On November 10, 2025, during COREangels Day Lisbon — the largest annual gathering of our global community — we came together to recognize the investors, startup founders, and fund leaders who defined excellence across the COREangels community this year. This celebration took place at our flagship event in Lisbon, a milestone moment where angels, fund leaders, founders, VCs, Family Offices, and strategic partners connected to honor those shaping the future of early-stage investing.
Every year, these awards highlight the values at the heart of COREangels: collaboration, generosity, courage, and a shared belief in building something meaningful together.
This year’s winners stand out not only for what they achieved but for how they elevate the entire community around them.
Here are the 2025 recipients and the stories behind their leadership.
COREangels Pioneer Award
Winner: Maurizio Calcopietro – COREangels Atlantic
For visionary leadership and lasting impact — awarded to those who pave the way forward.
The Pioneer Award honors individuals who reshape what’s possible within COREangels. Maurizio has been exactly that kind of catalyst — a leader whose vision, discipline, and commitment have created a lasting blueprint for others to follow.
From scaling COREangels Atlantic to championing cross-border collaboration and spreading the word about angel investing and COREangels, Maurizio continues to build pathways that strengthen the entire community.
Previous winner: Guillermo Soto
COREangels Spirit Award
Winner: Cintia Mano – Investor at COREangels Atlantic
For embodying the heart of the COREangels community — collaboration, generosity, and collective success.
The Spirit Award goes to the individual who personifies our culture. This year, that person is Cintia — the driving force behind COREangels’ global expansion and the architect of a community grounded in trust, mutual growth, and shared purpose.
Her leadership empowers fund managers, guides new angels, and inspires founders around the world. Cintia doesn’t just lead — she lifts others up.
Last year’s winner: Urs Rothmayr
Investor of the Year Award
Winner: Frédéric Dupraz
Honoring exceptional commitment, consistency, and impact across COREangels investments.
Frédéric stands out for his disciplined investment activity across multiple funds and syndicate deals. He brings thoughtful analysis, asks sharp and constructive questions, and supports founders well beyond capital.
His approach reflects the future of angel investing: engaged, strategic, and community-driven.
Last year’s winner: Chris Schwarzenbach
Fundraising Master Award
Winner: João Paulo Diogo – COREangels Lisbon
For outstanding success in capital raising and expanding an engaged investor base.
COREangels Lisbon experienced remarkable growth this year thanks to João Paulo’s leadership. His ability to attract new investors, deepen engagement, and strengthen the fund’s value proposition has made Lisbon one of our strongest hubs.
This award recognizes his strategic clarity, relentless dedication, and ability to build a thriving investor community.
Last year’s winner: David Griesbach, COREangels Big Data & AI
COREangels Diversity Champion Award
Winner: Maurizio Calcopietro – COREangels Atlantic
Awarded to the fund bringing the highest number of women into angel investing (cumulative).
This is the second award Maurizio has received this year — and for good reason. COREangels Atlantic continues to lead our network in gender inclusivity, actively bringing more women into the world of angel investing.
Through education, open collaboration, and a strong culture of belonging, COREangels Atlantic is reshaping what our investor community looks like — and who it welcomes.
COREangels Rising Star Award
Winner: Mauro Frota – Founder of BHout
Honoring the fund backing the startup with the highest valuation in the COREangels global portfolio.
BHout has become one of the most exciting and successful startups within COREangels’ portfolios. Under Mauro’s leadership, the company achieved the highest valuation among all startups backed by COREangels funds this year.
BHout is not only scaling — it is setting a new standard in sports tech innovation and global market expansion.
Celebrating a Milestone Year for COREangels
This year’s awardees embody the values that make COREangels unique: courage to lead, generosity to support others, and a relentless drive to create meaningful impact.
As we look ahead to 2026 and beyond, their achievements set the tone for what our community can accomplish when we work — and invest — together.
Congratulations to all the 2025 COREangels Day Award winners!
