Built Together: The Future Nexus Founder–Investor Awards

Celebrating the Partnerships Shaping the Future

Great companies are rarely built alone. Behind the most ambitious founders are investors who bring more than capital, and behind the strongest investors are founders who turn shared conviction into progress.

The Future Nexus Founder–Investor Awards recognize the companies, investors and partnerships demonstrating what exceptional collaboration in venture can achieve.

Nominations and Selection

Deadline: October 1

Fee: Free to apply! (This time only, for our debut year)

Guidelines:

• Nominations may be submitted by either a company representative or an investor, with the approval of the other party.

• Submissions will be evaluated by Future Nexus editors and select industry experts. Future Nexus retains editorial discretion and may also independently identify, research and invite additional candidates for consideration. All candidates will be evaluated according to the same standardized criteria.

• The selection process will consider the strength and substance of the partnership, the parties’ respective contributions, evidence of meaningful impact and the qualities that make the relationship distinctive.

Award Distinctions

Winners may also be considered for additional distinctions, such as those outlined below. These examples are intended to provide inspiration as you prepare your submission; final distinctions will be determined based on emerging themes of the partnerships selected.

• The First Believer: For an investor who recognized an exceptional company or market opportunity early. 
• The Breakthrough Builder: For a company translating an ambitious vision into meaningful execution and momentum. 
• The Hard-Moment Partnership: For a company and investor that navigated a setback, disagreement or difficult period with exceptional trust and judgment. 
• The Network Multiplier: For a partnership that materially expanded access to customers, talent, partners, expertise or capital. 
• The Shared Conviction Award: For a company and investor that maintained alignment around a significant long-term vision despite uncertainty or external skepticism. 
• The Category Creator: For a company shaping a new market, supported by an investor that materially helped accelerate that effort. 
• The Long-Game Partnership: For a company and investor prioritizing durable value over short-term optics. 
• The Trusted Board Partnership: For exemplary governance, strategic counsel, candor and mutual respect.