Angel Capital Association Recognizes A Pioneering Leader Whose Influence Has Shaped Modern Angel Investing
Westminster, Colo. — May 13, 2026 — The Angel Capital Association (ACA) presented the prestigious Hans Severiens Award to Ronald Weissman during the 2026 Summit of Angel Investing, held April 21–23 in Westminster, Colorado.
The Hans Severiens Award is one of ACA’s highest honors, recognizing individuals who have made significant, lasting contributions to the field of angel investing and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Ron has transformed angel investing from an informal hobby into a disciplined asset class,” said Kristina Montague, Chair of the ACA Board of Directors and partner at JumpFund. “For almost 20 years, Ron has shared his research, annual outlooks, and best practices with our early-stage investing community. He is a gifted lecturer who freely shares his deep knowledge and expertise, with a terrific balance of humor and gravitas. It has been a great pleasure to serve with Ron on the ACA Board, and we have all benefited from his leadership and unwavering support for this organization.”
A longtime leader in early-stage investing and a respected voice across the global angel community, Dr. Weissman has played a pivotal role in advancing both the practice and discipline of angel investing. Through decades of experience as both a venture capitalist and angel investor, he has helped shape how investors evaluate opportunities, support founders, and build successful portfolios.
“Ron’s tireless efforts and transformative contributions have left an indelible mark on the early-stage ecosystem,” said Patrick Gouhin. “His sophisticated analysis of limited data sets, global perspective, and comprehensive understanding of startups and their challenges have yielded unparalleled insights that advance entrepreneurial growth and investor success worldwide. He stands among the foremost leaders in enhancing the art and science of angel investing.”
Reflecting on his approach to investing, Weissman emphasized that the role of angels extends far beyond capital.
“Our work starts after we’ve written the check,” Weissman said. “It’s not about doing deals—it’s about building great companies. You do that by being a mentor, a coach, and a teacher.”
That philosophy has guided Weissman’s career, from authoring and teaching multiple Angel University courses to mentoring entrepreneurs and investors around the world. His work has spanned continents, helping to grow angel ecosystems in emerging markets while advancing best practices in governance, risk assessment, and portfolio strategy.
According to John Harbison, Dr. Weissman’s impact within ACA and the broader angel community has been both deep and enduring.
“Ron is extremely deserving of the Hans Severiens Award,” Harbison said. “His dedication and commitment to ACA is unparalleled—not only is he one of the top experts in angel investing, he gives tirelessly of his time. Put simply, he has done more to help ACA become what it is today than almost anyone else.”
Harbison also highlighted Weissman’s widely attended “State of Early-Stage Investing” presentations, his foundational role in shaping the Angel Funders Report, and his leadership in advancing board governance best practices through ACA’s Angel University curriculum.
The award was presented during the Summit of Angel Investing, ACA’s flagship gathering of angel investors, venture leaders, and ecosystem builders from around the world. The Summit convened the global angel community to explore emerging trends, share insights, and foster meaningful connections that drive innovation and investment.
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About the Angel Capital Association (ACA)
The Angel Capital Association (ACA) is the professional association of global angel investors to offer education, best practices, data, public policy advocacy, and significant benefits and resources to its membership of more than 14,000 accredited investors, who invest individually or through its 250+ angel groups, accredited platforms, and family offices. Visit angelcapitalassociation.org.
Contact: Director of Marketing, Dannielle Stewart, dstewart@angelcapitalassociation.org.
