Join the most prestigious celebration of the Polish startup ecosystem. Nominate the visionary investors who are driving innovation through strategic capital and mentorship.
We honor the investors and mentors who actively strengthen the Polish startup landscape. We recognize excellence in three key categories.
Experienced investors who build portfolios and support founders beyond capital.
New angels who recently entered the role and already show significant activity.
Mentors and ecosystem leaders. You do not need to be an investor to be nominated.
Business Angel of the Year (BAY) is a COBIN Angels competition organized since 2018, which awards the most committed business angels and creators of ecosystems supporting innovation in Poland.
Nominees
Finalists
Winners
Editions
Every nomination submitted is a tangible contribution to the professionalization of the Polish market. By highlighting outstanding investors, you build their authority and prestige while increasing the visibility of business angels across the ecosystem.
Together, we shape the future of the private investment market in Poland. By promoting a healthy investment culture, you showcase top role models, inspire new leaders to support technology and help set professional standards.
Fill in a short form to nominate yourself or someone else from the ecosystem. The deadline for entries is January 31, 2026.
The expert Jury reviews all submissions to select the most impactful leaders. The Jury session is scheduled for February 19, 2026.
Winners are officially announced during the prestigious BAY Gala in Warsaw. Join us for the grand finale on March 12, 2026.
Awards in the second edition of the Business Angel of the Year competition were presented at the 'Investment & Finance Forum' gala held on May 29 at the Westin Hotel.
Business angel applications for the Business Angel of the Year competition, organized for the second time by COBIN Angels together with the Executive Club, were accepted until May 6, 2019.
The competition jury considered the investments made by the Business Angel in 2018. In addition to exceptional financial performance, the support provided by the investor was evaluated.
CEO of Billon, a fintech company specializing in blockchain technology. Before, Wojciech Kostrzewa spent 28years building large banking and media companies. He worked as the CEO of the media conglomerate ITI Group and banks Polski Bank Rozwoju and BRE Bank (today mBank). He also managed the activities of Commerzbank in Central and EasternEurope. Currently, he serves as the chairman of the Polish Business Roundtable, the deputy chairman of the supervisory board of ERGO Hestia, and the member of the board of directors of Stadler Rail and the supervisory board of Canal+ Polska.
While BusinessAngels are a key element in the development of young companies worldwide, theyare still lacking in our country. To change this, COBIN Angels, are awardingthe Business Angel of the Year statuette.
Business angel, entrepreneur, a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. He co-created the CHIC Group and its e-Smoking World brand, currently a part of the British American Tobacco group. Dawid is also an owner and co-owner of several companies, including well-known clothing brands (e.g. Local Heroes, Sugarfree). Initiator and co-founder of Take & GO autonomous chain stores.
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Business Angel of the Year - for the best business angel of 2025.
Debuting Business Angel of the Year - for a successful investor who debuted within the last 3 years.
Investment Ecosystem Mentor - for individuals building the market through education and support.
Foreign Investor - for an investor based primarily abroad, supporting Polish companies.
Angel-driven Startup Award - for an innovative startup developed with the support of business angels.
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