• Welcome to the Startup of the Year Program

    Home of the Startup of the Year® program, we are a community where startups connect with mentors, investors, support organizations, and one another. This community has worked with diverse, emerging startups, founding teams, and entrepreneurs for over a decade to help propel their companies to the next level.

    Powered by Established®, we offer an exciting competition and awards program, and we are a resource designed specifically for you. We're so glad you're here.

    Join the Established.Network and be part of our online hub.

    Want to learn more about Established? Explore our services that support innovation at established.us.

  • What Can You Do Here?

    STARTUPS

    Join our Established Network

    Grow your business by:

    • Competing in our annual awards program to be the next Startup of the Year
    • Connecting via the Established Network
    • Attending tailored events
    • Gaining access to opportunities from our Global Partners
    • Elevating your brand

    INVESTORS

    Join our Investment Community
    Expand your portfolio by:

    • Becoming a Mentor
    • Serving as a Judge for one or more of our events
    • Increasing your Deal Flow
    • Utilizing event-driven strategies to expand your portfolio
    • Gaining private access to pre-vetted companies with curated 1:1s

    SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS

    Join our Partner Network 

    Build your innovation community by:

    • Creating value as part of an expanding and collaborative entrepreneurial ecosystem
    • Building brand awareness
    • Sharing expertise and data to drive results
    • Implementing beneficial co-marketing activities

  • Recent Startup of the Year® Podcasts

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    Jared Goralnick From Your360.ai Talks About Self-Awareness and the Future of Feedback

    Ep. #142 (10/1/25) | On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, we hear from Jared Goralnick, who is a product executive and 3x founder & CEO with deep expertise in HR Tech, AI, and marketplaces. Over the past decade, he has led product organizations at category-defining companies, including LinkedIn, Microsoft, Upwork, Go1, and Articulate.

    Watch the interview here.

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    Eric Mathews of Start Co. on Unlocking Growth for Greatness

    Ep. #141 (9/9/25) | On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber, is joined by Eric Mathews of Start Co., an entrepreneur, investor, and author.

    Watch the interview here.

    Startup of the Year Podcast - Dr. Amy Beckley

    Proov Founder Amy Beckley on Leveraging SBIR Opportunities for Founders

    Ep. #0140 (07/28/25) | On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, Jamilah Corbit, Engagement Director of Established, sits with Dr. Amy Beckley of Proov to discuss her funding journey. The two discuss how she leveraged Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funding to strategically build her startup.

    Watch the interview here.

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    Building Trust in a Noisy Media Landscape with Sarah Evans of Zen Media

    Ep. #139 (6/17/25) | On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber, is joined by Sarah Evans, who is a Partner and Head of PR at Zen Media. She is also a professional moderator and tech host.

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    Isaiah McPeak, CEO of Green Pants Studio, on Clear Communication and Product Strategy

    Ep. #138 (5/1/25) | On this episode of the Startup of the Year Podcast, our host, entrepreneur, and investor, Frank Gruber, is joined by Isaiah McPeak, CEO of Green Pants Studios (www.greenpantsstudio.com). He is a master at helping people sharpen their ideas, communicate more effectively, and launch winning products. He is an author, debater, product strategist, and startup leader.

  • Startup of the Year® Summit

    From Las Vegas and San Francisco to Boston, Memphis, and Tampa - we've hosted thousands of startups, investors, and innovators over the years. With more than a decade of producing and presenting events, our purpose behind gat,herings is steadfast in - building authentic connections and celebrating one another's successes. Of all of our events - spanning across CES, SXSW, Client conferences and activations, virtual competitions, webinars, investor ask-me-anythings, and much more -- our annual Summit is one of the most special - see it for yourself.

    Watch the Startup of the Year Summit Finals recorded live in Tampa, FL in January 2022.

    >> View past online events here.

  • Subscribe / Contact Us

    Get in touch with Established, the team behind Startup of the Year!

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