Investec Increases Entrepreneur Award Prize Fund to $250,000

Investec Wealth & Investment International has launched the second edition of its Early Stage Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, increasing the total prize fund from $60,000 to $250,000. The awards seek entrepreneurs building businesses with the potential to reshape industries.

Following the success of its inaugural year, the competition has been expanded. The prize money has seen a significant increase, and the number of categories has grown from five to ten. Key focus areas include professional services, enterprise software, consumer products, finance, health and wellness, deep tech, education and work, creativity, climate, and female entrepreneurship.

Cumesh Moodliar, CEO of Investec South Africa, highlighted the role of entrepreneurs in creating value beyond their businesses, including job creation and economic growth. He stated that the awards recognize the next generation of business builders whose vision and determination have the potential to create lasting global impact.

Applications for the awards are now open. The competition has also significantly broadened its international reach for this year's cycle.