This isn't the first time Munich has won a title in Berlin. In June, the local startup Kaia Health, which has declared war on the number one health problem—back pain—was honored with the DT50 Award at the Tech Open Air 2018.
The Digital Top 50 Awards (DT50) were jointly launched by Google, McKinsey, Rocket Internet, and Tech Open Air to recognize emerging and innovative young entrepreneurs. European startups were eligible to apply in five categories: B2B Startups, B2C Startups, B2B Scaleups, B2C Scaleups, and Tech for Social Impact.
Pitch final at Tech Open Air
The top 10 startups per category were selected by public voting and will present their idea on 21 June at the Tech Open Air (June 19-22, 2018) presented their ideas in a live pitch to a panel of experts. The jury included Alexander Kudlich (Rocket Internet), Chiara Sommer (Intel Capital), Uwe Horstmann (Projekt A), Friederike Schultz (McKinsey), and Gloria Baeuerlein (Index Ventures).
The criteria for the final winners were as follows: 60% jury, 20% audience, 20% live pitches. All winners receive mentoring and consulting from McKinsey and Rocket Internet, further training from Google, and media awards from Heise, Gründerszene Jobs, and t3n.
Kaia Health wins as best B2C startup
● B2B Startup – Dashmote
● B2C Startup – Kaia Health
● B2B Scaleup – CornerJob
● B2C Scaleup – TWINO
● Tech For Social Impact – Madaster
"The second edition of the Digital Top 50 Awards confirms once again that a pan-European perspective is the right approach. We want to build a strong and sustainable community across all borders and industries. Consequently, our goal is to help participating companies grow after the awards ceremony,"
says Karel Dörner, McKinsey Senior Partner.
There is no wrong time for innovation
"Technology and innovation are the essence of entrepreneurial thinking. This year's five winners have definitely developed unique digital services in areas such as business, health, and work. It is precisely these pioneering digital solutions that inspire our Grow with Google programs and drive our commitment to helping companies and entrepreneurs grow in the digital industry."
says Sandra Fruendt, Marketing Director Google, B2B, DACH.
Alexander Kudlich, Board Member and Group Managing Director of Rocket Internet adds:
"The DT50 Awards have once again demonstrated that there is tremendous growth potential within young European companies and their ambitious teams. During the evaluation process, it became clear that there is always the right time to develop innovative companies that offer technology-based solutions. Rocket Internet supports and invests in internet and technology companies worldwide. We want to share this expertise with this year's DT50 winners."
