We want to recognize today’s leading tech innovators on a local and global scale
The inaugural KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator competition will recognize Saudi Arabia’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 Saudi Arabia – and in 15 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.
To get started, tell us about you, your business and your ambitions.
From tech innovator to future tech titan – finalists will receive an unrivalled platform to profile your business:
Exposure: pitch your innovations and present your growth ambitions. Winning companies will be featured in KPMG’s “Winners Report” and local media profiles. They will also receive global attention among key influencers at Web Summit 2021, Lisbon, in November.
Recognition: profile your business throughout the competition, leveraging KPMG channels and local media.
Networking: connect with like-minded peers, key industry experts and influencers both locally and globally.
Go global: Winners will automatically progress to the Global Tech Innovator final, to be hosted at Web Summit 2021, Lisbon, in November.
Apply here ›
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 the KSA where the Saudi Arabia 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
Be available to pitch at a Saudi Arabia semi-final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin (if applicable)
Available to pitch virtually at Saudi Arabia final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin
If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the global final at Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal in November 2021
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:
1. Disruption and innovation
2. Market potential
3. Customer adoption
4. Market traction and marketing
5. Long-term potential
6. Pitch quality
The decisions of the panel will be final.
Apply here ›
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 9th August 2021.
Q: Who can apply?
A: Any technology entrepreneur that has operated for less than 5 years and is registered and based in Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia 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 31 May 2021 and close on 09 August 2021. All applications must be received by 18:00 hrs (SAST).
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, 2020 revenue figures and projections for 2021
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: Saudi Arabia winners will receive exposure and recognition through local media coverage and KPMG corporate channels. The Saudi Arabia winners will also be put forward as finalists in the Global Tech Innovator competition, which will take place at Web Summit 2021, Lisbon, in November.
The finalists will be provided with standard class flights/travel, hotel accommodation and one conference pass to attend Web Summit. Finalists will also be provided an opportunity to exhibit their products or services at the conference.
The prizes cannot be substituted for cash or any other alternatives.
Q: How and when will the winners be notified?
A: Saudi Arabia winners will be notified on the day of the final. Winners will also be profiled in the KPMG “Winners Report”, and in KPMG’s quarterly 2021 Venture Pulse report. The Global Tech Innovator winner will be announced on stage at Web Summit 2021 in November.
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 and conference passes for the finalists who are invited to present in Portugal at Web Summit 2021 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 : sa-fm-techinnovator@kpmg.com
Apply here ›
Do you have what it takes?
About the global competition
For the first time, KPMG Private Enterprise will be crowning a Global Tech Innovator. The most exciting, early-stage tech innovators will compete in Saudi Arabia competitions. Saudi Arabia winners will then be selected to participate in a global final at the Web Summit conference in Lisbon, Portugal in November.
Who will take the global crown?
Compete on the global stage
Participating countries include:
Bahrain, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Mexico, Nordics, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, UK, USA
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.
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