Arrow

Discover trailblazing Finalists of Pause Awards 2024 in Australia

28 October, 2024
Discover trailblazing Finalists of Pause Awards 2024 in Australia | News | Pause Awards
Ann Nounce profile pic
Ann Nounce
28 October, 2024
Share

Pause Awards has unveiled its 79 trailblazing finalists for the 7th annual Pause Awards 2024. 

The event continues to celebrate the boldest breakthroughs and entrepreneurial spirit across Australia, with winners to be announced at a glamorous event in Melbourne’s Club Pandora on December 2.

Quick Facts:

  • 79 finalists announced across tech, health, and real estate sectors
  • 44% of finalists are from VIC, 38% from NSW, and 10% from QLD
  • Average funding per finalist: $8.4M
  • Gender split: 58% male, 42% female
  • Average age of founders: 39

“These finalists are proving their resilience in an era marked by economic challenges and the rise of AI,” states George Hedon, Founder & CEO of Pause Awards. “Despite a 53.3% dip in funding, we’ve seen a 12% increase in applications from female founders. It’s clear that these businesses are breaking through, demonstrating their capacity to innovate and adapt.”

A Spotlight on Disruption and Innovation

The 2024 awards focus on disruptive ideas and innovations that challenge norms and exceed expectations. Categories like Defiant Ones, Customer Obsessed, and I Wish I’d Done That showcase the shift toward customer-centric and impact-driven business models. The Women in Business and On the Rise categories highlight the growing influence of female entrepreneurs and emerging leaders within Australia’s thriving startup landscape.

This year’s entrants demonstrate the growing momentum in Australia’s innovation sector, particularly within technology, health, and real estate. The competition has attracted a diverse mix of industries, with the finalists showing average funding of $8.4 million and a gender split of 58% male to 42% female.

Sonia Clarke, Chair of the Judging Board and Principal of Clever Manka, commented on the quality of the entries: “The calibre of applicants this year was exceptional, and the winners were especially challenging to select. The most impressive entries solved genuine problems creatively and made a measurable impact. Some of this year’s winners are on a path to becoming household names.”

Goldee
Goldee

Industry Trends and New Talent

A major trend among this year’s finalists is the shift towards tech-driven and sustainable solutions. Emerging ventures like Atticus, Applied EV, and Goldee are setting new benchmarks for innovation, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on environmental sustainability and tech advancement. In contrast to last year’s established finalists, such as Quad Lock and WeMoney, 2024 emphasises fresh talent that is poised to redefine industry standards.

The People’s Choice Awards

This year’s People’s Choice categories, decided through public voting, recognised standout achievements in the Angel and Best Overall Entry categories. Build Buddy won the Angel category, while Bill Fairies claimed the coveted I Wish I’d Done That award, reflecting the dynamic nature and creativity of Australia’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Melbourne’s Premier Awards Night

On December 2, Pause Awards will transform Club Pandora into a hub of innovation and celebration. The night promises a dynamic mix of networking opportunities, a cabaret performance, and an 80s disco set by the DJ, ensuring a night of fun, inspiration, and community. Finalists, judges, and tech leaders will gather for a memorable evening featuring canapés, bottomless drinks, and a media wall for the perfect photo op.

Dom Pym, Co-Founder of UP Bank, emphasised the event’s unique networking value: “The connections you make here often evolve into future collaborations, friendships, and partnerships.” Philip Fierlinger, Co-CEO of Upstock, added, “You have to experience it to understand the energy and opportunities that Pause Awards create.”

2024 Awards: A Night Not to Miss

With Chanie Hyde, Chief Ramplifier at Rampersand, as this year’s MC, attendees can expect an evening full of surprises and spontaneity. Key sponsor WeMoney and broadcast partner Ticker News add to the event’s prestige, underscoring its reputation as a must-attend for anyone in Australia’s startup ecosystem.

For those looking to join Australia’s visionary leaders and breakthrough entrepreneurs for a night of celebration, inspiration, and connection, tickets are now available via Luma.

