Until 2019, the TOP100 competition was mainly conducted offline, wherein selected startups would pitch their products in front of judges at a physical venue in their respective countries in Southeast Asia, India, and Bangladesh. The event is entirely online this time.
TOP100 is a curated programme designed to discover, showcase and accelerate the next generation of up-and-coming startups.
Since 2011, thousands of startups have pitched at the event. They made a lot of connections and learnings, and some went on to raise multi-million dollars in funding. TOP100 is now not just a startup pitching competition but has become a regional startup programme that provides them with opportunities and features to elevate their startups.
Also Read: These 15 startups might just be part of this year’s TOP100
We spoke with some of the TOP100 contestants of 2019, and they shared their key takeaways with us.
David Henderson, CEO and Founder, DRVR
DRVR was delighted to win the Echelon TOP100 for Thailand in 2019 and then go on to finish in the Top 10 in Singapore. This was an excellent experience for the company, especially for Victoria, our business intern from Ngee Ann Polytechnic in Singapore.
We finished in the Top 10 out of 600 startups across Asia.
This event gave us massive exposure and led to a significant partnership with a Japanese company. We are now discussing taking a significant stake in our business.
The Echelon TOP100 is an excellent way for startups to gain exposure to customers, investors and partners. Our staff loved the experience and grew in confidence as a result.
We recommend participating in the event to help grow your startup and take it to a global stage!
Fateh Ali, Co-founder & CEO, Kitcod.com (Social API)
Our three takeaways from the event.
1: It provided meaningful experiences for startups and entrepreneurs to learn about emerging technologies from engaging keynotes, discussions and from startup founders themselves at the booth.
2: Attendees can build relationships with like-minded individuals in the startup and technology industry, specifically in new technology sectors.
Also Read: Why your startup deserves to take part in the 2023 TOP100
3: e27‘s powerful community inspires and motivates attendees to continue their journey in the technology industry. It offers an excellent opportunity to expand their knowledge of the latest tech and funding and connect with a supportive network of individuals from startups and enterprises.
Overall, attending TOP100 was an unforgettable experience! From meaningful event experiences to powerful networking opportunities and a vibrant sense of community, it’s not just another event, it is an opportunity for all.
Antoinette Patterson, Co-Founder and CEO of Safe Space
I had an exciting experience. I missed the Singapore pitch, so I flew to Malaysia for a day to pitch there. I’m grateful to the Malaysia team for choosing me to join the TOP100 event.
The TOP100 startup event provided learning opportunities and exposure. My learning from the event was never to give up!
—
Echelon Asia Summit 2023 brings together APAC’s leading startups, corporates, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to Singapore this June 14-15. Learn more and get tickets here. Echelon also features the TOP100 stage, where startups can pitch to 5000+ delegates, among other benefits like a chance to connect with investors, visibility through e27 platform, and other prizes. Join TOP100 here.
The post ‘It is not just another event but an opportunity for all’: TOP100 alumni share their experience appeared first on e27.