NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Oct 7, 2015) -
Editors Note: There is a photo associated with this press release.
NACO's Canadian Angel of the Year Award, presented by BDC Capital, has been awarded to Mike Cegelski. Awarded at NACO's National Angel Summit, it is presented to an investor who has made a significant contribution to Canada's Angel ecosystem.
"I'm honoured, privileged and humbled," said Mike Cegelski to a crowd of over 350 National Angel Summit attendees.
He says he will be focusing on more collaboration between Québec and the rest of Canada.
"I want to see Québec represented better. Bring us closer to what happens elsewhere in Canada, share ideas, share knowledge and make it happen across Canada."
Mike Cegelski has over 25 years of experience in the Telecommunication and Information Technology industry. After years at the helm of companies he founded, Mike is now a full-time Angel and mentor who has invested in over 30 companies in the last 5 years, throughout Canada and the US.
The Angel of the Year Award is presented to the Angel investor who has most contributed to the growth and development of Angel investing in Canada. This is accomplished through a combination of investment, mentorship, and leadership within their local ecosystem.
"As Angel investing grows, it is important to recognize the leaders in the community. It is with great pride that we are teaming up with BDC Capital to acknowledge an Angel for their significant contribution to the betterment of the entrepreneurial ecosystem," commented Yuri Navarro, NACO's Executive Director.
"BDC Capital is honoured to present the NACO's Angel of the Year Award, to recognize Angel investors for their contribution to the success of Canadian startups, and for the important role they play in the ecosystem. Angel investors understand what it means to mentor and help Canada's future business leaders. At BDC, we have had the delight to invest in some of the most promising Canadian companies alongside Angels and we hope to continue and expand our collaboration," said Dion Madsen, Senior Managing Partner of BDC Capital's Healthcare Fund.
Cegelski is an Angel investor with Anges Québec, Québec's Angel investment association, and is currently on its Board of Directors.
"Mike has been involved with our association since its inception. From 2010 to 2012, he served as Chairman of the Board of Anges Québec where he remains active as a Director of the Board today," says Francois Gilbert, Anges Québec's President and CEO. "His passion for our profession and his involvement in the investment community makes him an incredible Angel. This award is well deserved."