The Founder of the Year award honors successful global founders who have built one or more strong private or public limited companies. It aims to spotlight these founders and inspire growth in medium to large-sized internationally expanding companies.

To honor founders across various stages of company development, the award has three categories: small, medium, and large companies. 

The finalists have been assessed by the Founders Alliance Index, which takes into account past performance, future potential, and social benefits, and they have been evaluated by experienced founders. 

In each of the three categories, male and female founders will receive The Growth Rings in gold, and the other top finalists will be acknowledged with silver awards for Founder of the Year. 

Founder of the Year Small Size Companies

In the category Founder of the Year Small Size Companies are active founders of a private or public limited company with a revenue of approximately 2-10 million euro and at least 20% ownership in a profitable company, based on the fiscal year 2025.

Founder of the Year Medium Size Companies

In the category Founder of the Year Medium Size Companies are active founders of a private or public limited company with a revenue of approximately 10-50 million euro with at least 20% ownership in a profitable company, based on the fiscal year 2025.

Founder of the Year Large Size Companies

In the category Founder of the Year Large Size Companies are active founders of a private or public limited company with a revenue of more than 50 million euro with approx. 20% ownership in a profitable company, based on the fiscal year 2025.

Read more: Previous Winners Founder of the Year