All set for a new edition of the Startup Competition | Photo: South Summit Brazil
The leading global entrepreneurship platform, South Summit, has again issued its call for the Startup Competition, this time for its 2024 edition in Brazil. Following last year’s resounding success, expectations for this year are even higher.
Since its inception, South Summit Brazil has served as a melting pot for startups worldwide. Over 2,000 startups from 86 countries entered the competition in its last edition. In a surprise victory, Airway Shield, a Spanish startup, won the main prize.
The event, a collaboration between IE University and the Government of the State of Rio Grande do Sul, has shown exponential growth. The latest meeting, held in March, drew more than 22,000 attendees. Among them were 3,000 entrepreneurs, 900 speakers, and over 100 investment funds, of which 30 were international. Additionally, it attracted 600 investors with a cumulative investment of 123 billion dollars, of which 19 billion are earmarked for the Latin American entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Thiago Ribeiro, CEO of South Summit Brazil, emphasizes:
“Our main goal is to strengthen connections. The Startup Competition reflects where startups and investors converge on a common platform. It’s a golden opportunity for startups from all over the world.”
Gabriel Souza, the vice-governor of Rio Grande do Soul, adds:
“In 2023, 44% of global nations were represented in the Startup Competition. We anticipate an increase in international participation in 2024. Being the first innovation event of the year in Latin America will amplify the visibility of the finalist startups.”
How to participate in the Startup Competition 2024?
The process is simple but rigorous. Once registered, startups are evaluated by a distinguished expert committee. Factors such as innovation, viability, scalability, sustainability, and the team’s potential are considered, and the interest they might generate among potential investors.
Finalist startups will have the invaluable opportunity to present their projects live. Additionally, they will have access to an exclusive network, with the chance for one-on-one meetings with investors and corporations seeking fresh innovations.
South Summit Brazil 2024 will award startups in several categories: Best Startup, Most Sustainable, Most Scalable, Most Innovative, and Best Team. In 2023, Airway Shield from Spain was the global winner, while Bankuish, Trashin, Alana AI, and Incentiv also received accolades in their respective categories.
Registration is open to startups from every corner of the world, regardless of their sector or development stage. Most importantly, registration is completely free.
This is an event of significant relevance in the region, as we remember that according to the study The Global Startup Ecosystem Report, five Latin American cities stand out for hosting some of the startup ecosystems with the most significant potential globally.
