The 6th annual Pauli Awards were handed out at Bingeman’s in Kitchener Tuesday evening. The awards recognize members of the Golden Triangle Angel Network, a company that invests in and mentors early-stage companies. Benton Leong won the David Borges community builder of the year. Brian Hunter, the president of NorthSpring Capital Partners, won the Angel of the Year award. Hunter says he does this work because these startup companies are the job creators of the future. “They’re companies that are developing new technology, developing products that can be sold around the world,” he says. “It’s great for Canada to have these companies and we’re trying to accelerate the growth.” This year’s Company of the Year award went to Top Hat, a teaching platform started in Waterloo that helps professors engage students in the classroom and deliver material outside the classroom. Mohsen Shahini, the co-founder, says it’s great to see the work of 250 employees recognized. “Waterloo is always known for innovation and great ideas,” he says. “It’s always great to come back and give to the community.” GTAN was created in 2009 and has since helped fund over 70 companies.
