Each year, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible contributions of our members who go above and beyond to support founders, foster innovation, and strengthen the Enterprise Angels community. These awards are a way to recognise the energy, expertise, and commitment that make our network so special.
A massive thank you to Cooney Lees Morgan, Priority One, and Craigs Investment Partners for sponsoring the awards this year. Each winner also receives an experience voucher from local Tauranga company Chuffed and of course, the kudos is priceless!
New Member of the Year – Sponsored by Cooney Lees Morgan
This award recognises members who joined in the last 18 months and have jumped straight in – investing, attending events, and actively engaging with the community. While fewer new members joined this year, the quality of engagement has been outstanding.
We’re thrilled to announce two winners for 2025. Both recipients contribute in unique but equally valuable ways – something the board wanted to recognise and encourage:
- Fredric Doss
Fredric hit the ground running after being introduced to Inhibit, quickly offering medical expertise and connections as an advisor. Since then, he’s been connected to two more portfolio companies to support and has introduced a new investment opportunity – all within his first few months. Fredric’s enthusiasm for founders, openness to collaboration, and willingness to share his network have enriched our community from day one.
- Derek Sharp
Based in the Manawatu, Derek has become known for his active engagement, attention to detail and thoughtful contributions. He’s participated in due diligence, regularly attends events online, and is building a diversified angel portfolio. Derek often reaches out with insights and ideas that benefit the wider group – a proactive approach that exemplifies the spirit of angel investing.
Derek shared a few words on receiving the award:
“Thank you for the New Member Award. I am enjoying the Angel Investing environment and supporting the startups. I love seeing all the fresh ideas and creativity that come through. It’s exciting to be part of such an inspiring community! Thank you.”
Fredric Doss (centre) with Andy Martin (Cooney Lees Morgan) and Nina Le Lievre
Community Contribution – Sponsored by Priority One
Our community is what makes Enterprise Angels thrive. This year, instead of the usual investor rep award, we wanted to recognise someone who contributes in multiple ways – supporting founders, attending events, and helping build connections.
David Williams, Investor Director of Hot Lime Labs, was the winner of this award.
David has been a member for over five years, actively supporting ADI clinics, building a strong investment portfolio, and regularly attending events (often bringing guests). His commitment and generosity have made a lasting impact on our community.
Tijs Robinson, founder of Hot Lime Labs, shared this heartfelt message:
“David has been our ‘inside man’ at Hot Lime Labs/Aplenty – we got him onboard right at the start as he knew how the greenhouse industry works and how growers think – what will fly and what will get destroyed. He’s been key on our journey from an R&D company into a commercial business. Personally, he’s always been there as a mentor and a supporter through the many trials and tribulations of growing a start-up; we have weekly calls to check in, and often this isn’t about the business, or capital, or customers, but checking in on ME – how am I doing and am I going OK. It’s been invaluable having him in our corner and David is a very deserving recipient of the Community Contributor award!”
On receiving the award David noted, “Enterprise Angels had been an enjoyable experience and looks forward to future involvement and investments.”
David Williams (centre) with Shane Stuart (Priority One) and Nina Le Lievre
Angel of the Year – Sponsored by Craigs Investment Partners
This prestigious award goes to the member who demonstrates exceptional participation – committee and board involvement, due diligence, event attendance, and investing. This year’s winner was Richard Hoare! (title image.)
Since joining in 2018, Richard has become an integral part of Enterprise Angels. With a background in M&A law, he brings expertise and commitment to everything he does – serving on the Exit Committee, Chair of the EA GP board, and acting as a board observer for Fund 4 portfolio company, Realaml. Richard regularly advocates for our organisation, introduces guests, and fosters connections that strengthen the startup ecosystem.
On accepting the award Richard stated “I really enjoy the Angel Investment space. I remember talking to some people when I first joined the organisation, and what I really like about it is it’s an opportunity to support new business, more productivity, more jobs. It’s a noble thing to do, whether we make returns or not, and hopefully we make returns. I’ve really enjoyed being involved, I love helping start-ups with legal work, I love being involved with Enterprise Angels. So, thank you, very unexpected.”
Thank You
A massive thank you to our Strategic and Corporate partners and our members – your contributions, big and small, are what make Enterprise Angels such a vibrant and impactful community.
Here’s to another year of supporting founders, with not only capital, but connections and expertise, and building the future together!
Get in touch!
We welcome engagement from anyone interested or involved in the early stage investment market – Investors, Angel Members, Strategic or Corporate Partners, Founders, Incubators or Accelerators, Deal Referrers, Acquisition Partners etc.