October 2011
In the search to find tomorrow’s job creators, Startup Open, a competition that searches for startups with the greatest growth potential, unveiled the “GEW 50”—50 of the world’s most innovative new companies. These elite startups will now vie for a host of prizes to be announced on Nov. 14, timed with the kick-off to Global Entrepreneurship Week.
Hundreds of applications from more than 60 countries were judged on concept, growth projections and knowledge of their industry. Entrepreneurs from the following countries made the list of 50: Democratic Republic of Congo, India, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Phillipines, Portugal, Serbia and the United States.
“These 50 companies represent the best and brightest of today’s entrepreneurs—and they hold the key to spurring economic revival and sustained growth,” said Carl Schramm, president and CEO of the Kauffman Foundation. “We hope that recognizing these promising startups will inspire other aspiring entrepreneurs to take chances and start new ventures.”
The GEW 50 now have a chance to win several prizes, including an all-expenses-paid trip and VIP delegate credentials to participate in Liverpool’s Global Entrepreneurship Congress in March 2012 and one year of mentoring from Redbox founding members and serial entrepreneurs Michael DeLazzer and Biju Kulathaka, courtesy of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization (EO).
The list of GEW 50 companies that have been deemed to have the greatest chance of growing into game-changing firms that will move markets and create jobs. Read the press release or go straight to the full list of the GEW 50.
