The Global Startup Awards (GSA) is the world’s largest independent startup ecosystem competition, bringing together innovators, investors, and changemakers from across more than 154 countries. For over a decade, GSA has identified and celebrated the most promising startups, visionary founders, and forward-thinking ecosystem builders shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
Through an extensive network of regional and global competitions, GSA has built a thriving community of more than 10,500 alumni, including startups, investors, mentors, jury members, and corporate partners. This network has become a living map of innovation, where local ideas gain international visibility and where impact-driven entrepreneurship finds the attention it deserves.
Each year, the GSA Global Grand Finale brings together more than 1,100 participants from over 100 nationalities, including venture capital firms, investors, diplomats, and representatives from more than 1,000 organizations. The event attracts over 90 venture capitalists and 14 embassy delegations, making it a unique global meeting point that blends celebration, collaboration, and opportunity.
What truly sets GSA apart is its global reach combined with a data-driven approach to mapping and connecting innovation ecosystems. By linking regions and industries across continents, GSA helps startups expand internationally, encourages cross-border collaboration, and strengthens the global conversation on entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.
Over the past ten years, the Global Startup Awards has grown from a regional initiative into a powerful worldwide movement. Its mission is clear: to connect the most promising founders with the networks, expertise, and visibility they need to scale their impact globally.
From the Nordics to Asia, from Africa to Europe, GSA brings together diverse startup communities under one shared vision of empowering innovation without borders. Supported by strong strategic partners, including MeOut Group, a major minority owner of Global Startup Awards, the platform continues to expand its influence and deepen its role in building a more connected, collaborative, and opportunity-driven global innovation landscape.
With a decade of measurable success, thousands of engaged stakeholders, and a growing global reach, the Global Startup Awards stands as a trusted gateway to international recognition and collaboration for startups and innovators around the world.
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