Full List of Finalists:

  • 1Breadcrumb – On the Rise
  • AECO Energy – Going Green
  • Applied EV – Going Green, Defiant Ones, Going Global (new), Collab (new), New Model
  • Atelier – New Model
  • Atticus – Small & Mighty Culture (new), Customer Obsessed (new), Going Global (new)
  • Bare – Customer Obsessed (new)
  • Bill Fairies – Collab (new), On the Rise, I Wish I’d Done That
  • Caring Lotus – On the Rise
  • Classe365 – Going Global (new)
  • Driveschool Enterprises – Defiant Ones, Singularity
  • East Brunswick Village / Banco Group – B-Good
  • EnergyFlex – I Wish I’d Done That, Going Green, Defiant Ones
  • Ethical Property Investments – B-Good
  • Evan Buist — Creative Maverick (new)
  • Galilee Group – Defiant Ones
  • Goldee – Singularity (Design First)
  • Goodbye Gas – On the Rise
  • Greener – Going Green, I Wish I’d Done That, On the Rise, Defiant Ones
  • Health Focus Manufacturers – Ethical Leadership (new)
  • Heatseeker – I Wish I’d Done That, Company of the Year, On the Rise, Pioneer
  • Kismet – On the Rise, I Wish I’d Done That, Defiant Ones
  • Lisa Skaife — Creative Maverick (new)
  • Matthew Blode — Prodigy
  • Managed – I Wish I’d Done That
  • Melodie – I Wish I’d Done That, Circular Pioneer, Hammer, Small & Mighty Culture (new), Defiant Ones
  • memobottle – I Wish I’d Done That
  • Mentwell – On the Rise
  • NightCafe Studio – Singularity, Going Global (new)
  • Oliver Hoffman — Prodigy
  • Open – Defiant Ones, Wildfire, Collab (new), Design First, Next Level (new)
  • Paz Pisarski – Ecosystem Star
  • Peeplcoach – Hammer, I Wish I’d Done That
  • Positive Good – Company of the Year, B-Good
  • Seedling Giving – B-Good
  • Social Change Central – B-Good
  • Sophie Walker – Women in Business
  • Spoony – Customer Obsessed (new)
  • Taskforce Australia – Customer Obsessed (new), Defiant Ones, New Model
  • Teamified – Hammer, On the Rise
  • Time Under Tension – Company of the Year, New Model, Singularity, I Wish I’d Done That
  • Verity Tuck — Women in Business
  • ZEEP – Hammer, Small & Mighty Culture (new)

For more information and ticket details, visit Luma.


Get your ticket to electric Pause Awards Night 2024 & Afterparty
Pause Awards 2023
Ticker news is coming to Pause Awards Night 2024
Ticker News
Pause Awards Night: the community of champs
Pause Awards Night

Related posts


See who won in 2023


Read more

Category tracks



The Culture track seeks entries that exemplify the development of an inclusive and collaborative workplace culture, crucial for organisational success and growth. Submissions should illustrate transformative strategies implemented across core business functions, reflecting expertise, leadership, and a clear vision. These strategies should demonstrate a positive impact on the business, its employees, stakeholders, and customers, showcasing how a nurturing culture contributes to overall growth and innovation.

The Excellence track celebrates businesses that have demonstrated remarkable success and impact within their industry, regardless of their size. Entries for this category should illustrate how the business's strategic execution, guided by visionary leadership and exceptional expertise, has significantly influenced the industry. The focus will be on the tangible outcomes of these strategies, highlighting the company's ability to innovate, lead, and leave a lasting impression in its field.

The Good track is focused on recognising companies dedicated to their mission of creating a positive societal impact. Entries should highlight innovative solutions aimed at addressing global challenges such as environmental sustainability, social equity, and community well-being. Successful submissions will demonstrate how their initiatives contribute to significant changes, tackling issues like gender inequality, social imbalance, and injustice, thereby setting a precedent for responsible and impactful business practices.

Awarded to a single entry in a category, Grand Prix is the top accolade in that category. To win the Grand Prix, the entire Judging Board must unanimously agree that the entry deserves the accolade of being the best in that category.

The Growth track is about showcasing how businesses have enhanced productivity and execution to make a significant impact in their market. Entries should highlight innovative strategies that have optimised the customer journey, leading to increased engagement and commercial success. This track is for those who have effectively used their understanding of the market and customer needs to scale their business and achieve notable growth.

The Operators track seeks entries that showcase leadership in fostering innovation within their ecosystems. Ideal submissions will highlight how your initiatives have catalysed the creation of new products or services, bolstered by a culture that uplifts internal teams and the wider community. This track celebrates those who drive progress by empowering voices and forging transformative connections in their industry.


