Startup Investor of the Year

Honoring the venture capitalists, angel investors, and investment leaders who are championing women-led tech startups, closing the funding gap, and fueling the next wave of innovation through strategic capital and mentorship.

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Nominations are now open.

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Competition Overview

The Tech Startup Investor of the Year award recognizes an outstanding investor — whether a venture capitalist, angel investor, corporate venture arm leader, or investment fund manager — who has demonstrated exceptional commitment to backing women-led and diverse technology startups. This award celebrates investors who go beyond capital deployment to provide strategic guidance, mentorship, network access, and advocacy that accelerates startup growth. Nominees should demonstrate a strong portfolio track record, a thesis-driven approach to diversity in tech investment, and measurable impact on the startups they support.

How does it work?

Who is it for?

Nomination eligibility criteria:

Venture capitalist, angel investor, corporate venture leader, or investment fund manager with an active portfolio that includes technology startups.

Demonstrated commitment to investing in women-led or diverse founding teams, with a track record of backing underrepresented founders in the tech ecosystem.

Hands-on investor who provides strategic mentorship, board-level guidance, network introductions, and operational support beyond capital deployment.

Measurable portfolio impact — such as successful exits, follow-on funding rounds, job creation, or market expansion — demonstrating the value of their investment thesis.

Interested in applying?

Begin your application today to highlight your investment impact, celebrate your commitment to diverse founders, and compete for global recognition as Tech Startup Investor of the Year.

Nominate Now

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"I really value WomenTech Network for their efforts to lift up girls and women around the world.
I'm very fortunate to be surrounded by so many supportive colleagues and friends, including at Wing, who have supported me throughout my career."

Shannon Nash, Chief Financial Officer at Wing (an Alphabet Company)

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