AWARDS
If you’re building the future, THIS IS YOUR MOMENT.
Brought to you by OPUS, The Investec Early-Stage Entrepreneur of the Year Awards celebrate the bold. This isn’t just recognition. It’s a launchpad for founders shaping the future.
Consumer ESEY
For the founder building something people don’t just buy, they stand behind.
What good looks like:
Product inevitability: Feels like a “must-have”, obvious in hindsight, not hype in the moment
Early cult following: Loyal users, waitlists, organic virality or cultural buzz
Brand power: Strong identity, sharp storytelling, and emotional resonance
Differentiated twist: A fresh angle in product, distribution or community that sets it apart
Scalability: A model built for fast growth without compromising margins or experience
Female Founder ESEY
For women rewriting the rules, building boldly, and building their way.
What good looks like:
Leadership presence: Inspires trust, attracts talent, and leads with conviction and clarity
Original perspective: A venture shaped by lived experience, bringing something new to the market
Barrier-breaking: Demonstrated ability to navigate and rise above systemic challenges
Commitment to diversity: Building inclusive teams, communities, or customer bases
Enduring resilience: The ability to persist through setbacks and emerge stronger
Impact ESEY
For the founder building with deep mission, big heart and long-haul grit.
What good looks like:
Mission clarity: Crisp articulation of the problem, clearly linked to at least one UN Sustainable Development Goals
Systemic change: Tackling root causes through scalable, sustainable solutions
Proof of traction: Early signals (pilot adoption, policy influence, partnerships) that suggest real potential
Founder resilience: Personal connection to the mission, shown through sacrifice and commitment
Technology ESEY
For the visionary turning breakthrough ideas into transformative tools.
What good looks like:
AI at the core: The product wouldn’t exist without artificial intelligence, it’s infrastructure, not add-on
Differentiated tech: Proprietary models, algorithms or data layers that create defensibility
Real-world validation: Paying customers, user feedback or strategic partnerships
Frontier ambition: Tackling problems with step-change potential, not incremental improvement
FAQ
How many people win?
There are four categories — and one winner in each:
- Impact ESEY
- Technology ESEY
- Consumer ESEY
- Female Founder ESEY
Each award is about the person or people behind the business. You can apply as a solo founder or with co-founders, but one lead founder must apply and represent the company. If you win, your team will be celebrated, but the prize (including Davos) goes to the lead applicant.
- Impact ESEY
- Technology ESEY
- Consumer ESEY
- Female Founder ESEY
Each award is about the person or people behind the business. You can apply as a solo founder or with co-founders, but one lead founder must apply and represent the company. If you win, your team will be celebrated, but the prize (including Davos) goes to the lead applicant.
Why should I apply?
Because someone should see your brilliance before the rest of the world catches on.
This is your moment to be recognised, not for what you’ve finished, but for what you’ve started.
Founders deserve an ESEY. Especially the ones who don’t usually get one.
Winners receive:
- £10,000 GBP
- A trip to Davos during the week of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
- Travel & accommodation (capped at £1,500)
- OPUS membership
- Global visibility across OPUS’ network, partners, and media
This is your moment to be recognised, not for what you’ve finished, but for what you’ve started.
Founders deserve an ESEY. Especially the ones who don’t usually get one.
Winners receive:
- £10,000 GBP
- A trip to Davos during the week of the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting
- Travel & accommodation (capped at £1,500)
- OPUS membership
- Global visibility across OPUS’ network, partners, and media
Who can apply?
The Easies are open to early-stage founders from anywhere in the world. To be eligible, you must:
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be the founder of a legally registered, founder-led company
- Have founded your company less than 4 years ago
- Be at pre-Series A stage (bootstrapped, angel, or seed funding welcome)
- Show real momentum through a live product, prototype, early users, or traction
- Be aged 18 or over
- Be the founder of a legally registered, founder-led company
- Have founded your company less than 4 years ago
- Be at pre-Series A stage (bootstrapped, angel, or seed funding welcome)
- Show real momentum through a live product, prototype, early users, or traction
Do I need to be an OPUS member?
No. The Easies are open globally to all eligible founders.
That said, OPUS members will be reviewed first and may be fast-tracked during shortlisting. Membership is not required, but it helps us get to know you sooner. You can apply to join OPUS here: joinopus.org/join-the-waitlist
That said, OPUS members will be reviewed first and may be fast-tracked during shortlisting. Membership is not required, but it helps us get to know you sooner. You can apply to join OPUS here: joinopus.org/join-the-waitlist
When do applications close?
Applications close at 11:59pm GMT on the 5th November.
Late entries will not be accepted.
Late entries will not be accepted.
What is the application process?
1. Complete the online form with founder details, company info, and narrative questions.
2. Upload your pitch deck (mandatory, max 12 slides) and optional 1-minute video.
3. Entries are reviewed and shortlisted.
4. Shortlisted founders may be asked for further information and will enter the public vote + final judging.
5. Winners are announced via OPUS communications, social media, and press.
2. Upload your pitch deck (mandatory, max 12 slides) and optional 1-minute video.
3. Entries are reviewed and shortlisted.
4. Shortlisted founders may be asked for further information and will enter the public vote + final judging.
5. Winners are announced via OPUS communications, social media, and press.
Can I apply with a co-founder?
Yes. One application per company. You can acknowledge co-founders in your application, but you must nominate one lead founder.
If you win, your whole team will be recognised — but the lead applicant will represent you in Davos.
If you win, your whole team will be recognised — but the lead applicant will represent you in Davos.
Can I apply for more than one category?
No. You may only submit one application, but the judges reserve the right to reassign entries to another category if they feel it’s a better fit.
What happens if I’m shortlisted or win?
- If shortlisted, you’ll be contacted directly and may be asked to provide more information.
- You must not publicly announce your shortlist or winner status until OPUS has made the official announcement.
- The public vote will contribute to the final outcome.
- If you win, OPUS will provide details for your Davos prize arrangements.
- You must not publicly announce your shortlist or winner status until OPUS has made the official announcement.
- The public vote will contribute to the final outcome.
- If you win, OPUS will provide details for your Davos prize arrangements.
Is there a fee to apply?
No. Entry is completely free.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please email theeasies@joinopus.org and our team will be happy to help.