HOW WE DO IT
To support startups from all corners of the world in scaling, we work with cities and corporates in various locations to provide business opportunities across many different themes, such as AI, Impact and Workforce Technologies.
What we do
Competition
The opportunity for startups to scale. In one environment, all the tools a startup needs to expand and gain exposure. Investors, mentors, corporates, etc.
Challenge
Matching corporates with startups to solve their innovation needs. Through our deep screening of the market and the startup ecosystem, we are able to identify the best match for a successful collaboration.
Global Meetup
A retreat for the best startups to come together in an unconventional environment and make business deals with corporates and investors, meet people from all corners of the world and compete for the Global Winner title.
“Through Get in the Ring we now have customers in 200 countries. Winning Get in the Ring means we can prove we have value for a global market.”
- Eric Juyoon Kim, Founder & CEO - DOT
History
Being part of the startup ecosystem for a few years with Unknown Group, we saw a big hole in the innovation industry. The number of startups failing because they did not have the right resources to succeed was infuriating. So, we made it our mission to unlock the potential of these startups by providing them with all of the tools they need to thrive, in one environment.
- 2012 - Rotterdam
Our first time in the Ring
- 2013 - Rio de Janeiro
Winning an international award
- 2014
Reaching 64 Countries
- December 2015- Saudi Arabia
Making Female History
- 2016 - Medellin
Taking a trip to Colombia
- 2017
100+ Countries
- 2019
Going thematic
- 2024
Young talent Becoming the entrepreneurs of tomorrow
Our first time in the Ring
Our first time in the Ring
After considering all the elements startups need to thrive, the idea of founders battling in a ring to prove their potential originated. The idea was to make startups the focal point of the event in order for them to gain the most from this experience. The first Get in the Ring battle was in our home city of Rotterdam, at the Gorte of Sint-Laurenskerk, where the startup Risparmio Supe won.
Winning an international award
Winning an international award
Get in the Ring won the Global Compass award of the Global Entrepreneurship Week in Rio for the most innovative entrepreneurship brand worldwide.
Reaching 64 Countries
Reaching 64 Countries
By 2014, Get in the Ring was present in 64 countries. Our mission to help startups from all corners of the world was beginning to take shape. Our International Final 2014 included Get in the Ring competition winners from all of these 64 countries.
Making Female History
Making Female History
As Get in the Ring, we are always looking to break boundaries and embrace the unconventional. So in 2015, when the opportunity to have the first female founder in Saudi Arabia step on stage and pitch her solution, we jumped at the chance. An unforgettable moment!
Taking a trip to Colombia
Taking a trip to Colombia
Part of our unique view on the startup ecosystem is that we believe innovative solutions are present in all corners of the world. So to align with this, we decided to take the Global Meetup across to Medellin, Colombia, for our first 3-day entrepreneurial retreat overseas. Since then, our Global Meetups has been hosted in Singapore, Cascais and Berlin.
100+ Countries
100+ Countries
In 2017, we became present in over 100 countries, expanding our network and supporting the ecosystem of over 100 countries.
Going thematic
Going thematic
Our passion for innovation is also integrated into our own business model. Therefore, we are continuously looking to improve and innovate Get in the Ring. So, to increase the collaboration between startups, corporates and governments, we have created themed competition tracks. In these, cities can sponsor a theme, such as impact, health or AI, to host online and live competitions and stimulate their startup ecosystem.
Young talent Becoming the entrepreneurs of tomorrow
Young talent Becoming the entrepreneurs of tomorrow
Unknown University, through Get in the Ring, is putting young talent in the spotlight. With partners around the world, we provide youth with the tools, education, and networks to drive change.
At Unknown we are dedicated to creating a sustainable future by fueling founders to fix the future. To help these founders succeed, we’re building an Impact Campus—a place designed for the next generation of leaders. We provide a dynamic space that offers modern offices, makerspaces, co-living areas, and essential facilities designed to help ventures strive. Through Unknown University, young entrepreneurs can develop the skills and mindset needed to grow as a founder, by being one.