Nominations for NVCA’s Leadership Awards

Nominations are now open. Thank you for your interest in nominating individuals and organizations for NVCA’s Leadership Awards on June 5, 2025. Please cast your votes by December 13, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET. 

Please note that the selection of award winners is at the discretion of NVCA and is contingent upon meeting eligibility criteria. All award winners will be notified as soon as possible after selections are made. See list of all past winners for current and legacy categories here. 

Venture Vanguard Award
The Venture Vanguard Award recognizes exceptional individuals, including distinguished board alumni, members, or friends of NVCA, who have made significant contributions to transforming the VC landscape and turbocharging America’s growth and success. Eligible candidates’ accomplishments may include building successful VC firms and portfolio companies to support the creation of new industries and transform existing ones, investing in life-changing technologies, elevating industry visibility to policymakers, exhibiting leadership through philanthropic activities, or committing time and resources to NVCA efforts that benefit the entire industry. Read about the 2024 Venture Vanguard Award Class here.

Previous recipients: 

  • Aileen Lee 
  • Alan Patricof 
  • Brad Feld 
  • Don Valentine 
  • Geoff Yang 
  • Jan Garfinkle 
  • Mary Meeker 
  • Terry McGuire 

Click HERE to nominate someone for the “Venture Vanguard Award”

Rising Star Award
The Rising Star Award recognizes venture professionals on a rapid trajectory to become future industry leaders due to their swift mastery of VC investing in a relatively short time. Eligible candidates must be in the early-to-mid stages of their careers (ideally 4-8 years of VC investing experience) at an NVCA member firm and may not have reached the title of General Partner, Managing Director, or Managing General Partner (or equivalent).   

Previous recipients: 

  • Alex Lehman 
  • Arpit Mittal 
  • Brentt Baltimore 
  • Chelcie Taylor 
  • Dan Gebremedhin 
  • Dan Kidle 
  • Faith Voinovich 
  • Franz Kofler 
  • Kathryn Weinmann 
  • Kristina Shen 
  • Meagan Loyst 
  • Mia Hegazy 
  • Morgan Cheatham 
  • Racquel Bracken 
  • Reva Nohria 
  • Rita Costa Waite 
  • Robin Li 
  • Shaan-Chirag Gandhi 
  • Susan Liu 
  • Susan Moring 
  • Vanessa Larco 

Click HERE to nominate someone for the “Rising Star Award”

DEI Impact Award
The DEI Impact Award recognizes individuals, organizations, or firms that have made significant strides in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the venture ecosystem. Eligible candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to DEI and implement programs or initiatives that meaningfully increase opportunities for underrepresented groups to thrive in the industry. This award is presented in partnership with Venture Forward.

Previous recipients: 

  • BLCK VC 
  • Chicago: Blend 
  • First Close Partners 
  • Lo Toney  

Click HERE to nominate someone for the “DEI Impact Award”

Startup Innovator Award
The Startup Innovator Award recognizes VC- or growth equity-backed portfolio companies for their measurable contributions to society, addressing areas of need, ongoing crises, or significant challenges.  

Previous recipients: 

  • BlocPower 
  • Maybell Quantum Industries 
  • NeuMoDx 
  • Slingshot Aerospace 

Click HERE to nominate someone for the “Startup Innovator Award”