Categories


  • Always Evolving New

    Acknowledges a culture of continuous learning and improvement within a company, encourages employee development, and always looks for ways to optimise and innovate operations.


  • Big & Mighty Culture New

    Recognises companies (51-1000 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.


  • Diverse Co.

    Celebrates workplaces dedicated to fostering innovation through a vibrant tapestry of diverse talents and perspectives.


  • Small & Mighty Culture New

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 50 employees for their remarkable ability to foster innovation and set new benchmarks in their domain.


  • Work Sweet Work

    Acknowledges companies that have achieved extraordinary employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention, creating an exemplary workplace culture.


  • Company of the Year

    Honours an outstanding company that not only showcases exemplary leadership and resilience but also demonstrates a clear, quantifiable impact over the past year.


  • Customer Obsessed New

    Applauds prioritisation, understanding and meeting the needs and expectations of their customers, including feedback, personalised services and ensuring high satisfaction.


  • Defiant Ones

    Recognises firms that lead technological innovation, setting new standards and defining the future of their industries.


  • Hammer

    Celebrates companies that have not only defined success on their own terms but have also concretely demonstrated their triumphs over the past year.


  • I Wish I'd Done That

    Applauds ingenious, simple solutions in niche markets that spark a universal sentiment of admiration.


  • On the Rise

    Celebrates early-stage startups, under 4 years, that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.


  • Prodigy

    Recognises young visionaries under 30 with outstanding talents and achievements, setting them apart in their fields.


  • Singularity

    Highlights AI-driven companies that are pioneering new services or integrating AI to create innovative products.


  • Women in Business

    Celebrates female entrepreneurs and leaders who are forging paths for future generations by creating more equitable opportunities.


  • B-Good

    Recognises businesses that redefine commercial success by positively transforming our economic system for the benefit of all stakeholders.


  • Circular Pioneer

    Celebrates companies at the forefront of circular economy practices, making substantial and sustainable differences.


  • Ethical Leadership New

    Commends companies exemplifying leadership in environmental and social governance, setting standards in corporate responsibility and ethical practices.


  • Going Green

    Acknowledges companies leading large-scale sustainable initiatives, addressing critical areas like clean energy and environmental justice.


  • Collab New

    Honours strategic partnerships and alliances with other businesses to leverage complementary strengths, access new markets, and share resources for synergistic growth and innovation.


  • Design First

    Celebrates companies where design is the heartbeat of innovation, engaging the whole team in crafting groundbreaking products.


  • Going Global New

    Applauds companies that have expanded their reach globally, showcasing exceptional growth and international success.


  • Great Pivot

    Acknowledges companies that adeptly navigate change, leveraging insights to pivot towards delivering outstanding products.


  • Movement

    Recognises unforgettable event experiences that resonate emotionally, drive social change, or achieve viral status.


  • New Model

    Honours businesses revolutionising markets with elegant and disruptive business models.


  • Next Level New

    Applauds companies which had successful strategic acquisition and integration of another entity, staff or an asset that allowed them to further grow and scale their services.


  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, online and offline, setting new standards for success.


  • Angel

    Honours visionary angel investors who've significantly contributed to early-stage startups, guiding them toward success.


  • C-Suite

    Recognises exceptional leadership qualities in high-ranking executives, showcasing their management and interpersonal excellence.


  • Creative Maverick New

    Honours unconventional thinkers with exceptional abilities to execute typically unimaginable initiatives, expertly coordinate teams, secure funding or successfully launch multiple ventures.


  • Ecosystem Star

    Celebrates individuals who energise and nurture their communities, fostering engagement and advocacy.


  • Future Builder

    Recognises the determination and resilience of founders who've embarked on the challenging journey of starting their own ventures.


  • Quiet Achiever New

    Applauds the unsung heroes whose behind-the-scenes efforts have led to flawless project executions and exceeded expectations.


  • Splash Down Under New

    Acknowledges international companies making a noteworthy entrance into the Australian market, enriching the local business ecosystem.


  • TopCoder

    Recognises developers for their outstanding technical skills, clean code, and collaborative spirit.


  • Venture Cap

    Salutes venture capital firms with a track record of backing transformative businesses, contributing significantly to Australia's economic growth.


  • Visionary New

    Recognises effective leadership by setting a clear vision, motivating the team, and making strategic decisions that guide their business towards its goals.

Pause Awards Night & Afterparty is in:
00d : 00h : 00m : 00s
Get tickets