For the second time, Google, McKinsey, and Rocket Internet are searching for Europe's Digital Top 50. Tech companies of all kinds are welcome to apply. Promising startups (0-18 months since founding) and scaleups (>18 months since founding, annual revenue/employee growth of an average of 20%, %) will be honored, as well as one company from the "Tech for Social Impact" sector. The Application phase runs until April 1, 2018.
The competition is organized under the patronage of Carlos Moedas, Member of the European Commission, and supported by strategic partners INSEAD, Ashoka, and TOA. Applications are now open at www.dt50.org. Companies are being sought in the following categories until April 1st:
- Top B2B startup
- Top B2C startup
- Top B2B scaleup
- Top B2C scaleup
- Tech for Social Impact
Many paths lead to the Digital Top 50
The Digital Top 50 will be selected in a variety of ways: by a jury of leading figures from technology, business, and science; through one-minute online elevator pitches on the TOA website; and through live pitches at TOA 2018 in Berlin. More information can be found at: https://www.dt50.org/
The winner in the category Tech for Social Impact receives a cash prize of €50,000. All five award winners will also receive support through various consulting and coaching programs, as well as access to a large network of relevant industry contacts.
Oliver Muhr, CEO of Seerene and winner of B2B Scaleup 2016:
"This award truly helps companies succeed and achieve their goals. Many awards end with the award, and I think this is just the first step with DT50; the work begins after the awards ceremony, and we've benefited enormously from it."
A new generation of entrepreneurs
All Digital Top 50 will receive a showcase space in the Haus of Tech at TOA Berlin 2018 and will be invited to the awards ceremony at TOA, where the finalists in each category will be announced. Torsten Schuppe, Vice President of Marketing at Google, says:
"We're always excited to see what people do when they have access to technology. We know that people change the world through their own creativity and passion, and we want to do our part to ensure everyone has access to the right programs and tools to develop their skills, their careers, and their businesses. DT50 is an exciting opportunity to discover a new generation of entrepreneurs and help them grow and achieve their dreams."
Karel Dörner, Head of Digital McKinsey Labs Europe, says:
"Entrepreneurial talent is an important source of digitalization in Europe. We need great talents who will continue to drive the disruption of almost all business models. McKinsey, together with our Digital McKinsey division, is committed to providing you with strategic support, intensive advice, and coaching. We also connect you with leading industry experts and companies, because it's time to turn your idea and talent into something great."
Alexander Kudlich, Member of the Board of Management and Group Managing Director of Rocket Internet, says:
"We've partnered with Google and McKinsey to provide top entrepreneurs with a unique platform to access a broad network of Europe's technology leaders. It's a great opportunity for emerging companies to establish themselves in the highly competitive startup market. Rocket Internet has extensive experience in incubating and investing in online business models worldwide. We want to contribute our expertise and help shape the digital startup ecosystem in Europe."
