EY has chosen International Volunteer HQ founder Daniel Radcliffe as its 2014 Entrepreneur of the Year.
Mr Radcliffe began his company, which operates in more than 25 countries, from his parent’s Taranaki farm when he was 22 years old.
Since its inception in 2007, International Volunteer HQ has sent more than 37,000 volunteers around the world.
Mr Radcliffe was the winner of the young entrepreneur category and beat out four others (see below) in a magical ceremony last night in the Great Room at Auckland’s Langham Hotel.
Last year's winner was Xero founder and NBR Rich Lister Rod Drury.
Chairman of the judging panel, Greg Cross of Cross Ventures and PowerbyProxi, described Mr Radcliffe as “the future of entrepreneurialism.”
“It’s an extraordinarily profitable business and one that makes a huge social contribution as well. We’re confident he will represent New Zealand very well in Monaco next year.”
Mr Cross says while Mr Radcliffe is a relative up-and-comer compared with last year’s high-profile Mr Drury, his achievements “astonished” the judges.
“This man has built a company that is the biggest in its market on the global stage.”
Mr Radcliffe completed a Master’s degree in Finance and Management but only lasted three days as a graduate financial analyst for a large corporate before deciding to travel. He was surprised at the cost of volunteering, so while in Kenya he began forging connections that led to the birth of International Volunteer HQ.
Other finalists included:
Michael Whitehead (WhereScape Software). Category: Services
Vaughan Rowsell (Vend). Category: Technology and emerging industries
Patrick Teo (BCS Group). Category: Master
Mark Rice (CDB Goldair). Category: Products
Other judges: Dr John Penno (Synlait Milk), Sir William Gallagher (Gallagher Group), Tim Alpe (Jucy Group) and Emma Hill (Michael Hill International).
Victoria Young
Fri, 17 Oct 2014
Fri, 17 Oct 2014
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Radcliffe casts spell on EY Entrepreneur judges
42309