NVCA Presents the 2022 Venture Capital Awards in San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) presented its annual industry leadership awards recognizing individuals, firms, and organizations across the venture capital community.

“On behalf of NVCA and our board of directors, I want to congratulate the 2022 award winners for their contributions to advancing the venture capital ecosystem and entrepreneurship in the U.S.,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA. “In the last two years, the role that VCs have played cannot be overstated. Lives have been saved, businesses have survived, and some have even thrived because of entrepreneurs who solved problems in the pandemic environment.”

2022 Award Recipients:

Startup Champion
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)
Sen. Todd Young (R-IN)

“Sen. Sinema’s visionary advocacy is building a better future by pushing government to adapt to the technology age,” said Franklin. “She displayed her vision with her support of the bipartisan infrastructure bill. The measure incorporated technology into infrastructure-related systems, processes, and efforts to restore advanced technology manufacturing. Combine that with her humble upbringing, and it is clear why many people see her as a leader.”

“Sen. Young has diligently ensured that public policy supports technological advancement in new company formation,” said Franklin. “He has proven his dedication to small businesses and entrepreneurs through years of continued support, including his leadership on the United States Innovation and Competition Act which will enhance American innovation and boost our economy.”

DE&I Impact
Lo Toney (Plexo Capital)

“Throughout his career, Lo has been a driving force in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in the venture ecosystem,” said Franklin. “Under Lo’s leadership, Plexo Capital invests in VC funds and startups led by women and people of color. Plexo Capital launched GPx, an open-source educational community with in-depth content to support great investors to become great fund managers. Lo is part of the VC Diversity Pledge, pledging 1% of its profits to Hampton University, a historically Black college and university.”

Startup Innovator
BlocPower

“Donnel Baird and Keith Kinch founded BlocPower in 2014 on the principle that upgrading buildings in lower- and medium-income cities to all-electric could solve social, climate, and economic issues,” said Franklin. “The company has retrofitted more than 1,000 buildings in disadvantaged communities in New York City, with projects underway in 25 other cities like Ithaca, NY, saving customers 20% to 40% on their energy bills each year. BlocPower is making substantial changes possible for underserved communities, and we are proud to honor its efforts by awarding the company our Startup Innovator Award.”

Outstanding Service
Franklin “Pitch” Johnson, Jr. (Asset Management Company)

“Pitch has been at the forefront of the venture ecosystem for the past 60 years,” said Franklin. “His contributions to both the industry and the association have been unparalleled, which is why this award is so appropriate. Pitch who has already received our Lifetime Achievement Award, most recently helped us launch Venture Forward in 2020, and has been a great supporter of our activities, including the alumni council. Without Pitch’s efforts today and for the last several decades, NVCA would not be the top-notch organization that stands today.”

American Spirit
Salesforce Ventures

“The Salesforce Ventures Impact Fund has increased our industry’s number of Black venture and angel investors through its partnership with BLCK VC, Black Venture Institute, and Operator Collective,” said Franklin. “And it continues to invest in the most innovative companies delivering solutions across education, climate, digital health, and diversity to drive positive social and environmental change.”

Rising Star
Meagan Loyst (Lerer Hippeau)
Vanessa Larco (NEA)
Shaan-Chirag Gandhi (Northpond Ventures)

“Determining who gets the Rising Star Award is difficult thanks to the breadth of emerging talent in the venture community,” said Franklin. “Meagan Loyst, Vanessa Larco, and Shaan-Chirag Gandhi have had major accomplishments in their young careers and exemplify the next generation of venture-capital professionals establishing themselves as future standard bearers of the industry.”

Excellence in Healthcare Innovation
Kate Bingham (SV Health Investors)

“A visionary in healthcare, Kate not only played a crucial role in getting COVID-19 vaccines to the United Kingdom, where she is based,” said Franklin. “Her investment in the U.S.-based company, Leukosite, resulted in developing an anti-cancer drug used to treat ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease and a drug to help treat multiple sclerosis. It is no surprise that Kate was awarded Dame Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for her service as chair of the UK COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force. Her commitment to building companies that develop transformational new medicines makes her the natural choice for this year’s Excellence in Healthcare Innovation Award.”

Lifetime Achievement in Venture Capital
Arthur Patterson (Accel)

“As the co-founder of Accel, Arthur has helped management teams develop companies into market leaders for more than four decades,” said Franklin. “Arthur’s foray into VC began at Citicorp Venture Capital. Before co-founding Accel in 1983, he was a general partner of Adler & Company. A true pioneer of our industry, he has freely given his time and expertise to the venture community, making invaluable contributions to the profession. We salute him and encourage emerging investors to look toward his career as a model for success.”

For more about the awards and previous winners, click here.

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About National Venture Capital Association
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.