2026 Hawaii Entrepreneur Award Winners

DEAL OF THE YEAR - Grant Demaree, Onebrief

Lifetime Achievement Award - Rob Robinson, Hawaii Angels

STUDENT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Lionel Roxas and Victor Hoang, Hexcelerate

STARTUP PARADISE CHAMPION OF THE YEAR - Michael Bennett, Hawaii Tech WeekI

NVESTOR OF THE YEAR - Wayne Murphy, Hatch Blue

ISLAND INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR - Ted Peck and Brad Hansen, Holu Hou Energy

PEOPLE'S CHOICE STARTUP OF THE YEAR - Jason Chow and Harley Tunac, The Local General Store 

AGRICULTURE / CLEAN TECH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Melissa DellaTorre, Pacific Hybreed

TECH ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Miki Hardisty, Olelo Intelligence

CONSUMER PACKAGED GOODS ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Leala Humbert and Blaine Kusler, UA Hawaii

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Jason Brand, Kō Hana Rum

CORPORATE INTRAPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Elisia Flores, L&L Hawaiian BBQ

SOCIAL IMPACT ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR - Pua Chin, Hui Makaʻāinana o Makana

About HVCA

The Hawaii Venture Capital Association represents entrepreneurs, private equity firms, and venture capital firms, with global investment interests.  HVCA membership is open to investors, entrepreneurs, or anyone who may be interested in learning more about Hawaii’s innovative sector. 

Check Out our Recap Video from the 25th Annual Hawaii Entrepreneur Awards!

Hawaii Venture Capital Association

Building a startup ecosystem in the heart of the Pacific

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