Pack joins illustrious hall of fame as winners of the UNLEASH Startup Award 2026

UNLEASH is proud to unveil the winner of the prestigious UNLEASH Startup Award 2026, powered by Playroll.

Now in its 15th year, the competition is the longest running dedicated awards for startups in the world, celebrating the next generation of companies defining the Future of Work.

Five of Europe’s hottest startups took to the stage to deliver their pitch to the judging panel and face questions from the delegate audience.

But there could only be one winner, and this year that honor went to people development and skill-management platform, Pack.

Founded in 2022, Pack’s platform maps workforce capabilities and identifies development needs. Human coaches then help employees build the skills their organizations will need for the future.

Also recognized by the judging panel was this year’s runner-up, Gen AI adoption platform, Mendo.

Italy-based Pack wowed the judges with its pitch, delivered by Co-Founder and CEO, Pietro Maria Picogna, who was presented with the grand prize of €50,000 worth of future sponsorship opportunity with UNLEASH, by Founder and CEO Marc Coleman, and Startup Award emcee, Audrey Handem, Principal at Acadian Ventures.

Speaking to UNLEASH after Pack’s victory, Picogna said: “It’s amazing, astonishing. Being at our first international event and winning this competition means a lot. It is the same competition won by TechWolf, who have helped to build the foundations of HR technology.”

A huge congratulations to Pack and, of course, all of the finalists this year – Cascade AI, Coachello, Mendo and Muchskills.

Look out for an in-depth interview with Pack, coming soon from UNLEASH.