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Digital Top 50 Awards

By Made of Lisboa Aug 26, 2020

European startups can now apply for the Digital Top 50 Awards until the 30th of August

Google, McKinsey, Freshfields, 468 Capital and Hering Schuppener have joined forces to organize this year’s Digital Top 50 Awards to reward and celebrate the bold and trailblazing work of tomorrow’s top entrepreneurs across Europe.

Since 2016, the Digital Top 50 Awards have recognized Europe’s top entrepreneurial talent, endorsing the continent’s thriving tech scene. The Awards cover the full spectrum of the business and technology landscape. Startups from all over Europe (EU, EFTA and UK) can apply for one of the four categories:

- Best Technology (Software, AI, Automation, IoT, Analytics)

- Best Enterprise Business Model Innovation (SAAS, Marketplaces, Open Source)

- Best Consumer Business Model Innovation (Marketplaces, D2C- Brands, Ecommerce, Services, Software)

- Tech for Good (Double Bottom Line: solve social and/or environmental problems)

Applications are evaluated by DT50’s Executive Jury, a hand-picked panel of experts, veterans in venture building and growth mentoring. The jurors will choose the winners in their respective categories.

50 applicants will be selected as this year’s Top 50 cohort and publicly announced in September. They will be invited to join the Bits & Pretzels Networking week from September 27 to October 2, 2020 where we will celebrate and announce this year’s winners.

Why should you apply?

We have three good reasons, why it is worthwhile for you to apply:

1. A brand boost – previous winners tell us that being recognised as one of the hottest European tech companies adds to their credibility and further growth. We are also promoting out winners and Top50 candidates through social media and press outreach.

2. A prize package that you cannot buy - all winners receive as part of their package Tailored workshops and consulting packages, this includes:

- Two weeks of consulting from McKinsey on topic of your choice (e.g. market entry, growth strategy, sales channel development)

- Workshop on relevant legal topics (data protection, privacy, IP law) by Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer

- Review of pitch deck, coaching on fundraising strategy, go to market, growth and internationalisation from 468 Capital

- Coaching on Communication strategy (how to address relevant audiences and grow brand recognition) by Hering Schuppener

In addition the Social Tech winner receives a 50k cash prize.

3. An opportunity to network - all of the Top50 will be invited to join this years Bits & Pretzels virtual networking event, giving you the opportunity to make the most of the networking options such as: Startup pitch, Table Captains, Founders Roulette, access to all other attendees, etc.. In addition, you can of course leverage the networks of all the partners.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to Startups from within the European Union, EFTA countries, and the United Kingdom that have a digital product or service as the central element of their business and a cumulative received funding below 100mn USD

Applications will be accepted for four categories:

- Best Technology (Software, AI, Automation, IoT, Analytics): Advanced technology services or products are the focus of your start up concept. You are likely to have achieved product market-fit in your first markets and are focusing on the expansion of your business to new markets and on further product advancement.

- Best Enterprise Business Model Innovation: (SAAS, Marketplaces, Open Source) The provision of products or services to other businesses is the focus of your start up concept. You are likely to have achieved product market-fit in your first markets and are focusing on the expansion of your business to new markets and on further product advancement.

- Best Consumer Business Model Innovation (Marketplaces, D2C- Brands, Ecommerce, Services, Software): The provision of products or services to consumers is the focus of your start up concept. You are likely to have achieved product market-fit in your first markets and are focusing on the expansion of your business to new markets and on further product advancement.

- Tech for Good(Double Bottom Line: solve social and/or environmental problems): Your business has a lasting positive impact on society and/or current environmental challenges. Your product or service helps promote a sustainable cause.

More information at: https://www.dt50.org/