The North Texas Angel Network (NTAN), an accredited angel investor membership organization, won Investor of the Year award at The DEC Network’s State of Entrepreneurship event March 29. This award honors an angel investor or investment firm who has gone above and beyond in supporting the entrepreneurial community. It highlights not only capital but also connections and support to drive success and growth.

“NTAN is a catalyst for DFW entrepreneurs,” says Chris Wilkes, NTAN board co-chair. “Winning Investor of the Year is a strong validation of our commitment to partnering with exceptional founders of high-potential companies. For more than a decade, NTAN, the NTAN team, and more recently, the staff of The DEC Network, work tirelessly to deliver to the DFW startup community the funds, advice, and partnership needed to accelerate growth in these early-stage companies. We look forward to working with more entrepreneurs as we continue to create sustainable, long-term value.”

Jeff Murphy, NTAN executive director, and Chris Wilkes, NTAN board co-chair, celebrate the award honor.

In its 10th year, the State of Entrepreneurship event gathers entrepreneurs, business leaders, innovators, community leaders, and creatives to learn about the latest trends and developments in entrepreneurship and hear from the brightest minds in the industry. It also serves as the backdrop for the annual awards. More than 800 people were in attendance.

Jeff Murphy, NTAN’s executive director, adds, “It’s an honor to accept the Investor of the Year Award on behalf of all the accredited investors who are members of North Texas Angel Network. In the first quarter of 2023, NTAN invested more than $500,000 in five promising startups. All of us at NTAN appreciate the opportunity to support the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the DFW area.”

Over its 14-year history, NTAN members have invested more than $10 million into startup organizations, primarily in North Texas. Notable investments include Gardenuity, Haxiot, Ikonopedia, Natural Dental Implants, Tella Firma, and Vital Arts & Science.

About North Texas Angel Network

Since 2008, the North Texas Angel Network (NTAN) has connected early-stage companies with angel investors to help private investors make private deals with private companies. The nonprofit, member-led organization reviews investment opportunities across industries, including medical device and service companies, software and hardware technology, and construction innovation, among others. One of the oldest and largest networks in Texas, NTAN is a member of the Angel Capital Association and the Alliance of Texas Angel Networks. Visit www.northtexasangels.org to learn more.