We want to recognize today’s leading tech innovators on a local and global scale
This years KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator competition will again recognize Germany’s leading tech innovators and future tech titans.
At KPMG Private Enterprise we understand the impact that technology trailblazers like you are having on the world. Whether yours is a pure technology company or you’re tech-enabled, tech-led or tech-driven, we want to hear from you.
We’re inviting you to compete with technology entrepreneurs across Germany – and in 23 other countries in most major regions of the world. You’ll pitch your innovations and present your growth ambitions to a panel of industry experts.
Wherever you are in your business lifecycle – from early-stage growth to getting ready to accelerate your expansion – our aim is to help you achieve your ambition and take your business to the next level.
Tech innovators and entrepreneurs who are ready to take their innovations and their businesses to new heights.
Tech innovations and tech-enabled solutions that have the potential to transform entire industries — or even the world.
If you’ve developed a brilliant tech innovation that’s making a difference — and you’re ready to grow your business — this may be the most important next step you can take to introduce your business and your tech to an audience of key influencers.
Watch the Global Tech Innovator 2023 event
Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator Winner Testimonials
It is a huge privilege and testament to our amazing team to win this year’s KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition from 2000 companies around the globe. The competition in the global finals was impressive, and we’re thrilled to be recognized amidst such an amazing group of brilliant innovations and entrepreneurs. We sincerely thank KPMG Private Enterprise and our KPMG Private Enterprise Sweden team for their support at every step in the process.
We’re ready and eager to take the next step forward for our company.
Max Mohammadi
Founder and Chairman of Sweden’s PlasticFri and the 2023 Global Tech Innovator Winner
The competition provides profile and credibility because if you’re trying to interest an investor, they must have confidence that you’re a credible business. Because KPMG Private Enterprise has already screened you and you’ve competed with other people, it already puts you on investors’ radar screens.
“If you have KPMG saying that you’ve been voted as the best tech innovator in the world that year, you already have the benefit of the doubt when you talk to a potential client or investor. It gives you that foot in the door.
“And I would say to anyone who is thinking about entering the competition: Enter…and if you win through the regional heats, you’re instantly credible. If you get through to the country final, you’re credible. If you make it to the global final, you will have been screened by industry experts at every stage of the competition — and even more doors will begin to open.
Tim Davies
CEO of UK’s HiiROC and the 2022 Global Tech Innovator Winner
Securing the title of 'KPMG Venture Champion' and representing Germany in the Global Tech Innovator Award 2023 in Lisbon, competing against 22 other countries, was an incredible journey. A sincere thank you to KPMG for hosting these exceptional events and gratitude to the KPMG Germany team for their unwavering support throughout the process - I really enjoyed the time there with inspiring people working on big ideas leading into the future and improving people’s lives! Cheers to the well-deserved winners and hope to meet all of you again.
Sebastian Berning
Founder & CEO of Instagrid, and German Winner 2023
There’s a lot in it for you
The competition is an unrivaled platform to profile your business. The benefits are second to none if you take the opportunity to compete.
What countries are participating in the 2024 Global Tech Innovator Competition?
The 2024 Global Tech Innovator Competition is more than a contest. It’s a celebration of entrepreneurship and technology advances that have the potential to leave a lasting and positive impact on the world. As the world watches this year’s competition, tech entrepreneurs from 23 countries/regions will take the stage, challenge each other and leave an enduring mark on the world.
The 23 countries/regions participating in the 2024 competition include: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Kenya (East of Africa), Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Taiwan, Turkey, United Kingdom, and the United States.
What makes a winner?
Applicants are typically technology entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the startup phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction and have the potential to scale up globally.
To be eligible for the competition, you must:
- Be a registered company in Germany (where the German final is being held)
- Have been actively operating for 5 years or less (in the current form)
- Generate revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity
- Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business
- Not be majority owned by a large corporate
- Conduct all pitches in English
- Available to pitch virtually at a German final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin
- If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the global final during Web Summit in November 2024
What are we looking for?
Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts. All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria:
- Disruption and innovation
- Market potential
- Customer adoption
- Market traction and marketing
- Long-term potential
- Pitch quality
The decisions of the panel will be final.
Applications
Q: How can I participate in the competition?
A: To enter the competition, you must fill out the online application form for your company before the application deadline of your country final.
Q: Who can apply?
