With loud applause from the audience, the very first Startup Hero Journey Award (UPALMERE!) was presented by Alderman Maaike Veeningen to Static Entertainment on Wednesday, Oct. 19.
The finale in The New Library followed last Wednesday after an intensive program in which about eight startups from Almere participated. The goal of the program was to challenge the startups on how they can answer one of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals from their current business model. Startups are experiencing rapid growth; the program addresses this. In addition, the startups were also challenged to make an impact on a social issue even more than they may have already done. During the program, the startups received various workshops, inspiration sessions and pitching training for this purpose. In the process, the startups were also paired with a business mentor from UPALMERE’s mentor program!
During the finals, the eight startups competed with their pitches for the Startup Hero Journey award 2023. However, Static Entertainment stood out as the undisputed winner. The company is committed to promoting and developing in a positive and professional manner, where innovation, technology, quality and genuine interaction are paramount. In addition to the award, Static Entertainment also received a voucher worth €1000, which may be used in the further internationalization of the company.
The highly knowledgeable jury included Marie-Jeaninne Citroen (National Entrepreneurial Service), Yeni Joseph (The Next Web) and Joey Moreau (Startupbootcamp). They judged the startups on criteria such as growth, impact, innovation and scalability.
The program of the Startup & Scale-up Hero Journey was developed by team UPALMERE! which works from the Economic Development Department of the Municipality of Almere to support, facilitate and secure the innovative power of startups and scale-ups in the city. The program promotes impact, growth and innovation and emphasizes the importance of startups for the Almere economy and society as a whole.
The other Almere startups were:
- Jimploy
- Linq2
- Cotit
- Budget2Pay
- World Experience
- I Am Lou
- Sciggi
For more information about Static Entertainment, please visit https://www.staticentertainment.nl/over-ons/. For additional information about the Startup & Scale-up Hero Journey and related events, please visit www.upalmere.nl.
For press inquiries, interviews or further information, please contact: Debby Kruit, dkruit@almere.nl
