Startup Compete is a global networking site and competition platform for aspiring entrepreneurs, mentors and advisors to connect with each other and bring potential business ideas to market.
“Hundreds, if not thousands, of competitions are taking place over the next seven days alone as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, This platform makes it simple for organizers, but more importantly, it helps budding entrepreneurs sharpen their skills and make connections that can turn a small idea into a global brand.” said Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network.
GEN acquired the site, previously called iStart, from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which had run it since 2009. Since that time, GEN has used the site to setup, manage and judge Startup Open, a competition to recognize some of the world’s most promising new startups.
To date, the competition platform has hosted 624 startup competitions with 29,394 business ideas submitted.
Startup Compete also provides entrepreneurs of all stages with a chance to showcase their business through profiles that help them build a stronger network of resources, get constructive feedback and meet potential partners. The site currently has more than 14,300 profiles with business ideas posted by entrepreneurs from 154 countries.
“The Global Entrepreneurship Network is a strong proponent of experiential learning opportunities,” said Steven Rodriguez, startup community manager for GEN. “We believe that combining those opportunities with global connections to potential collaborators and mentors greatly increases an entrepreneur’s chance for success.”
