Frequently Asked Questions

Is this awards program open only for private companies?
Yes.

What types of technology companies should apply?
The Red Herring 100 North America award will focus on the seven industry sectors covered by the magazine, including: Communications, Computing, Software, Internet/Services, Entertainment/Media, Security/Defense, Biosciences and Energy. Additionally, Red Herring gives more consideration to "early stage" firms (Series A or earlier).

If we were a Red Herring Winner in 2006-'07, are we eligible to apply again in 2008?
Former Red Herring 100 Winners are NOT eligible to apply again. We believe that "Once a Red Herring 100 Winner, always a Red Herring 100 Winner. We feature several former Winners in our editorial program in a "Where are they now" session. To be a part of this, please contact contact us.

Can Private Companies located across the globe participate in this awards program?
The Red Herring 100 North America award program is only for companies headquartered in the North America region. Please contact us for information on our Europe and Asia awards programs.

Is there a deadline by which the nomination form should be submitted?
We have stopped taking nominations for this year's award. However we recommend that you submit your company as soon as possible when next years awards program opens, as submissions will be reviewed in the order they are received.

Must we answer all questions?
Our editorial board makes its picks based on the information submitted along with outside research. You can considerably improve your chances by submitting concise, yet detailed information. While we do not operate under NDA, all information will be held in the strictest confidence, and will not be used for other purposes. Please submit financial information, as it is often the only way to distinguish between firms with similar technologies. If you have specific questions about how we use financial information, please contact the Red Herring business staff.

Is the website the only channel provided for submissions and will we able to make edits?
Yes. We collect nominations only through the website. You will be able to make changes to your submissions and save your work. However, once you click on the submit button you will only be able to view your submissions.

What is the process after that and when will the companies be selected?
Red Herring will select and contact the 200 short-listed finalists for the list. The ultimate Red Herring 100 Private Companies will be selected from the list of finalists thereafter. These companies will be contacted and their CEOs invited to present at Red Herring 100 North America 2008. We ask that the selected companies keep their status confidential until the publication of the list in the magazine.

Will press releases be sent out by Red Herring to announce the finalists and winners?
Red Herring will announce the 200 short-listed finalists and the Red Herring 100 Private Companies in separate press releases. The companies involved will be informed about the timing of these releases.

What are the marketing benefits for the finalists and winners?
All Red Herring 100 Private Companies will be featured in the Red Herring magazine. Red Herring will also supply the short-listed companies with logos to use in their press releases, websites, and any other marketing collateral. Finally, the winners will have an opportunity to deliver a 12 minute presentation about their company and exhibit at the Red Herring North America Conference.

Who can submit nominations and do multiple nominations help increase a company's chances of being selected?
Anyone can submit their company for nomination. Venture Capitalists and PR companies can also submit their portfolio companies and clients. Multiple nominations do not increase the chance of being selected.

As a Private Company, we are not comfortable releasing financial data. Will this disqualify us if these fields are not completed?
Your submission will also be considered if you do not reveal financial information. However, not having this crucial information will limit our ability to do a through analysis of your company. All financial information that you submit is strictly for analysis purpose only and will not be published at any time or in any form.

Will a Red Herring editorial team member be available for any conversation that can properly position our company for the selection process?
Unfortunately not. Due to the volume of submissions we are unable to communicate about any nominations - before, during and after the selection process. The judging editors will contact companies should questions arise on their part.

Can you offer suggestions or hints to help us make the best submission possible?
Please provide clear, specific and brief answers to the questions. Ambiguous or lack of information precludes us from properly considering the submission. Buzzwords and technical jargon usually cause more questions than they answer.

If selected as a Red Herring 100 Private Company, do we have to attend the conference?
No, it is not a requirement. However, your presence at the conference is highly recommended and will provide your company with excellent visibility in front of a c-level audience of potential partners, investors, and clients as well as the media. We suggest that you mark the dates of the conference on your personal calendar.