The world’s largest
startup competition

12 years
9 regions
17 unicorns

all funded through our alumni network

Edition 12 applications are open.

Join the largest startup competition in the world and connect with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders across 9 regions.

What past winners say

Jeppe Rindom
Unicorn Founder

Pleo

“We’re so proud to be named the Global Startup of the Year. We’ve been a scrappy startup, we’ve tackled the joys and challenges of scaling. Now, it really feels like we’re moving into a new phase – and that starts with this fantastic award.”

Startup of The Year 2021
Tanya Soman
Jury Member, Central Europe

Southpaw Capital

“It (the competition) enables the creation of meaningful relations between ecosystem players on a global level, which is a valuable benefit. At 500 Startups, we’re always looking to connect with global ecosystems and bridge the gap to Silicon Valley - and the GSA is a great catalyst in this effort.”
Andrew Soeherman
Founder

Eratani

“The Global Startup Awards is an incredible platform to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s inspiring to see how startups from around the world are pushing boundaries and driving positive change. I’m thrilled to be part of this journey.”

Startup of The Year 2024

Global Startup Awards
by numbers

12 years
17 unicorns
9 regions
161 countries
250,000 applicants
940,918 public votes

Combined value of
GSA alumni unicorns

70 billion US dollars

17 unicorns funded through the alumni network, with a combined valuation that reflects the scale and momentum of the GSA community.

as featured in

Where we operate

Europe 49 countries

Alumni events

2023 Global Startup Awards

Read more about the 2023 event

The Global Startup Awards is proud to have collaborated with the Danish government to bring our prestigious event to Copenhagen.