Gaingels Named 2026 Inclusion Impact Award Winner by NVCA and Venture Forward   

Gaingels to be honored at the NVCA Leadership Awards Dinner in May for its work opening doors and building a more inclusive venture ecosystem 

WASHINGTON, DC and SAN FRANCISCO – The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and Venture Forward, NVCA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm, today announced Gaingels as the recipient of the 2026 Inclusion Impact Award. The award will be presented at the NVCA Leadership Awards Dinner on May 14, 2026, at the Rosewood Hotel Sand Hill in Menlo Park, California.  

Presented in partnership with Venture Forward, the Inclusion Impact Award recognizes individuals, organizations, or firms that have made significant strides in expanding opportunities, increasing access, and fostering an inclusive environment within the venture ecosystem. Award recipients demonstrate a strong commitment to implementing programs or initiatives that meaningfully increase opportunities for people from backgrounds historically underrepresented in VC to succeed and thrive. 

Founded in 2014, Gaingels is among the most active investors in the country. It seeks to drive top returns while influencing the ecosystem and representing a diverse group of investors that include the LGBTQ+ community and its allies within the capital stack of its portfolio companies. The Gaingels’ community consists of over 5,000 individual members, 4,500 of which are accredited investors. In 2025, Gaingels surpassed $1 billion of total investment across a portfolio of 2,600+ companies that includes 70+ unicorns.

“Our industry plays a critical role in fueling innovation and economic growth, and that responsibility requires long-term focus and active stewardship,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA. “Gaingels has shown that broadening participation in venture and delivering strong performance go hand in hand. We’re proud to recognize their impact and the example they set for the broader ecosystem.” 

Gaingels joins a distinguished group of previous honorees that includes Heartland Forward, BLCK VC, Chicago: Blend, First Close Partners, and Lo Toney (Plexo Capital). Their recognition reflects a sustained, demonstrated commitment to the belief that the best investors come from everywhere, making the entire industry stronger.  

“We are proud to recognize Gaingels with the 2026 Inclusion Impact Award,” said Maryam Haque, Executive Director of Venture Forward. “Gaingels has demonstrated that inclusion and performance are not competing priorities; they are mutually reinforcing drivers of long-term value. The organization’s approach is helping build a stronger, more resilient ecosystem for the next generation of founders and investors.” 

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About NVCA  
The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) empowers the next generation of American companies that will fuel the economy of tomorrow. As the voice of the U.S. venture capital and startup community, NVCA advocates for public policy that supports the American entrepreneurial ecosystem. Serving the venture community as the preeminent trade association, NVCA arms the venture community for success, serving as the leading resource for venture capital data, practical education, peer-led initiatives, and networking. For more information about the NVCA, please visit www.nvca.org. 
 
About Venture Forward  
Venture Forward is the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of NVCA. Our mission is to democratize access to venture capital, empower individuals from all backgrounds and geographies to thrive as investors, and equip the next generation of VC leaders with the tools for long-term success. We support emerging fund managers and investors through education, mentorship, and resources to advance their careers, and we help VC firms build the people practices and cultures that will ensure strong industry stewardship. Key initiatives include VC University, Emerging Manager Office Hours, and the GP Masterclass. Learn more at ventureforward.org.