The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) has announced its 2026 Venture Vanguard class, recognizing three influential leaders in venture capital for their significant contributions to innovation, economic growth, and the broader startup ecosystem. The honorees—Annie Lamont, Robert “Bob” Pavey, and Kate Mitchell—will be formally celebrated at an event on May 14, 2026, at the Rosewood Sand Hill in Menlo Park, California.
The Venture Vanguard Award, established in 2023 as part of NVCA’s 50th anniversary, honors individuals who have played a pivotal role in shaping the venture capital landscape. Recipients are selected for their impact in building successful firms and companies, backing transformative technologies, influencing public policy, and contributing to the venture ecosystem through leadership and service.
Annie Lamont, co-founder and managing partner of Oak HC/FT, has overseen more than $7 billion in assets under management and led investments in over 100 companies across healthcare and fintech. With a career spanning nearly three decades at Oak Investment Partners prior to founding Oak HC/FT, Lamont has backed notable companies such as Aspire Health, athenahealth, Devoted Health, One Medical, and VillageMD. She is a multiple-time Forbes Midas List honoree and has received the NVCA Excellence in Healthcare Innovation Award.
Robert “Bob” Pavey, a veteran of the venture capital industry with more than 50 years of experience, helped build Morgenthaler Ventures into a globally respected firm. His investment track record includes early backing of companies such as Apple Computer, NEXTEL, and Synopsys. A former NVCA board chair from 1990 to 1992, Pavey has been a longstanding advocate for pro-growth policies, including capital gains tax reform and protections for employee stock options. He continues his work through Pavey Investments.
Kate Mitchell, co-founder of Scale Venture Partners, is recognized for her leadership in enterprise technology investing and for shaping venture policy. She is the only individual to have served as chair of both NVCA and Venture Forward and was instrumental in authoring IPO provisions of the 2012 JOBS Act. Mitchell has built a reputation for guiding early-stage startups into market leaders and has been a strong advocate for inclusion and mentorship within the venture ecosystem.
NVCA, the leading trade association representing the U.S. venture capital industry, continues to support policies and initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and innovation nationwide.
KEY QUOTE:
“The Venture Vanguard Award is about celebrating the people who have given so much of themselves to this industry. It recognizes leaders who have backed bold founders, strengthened our community, and helped shape the policies that allow innovation to grow. We come together each year not just to applaud their accomplishments, but to say thank you.”
Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of the National Venture Capital Association
