Deloitte Fast 50 comes to SA

Deloitte is bringing the Technology Fast 50 initiative to SA, calling for nominations from the country's top tech start-ups.

Now in its 15th year internationally, the global initiative ranks the 50 fastest-growing technology companies in the country. This year, the Fast 50 will make its debut in SA.

“South Africa's challenging environment often leads to people coming up with exciting solutions,” says Trevor Wright, lead for technology, media and telecoms in the Risk Advisory unit at professional services firm Deloitte. According to Wright, it is these qualities that Deloitte is looking for through this global search.

The local programmes in each individual country feed into the international competition, the Fast 500, which runs in Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Asia-Pacific.

The Fast 50 has seen tech start-ups grow into some of the world's most respected and innovative companies, and is aimed at companies of any size that embody a mixture of tech innovation, growth and entrepreneurship. Entrants span a variety of sectors, from software and telecoms, to life sciences and semiconductors. The ranking is based on revenue growth over the last five years.

“Core to Deloitte is how we partner with our clients, and the Technology Fast 50 programme is perfect for us in terms of working with and engaging with exciting and dynamic companies,” says Wright.

Aside from the obvious media publicity and brand recognition that results from this kind of project, the Fast 50 also promotes unique networking and business opportunities. The winner of the Fast 50 will receive dedicated time with a Deloitte expert, as well as automatic entry into the global competition.

“Technology is still one of those fast-changing sectors that have a wider impact on society. The Technology Fast 50 award is about recognising and encouraging all types of African IT businesses,” says Wright.

Entry is free and takes just a few minutes online. The deadline for nominations is 31 August. To find out if your company is eligible to enter the Fast 50, click here.