The Startup of the Year® Awards program elevates and supports Founders and Startup Teams. It is a way we are purposeful in investing back into the innovation community.
Overview
The Startup of the Year Awards is one of Established Network's flagship programs and how we invest back in the innovation community, supporting founders and their teams with pitch competitions, investor connections, and our curated Summit. It's one of the most energizing parts of our work: elevating diverse, bold teams and helping them accelerate what's next.
Become part of our community to stay in the loop.
Startup of the Year Summit
Spotlighting & Accelerating the best of the best
From January 25-27, 2022, Established partnered with Embarc Collective and title sponsor, ReliaQuest, to produce the 9th Startup of the Year Summit and Awards in the thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Tampa Bay, FL region.
Virtually and in-person across six different venues, the Summit welcomed:
- 330 In-person attendees
- 1000+ livestream views
- 78 Investors and Corporate Innovation Leaders
- 60 Venture Funds
- 82 Diverse Startups
Sponsors included ReliaQuest, JP Morgan Chase & Co, Florida High Tech Corridor, University of South Florida, Tampa Bay Wave, UBS, Pendo, and more.
Pitch Opportunities
Opportunities to practice and compete throughout the year.
Throughout the year, we offer in-person and virtual pitch competitions, where founders and their teams within our Established Network have the opportunity to apply and pitch live to seasoned investors. Events have ranged from fast-pitch events during SXSW at the Established House to evenings post-CES in Vegas to online and beyond.
Members of our free Established Network, startups also have exclusive access to pitch practice sessions, funding opportunities, and growth tools.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Amplify your brand or product with our startup, investor, and ecosystem audience.
The Startup of the Year® Awards is a powerful gateway for brands to engage our community. Corporations and companies of all sizes have tapped into this program to elevate awareness through customized sponsorships. Collaborations have included curated award verticals, premium prize offerings, featured speaker spots, and brand activations. We create tailored experiences that deepen connection and amplify brand visibility.
Summit Gallery
Join the Established Network, our connective hub where creativity, capital, and collaboration collide.
