with Enhanced Brightness and Color Performance

TechBlick's upcoming microLED and QD event: Market Forecasts, QD-CMOS SWIR Imagers, Mass Transfer and more

Next-gen Displays

Saphlux is a Connecticut-based startup specializing in gallium nitride (GaN) light engine products and microLED display technology. The company's core innovation is its patented nanoporous quantum dots (NPQD) technology, which embeds quantum dots into nanopores in GaN to enable direct color conversion on blue microLED wafers. Saphlux's NPQD process allows for the creation of red and green quantum dot conversion of blue GaN microLEDs at pixel pitches below two microns, achieving full-color monolithic light engines.
The company offers a range of products including its T1 and T2 series micro-displays specifically designed for augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications. In August 2023, Saphlux demonstrated a 0.39-inch full-color microLED display (T1-0.39 RGB) capable of a maximum white brightness of 250,000 nits and wide color gamut. The T2 series, announced in January 2024, features a 70% improvement in color gamut and 40% increase in brightness compared to its predecessor. Saphlux also produces NPQD-based red microLEDs for public information displays and is developing a 0.26-inch full-color microLED micro-display meeting the DCI-P3 color standard with an expected peak brightness exceeding 500,000 nits.
Key customers and partnerships
Saphlux has established partnerships with blue microLED manufacturers to create innovative AR solutions. The company works with OEMs to design AR glasses, offering flexibility in terms of optics, brightness, and overall look and feel. In 2017, Leyard, a major player in the LED display industry, invested in Saphlux, acquiring a 12.37% stake to jointly develop quantum dot and gallium nitride-related technologies for microLED displays. Saphlux has been shipping high-volume NPQD-based red microLEDs for public information displays and plans to begin shipping its T1-0.12 Red products to customers in the AR/VR industry.

Varjo is a Finnish company specializing in advanced virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (XR) technologies for professional and enterprise use. Founded in 2016, Varjo develops high-resolution VR/XR headsets and software solutions that aim to merge virtual and real worlds with human-eye resolution. The company's flagship product, the XR-4 headset, launched in November 2023, features 4K displays, a 50% wider field of view compared to previous models, and two 20-megapixel cameras for mixed reality capabilities. Varjo's technology enables professionals in industries such as automotive, aerospace, and engineering to work in immersive 3D environments with unprecedented visual clarity.
Varjo's business model focuses on providing enterprise-grade VR/XR solutions for industrial applications rather than consumer markets. The company offers its headsets through direct sales and a network of over 40 international distributors. In 2022, Varjo reported net sales of EUR 22.7 million, more than doubling its revenue from the previous year. The company has also introduced innovative services like Teleport, which allows users to create and share photorealistic virtual recreations of real-world locations using an iPhone.
In June 2022, Varjo launched its Reality Cloud service, enabling cloud-based streaming of XR content for improved collaboration among remote users. The company has made several technological advancements, including the development of eye-tracking technology and human-eye resolution displays. Varjo's products support popular third-party VR/XR software and come with enterprise-grade customer support.
Key customers and partnerships
Varjo's customer base includes leading companies across various industries. In the automotive sector, 15 of the world's 20 largest manufacturers use Varjo's technology, including Volvo Cars, Audi, and Kia. The aerospace industry is another key market for Varjo, with Boeing utilizing its products for simulation and pilot training, including the Starliner program with NASA.
Approximately 25% of Fortune 100 companies in the US were using Varjo's VR/XR technology. The company has also secured the US Armed Forces as a customer for training helicopter pilots. In the aviation industry, Varjo partnered with both Airbus and Boeing, and in 2021, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency registered its first official virtual reality-based aviation training using Varjo's headsets.

Varjo

Pimax is a Chinese virtual reality (VR) hardware company founded in 2015 that specializes in developing high-end VR headsets. The company's core focus is on producing VR headsets with wide fields of view and high resolutions that exceed those of mainstream competitors. Pimax's flagship products include the Crystal and Reality 12K QLED headsets, which boast features like 5760x2880 pixel displays, 200-degree fields of view, and aspheric glass lenses for improved visual clarity. The company utilizes technologies such as QLED and Mini LED displays, eye tracking, and dynamic foveated rendering in its devices. Pimax headsets are primarily designed for PC-based VR experiences, though some models also offer standalone capabilities. The company aims to provide immersive experiences for applications like flight simulators, racing games, and other graphically-intensive VR content. As of 2024, Pimax has offices in multiple countries including the US, Sweden, and China, with its own manufacturing facilities in China. The company employs over 300 people across its global operations.
Key customers and partnerships
Pimax's products are targeted at VR enthusiasts and professionals seeking high-fidelity visual experiences. The company has partnered with Tobii to integrate eye-tracking technology into its headsets. Pimax also collaborates with game developers to optimize titles for its wide field of view displays, including racing simulators like iRacing and flight sims such as DCS World and Microsoft Flight Simulator. In December 2023, Pimax showcased its upcoming handheld gaming device called Portal, designed to play Steam games. Pimax works to serve both individual consumers and enterprise customers with its VR hardware offerings.

