Key Takeaways
- • Business Insider is accepting nominations for its annual Rising Stars of Venture Capital list, with the 2026 list already published and a nomination deadline of Tuesday, December 1.
- • Eligible nominees are US-based venture capitalists ranging from vice presidents to partners, with clear, recent deal wins or portfolio support.
- • Nominations are open to funds of any size, including emerging managers, and self-nominations are accepted.
- • Past honorees include Deedy Das (Menlo Ventures), Avichal Garg (Electric Capital), Abby Meyers (Bain Capital Ventures) and Mercedes Bent (Premise), per the publication.
Summary
Business Insider has opened its call for nominations for the Rising Stars of Venture Capital, an annual list the publication says spotlights investors identifying emerging opportunities before the broader market and winning competitive allocations in proven companies. The 2026 list is already live, and the deadline to submit nominees is Tuesday, December 1. The publication noted it cannot guarantee feedback on submissions due to volume.
According to the outlet, eligible candidates are US-based venture capitalists at any seniority from vice president through principal and partner. Selection criteria emphasize investors with recent, demonstrable wins, including sourcing or leading competitive deals, developing investment theses ahead of consensus, or providing outsized support to portfolio companies. Funds of any size are eligible, and the publication explicitly welcomes emerging managers and self-nominations.
Nominations are expected to include the nominee's role, firm and any promotion history; notable deals from the past 12 months with a description of the nominee's role; and evidence of an informational or operational edge, such as relevant backgrounds, examples of winning competitive processes, or measurable influence within their firm and ecosystem. Business Insider states that past honorees have risen to elite firms or raised their own funds, citing Deedy Das, Avichal Garg, Abby Meyers and Mercedes Bent, who launched her new fund, Premise. Questions can be directed to Business Insider reporter Melia Robinson at [email protected].
According to the outlet, eligible candidates are US-based venture capitalists at any seniority from vice president through principal and partner. Selection criteria emphasize investors with recent, demonstrable wins, including sourcing or leading competitive deals, developing investment theses ahead of consensus, or providing outsized support to portfolio companies. Funds of any size are eligible, and the publication explicitly welcomes emerging managers and self-nominations.
Nominations are expected to include the nominee's role, firm and any promotion history; notable deals from the past 12 months with a description of the nominee's role; and evidence of an informational or operational edge, such as relevant backgrounds, examples of winning competitive processes, or measurable influence within their firm and ecosystem. Business Insider states that past honorees have risen to elite firms or raised their own funds, citing Deedy Das, Avichal Garg, Abby Meyers and Mercedes Bent, who launched her new fund, Premise. Questions can be directed to Business Insider reporter Melia Robinson at [email protected].
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