Kampala- A new global award scheme, The Investec Early-Stage Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (“The Investec Easies”), has been launched to recognize and celebrate the world’s most promising early-stage entrepreneurs. Powered by OPUS, the awards aim to shine a spotlight on founders leading companies that are under four years old and pre-Series A.
The Investec Easies are designed to uncover the boldest ideas before scale or exit, and will provide winners with the tools and support needed to scale their impact globally. The awards are supported by Investec Wealth & Investment International and Endava, a publicly listed technology services giant.
Founders can apply in one of four categories: Impact ESEY, Consumer ESEY, Technology ESEY, and Female Founder ESEY. A combination of public votes and an international panel will decide the winners.
The awards come with exciting prizes, including a £10,000 cash prize, access to The World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos, and bespoke growth support from OPUS and partners. Winners will also join the OPUS Delegation to Davos, breaking open the gates of a forum where decisions about the future of technology, climate, and society are made.
Sam Tidswell-Norrish, Founder & Chair of OPUS, said: “Founders at this stage often work in the shadows. Across an uneven playing field, it is conviction without the spotlight that drives them. The Investec Easies reward the audacity to begin, not just the ability to scale.”
Joubert Hay, Chief Executive Officer of Investec Wealth & Investment International, added: “Investec is rooted in entrepreneurship, within how we think, operate and in our commitment to our clients – many of whom are established entrepreneurs. We believe in the value of being deeply invested in the next generation of entrepreneurs who are the lifeblood of economic health.”
Other notable judges include Maxine Gray, Head of Strategy and Implementation at Investec Wealth & Investment International; Lyndon Subroyen, Group Chief Digital & Technology Officer at Investec; Alastair Lukies CBE, Chief Engagement Officer at Endava; Kristen McLeod CBE, Chief Strategy Officer of British Business Bank; Imtiaz Patel, former CEO of MultiChoice Group; Erin Platts, CEO of Octopus Ventures; and Marc Porat, Founder of General Magic.
Applications are now open, and the deadline to apply is November 5, 2025. A shortlist will be published in November, with winners announced in December and the final cohort joining the OPUS Delegation to Davos in January 2026.
Kristen McLeod CBE, Chief Strategy Officer of the British Business Bank, said: “Backing early founders is about far more than capital. We need to build networks where talent and ideas can thrive. Too often, brilliant entrepreneurs are overlooked simply because they don’t yet have scale or don’t fit the ‘typical’ founder mold.”
Alastair Lukies CBE, Chief Engagement Officer at Endava, added: “The Easies are the first awards of their kind – shining a light on founders at the very start, when courage matters most. At Endava, we’ve always believed technology should unlock possibility and empower the bold to build what’s next.”