Entrepreneur Of The Year 2025 Bay Area Award Finalists Announced by EY US

EY US Announces David Erickson as Award Finalist

In an exciting announcement from Ernst & Young LLP (EY US), David Erickson has made it to the list of finalists for the prestigious Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2025 Bay Area Award. This marks the 40th anniversary of this celebrated program, which recognizes trailblazing entrepreneurs who not only strive for excellence but also have a profound impact on their communities and industries.

The selection process involved an independent panel of judges who recognized David among 33 finalists based on his entrepreneurial spirit, growth potential, and the significant value he has created throughout his journey with Forward Networks. The company's innovative approach to network management has resonated well with some of the largest enterprises and government agencies that prioritize data security.

David remarked on this recognition, saying, "Bringing Forward Networks from a concept to a company trusted by some of the world’s largest enterprises and government agencies—where data security is critical—has been a journey of more than a decade in the making. Being named an EY Entrepreneur Of The Year® Finalist is a true honor. For decades, this award has recognized business leaders whose companies have disrupted industries and created entirely new product categories. Being part of that legacy is a meaningful validation of the work my co-founders, our employees, and I have done to drive real, positive change."

The Entrepreneur Of The Year program honors business leaders renowned for their ingenuity, courage, and entrepreneurial spirit. The program includes categories for original founders who started their businesses from scratch, transformational CEOs who innovated existing firms, and business leaders who have successfully revitalized multigenerational family businesses.

Regional award winners for the Bay Area will be announced on June 13 during a special event set to take place in San Francisco. The regional winners will then be considered by national judges for the prestigious National Awards, which will be revealed at the annual Strategic Growth Forum® in November. This gathering is recognized as one of the most influential events bringing together high-growth, market-leading companies across the nation.

The Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards, founded in 1986, have celebrated over 11,000 ambitious entrepreneurs. They now span nearly 60 countries globally, with the U.S. program comprised of 17 regional categories. Each June, panels of independent judges select regional winners who compete for national acclaim at the Strategic Growth Forum®. Following this, the national winner will represent the U.S. at the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year™ competition.

Sponsorship for these awards has arrived from various esteemed organizations including PNC Bank, Cresa, LLC, Marsh USA, and SAP, while in the Bay Area, additional sponsors include DLA Piper, ADP, and Big Picture.

Forward Networks is at the forefront of revolutionizing network management, providing a platform that delivers a digital twin of the network. This innovation ensures that network operators can maintain a secure, reliable, and agile network while supporting devices from prominent vendors and cloud operators such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform. Established in 2013 by a group of Stanford Ph.D. graduates and based in Santa Clara, California, Forward Networks has attracted investment from notable firms, including MSD Partners and Goldman Sachs.

The EY US announcement and the recognition of David Erickson exemplifies the dedication to innovation and excellence in the entrepreneurial landscape. As business leaders continually strive for growth and impact, initiatives like the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards shine a spotlight on the inspiring achievements of individuals and their respective organizations.