Brief
South African Startup Club opens entries for 2026 awards
Applications close on 30 October; public voting runs 2‑6 November and the ceremony streams from Cape Town on 18 November.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Startup Club ZA announced that applications for the 2026 South African Startup Awards are now open, with a deadline of midday on 30 October. The fourth‑year awards will recognise technology startups under five years old in 12 categories, from fintech and AI to climate, mobility and the informal market.
Eligible ventures must have a majority presence in South Africa, be pre‑Series A and have an active product, plus either revenue or strong user growth – although deep‑tech entrants are exempt from the revenue and growth requirements.
Public voting will take place from 2 to 6 November, shaping shortlists and deciding the People’s Choice winner. A judging panel of more than 20 founders, investors and ecosystem leaders – including Karl Westwig, Dinesh Patel, Paul Kent, Jonathan Smit and Matt Putman – will score finalists on innovation, scalability, traction, impact, team and short‑term prospects.
The winners will be announced during a livestream from Cape Town on 18 November. Each category winner receives a Startup of the Year title, a trophy and an invitation to a winners’ dinner in early 2027, with post‑event media coverage. The event is invitation‑only, but the public can register to watch the livestream.
“The calibre of founders building in South Africa keeps rising, and they deserve a national stage that reflects that,” said Mathew Marsden, founder of Startup Club ZA.
Key facts
- Entries close at midday on 30 October 2026. (bizcommunity.com)
- The awards cover 12 categories including AI, fintech, climate and mobility. (bizcommunity.com)
- Public voting runs 2‑6 November to help determine shortlists and the People’s Choice Award. (bizcommunity.com)
- Winners will be announced in a livestream from Cape Town on 18 November 2026. (bizcommunity.com)
- Mathew Marsden, founder of Startup Club ZA, is quoted on the rising calibre of founders. (bizcommunity.com)
Sources
- [1] bizcommunity.com — originally reported as “Entries open for 2026 South African Startup Awards”