A: Any technology entrepreneur that has operated for less than 5 years and is registered and based in Germany can apply. Applicants must have innovative, proven technologies, robust business models, the ability to demonstrate traction in their activities and the potential to scale up. All entrants entering the competition on behalf of the company must be residents in Germany and aged 18 years or over. KPMG employees and contractors are prohibited from entering the competition.
Q: When can I apply?
A: Applications are open from February 20th, 2024 and close on April 2nd, 2024. All applications must be received by April 2nd, 2024.
Read the full terms and conditions here.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of entries?
A: During the application period, there is no limit to the number of companies that can apply, however we request that no more than one application per company is submitted.
Q: What information do I need to provide?
A: If you’d like to apply, here’s what we’ll need:
- Company details (name, address, company registration number, contact details)
- CEO, founder and management team details
- A brief description of the company, business model, any media coverage and proprietary technology (maximum of 200 words)
- Details on funding raised to date, 2023 revenue figures and projections for 2024
- A high-resolution image of your company logo
Selection Criteria
Q: How do I know if my company qualifies?
A: We aim to be as inclusive as possible; whether you’re a pure technology company or tech-enabled, tech-led, or tech-driven, we want to hear about your growth ambitions.
Q: What stage should my company be at to be considered?
A: We are looking for companies that have been operating for 5 years or less, and must have a viable product or service.
Pitching
Q: What is the pitching format?
A: Each company will be given a total of approximately 10 minutes to both pitch and answer questions from a judging panel. All presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF file format. A detailed pack outlining requirements will be shared with shortlisted businesses when appropriate.
Q: What is the judging criteria?
A: Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry and KPMG experts. All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria. The criteria are disruption and innovation, market potential, customer adoption, market traction and marketing, long-term potential and pitch quality. The decisions of the panel will be final.
Winners
Q: What do winners get?
A: German winners will receive exposure and recognition through local media coverage and KPMG corporate channels. The German winners will also be put forward as finalists in the Global Tech Innovator competition, which will take place in November 2024.
The finalists will be provided with standard class flights/travel, hotel accommodation to the final.
The prizes cannot be substituted for cash or any other alternatives.
Q: How and when will the winners be notified?
A: German winners will be notified on the day of the final. Winners will also be profiled in the KPMG “Winners Report”. The Global Tech Innovator winner will be announced on stage (in person and virtually) in November 2024.
Further information
Q: What are the costs involved in participation?
A: There is no charge for entering into the competition, although all costs related to attendance at the semi-final and country finals must be covered by the participants themselves, where they are being held in person. KPMG will cover the cost of standard class flights/travel, accommodation for the one member from the finalist companies who are invited to present in November.
Q: Is there any publicity involved?
A: KPMG Private Enterprise will be promoting the pitch heats alongside various partners throughout the course of the competition. By entering the competition, you agree that any personal information provided by you with your entry may be held and used by KPMG to administer the competition.
If you are a winner of the competition, you agree that KPMG may use your name, image and company branding to announce the winner of the competition and for any other reasonable and related promotional and marketing purposes.
Q: Will I receive feedback on my application?
A: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. Due to the volume of entries received, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to each unsuccessful applicant.
We value the time and effort put into each submission and thank you for your participation.
Q: Who do I get in touch with for further information?
A: For any further information please email tduemichen@kpmg.com.
Application process and timeline
- February 20, 2024 – Application opens
- April 2, 2024 – Application close
- June 10, 2024 – German final
- November 2024 – Global Final in Lisbon
Meet last years finalist
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Tim Dümichen
Partner, Tax
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
Florian Merkel
Director, Tax
KPMG AG Wirtschaftsprüfungsgesellschaft
About KPMG Private Enterprise
You know KPMG, you might not know KPMG Private Enterprise. KPMG Private Enterprise advisers in KPMG firms around the world are dedicated to working with you and your business, no matter where you are in your growth journey — whether you’re looking to reach new heights, embrace technology, plan for an exit, or manage the transition of wealth or your business to the next generation. You gain access to KPMG’s global resources through a single point of contact — a trusted adviser to your company. It is a local touch with a global reach.
The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Network for Emerging Giants has extensive knowledge and experience working with the startup ecosystem. Whether you are looking to establish your operations, raise capital, expand abroad, or simply comply with regulatory requirements — we can help. From seed to speed, we’re here throughout your journey.
