What is the Global Startup Awards

The world’s largest startup
competition platform.

GSA runs competitions, builds communities, and hosts events that connect founders with investors, corporates, and governments across the global innovation ecosystem.

Global Startup Awards
by numbers

  • years
  • unicorns
  • regions
  • countries
  • applicants
  • public votes

More about
Global Startup Awards

  • Why it matters

    Entrepreneurs build the future. GSA gives them a stage, credible recognition, and a direct line to the people who can back them.

  • Our origin

    GSA started in Denmark in 2012 as the Nordic Startup Awards, the first regional startup competition of its kind. In 2015, co-founders Kim Balle and Peter Kovacs expanded it into one connected brand, adding Central Europe as the second region.

  • Today

    Today, the Global Startup Awards connects startup ecosystems across 161 countries and 9 regions.

Combined value of
GSA alumni unicorns

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