The Startup World Cup 2024 Grand Finale in San Francisco has marked a historic moment in the world of entrepreneurship, with EarthGrid PBC emerging as the world champion. This year’s event saw participation from regional champions representing 84 countries, all competing for the coveted $1 million prize.
EarthGrid, representing the Silicon Valley region, captivated the judges with its revolutionary plasma drilling technology, designed to enable the underground transmission of clean energy. Anis Uzzaman, Founder and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures and Chairman of the Startup World Cup, shared his insights on the event:
“Startup World Cup 2024 Grand Finale was held in San Francisco on October 4th. Regional champions from 84 countries and regions gathered to deliver their pitches to a 3,000+ audience. The company that won the world champion title was EarthGrid. This is the first time that the representative from the Silicon Valley region has won the world championship. EarthGrid has developed a plasma drilling robot to enable the underground transmission of clean energy”.
EarthGrid’s victory is a clear reflection of the ongoing efforts within Silicon Valley to drive the future of clean energy technology. Their innovative approach has not only secured them a spot in history but has also set the stage for further development in the renewable energy sector.
Other notable winners include Alternō, representing the Vietnam region, securing second place, and ivWatch from Virginia Beach, USA, taking third. The event was a gathering of the brightest minds in the startup ecosystem, with executives and entrepreneurs like Robert Herjavec from ABC’s Shark Tank, Jeffrey Welser from IBM Research, and Suzanne DiBianca from Salesforce delivering key speeches.
Cyprus specimens
The event was more than just a competition; it was an opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in a global innovation ecosystem. According to Gideon Drori from Fincom, one of the participants from Cyprus, the event was a rigorous experience:
“The event was a full 3-day festival, with a lot of interesting insights, thoughtfulness and experiences, highly recommend. The bottom line, is come fully prepared, as even 90% is not good enough”.
Cyprus was also represented by DISPL, a company at the forefront of AI-driven solutions for Retail Media. Their participation in the Grand Finale was a pivotal moment for the company, as described by Serge Gale, CEO of DISPL:
“Participating in the Grand Final of the Startup World Cup has been a defining moment for DISPL. At this stage, as we rapidly scale and push forward with our AI-driven solutions in the Retail Media space, being recognized among the Top 80 projects worldwide is a huge validation of our vision and direction. What made this experience even more dynamic was how quickly it all unfolded. Imagine: a 25-hour flight straight to the semifinal pitch stage, followed by a day packed with workshops and meetings with VCs, and then the Grand Finale just before heading back. Everything moved at breakneck speed, but that’s the reality of life as a founder—things move fast, and you need to be ready for anything”.
Serge also highlighted the whirlwind nature of the experience, underscoring the intensity of the competition. From the gruelling journey to the jam-packed schedule of meetings with venture capitalists, the experience was emblematic of the fast-paced world of startup life.
“It was truly inspiring to share the stage with Shark Tank star Robert Herjavec, Anis Uzzaman, founder and CEO of Pegasus Tech Ventures, and other well-known figures. The energy was incredible, and the insights gained were invaluable. San Francisco and Silicon Valley continue to inspire, as always. This event wasn’t just about exposure — it was an incredible networking opportunity. We met invaluable contacts, and, excitingly, key industry leaders have decided to join us on our journey. These new partnerships and team additions will be instrumental in helping DISPL accelerate its growth and bring our solutions to more global markets” Gale commented and added “Beyond the connections, we gained massive visibility and found new partners who align with our mission. The Startup World Cup has opened doors to opportunities we hadn’t imagined, and it’s clear that we’re stepping into a new chapter of growth”.
The participation of Fincom and DISPL has not only brought attention to the innovation coming out of Cyprus but has also highlighted the potential of these companies to scale globally. Both startups benefited immensely from the exposure and networking opportunities provided by the event.
Fincom and DISPL have positioned themselves as key players in Cyprus’s burgeoning startup ecosystem, each claiming victory at major national finals in 2024. Fincom’s triumph at the Startup World Cup Cyprus Finals presented by Unlimit showcased their cutting-edge financial compliance and anti-money laundering technologies, designed to help institutions combat fraud. DISPL, an AI-powered retail media platform, secured first place at the Startup World Cup Nicosia Finals presented by ASBIS, with solutions that bridge offline and online retail data to enhance customer experiences. These wins spotlight Cyprus’s rising status in global innovation, with both startups preparing to represent the country in the international competition in San Francisco.
Fincom’s sophisticated use of AI to address financial risks and DISPL’s innovative approach to retail media highlight the diversity of Cyprus’s startup landscape. Both companies’ technologies align with current global trends in fintech and AI, making their future participation on the global stage highly anticipated. As they prepare for international recognition, Fincom and DISPL’s success signals the country’s growing influence as a hub for cutting-edge tech and entrepreneurship.
A continuous support
As the 2024 Startup World Cup draws to a close, the achievements of EarthGrid, Alternō, ivWatch, Fincom, and DISPL serve as a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship. Pegasus Tech Ventures, the driving force behind the competition, remains committed to fostering global innovation and supporting startups that are shaping the future of industries.
As Anis Uzzaman concluded, “Pegasus Tech Ventures will continue to support the global innovation ecosystem”.
This year’s event has once again proven that innovation knows no borders, and the journey of these companies is only just beginning. For many participants, the Startup World Cup has opened doors to new opportunities, partnerships, and an accelerated path to success.
