KPMG launches competition for tech start-ups in UAE

KPMG’s Private Enterprise arm in the UAE is looking to support local tech or tech-enabled businesses to access global networks of investors, advisors and big industry players – via a new entrepreneurship competition. 

Entries are open for the KPMG Private Enterprise ‘Tech Innovator in the UAE’ contest, which will take place on the 6th and 7th of September. Eligible firms must be tech-centred or tech-enabled, registered in the UAE, and no less than five years old. This can include startups with $1 million plus in revenue; scale-ups with revenues up to $15 million; or firms that have raised at least $500,000 in equity. 

Enterprises across the UAE will have a chance “to make important connections and gain recognition among some of the most trusted advisors, industry leaders and influencers in the UAE and other major world markets,” according to KPMG Lower Gulf partner and Private Enterprise lead Anurag Bajpai.

“These are vital networks that no fast-growing tech company will want to miss,” he added. Networking and recognition aside, winners will also progress to the Global Tech Innovator finals – due to be held in Portugal in November. 

Per a KPMG statement, the UAE iteration was inspired by a similar contest – KPMG Best British Tech Pioneer – held in the UK in 2019, which threw up highly promising ‘disruptors’ such as Echo Health and What3Words. The contest has since expanded to 16 other countries – now including an investment-friendly UAE market.

According to Bajpai, several factors align to make the UAE a hotspot for tech entrepreneurship. “The UAE’s innovative companies are introducing tech breakthroughs, transforming businesses and disrupting industries.” 

“Recognising innovation as the foundation of socio-economic development, the government has created an ecosystem that attracts and nurtures creativity and talent. Our aim is to support the start-ups who are contributing to this national vision.” 

Companies interested in applying for the competition can find more information on the KPMG website.