Announcing the 63 ambitious finalists, 3 winners and Pause Awards Night

Get the scoop on the Pause Awards ’23 finalists, celebrating Australia’s top innovators. Learn about who made the cut, People’s Choice winners, and the upcoming electrifying Pause Awards Night on December 4th, 2023.

It’s that time of the year again when Australia’s most audacious and innovative minds gather under the spotlight. The Pause Awards ’23, powered by VicGov, are back, and this year, they promise to be everything you ever wanted to kick 2023 out the door! 

In its sixth year, the Pause Awards have become a symbol of recognition for Australia’s pioneers and innovators. But what sets these awards apart from the rest? Unlike traditional accolades that focus solely on financial numbers, the Pause Awards take a more holistic approach. They measure each finalist’s breakthrough moments, ambition and impact – the very essence of innovation.

Investable Score™ – A New Era in Judging

This year, the Pause Awards introduce a game-changer in the judging criteria: the Investable Score™. It’s not just about innovation; it’s about the potential for growth and investment. The Investable Score™ reflects the ability of these finalists to not just make waves but to ride them all the way to the shore of success, toward the potential investors.

“This year’s winning entries are based on a key insight, cleverly designed, and delivered through razor-sharp execution. If the entrant’s idea, execution, and measurable results stopped us in our tracks, made us pause for thought, raised a smile or a tinge of envy that ‘I wish I’d thought of that,’ then they are a winner.”

Lee Tonitto, Chair of the Judging Board and Director of Tonitto and Partners

People’s Choice Awards – Winners That Captured Hearts

Before we dive into the list of finalists, let’s take a moment to acknowledge the winners of the People’s Choice Awards. These remarkable individuals and companies have captured the hearts of the public with their innovative contributions in various categories.

1. Wevolt takes the crown in the Going Green category.
2. AirTree Ventures secures its place as the People’s Choice in Venture Cap.
3. Michelle Mannering shines in the Angel category.

These winners have resonated with the public, showcasing the power of innovation to inspire and connect. Congratulations to Wevolt, AirTree Ventures and Michelle Mannering for rallying their troops!

Exemplifying Excellence, Innovation and Ambition

Now, let’s turn our attention to the cream of the crop, the finalists who have exemplified excellence, innovation, and ambition across various categories. This year’s lineup is nothing short of impressive, with a diverse range of companies and individuals making their mark.

1. Kollektive: Thriving in Small Team Culture
   Kollektive isn’t just content with being recognised in one category; they’re making waves across the board. Nominated in the Small Team Culture category, they’ve also left their mark in the Operators and Excellence tracks. Kollektive is a testament to the power of a tight-knit team and a culture that breeds success.
2. Origin Energy: Leading the Charge in Going Green
   Origin Energy isn’t just nominated once; they’re a force to be reckoned with in multiple categories. They lead the charge in the Going Green category, showing their commitment to sustainability. But that’s not all – they’re also nominated in the Growth, Good, and Operators tracks, proving that innovation and environmental consciousness go hand in hand.
3. Upstock: Shining Bright and Company of the Year Contender
   Upstock is another standout finalist, making waves in the Growth, Culture, and Excellence tracks. But what’s even more impressive is their noteworthy mention for Company of the Year. This recognition speaks volumes about Upstock’s dedication to excellence and their potential to redefine success.
4. WeMoney: Strong Contender for Company of the Year
   WeMoney is not just another fintech company; they’re a strong contender for Company of the Year. With nominations in the Growth and Excellence tracks, they’ve demonstrated their ability to innovate in the financial sector and offer something truly exceptional to their customers.
5. Tanck: Versatile Strength in Culture and Good
   Tanck is all about versatility, showcasing their strength in the Culture, Good, and Excellence tracks. Notably recognised for Small Team Culture and B-Good categories, they’re a prime example of how innovation and a commitment to doing good can be done right.

The Awards Night – An Electrifying Celebration

The ultimate awards ceremony, presented by Blackmagic Design, is set to be an electrifying night of recognition and ecosystem networking. As we gather to celebrate the audacity, innovation, and boldness of these finalists, the event is also graciously sponsored by Zoho and Give a Grad a Go as Category sponsors.

The event will take place on December 4th, 2023, at the prestigious BOND Melbourne. Megan Flamer, Director of Innovation for the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, will be taking the stage as the MC to join George Hedon. It’s a night you won’t want to miss, filled with inspiration, networking opportunities, and, of course, the much-anticipated Walking-Dance for winners!

Redefining Success – The Pause Awards ’23

In the words of Founder and CEO, George Hedon, the Pause Awards are all about spotlighting those who don’t just chase success but redefine it. They carve out new vistas of what’s achievable, and this year’s finalists and winners are a testament to that spirit.

As we countdown to the Pause Awards Night ’23, we invite you to join us in celebrating these innovators who dare to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for an unforgettable night on December 4th, 2023, when Australia’s innovators take centre stage.

Innovation, ambition and excellence – that’s what the Pause Awards ’23 are all about. So mark your calendars and get ready to meet the future of Australian innovators in action on the dance floor!

Here is the list of all Pause Awards ‘23 Finalists:

CULTURE
Small team culture – Kollektive
Small team culture – Motor Culture Australia
Small team culture – Tanck
Work sweet work – Quad Lock
Work sweet work – ServiceRocket
Work sweet work – Upstock

EXCELLENCE
Company of the Year – WeMoney
Company of the Year – Arriba Group
Company of the Year – Birchal
Company of the Year – Kollektive
Company of the Year – Upstock
Defiant ones – Tixel
Defiant ones – WeMoney
Defiant ones – Arriba Group
Defiant ones – FCX
Hammer – Birchal
Hammer – Macro Mike
Hammer – CorePlan
Hammer – inke packaging
Hammer – Kollektive
Hammer – Tanck
Hammer – TP24
Hammer – WeMoney
I wish I’d done that – Macro Mike
I wish I’d done that – LongView
I wish I’d done that – Wisr
On the rise – Tanck
On the rise – bobby
On the rise – Upstock
Prodigy – Pretzel Australia
Women in business – Chau Le, General Manager, eMobility, Origin Energy
Women in business – Marcella Romero, CEO, Arriba Group
Women in business – Melinda Farley, Founder and Managing Director, Kollektive
Women in business – Brittany Garbutt, Owner and Director, Pretzel Australia
Women in business – Liza Zhang, Director, Chat Well Allied Health

GOOD
B-Good Music – Health
B-Good – Tanck
Circular Pioneer – ReSource
Circular Pioneer – Music Health
Going green – Origin Energy
Going green – Wevolt

GROWTH
Design first – inke packaging
Design first – Upstock
Great pivot – InvestorHub
Great pivot – LongView
Movement (new) – Quad Lock
New model (new) – Origin Energy
New model (new) – LunchFox
Pioneer (new) – Origin Energy
Wildfire – WeMoney
Wildfire – bobby
You’ve got ethics – Ethical Property Investments

OPERATORS
C-Suite – Chau Le, General Manager, eMobility, Origin Energy
Down under (new) – Upstock
Ecosystem star – Paz Pisarski, Co-Founder, The Community Collective
Ecosystem star – Dickie Currer, Head of Partnerships and New Markets, Startup Network
Ecosystem star – Michelle Mannering, Developer Advocate, GitHub
Future builder – Jasmine Batra, Managing Director, Arrow Digital
Future builder – Melinda Farley, Founder and Managing Director, Kollektive
Future builder – Paz Pisarski, Co-Founder, The Community Collective
Out of the garage – Kollektive
Out of the garage – WithYouWithMe
TopCoder (new) – Mel Stubbings