Applications are now open for the second edition of the Investec Early-Stage Entrepreneur of the Year Awards, also known as the Easies. The global programme, powered by OPUS and backed by Investec, recognises founders building companies that are under four years old and still pre-Series A.
Public applications opened on 1 September 2026 and close on 30 September. A shortlist is expected in mid-October, with finalists confirmed in early November and category winners plus a global winner announced on 25 November.
The awards feature ten categories spanning areas such as AI, finance, services, female founders and other sectors. One overall global winner will receive a $250,000 prize from DayZero. Every category winner joins the OPUS delegation to the World Economic Forum in Davos and receives a year of membership in the OPUS founder community, including access to events, connections and growth support.
Focus on Early-Stage Builders
Unlike many awards that celebrate later-stage or scaled companies, the Easies specifically target founders still in the earliest phases of building. The organisers position the programme as recognition for those “sacrificing without certainty” and turning early conviction into momentum.
Judges this year include figures such as Simon Squibb and Adam Moss. All applicants gain access to tools and events within the broader OPUS ecosystem, regardless of whether they advance to the shortlist or win.
The first edition of the awards attracted more than 1,000 applicants from over 50 countries. The second edition expands the number of categories while retaining the core prizes of capital, visibility and high-level networking opportunities typically reserved for more established founders.
Founders leading eligible early-stage companies can apply at theeasies.com. The programme is open internationally and aims to surface promising ventures before they reach traditional later-stage recognition.
