OPUS Announces ‘The Investec Easies’ Startup Awards

London, UK  — A new global award has been launched to honour the world’s most promising early-stage founders — entrepreneurs whose ventures are under four years old and pre-Series A — giving them a global platform to celebrate innovation, courage, and impact.

The Investec Early-Stage Entrepreneur of the Year Awards — known as “The Investec Easies” — are powered by OPUS and headline sponsored by Investec Wealth & Investment International, in partnership with Endava, the global technology services company.

Designed to spotlight founders at the very beginning of their journeys, the awards come at a time when more than 305 million businesses are formed globally each year, but only a fraction break through. The Easies aim to “reward the audacity to begin,” according to organisers.

Winners will receive a £10,000 cash prize, bespoke business growth support, and an invitation to join the OPUS Delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos — a stage traditionally reserved for world leaders, established corporates, and unicorn founders.

“Founders at this stage often work in the shadows. Across an uneven playing field, it is conviction without the spotlight that drives them,” said Sam Tidswell-Norrish, Founder and Chair of OPUS. “The Investec Easies reward the audacity to begin, not just the ability to scale. Every billion-dollar story starts with a moment of courage — a risky leap of faith — and we want to celebrate that.”

The awards will recognise outstanding early-stage entrepreneurs across four categories: Impact ESEY – for founders driving lasting social or environmental change; Consumer ESEY – for brands people believe in, not just buy; Technology ESEY – for innovations the world doesn’t yet know it needs and Female Founder ESEY – for women building on their own terms.

Judges include Maxine Gray (Investec), Lyndon Subroyen (Investec), Alastair Lukies CBE (Endava), Kristen McLeod CBE (British Business Bank), Imtiaz Patel (former MultiChoice CEO), Erin Platts (Octopus Ventures), and Marc Porat, founder of General Magic.

“Investec is rooted in entrepreneurship — in how we think, operate, and serve our clients,” said Joubert Hay, CEO of Investec Wealth & Investment International. “By supporting early-stage founders, we’re investing in sustainable economic growth and nurturing the next generation of business leaders who will shape our future.”

Kristen McLeod CBE, Chief Strategy Officer at the British Business Bank, added: “Backing early founders is about more than capital. It’s about building ecosystems where talent and ideas can thrive. The Easies give a platform to voices that are too often overlooked — and that’s how we create growth that’s inclusive and resilient.”

Alastair Lukies CBE, Chief Engagement Officer at Endava, said the awards were perfectly aligned with Endava’s mission: “The Easies are the first awards of their kind — shining a light on founders at the very start, when courage matters most. Technology should unlock possibilities and empower the bold to build what’s next. Together, we’re backing the visionaries whose ideas will shape the future.”

Applications are now open to founder-led companies under four years old and pre-Series A, with a deadline of November 5, 2025. A shortlist will be announced in November, winners in December, and the final cohort will travel to Davos in January 2026.