NVCA Announces 2025 Venture Vanguard Class

Honorees to Be Recognized at the 2025 NVCA Leadership Awards Dinner on June 5

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) is proud to announce Howard Morgan, Chris Rizik, and Ann Winblad as members of the 2025 Venture Vanguard class.

"The 2025 class truly represents the best of the best," said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA. "Howard's trailblazing work in early-stage investing, Chris' innovative approach to connecting underserved regions with capital, and Ann's leadership in building the first successful venture firm focused exclusively on software have all been game-changers for the VC industry. Together, these industry leaders have broken barriers, built thriving communities, and opened doors for countless investors and entrepreneurs."

The Venture Vanguard Award, initiated by the NVCA Board of Directors, 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.

ABOUT THE INDUCTEES:

• Ann Winblad –A founding partner of Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, Ann is an iconic figure in the software and technology industries. Her firm, the first to focus exclusively on software, has launched over 200 companies in fields ranging from business intelligence to cybersecurity. Ann's leadership in shaping the enterprise software landscape has created countless opportunities for innovation, including pioneering investments in companies such as MuleSoft and Hyperion. Ann's early career as a systems programmer and subsequent co-founding of Open Systems, Inc., a top-selling accounting software company, helped lay the foundation for the software sector. Ann's service on the boards of The University of St. Thomas and The Schulze Foundation highlights her strong advocacy for education and entrepreneurship. Her ongoing contributions continue to drive innovation and elevate the tech ecosystem.
  
  
•  Chris Rizik – A pioneering force of venture capital in the heartland, Chris has helped shape the Midwest's startup ecosystem like few others. As the founder and managing partner of Renaissance Venture Capital, he created a first-of-its-kind fund of funds, supported by Fortune 1000 companies and major private corporations, connecting underserved regions to national and global investors. His work has led to successful venture vehicles in Michigan, Ohio, Texas, and Wisconsin, and Renaissance's UnDemo Days^® has become a national model for startups to engage with investors. In addition to laying the foundation for many of the Midwest's top funds, Chris is widely recognized as a key partner and generous mentor to startups, corporations, and investors, with strong ties to leaders across the NVCA membership.
  
  
• Howard Morgan –A trailblazer in early-stage investing and one of the original architects of the early internet era, Howard co-founded First Round Capital and helped establish Idealab, serving as Founding President of Renaissance Technologies, a leading quantitative hedge fund. With a PhD in Operations Research from Cornell University and a BS in Physics from City College of New York, Howard has held prominent academic and advisory positions at institutions such as the University of Pennsylvania, Cornell University, and UC Berkeley. Through his role as Chair and General Partner at B Capital, he continues to foster innovation at the intersection of technology and global business. His deep commitment to philanthropy is reflected in his work with organizations like the NY Public Library, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, and Math for America.

NVCA will celebrate the third Venture Vanguard class, presented by platinum sponsors EY Private and SVB, a division of First Citizens Bank at the 2025 NVCA Leadership Awards Dinner.

The event will take place on June 5, 2025, at the Rosewood Hotel in Menlo Park, CA. Registration is required.

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.

SOURCE National Venture Capital Association