Tech Business of the Year 2014: Could it be you? In the first of a series of articles, Startups examines our awards categories in detail. Find out if your business has got what it takes to win this brand new Startups Awards category… Written by The Startups Team Published on August 5, 2014 Our experts We are a team of writers, experimenters and researchers providing you with the best advice with zero bias or partiality. Written and reviewed by: The Startups Team Why have we got a Tech Business of the Year category?With more than 1,300 tech start-ups in the Old Street area alone, (and an estimated 270,000 businesses in the UK’s digital economy), there’s no denying that the last few years has seen an explosion of tech businesses. Following companies like Just Eat and Zoopla raising in excess of £2bn and the recent floatation of bio-tech start-up Circassia for £500m, the UK’s tech scene is booming and we want to help celebrate the finest rising stars of UK tech.Since the re-launch of our site, we’ve introduced a dedicated tech start-up channel, to bring digital entrepreneurs the latest tech news and inspiration as well as profiling exciting companies in our Tech Pitch section and partnering with some of the biggest organisations in tech – from Tech London Advocates to Tech City UK.By introducing a ‘Tech Business of the Year’ category, we want to recognise the growing trend of tech start-ups and celebrate and reward the nation’s best tech businesses.What are we looking for in a great tech business?From FinTech to FashTech, if you’re a fast-growing digital company disrupting the tech industry in some way – we want to hear from you. It’s not all about figures, although we’re definitely looking for ambitious companies, but we want to see innovation, impressive founders and huge market potential.Companies must also have started trading no earlier than 1 August 2011 and no later than 31 July 2014, be privately owned and UK-founded.Why you should enter your business for Tech Business of the YearAs mentioned above, there is a plethora of tech start-ups operating in the UK right now – which, whilst great for the economy, can be tricky for new businesses who are trying to stand out in a crowded marketplace.With the Startups Awards now in its 11th year, entrants will benefit from a raised profile as well as national and local press coverage and if you’re selected as a finalist for Tech Business of the Year, or crowned the winner, you’ll receive an endorsement badge for your site and press release to promote your achievement – as well as an invitation to our event where there will be a fantastic networking opportunity.With an illustrious panel of high-profile and influential judges, you’ll also receive endorsement from some of the leading figures in tech such as TechHub CEO Elizabeth Varley.What our sponsors say“Nominet and .uk are very proud to be sponsoring the Tech Start-up of the year award. We are passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship within the tech industry and look forward to the shortlisted companies with anticipation.” For a one off fee, companies can enter as many relevant categories as they like – you don’t need to fill the form in separately for each category but you do need to provide tailored answers.So, if you think your tech business could be the best tech start-up around right now – enter today. Share this post facebook twitter linkedin Written by: The Startups Team