Which company was responsible for founding the first permanent English colony?

The Virginia Company was responsible for founding the first permanent English colony in North America, which was Jamestown in 1607. This venture was significant as it marked the beginning of lasting English settlement in the New World. The Virginia Company was a joint-stock company, meaning it was funded by investors who shared the risks and rewards of the enterprise. The establishment of Jamestown was driven by a desire for economic gain, including the search for gold and other resources, which underscored the broader motivations behind English colonization efforts.

In this context, Jamestown's founding set the stage for further English colonization, eventually leading to the establishment of other colonies and the expansion of English influence in North America. The other companies mentioned, while involved in colonies or settlements, did not achieve the same historical significance as the Virginia Company regarding the establishment of a permanent colony, which laid the groundwork for the English colonization of America.