On Tuesday November 8th, right before our Founder Showcase event, we hosted the 1st Annual Founder Institute Graduate Awards Luncheon to recognize our best performing Graduates of 2011. Selected from a pool of over 415 of our worldwide Graduates, these companies have demonstrated exceptional progress with their business over the last year, securing notable traction across the team, product development, adoption and investors.
And the winners are... (envelope please);
Best Overall: Udemy
Founded by Gagan Biyan and Eren Bali, Udemy is a website that allows you to take or build an online course on any subject. They are a Graduate of the Silicon Valley Founder Institute.
Best in Silicon Valley: Rentcycle
Co-Founded by Tim Hyer, Rentcycle is an online rental marketplace where consumers can search and rent anything online. They are a Graduate of the Silicon Valley Founder Institute.
Best in the Americas: Kaliki
Founded by Tirrell Payton, Kaliki is a turn-key solution that converts print publications into streaming audio apps. They are a Graduate of the San Diego Founder Institute.
Best in Europe: I-DISPO
Co-Founded by Ismael Nzouetom, I-DISPO is the largest community for sharing and booking appointments online, with a key partnership to power Microsoft Bing reservations in France. They are a Graduate of the Paris Founder Institute.
Best in Asia: Identifii
Founded by Usman Sheikh, Identifii is an online platform that assists both individuals and companies around the world find optimal employment matches. They are a Graduate of the Singapore Founder Institute.
Most Disruptive: Cakehealth
Founded by Rebecca Woodcock, Cakehealth is the best free way to manage your healthcare expenses online. They are a Graduate of the Silicon Valley Founder Institute.
Thanks to everyone who attended, and especially Silicon Valley Bank for supporting the event.
