We want to recognize today’s leading tech innovators on a local and global scale
The third annual KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator competition will recognize 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.
Following the tremendous success of the second annual competition in 2022, KPMG Private Enterprise is delighted to be back to crown the 2023 Global Tech Innovator.
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.
Do you have what it takes to win the global crown?
Meet our finalists
COOi Studios
COOi Studios is a large enterprise Innovation accelerator. We help enterprises design and build innovative technology solutions that deliver exponential growth, we work with our in-house technology team or external technology start-ups to rapidly deliver to solve our client’s business problems. We apply our highly-tuned innovation methodologies applying emerging technologies (Data Analytics, Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing, and Metaverse) and deliver environmental, social & governance solutions in the market with speed.
Contro
Contro is a comprehensive telehealth platform that provides affordable, discreet, and convenient access to virtual consultations, chronic prescription management, and free nationwide delivery for stigmatized healthcare services.
Elevate Life
Founded by a team of healthcare actuaries, Elevate is a new-generation, data-driven life insurer that utilises AI to understand and track risk and proactively support the well-being in life-insured individuals, with advanced technology to empower financial advisors to onboard and service their clients more efficiently.
FinMeUp
FinMeUp is a community-based financial education and digital products company that empowers users through curated content, interactive tools, courses and mentorship.
Our platform also offers innovative financial services such as pet insurance, financial advisory, home loans, life insurance and more coming soon. We aim to be a trusted financial partner for learning and doing.
Lets Trade
Let'sTrade is an enterprise-grade, turnkey commerce suite that enables businesses of any scale to instantly tap into the on-demand industry. With its seamless integration and scalability, it democratizes the commercial landscape, making high-end, on-demand commerce capabilities accessible to all.
MatchMX
The Match Exchange is an agricultural trading platform where we allow the market to discover the most profitable route to the processor of grains. We focus on optimising logistics and empower farmers and processors to negotiate directly. When there is a MATCH, we assist in executing the deal.
Newform
We’re a foodtech company growing meat directly from cells by developing scalable technology. Our innovation means we get to experience everything we love about meat without concerns related to health, climate, and animal welfare. We’re developing cost-effective solutions to make cultivated meat more mainstream.
Omnisient
Omnisient is the award-winning data analytics fintech that is accelerating financial inclusion by helping millions of people with no credit history get access to affordable credit. By removing the risks and challenges commonly associated with data collaboration, Omnisient is revolutionizing the way financial services institutions (FSIs) discover new sources of consumer information that they can use to predict behavior such as loan repayment. Omnisient was recently recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum for its impact on growing financial inclusion.
Resolute Education
Resolute is an innovative EdTech company with a vision to revolutionise education by equipping students with essential future-ready skills through robotics and coding. We bridge the gap between traditional learning and the demands of the modern workforce, inspiring a passion for lifelong learning and empowering students to become confident innovators and problem-solvers. We work to shape a brighter and more sustainable future by fostering creativity, adaptability, and global citizenship.
Sava Technologies
Sava is a fintech company that offers corporate cards, expense management tools, and other financial solutions to African businesses on a single platform to help them manage their financial operations. Sava also leverages business data to offer lending products with convenient repayment options, bridging Africa's $330 billion + USD annual credit gap for SMEs.
What are the potential benefits of competing? There’s a lot in it for you.
National exposure
In business and social media posts that reach your country’s tech and business influencers.
Global exposure
As a country winner at the final event to crown the Global Tech Innovator 2023 winner during Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon, Portugal.
Building a global peer network
Global finalists will become an alumnus/a of a growing, Global Tech Innovator Fellows’ network for high-achieving entrepreneurs to share ideas and challenges and build important connections.
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 31 May 2023.
Q: Who can apply?
A: Any technology entrepreneur that has operated for less than 5 years and is registered and based in country/territory/jurisdiction that are participating in the competition 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 the country/territory/jurisdiction they are applying in 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 17 April 2023 and close on the 31 May 2023.. All applications must be received by 11:59pm on 31 May 2023
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, 2022 revenue figures and projections for 2023
- 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 5 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: The Southern Africa winner receive exposure and recognition through local media coverage and KPMG corporate channels. The Southern Africa winners will also be put forward as a finalists in the Global Tech Innovator competition, which takes place in November 2023.
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: Country/region 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 2023.
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 go-fmglobaltechinnov@kpmg.com
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 the country/region where the country/region 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 country/region semi-final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin (if applicable)
- Available to pitch virtually at a country/region 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 2023
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.
Explore the competition and hear from past winners
Compete on the global stage
The countries/regions/jurisdictions participating in the 2023 competition include: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.
The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition showcases entrepreneurs across industries who are innovating to become the tech leaders of tomorrow. Hear from the 2021 finalists here.
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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