Richard Coon wins Arch Angel Award

Marlborough businessman, investor and philanthropist Richard Coon ONZM has been awarded the highest honour in New Zealand’s angel investment community.

Richard is the recipient of the Angel Association NZ’s 2026 Arch Angel Award, recognising his extraordinary contribution to New Zealand’s early-stage investment ecosystem and his enduring commitment to business and philanthropy.

He received the award last week at AANZ’s 18th Annual Summit at Puketutu Island in Auckland.

The Arch Angel Award is the highest honour in New Zealand’s angel investment community, given to those who exemplify the quintessential angel and who advocate for the endeavour and make a significant difference to New Zealand’s start-up ecosystem. As well as their personal capital, Arch Angel recipients share their time, insights, deeply relevant skills, and their networks with high growth startup companies.

Richard founded Angel Investors Marlborough (AIM) in 2017 shortly after moving to the region, driven by a belief that regional New Zealand could and should play a leading role in supporting high-growth companies. Under his leadership as chair from 2017 to 2024, AIM grew into one of the largest and most active angel groups in the country. Today, AIM has 146 members and has invested $31 million into 82 companies. Upon retiring as chair, Richard was appointed a life member and now serves as patron of AIM.

Widely regarded as one of New Zealand’s most active and engaged angel investors, Richard continues to serve on the boards of several investee companies. His hands-on governance style and willingness to back founders with both capital and experience have made him a trusted partner in the growth journeys of many emerging businesses.

Richard’s contribution to business extends well beyond angel investing. He was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2024 King’s Birthday Honours for services to business and philanthropy. Over several decades, he helped found Sovereign Assurance, Seniors Money and Partners Life, and served as a business mentor from 1998 to 2020, supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders.

Warren McNabb, chair of AIM says, “Richard brings himself to every investment — his time, his governance experience, his networks, and his unfailing belief in founders. Add to that his decades of company building, his philanthropy through the Laurie Coon Foundation, and his passion for financial literacy in schools, and you have someone whose contribution to New Zealand is truly extraordinary. The Arch Angel Award could not go to a more deserving recipient.”