Two member companies of NEXUS Automotive International (N!) have been recognized with prestigious national awards for their dynamic approach to the aftermarket.
Viacar, of Greece, emerged as one of the top 200 most dynamic businesses in the annual Growth Awards, organized by Eurobank and Grant Thornton.
The awards highlight Greek companies that combine strong economic performance with a successful modern business story, contributing to shaping a new landscape of entrepreneurship and work culture in the country.
Companies are evaluated using a Grant Thornton “Financial Growth / Health Matrix” and Viacar distinguished itself from the 8,000 other enterprises considered for the award.
The company’s achievement was announced at Athens Concert Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 6, before an audience of more than 2,000 guests.
The 17-member prize committee was co-chaired by Nikolaos Karamouzis, chairman of Eurobank, and Vasilis Kazas, managing director of Grant Thornton, and also included leading figures from Greece’s business and academic communities.
Alongside Viacar, Partboyz Autoparts, of Nigeria, has been selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Masschallenge Texas Accelerator in Austin, Texas, an accelerator program for start-up companies that provides mentoring, training and free workspace.
Founded in a single kiosk in July 2015, the aftermarket retailer has grown quickly into five retail shops with 20 staff members and has ambitions to “bring the car parts business in Africa into the 21st century.”
More than 500 start-up businesses from around the world applied to join the Accelerator program, with 280 chosen to pitch and just 84, including Partboyz, making the final cut.
Masschallenge Texas is a non-profit organization. The 84 successful start-ups will take part in a four-month program from April to August at the end of which the best will be invited to pitch for $500,00 in equity-free grants.
NEXUS CEO Gael Escribe said, “On behalf of NEXUS I offer big congratulations to both Viacar and Partboyz Autoparts whose successes show that entrepreneurial spirit burns brightly in the heart of the progressive N! community. I am sure we will hear of more success for these two dynamic businesses in the future.”
