Development Bank of Wales named Funder of the Year at Wales Dealmakers Awards

The Development Bank of Wales was named Funder of the Year at the Insider Wales Dealmakers Awards 2026, held at Cardiff's Coal Exchange, recognising its role in supporting ambitious Welsh businesses to start, grow and scale. 

The award highlighted the Development Bank's backing of businesses including Mariposa Therapeutics, Sidekick and Academii.

The annual awards brought together investors, advisers, lawyers, accountants and funders from across Wales to celebrate the deals and organisations helping to drive economic growth. 

In addition to the Development Bank taking the Funder of the Year award, Tom Davies from the Development Bank's Technology Ventures Investment team was named Emerging Dealmaker of the Year in recognition of his work arranging funding packages for Welsh technology businesses including Corryn Biotechnologies and Ceryx Medical.

The Development Bank also featured in the winning International Deal of the Year entry through its investment in Avantis Marine, alongside Leon Capital, Grant Thornton and Acuity Law. The award recognised a deal that is supporting the company's international expansion plans, building on an earlier management buyout backed by the Development Bank.

Rhian Elston, Chief Investment Officer at the Development Bank of Wales, said:

“Being named Funder of the Year is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the dedication, professionalism and expertise of colleagues across our organisation.

“It was wonderful to see Tom Davies recognised for his achievements and our investment in Avantis Marine receive further recognition. 

“Together, these awards demonstrate the strength of Wales’ investment ecosystem and the impact that can be achieved when organisations work together to support ambitious businesses.”

Since launching in 2017, the Development Bank has invested more than £1.1 billion into over 4,500 Welsh businesses, supporting more than 55,000 jobs and leveraging more than £680 million of co-investment.

For more information, visit www.developmentbank.wales