Cello and Lightspeed Venture Partners Announce the Second Edition of the GTM10 Awards - Nominations Open 3 March 2026

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The GTM10 Awards, powered by Cello and Lightspeed Venture Partners, return in 2026 to recognize the individuals defining excellence in Software Go-To-Market (GTM) across Sales, Marketing, Growth, Customer, and Partnerships.

In its second year, GTM10 builds on a breakout inaugural cohort that set a new benchmark for modern GTM leadership. What began as an initiative to spotlight operators has quickly become a global recognition of the leaders shaping how Software companies scale.

As Software enters a new phase shaped by AI, rapid distribution shifts, and evolving buyer behavior, the role of GTM leaders has never been more critical. In a year marked by change and uncertainty, GTM10 honors the operators who navigate complexity, adapt fast, and set the standard for what world-class GTM looks like.

“Behind every breakout company is someone who understands distribution deeply. GTM10 brings those individuals into focus,” says Wade Foster, Co-Founder & CEO of Zapier and jury member.

“Strong GTM leadership can change the trajectory of a company. I’m looking forward to recognizing the people building that kind of impact,” says Cait Keohane, CCO of Airtable and a 2025 GTM10 Award winner and 2026 jury member.

The operators recognized last year set a powerful standard. In 2026, GTM10 raises the bar once again in search of the next group of leaders redefining what great GTM looks like.

Lightspeed Venture Partners returns as the exclusive founding partner of GTM10, continuing its commitment to backing not only category-defining companies but also the operators who power them. Moreover, this year, GTM10 is supported by category-leading companies who are shaping the future of Software across the GTM ecosystem:

1. Anthropic – Partnership Category Sponsor
2. Apify – Growth Category Sponsor
3. Fin – Customer Category Sponsor
4. La Growth Machine – Sales Category Sponsor
5. Peec AI – Marketing Category Sponsor

Nominations open on March 3, 2026 at www.thegtm10.com.

A Rigorous and Prestigious Selection Process

GTM10 winners are selected by a distinguished jury of GTM veterans from Zapier, Airtable, and tier-one venture capitalists such as a16z, Sequoia Capital, and more.

Nominees are evaluated on factors such as:

• Impact - Demonstrated revenue growth and business expansion
• Innovation - Advancement of modern GTM strategy and execution
• Industry Influence - Contribution to best practices and the broader GTM community

Categories and Selection

In 2026, 50 winners will be selected across five categories:

• Sales
• Marketing
• Growth
• Customer
• Partnership

Each category will recognize:

• 5 operators from startups, and scale-ups, as well as thought leaders
• 5 operators from enterprise and Big Tech

In line with GTM10’s community-driven ethos, individuals may only nominate others. Self-nominations are not permitted.

Global Recognition

Winners will receive international recognition, including a feature on the Nasdaq billboard in Times Square, dedicated media coverage, and inclusion in the GTM10 global cohort of leaders shaping the future of Software.

More than an award, GTM10 establishes recipients among the most respected GTM professionals worldwide.

Key Dates

Nominations Open: March 3, 2026
Nominations Close: May 15, 2026
Winners Announced: June 1, 2026

Submit a nomination at: www.thegtm10.com

About Cello

Cello is the all-in-one Referral Platform for modern product-led businesses. It helps teams turn user referrals and affiliates into scalable, predictable growth channels - fully embedded into the product and on autopilot.

About Lightspeed Venture Partners

Lightspeed Venture Partners is a global venture capital firm investing across enterprise, consumer, fintech, and health sectors. With over $40B in AUM, Lightspeed has backed more than 500 companies worldwide, including Snap, Anthropic, and Rubrik.