, an annual award show dedicated to rewarding and recognising Europe's hottest tech startups, will feature a "Best Virtual Currency Startup" category for the first time this year.
The event was founded by TechCrunch editor-at-large Mike Butcher, and includes more than 20 categories.
Speaking to CoinDesk, Butcher explained that the addition of a digital currency category to The Europas is indicative of the rise of the Bitcoin protocol and other virtual methods of payment.
Said Butcher:
Founded in 2009, the event also includes categories such as "Best E-Commerce Startup", "Best Founder(s)" and "Fastest Rising Startup." The event is known for having a special focus on Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Digital currency startups rise in prominence
Butcher told CoinDesk that there are a few key characteristics that define a quality digital currency startup.
This includes a clear message to the market, a robust technology platform and a sign that founders are committed to putting the product first.
As for the future of digital currency startups, Butcher remarked that a challenging marketplace like the one facing today's businesses is actually good for development.
Butcher explained:
This year's judges
Judges for the event include investors, journalists, entrepreneurs and developers from across the tech industry.
This year, Butcher, Jemima Kiss, head of The Guardian's tech team; Ben Holmes, a partner at Index Ventures; and Alice Zagury, CEO of tech startup accelerator TheFamily, have all been named as judges.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW
Recommended for you:
Nominations for The Europas are still open, with the deadline being this Friday, 11th April.
Image via HeisenbergMedia.com