NVCA Celebrates 2025 Leadership Awards Honorees

Commemorates Venture Forward’s Five-Year Anniversary

SAN FRANCISCO –This evening, the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) will recognize outstanding leaders in the venture capital (VC) and startup ecosystems at the 2025 NVCA Leadership Awards Dinner in Menlo Park, California. At the event, NVCA will also commemorate the five-year anniversary of Venture Forward, its 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm empowering, educating, and expanding a vibrant VC investor community.

 “Every successful venture begins with a clear vision and the determination to see it through,” said NVCA President and CEO Bobby Franklin. “The 2025 NVCA Leadership Award honorees exemplify that commitment. They have turned bold ideas into high-growth companies, backed innovation at critical stages, and helped shape an environment where entrepreneurship can thrive. On behalf of NVCA and our board of directors, I’m proud to honor these individuals and their meaningful contributions to society.”

Launched in 2020 by NVCA, Venture Forward’s mission is to democratize access to the VC industry, empower investors from all backgrounds and geographies to thrive, and equip the next generation of VC leaders with the tools for success.

“Venture Forward was founded with a bold vision. In just five years, we’ve educated and supported nearly 5,000 emerging investors and fund managers, engaging 1,300+ VC volunteers along the way,” said Maryam Haque, Founding Executive Director of Venture Forward. “We’re proud to celebrate this progress and our partners who’ve made it possible as we work to build an industry that reaches its full potential.”

The 2025 award recipients include:

Venture Vanguard Award (presented by platinum sponsors EY Private and SVB, a division of First Citizens Bank)

Recipients:

• Howard Morgan
• Christopher L. Rizik
• Ann Winblad                                                                                   

Inclusion Impact Award

Recipient:  Heartland Forward      

Startup Innovator Award

Recipient:  HistoSonics       

Startup Champion Award

Recipients: 

• Rep. French Hill (R-AR)
• Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-WA)

Rising Star Award 

Recipients:    

•  Nicole DeTommaso (Harlem Capital)
• Sarah Du (Uncork Capital)
•  David Rothzeid (Shield Capital)
• Matt Schappell (Frist Cressey Ventures)
• Andreas Vandris (Menlo Ventures)

For more about the awards, please click here.  

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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 NVCA, please visit www.nvca.org.