ABOUT GSA

The Global Startup Awards (GSA) is the largest independent competition within the global startup ecosystem. Leveraging its comprehensive competition framework and global events, GSA runs programs worldwide.

Headquartered in Copenhagen, the organization is currently active in 154 countries across seven continents, divided into 19 regions, and continues to expand rapidly.

Vision

To become the most recognized and trusted platform for startup ecosystem collaboration, empowering founders, ecosystem stakeholders, and nations to build thriving innovation economies.

Mission

Our mission is to unite and uplift startup ecosystems across borders by fostering innovation through world-class competitions, impactful events, meaningful collaboration, and a vibrant global community.

Why

We believe that innovation should be discovered and supported, no matter where on the planet it comes from.

How

We achieve this by operating the world’s largest startup competition platform, which activates local ecosystems and connects them globally.

What

We run competitions, build communities, collect data, create exposure, and host local, regional, and global events that highlight top startups and ecosystem stakeholders, while bringing together the entire innovation landscape - from founders and investors to corporates, governments, academia, and support organisations.

ORIGIN

GSA originated in Denmark with the launch of the Nordic Startup Awards (NSA), the first regional startup competition, established in 2012.

In 2015, the CEO Kim Balle and Co-Founder introduced a unifying brand to connect all regional competitions under one umbrella.

Today, GSA provides a global platform that delivers substantial value to participants, including stakeholders, government institutions, corporations, and private companies.