EMEA Technology Fast 500™

Program overview

Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA 2014 nominations will be accepted from 1 June 2014 until 28 September 2014.

Participants can be public or private, and encompass all technology industry segments, including:

• Biotech / Pharmaceutical / Medical equipment
• Telecommunications / Networking
• Computers / Peripherals
• Internet
• Semiconductors, components and electronics
• Media and entertainment
• Software
• Greentech

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The Technology Fast 500 EMEA pre-eminent technology awards program is a ranking of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa's fastest-growing technology companies based on percentage revenue growth over five years.

The Technology Fast 500 initiative is supplemented by the local Fast 50 programs across EMEA and the local winners are automatically entered into the Fast 500 programme. Please apply directly through your local country manager as shown below:

Eligibility criteria

To participate, a technology company must meet the definitions and requirements as outlined below.

1.     It must be a technology company defined as one that:

• Develops or owns proprietary technology that contributes to a significant portion of the company's operating revenues; or
• Manufactures a technology-related product; or
• Devotes a high percentage of effort to research and development of technology.

*Using another company's technology in a unique way does not qualify.

2.     Have base-year operating revenues of at least €50,000 and a current year operating revenues of at least €800,000.

3.     Be in business a minimum of 5 years.

4.     Have your headquarters within Europe, the Middle East or Africa or have shares listed on a European stock exchange (subsidiaries do not qualify).

Fidelity Growth Partners Europe 

As part of one of the world's largest institutional investors and with a history going back to the early days of Venture Capital in the 1960s, Fidelity Growth Partners Europe (FGPE) can draw on a breadth of experience and resources few VCs can match. Fidelity Growth Partners has over a billion dollars of invested capital in Asia, India and Europe.

We have been operating in Europe for over a decade and our latest £100 million fund was launched in 2010 to help European entrepreneurs build global success stories. Recent investments include notonthehighstreet.com, the UK's leading online marketplace; Wahanda, the world’s largest online health, beauty and wellness marketplace; Seatwave, Europe's leading online fan-to-fan ticket exchange service; and Innogames, one of the world's leading developers and publishers of online games. Recent successful exits include Government CRM software company Curam Software (IBM) and digital life enabler NewBay Software (RIM).

For more information visit www.fgpe.com and follow @fidelitygrowth.

Silicon Valley Bank

Silicon Valley Bank is thrilled to be supporting the UK Fast 50.  We are committed to helping drive growth in the UK innovation space and so are looking forward to seeing the results and celebrating with those innovative businesses and individuals whose hard work and great ideas represent the future of UK tech.

Silicon Valley Bank is the premier bank for technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity and premium wine businesses. Silicon Valley Bank and its affiliates within SVB Financial Group provides industry knowledge and connections, financing, treasury management, corporate investment and international banking services to its clients worldwide through 27 US offices and seven international operations in China, India, Israel and the UK.  (Nasdaq: SIVB)

For more information visit www.svb.com/uk and follow @SVB_UK.

Taylor Wessing

Taylor Wessing is proud to co-sponsor the UK Fast 50 for the fourth consecutive year as it reflects our position as the leading law firm for the technology growth sector.

Taylor Wessing is an international law firm with a leading Technology practice. What makes us different is our significant SME/entrepreneur/growth technology focus, as well as our forward thinking approach to serving clients. We think creatively about business issues and are constantly looking for new and better ways to add value with truly innovative solutions that help to grow our clients' businesses. Taylor Wessing has worked with tech start-ups and more established tech companies, both from the UK and abroad, for many years. We understand the needs and requirements of companies operating in all technology related sectors, and work with clients to add real value to their business decisions and growth.

For more information visit www.taylorwessing.com/tmt and follow @TWTechCity and @TWMediaTech.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA?

Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited's (DTTL) Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA is one of Europe's most objective rankings for the technology, media and telecommunications industries. It was created to recognize the effort and dedication of those 500 fastest-growing technology companies in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and includes all areas of technology: from Internet to biotechnology; from medical and scientific to computers. It includes both public and private companies.

When and why did Deloitte create a Technology Fast 500 EMEA?

The original program, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 North America, was founded in 1995. The technology market in EMEA also is significant-in terms of size and growth-so, in 2001, DTTL expanded the programme to Europe. The ranking of established and emerging high-growth companies in the region is a tribute to those that continue to thrive-even during times of economic slowdown. While the stock market may be more volatile and investors more cautious, it is companies such as these that will likely be key forces behind economic growth in Europe for years to come.

Furthermore, since award winners likely will continue to grow at a rapid pace and be the source of future technological advances, this DTTL programme recognises, rewards and raises the profile of the fastest-growing firms-not only in EMEA, but within a global context where technology chief executives operate.

Do companies benefit from their participation in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA?

A position in the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA ranking helps companies to create awareness, build credibility, attract business partners and increase employee pride. It also generates immense media coverage. Additional value comes from the fact that the programme is one of only a few that focuses on pure technology, media and telecommunications industry segments.

Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA winners are part of an elite global group, with the potential to network and create a community of companies that, in turn, can promote a platform of best practices

What do Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA winners receive?

In addition to the recognition of appearing on the list of winners, the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA companies receive a complimentary copy of the award portfolio.

Where do entries originate for the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA?

The list is compiled from the following three sources: 1) Regional Technology Fast 50 winners in Europe, Middle East and Africa, which are submitted automatically for Technology Fast 500 EMEA consideration; 2) Nominations submitted directly to the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA where Regional Technology Fast 50 programmes are unavailable; and, 3) From DTTL’s own research of public companies.

*DTTL assumes that all information provided by each company is accurate, and does not independently verify such information.

How do companies qualify for the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA?

General requirements

Participants can be public or private, and encompass all technology industry segments including: Biotech/Pharmaceutical and Medical Equipment, Telecommunications/Networking, Computers/Peripherals, Internet, Semiconductors, Components and Electronics, Media and Entertainment, Software, and Greentech.

How does Deloitte determine the winners?

The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA winners are based on five-year average percentage growth for each technology company. The 500 that meet the strict definition of "technology companies with the fastest growth over five years" make the list. DTTL assumes that all information provided by each company is accurate and does not independently verify such information.

Why is individual company revenue not revealed in the list of winners?

The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA ranking is based on the percentage of stated annual revenue growth. Since some of the winning companies are private organisations and are not required to reveal their revenue under European law, the Fast 500 programme is consistent with this custom.

When will winners be named?

Winners are announced and published at the end of November.

Who administers the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA?

The Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA programme is administered by DTTL's Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT) global industry group. This TMT group has extensive knowledge of companies operating in these industries and the challenges they face in areas such as: the Internet; software; computers; telecommunications and networking; semiconductors; broadcasting; and, publishing. Deloitte member firm TMT practices provide a global network of dedicated professionals who can deliver innovative solutions to clients worldwide.

Is there a list of past Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA winners?

Yes. Lists and press releases for our winners in EMEA date back to 2001 and are available viaDeloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA winners

Who is the primary contact for the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA?

Karen Hogger, DTTL TMT Marketing for Deloitte Technology Fast 500 EMEA is based in the United Kingdom. Contact at emeafast500@deloitte.co.uk.

Does DTTL sponsor other Technology Fast 500 programs around the world?

Yes, DTTL and its member firms have Fast 500 programs not only in EMEA, but also in North America (since 1995) and in Asia Pacific.