Pimax

Dispelix is a leading developer and manufacturer of see-through waveguide displays for extended reality (XR) applications. The company specializes in designing and producing advanced waveguide combiners, particularly single-layer, full-color waveguides for augmented reality (AR) and mixed reality (MR) wearables. Dispelix's flagship product is the Selvä, a thin and light waveguide that delivers bright and sharp full-color images while maintaining visual comfort for users. The Selvä is compatible with various projector types, including DLP, MicroLED, and LCoS.
Founded in Finland, Dispelix leverages the country's strong optics expertise and heritage. The company's technology is based on nanophotonics and diffractive waveguide design, allowing for the creation of compact and lightweight AR displays suitable for everyday use. Dispelix has developed patented DPX waveguides that offer high image quality, performance, and visual fidelity. As of 2021, the company had 43 granted or pending patent families, demonstrating its commitment to innovation in the field.
Dispelix's waveguides are designed to overcome one of the major challenges in AR adoption: the bulkiness of optical components. By creating thin and lightweight waveguides, the company aims to enable the development of AR glasses that are comfortable and socially acceptable for all-day wear. The large eyebox of Dispelix's waveguides ensures users can easily keep virtual content in their field of vision, while the bright image allows for comfortable use both indoors and outdoors.
In addition to waveguide development, Dispelix collaborates with various partners to create reference designs for AR glasses. These designs serve as complete concept versions that can be quickly put into mass production, allowing OEMs and ODMs to enter the AR market more efficiently.

Dispelix

Visionect is a world-leading e-paper company that designs and develops digital signage solutions. Founded in 2007, the company specializes in creating workspace coordination and management systems based on e-paper devices for various environments, from meeting rooms to parking lots. Visionect's technology is known for its ultra-low power consumption, ease of installation, and simplicity of use, leveraging over a decade of experience and market leadership. The company's flagship product is Joan, a room scheduling and workplace management solution that has evolved from a business meeting room booking service to a comprehensive workspace management system.
In 2021, Visionect introduced Joan 32, the newest addition to its e-paper sign solutions for corporate environments. Joan 32 is a completely wireless system that can be set up in minutes and uses 99% less power than conventional digital displays. This digital signage system is designed to maintain harmony in corporate culture by displaying synchronized announcements and essential daily information. Joan 32 is suitable for various settings, including offices, boardrooms, hotels, airports, restaurants, shops, hospitals, banks, museums, and schools.
Key customers and partnerships
Visionect's Joan devices are used by leading organizations and companies worldwide, including Microsoft, NASA, Samsung, and Amazon. The company has positioned itself as a primary partner for travelers, airports, and airlines by offering sustainable, tailor-made, and affordable transport solutions. Visionect's commitment to simplicity and ease of use is evident in all its solutions, making it a preferred choice for businesses looking to optimize their workspace management and digital signage needs.

Visionect

Papercast specializes in e-paper display technology, primarily focusing on real-time passenger information (RTPI) systems for public transportation. The company's core product is a range of solar-powered, wireless e-paper displays that utilize E-Ink technology. These displays come in various sizes, including 13-inch, 32-inch, and 42-inch options, designed for both indoor and outdoor use. Papercast's e-paper displays offer high contrast, 16-grey-scale HD resolution, and are readable from any angle, even in direct sunlight. The displays feature integrated LED illumination for nighttime visibility.
In March 2024, Papercast introduced a new e-paper display with an integrated battery capable of lasting over three years on a single charge. This innovation was made possible by a new e-paper driver board developed in-house, which offers 3.3 times better power efficiency compared to other e-paper signage solutions. The company claims this makes their displays 140 times more efficient than LCD displays and 250 times more efficient than traditional LED displays commonly found at bus stops. Papercast's displays can operate in temperatures ranging from -15 to +85 degrees Celsius.
The company's displays are housed in ruggedized IP65-rated enclosures made from extruded aluminum with toughened laminated anti-vandal, anti-scratch front glass. They feature a secure fixing mechanism and an integrated accelerometer. Papercast's technology allows for easy installation, with displays capable of being mounted within minutes and operated entirely off-grid.
Papercast's displays connect to a cloud-based content management system via 3G or Wi-Fi. This platform, designed specifically for transit agencies, offers integration with various systems and data sources. The company's focus on low power consumption and solar power capabilities aligns with its commitment to sustainability and cost-efficiency in the public transport sector.
Key customers and partnerships
In May 2023, Papercast partnered with Solotech, an audiovisual technology firm, to accelerate the distribution of its ePaper displays to North American transportation entities. The partnership's initial focus was on promoting Papercast's battery- and solar-powered ePaper displays for bus stations.

Papercast

Companies that develop displays with versatile form factors that are bendable/foldable

Companies that develop displays that can project 3D images in mid-air, without requiring any special glasses or viewing devices

Companies that develop displays that are designed to mimic the appearance of ink on paper

Companies that develop displays that can be integrated into AR/VR headsets or smart glasses. This also includes transparent displays that can display information while maintaining transparency

Companies that develop displays that are alternatives to more traditional LED/LCD technology. They cover a range of light-emitting technologies including OLED, QLED, and MicroLED

Companies that develop displays that can provide tactile or haptic feedback to users, simulating the sensation of touch

Companies that develop displays that are ideal for ultra-short throw (UST) projectors that require limited space and wide viewing angles

To use advanced printing technologies to manufacture display substrates and bring cost efficiencies to the process

To bring cost efficiencies to the manufacturing process

Immersive displays such as AR/VR headsets or smart glasses are used for creating immersive experiences

Enables the creation of flexible and foldable displays by allowing the placement of smart displays on a variety of new types of devices

Biodegradable as well as self-powered and energy-harvesting displays are emerging areas of display technology

Uses sophisticated printing technologies for producing advanced display substrates and for infusing new display technologies in a cost-efficient manner

Saphlux

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