KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator in the U.S. 2023

Tech innovators of today. Titans of tomorrow.

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Survey highlights

62% cite unforeseen geopolitical risks as a top organizational challenge in MANAGING impacts of inflation
82% expect to raise prices by the rate of inflation (52%) or more (30%)
72% envision passing on price increases in three to six months
74% are looking at right-sizing staff as a means of offsetting the impact of inflation
Nearly 40% plan to allow all employees to work remotely to reduce real estate and related spending
65% anticipate increasing their technology spend by 5% to 20% to mitigate inflationary impacts

Everything you need to know

What makes a global tech innovator

Compete on the global stage

About KPMG Private Enterprise

We want to recognize today’s leading tech innovators on a local and global scale

The third annual KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator competition will recognize leading tech Innovators and future tech titans.

At KPMG Private Enterprise we understand the impact that technology trailblazers like you are having on the world. Whether yours is a pure technology company or you're tech-enabled, tech-led or tech-driven, we want to hear from you.

Following the tremendous success of the second annual competition in 2022, KPMG Private Enterprise is delighted to be back to crown the 2023 Global Tech Innovator.

You'll pitch your innovations and present your growth ambitions to a panel of industry experts.

Wherever you are in your business lifecycle — from early-stage growth to getting ready to accelerate your expansion — our aim is to help you achieve your ambition and take your business to the next level.

To get started, tell us about you, your business and your ambitions.

Do you have what it takes to win the global crown?

Growth in 2022, Outlook for 2023

80%

of retail executives surveyed reported increasing top line revenue from 2021 to 2022, with 75% reporting increases in operating profit.

72%

of executives anticipating a recession lasting a year or less, which was less optimistic down 9 percentage points from 81% in August

Operational Challenges and Priorities

Inflation is the most significant concern with the top 3 ranking challenges unchanged from August to December: 80% increased operating costs, 75% increased product input costs, and 50% eroded margins. The largest increasing concern since August is challenges to long term planning at 45% up from 38% in August.

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Applications

Q: How can I participate in the competition?

A: To enter the competition, you must fill out the online application form for your company before the application deadline of July 7, 2023 at 11:59 PM PT

Q: Who can apply?

A: Any technology entrepreneur that has operated for less than 5 years and is registered and based in U.S. can apply. Applicants must have innovative, proven technologies, robust business models, the ability to demonstrate traction in their activities and the potential to scale up. All entrants entering the competition on behalf of the company must be residents in U.S. and aged 18 years or over. KPMG employees and contractors are prohibited from entering the competition.

Q: When can I apply?

A: Applications are open from April 3rd and close on July 7th. All applications must be received by 11:59 PM PT on July 7, 2023.

Q: Is there a limit to the number of entries?

A: During the application period, there is no limit to the number of companies that can apply, however we request that no more than one application per company is submitted.

Q: What information do I need to provide?

A: If you’d like to apply, here’s what we’ll need:

Company details (name, address, company registration number, contact details)
CEO, founder and management team details
A brief description of the company, business model, any media coverage and proprietary technology (maximum of 200 words)
Details on funding raised to date, 2022 revenue figures and projections for 2023
A high-resolution image of your company logo

Selection Criteria

Q: How do I know if my company qualifies?

A: We aim to be as inclusive as possible; whether you’re a pure technology company or tech-enabled, tech-led, or tech-driven, we want to hear about your growth ambitions.

Q: What stage should my company be at to be considered?

A: We are looking for companies that have been operating for 5 years or less, and must have a viable product or service.

Pitching

Q: What is the pitching format?

A: Each company will be given a total of approximately 5 minutes to both pitch and answer questions from a judging panel. All presentations must be in Microsoft PowerPoint or PDF file format. A detailed pack outlining requirements will be shared with shortlisted businesses when appropriate.

Q: What is the judging criteria?

A: Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry and KPMG experts. All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria. The criteria are disruption and innovation, market potential, customer adoption, market traction and marketing, long-term potential and pitch quality. The decisions of the panel will be final.

Winners

Q: What do winners get?

