The Investor AllStars awards last night rewarded those venture capital (VC) firms achieving hard-earned success in one of the toughest years ever for the industry.

Held at the London Hilton and hosted by BBC anchorwoman Emily Maitlis, the ceremony comprised 12 awards, including the new categories Cleantech Investor of the Year and Buy-out/Development Capital Fund of the Year.

Nordic-focused Northzone Ventures was named VC Fund of the Year, beating tough competition from the likes of Index Ventures and DFJ Esprit. The judges commended its continuing commitment to portfolio companies during an extremely challenging period, highlighting the €16 million (£14.5 million) Series B round into eye-tracking company Tobii Technology in which Northzone co-invested with Amadeus Capital Partners.

The sale of medical technology company Core Valve for $700 million (£430 million) earned Sofinnova Partners the Exit of the Year award, while NorthStar Equity Investors, a firm focused on the North East of England, collected the Equity Gap Fund of the Year award for its ongoing support of ambitious companies in the region through gloomy economic times.

Other award winners included Albion Ventures for VCT of the Year and Hermann Hauser, co-founder of Amadeus, for Outstanding Contribution of the Year.