, the European leader in Cloud computing, is committed to supporting worldwide startups since 2015 through the Startup Program. This programme has identified, supported and assisted the development of more than 3,300 startups and scaleups with up to €100k in free cloud credits and technical consultation to build their solution on , which offers full reversibility, data sovereignty and great price performance.
Accelerating with Fast Forward
is adding to its Startup Program the Fast Forward Accelerator. Specifically crafted for startups and scaleups looking to accelerate, it provides increased visibility for members through the Shine On program, 1-on-1 mentoring to solve cloud and business challenges, access to market and funding with the Showcase series of events as well as access to a Content Hub to find helpful content. Fast Forward is a critical addition to the Startup Program, offering a platform for growth in uncertain economic conditions to both startups and scaleups.
5 global finalists
Fast Forward’s third Showcase event for 2023, the 24 May All Verticals Showcase delivered in partnership with Empact Ventures, also hosted the final of the annual Startup Program Showcase Contest. The finalists for the 2023 Contest were:
The five finalists pitched to a jury composed of the following startup ecosystem experts: João Nunes Rosado, Head of Incubation at Startup Lisboa, Peter Fricke, Associate Director FinTech Business Development at EY and Jonathan Dove, M&A Director at . The jury paid special attention to the mission of the startups, the problem they’re seeking to solve as well as their ambitions and key milestones. The jury also focused on the presentations by the teams, the technology used by the businesses, not forgetting the intended use of the 5,000 euros prize.
And the winner of the 2023 Contest is: WeavAir
At the end of these pitches, Michel Paulin, CEO , had the pleasure to announce WeavAir as the winner.
"We cannot be prouder to support the startup ecosystem and we congratulate all participants of the Startup Program Showcase Contest for their submissions and their commitment. Together we’ll continue to thrive as an ecosystem by creating value." said Michel Paulin, CEO .
The founders of WeavAir were awarded the sum of 5,000 euros as well as one-on-one coaching with Philip Marais, Global Startup Program Leader .
"Well done to the finalists for their excellent pitches and congratulations to WeavAir for winning over the jury. The Startup Program looks forward to supporting all finalists in their journey on our cloud." said Philip Marais, Global Startup Program Leader .
The winner will also benefit from entry into the Startup Program with free cloud credits while enjoying Empact Ventures vast network of connections comprised of partners, customers, founders and investors. Each of the finalists will indeed benefit from the opportunities provided by up to five super connections.
"Working together with continues to prove incredibly valuable for startups all around the world. Congratulations to all finalists of the Startup Program Showcase, in particular WeavAir! We look forward to working with you all to get you super connected with potential partners, clients or funders moving forward to scale your impact." said Kosta Mavroulakis, CEO Empact Ventures.
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is a global player and the leading European cloud provider operating over 450,000 servers within 34 data centers across 4 continents to reach 1,6 million customers in over 140 countries. Spearheading a trusted cloud and pioneering a sustainable cloud with the best price-performance ratio, the Group has been leveraging for over 20 years an integrated model that guarantees total control of its value chain: from the design of its servers to the construction and management of its data centers, including the orchestration of its fiber-optic network. This unique approach enables to independently cover all the uses of its customers so they can seize the benefits of an environmentally conscious model with a frugal use of resources and a carbon footprint reaching the best ratios in the industry. now offers customers the latest-generation solutions combining performance, predictable pricing, and complete data sovereignty to support their unfettered growth.
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