Raising the roof for tech innovation
 

Every year, Deloitte organises the Technology Fast 50 competition to put the spotlight on tech start-ups and scale-ups that are making their mark and give them the recognition they deserve.
 

The prestigious list provides one of the most objective rankings in the country, aimed at recognising innovative technology companies that redefine the cutting edge; transform the way we do business; combine technological innovation and entrepreneurship; and disrupt the technology industry.
 

These companies help us work smarter and more efficiently, paving the way to continued economic growth. Amid the unpredictable challenges of today, these accomplishments take passion, dedication, and resilience—and that deserves to be honoured.
 

The Fast 50 programme is an important part of our vibrant scale-up ecosystem. As the trusted advisor of start-ups and scale-ups, our experts share their knowledge with the entrepreneurs to help them address opportunities and challenges, and we partner with organisations to champion young companies.

Application criteria
 

Technology Fast 50
 

The Fast 50 is the main category of Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50. It recognises and ranks the 50 fastest growing companies in Belgium based on revenue growth over the last four years.
 

There are several awards in the Fast 50 category: Fast 50 winner, Most Sustainable Growth, and one for each industry category winner.
 

Rising Star

In this category, the key is revenue potential rather than revenue growth. All eligible applicants are invited to submit an investor pitch and present it to a jury. A panel of independent experts from the technology sector analyses each entry and makes a selection according to scalability, experience, management team expertise, and highly promising growth.
 

Known as post-incubators, Rising Stars have the potential to develop into successful companies that stand out from their competitors.

There are two awards in the Rising Star category: Rising Star, and Most Disruptive Innovator.
 

The eligibility criteria

To enter the Fast 50 or Rising Star category companies must meet the following criteria:
 

Considered a technology company that generates a significant portion (> 50%) of its operating revenue from the sale of products, services and/or licenses that are based on its own proprietary technology or technology related products.
 

Founded in Belgium and with the headquarters in Belgium
 

Public or private and active in one of these nine industries:

1. Communications & Networking
2. Digital Commerce
3. Electronic Devices, Hardware and Semiconductor
4. Enterprise Software
5. FinTech
6. Life Sciences & Health Care
7. Media & Entertainment
8. Mobility
9. Sustainability

Technology Fast 50
 

• Been in business a minimum of 4 years
• Have base-year operating revenues of at least €50,000 in year 1 and €1,000,000 in year 4

Rising Star
 

• Been in business for less than 4 years
• Have base-year operating revenues of at least €50,000 over the last 12 months, or in the current year if the company was established less than twelve months ago

What’s in it for your company?
 

Being recognised as a Technology Fast 50 winner has many potential benefits, including:

• Increased market visibility and credibility through the exclusive usage of the Fast 50 designation/logo
• Strengthened ability to attract and retain talent
• Benchmark your success
• Enhance your brand and customer recognition
• Increase your visibility with investors and corporate innovators
• Get local, national, and social media exposure
• Enjoy meaningful networking opportunities at the exclusive Fast 50 Awards Ceremony
• Celebrate the efforts and commitment of your entire company

The application process
 

To be considered for the Fast 50 programme, all applicants must go through the application process.

1. March 2024: Applications open
2. June 2024: Applications close
3. 18 September 2024: Rising Star preselections
4. End of September 2024: Fast 50 and Rising Star nominees announced
5. 24 October 2024: Fast 50 and Rising Star winners announced

Discover our winners
 

We are delighted to announce the 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 50 winners.

A select group of independent members

The Rising Stars are assessed by an external jury, whose members will be present for the Fast 50 Rising Star candidate pitches.

1. Duco Sickinghe
   Managing Partner of Fortino Capital
   Fortino Capital is a company that provides expertise and long-term investment capital to small and large businesses with growth potential. Duco Sickinghe was elected Manager of the Year for the growth and innovation achieved during his 10 years at the helm of the telecom company Telenet.
   
2. Veroniek Collewaert
   Professor in Entrepreneurship at Vlerick Business School
   Veroniek Collewaert is a professor, researcher and author who has published articles in journals such as Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice and Small Business Economics.
3. Heidi Rakels
   Founder of Guardsquare
   Heidi was the winner of the Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Award in 2018 and the Deloitte Rising Star Award in 2016. Heidi was also ICT woman of the year in 2019. As a former judoka she won a bronze medal at the Barcelona Olympic Games in 1992.
4. Sophie Stegen
   Head of Listing at Euronext Brussels
   Over the course of her career, Sophie has developed a strong financial acumen in the complex transaction space both related to public and private (M&A) operations. Today, in her capacity as head of listing for Euronext Brussels, she helps entrepreneurs raising funds in capital markets both through equity and bond listing.
5. Ann Van Mele
   Venture Acceleration Manager at Imec.istart
   Ann Van Mele is passionate about innovation, embracing the unknown, and co-creation. She has helped many companies in different sectors to innovate and to grow. She currently coaches health start-ups on four levels: product, growth, market and investor readiness.
   
   

Rising Star process
 

• Preselections: All Rising Star applicants are invited for a pre-pitch on Wednesday 18 September 2024. The jury, made up of Deloitte industry leaders will select 10 Rising Star finalists based on company data and the pre-pitch. The selected companies will be announced in the beginning of October.
• Final pitch: The 10 Rising Star finalists will present a two-minute pitch in front of the external Rising Star jury on Thursday 24 October 2024. The Rising Star jury will deliberate and announce the Rising Star and Most Disruptive Innovator during the Awards Ceremony.

Be part of the ecosystem
 

In addition to the annual Awards Ceremony, we host different events to bring together the Fast 50 community throughout the year, sharing valuable insights with the members and giving them the opportunity to exchange ideas to support their growth.

The Fast 50 programme is an important part of our vibrant scale-up ecosystem. As the trusted advisor of start-ups and scale-ups, our experts share their knowledge with the entrepreneurs to help them address opportunities and challenges, and we partner with organisations to champion young companies.

Discover how you can benefit from this unique community