A: The U.S. winner will receive exposure and recognition through local media coverage and KPMG corporate channels. The U.S. winner will also be put forward as a finalist in the Global Tech Innovator competition, which will take place in November 2023.

The finalists will be provided with standard class flights/travel, hotel accommodation to the final.

The prizes cannot be substituted for cash or any other alternatives.

Q: How and when will the winners be notified?

A: The U.S. winner will be notified on the day of the final. The winner will also be profile in the KPMG "Winners Report". The Global Tech Innovator winner will be announced on stage in person and virtually in November 2023.

Further information

Q: What are the costs involved in participation?

A: There is no charge for entering into the competition, although all costs related to attendance at the semi-final and country finals must be covered by the participants themselves, where they are being held in person. KPMG will cover the cost of standard class flights/travel, accommodation for the one member from the finalist companies who are invited to present in November.

Q: Is there any publicity involved?

A: KPMG Private Enterprise will be promoting the pitch heats alongside various partners throughout the course of the competition. By entering the competition, you agree that any personal information provided by you with your entry may be held and used by KPMG to administer the competition.

If you are a winner of the competition, you agree that KPMG may use your name, image and company branding to announce the winner of the competition and for any other reasonable and related promotional and marketing purposes.

Q: Will I receive feedback on my application?

A: Unsuccessful applicants will be notified. Due to the volume of entries received, we are unable to provide detailed feedback to each unsuccessful applicant.

We value the time and effort put into each submission and thank you for your participation.

Q: Who do I get in touch with for further information?

A: For any further information please email us-privateenterprise@kpmg.com

What makes a winner?

Applicants are typically technology entrepreneurs who are successfully making the transition from the startup phase to the next stage in the growth of their businesses. They have developed innovative, proven technologies, established robust business models, demonstrated traction and have the potential to scale up globally.

To be eligible for the competition, you must:

Be a registered company in the Country/Region where the Country/Region final is being held
Have been actively operating for 5 years or less (in the current form)
Generate revenue between US $1 million and $15 million; or have raised at least US $500,000 in equity
Be either a pure technology or a tech-enabled, tech-driven or tech-led business
Not be majority owned by a large corporate
Conduct all pitches in English
Be available to pitch at a country/region semi-final event in the timeline outlined by the country of origin (if applicable)
Available to pitch virtually at the U.S. country final event in August 2023.
If selected as a finalist, be available to pitch at the global final at Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal in November 2023

What are we looking for?

Each pitching competition will be judged by a panel of industry experts. All applications will be scored based on six, equally-weighted criteria:

Disruption and innovation
Market potential
Customer adoption
Market traction and marketing
Long-term potential
Pitch quality

The decisions of the panel will be final.

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Through the Looking Glass

Explore the competition and hear from past winners

After a very successful two years, we are excited for our third KPMG Private Enterprise Tech Innovator in the US competition. We look forward to recognizing the leading tech innovators and future tech titans who are building businesses that have the potential to change the game on a global stage.- Conor Moore, National Leader, KPMG Private Enterprise

Compete on the global stage

The countries/regions/jurisdictions participating in the 2023 competition include: Australia, Brazil, China, Colombia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ghana, India, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States and Vietnam.

The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Tech Innovator competition showcases entrepreneurs across industries who are innovating to become the tech leaders of tomorrow. Hear from the 2021 finalists here.

About KPMG Private Enterprise

You know KPMG, you might not know KPMG Private Enterprise. KPMG Private Enterprise advisers in KPMG firms around the world are dedicated to working with you and your business, no matter where you are in your growth journey — whether you’re looking to reach new heights, embrace technology, plan for an exit, or manage the transition of wealth or your business to the next generation. You gain access to KPMG’s global resources through a single point of contact — a trusted adviser to your company. It is a local touch with a global reach.

The KPMG Private Enterprise Global Network for Emerging Giants has extensive knowledge and experience working with the startup ecosystem. Whether you are looking to establish your operations, raise capital, expand abroad, or simply comply with regulatory requirements — we can help. From seed to speed, we’re here throughout your journey.