Brad was selected from among 761 program participants that included the 57 country winners from 47 countries and territories vying for the title in Monaco. In the program’s 19-year history, Brad becomes the third EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year Award winner from the United States. He follows former US world title winners Hamdi Ulukaya of Chobani, Inc., who won the award in 2013, and Wayne Huizenga of Huizenga Holdings, Inc., in 2005.

Brad, 49, founded Uptake Technologies, Inc., a predictive analytics software provider, in 2014 after successfully founding six companies, including Groupon, which collectively created value of over US$6b. Since its inception, Uptake Technologies, Inc. has grown from 50 people to 750 and become the fastest start-up to reach a US$2b valuation. The company now works with dozens of industrial businesses to improve productivity and efficiency by leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create business value from operational data.

Jim Nixon, Chairman and CEO of Nixon Energy Investments and Co-Chair of the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year judging panel, says:

“The judging panel is honored to award Brad this year’s title. The judging panel was struck, not only by the remarkable value creation through each of the ventures of which he was the founder, but also his strong desire to break the mold and provide backing to the next generation of entrepreneurs that are coming through.”

Brad Keywell, CEO, Uptake Technologies, Inc., says:

“Entrepreneurship is not just about being a mold-breaker — it’s also about being a mold-maker and finding a more intuitive and direct path to where you want to be. The revolution in data collection and predictive insight to disrupt global industries is only just beginning. As an entrepreneur in this emerging and inevitable space, I’m in the mindset of delivering to create long-term sustainable solutions to some of the world’s most pressing economic and social challenges. I’m truly humbled to be recognized in this way.”

Mark Weinberger, EY Global Chairman and CEO, says:

“Brad’s passion and curiosity as well as his love of the entrepreneurial journey have driven him to found five separate companies that have reached unicorn status and now employ thousands of people around the world. His leadership is exemplified by his desire to positively impact the world around him and overcome challenges that would stop most others in their tracks. Brad is an extremely worthy EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year winner and someone whose entrepreneurial journey is far from over.”

Bryan Pearce, EY Global Leader – EY Entrepreneur Of The Year, says:

“Alongside his phenomenal track record of value creation, the ripple effect of Brad’s philanthropic work and his backing of the next generation of entrepreneurs make him an exemplary EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year winner. He ensures a continuous culture of innovation in Uptake’s DNA and sees unlimited opportunity to influence ecosystems broader than the company strategy and profit.”