Startup Open Competition to Recognize Top 50 Startups
During Global Entrepreneurship Week

Top Startup Founder to Win Weekend at Richard Branson's Necker Island

New ventures that will have a "startup moment" during Global Entrepreneurship Week 2010, Nov. 15-21, have a chance to compete in Startup Open, a competition for startups with high-growth potential. A startup moment could be any event related to launching a new business such as incorporating a company; officially opening the doors for business; completing a first sale; and securing outside funding. The top prize is a trip to Richard Branson's private Necker Island to network with experienced entrepreneurs.

A panel of judges will review the entries and select the top winner as well as the "GEW 50"-- the 50 most promising startups launched during the Week--based on a range of criteria, including strength of concept, growth projections and knowledge of the market. Startup Open is one of thousands of events taking place in more than 100 countries during Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Founders expecting to have a startup moment during Global Entrepreneurship Week may enter at www.startupopen.com from now until Nov. 17. Prize recipients will be announced on November 19, 2010