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Pause Awards grows to $412 Billion ecosystem

17 May, 2023
Pause Awards grows to $412 Billion ecosystem | News | Pause Awards
George Hedon, founder and CEO, Pause Fest & Awards
George Hedon
17 May, 2023
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Pause Awards 2023 launches with Investable Score™, new award levels, and 11 fresh categories. Recognising Australia’s dynamic business scene, Pause Awards now represents a $412 billion ecosystem.

Pause Awards has completed yet another successful year, shining a spotlight on innovation, creativity and resilience across various industries. In 2022, the average founder age of just 29 years and a gender split of 55.7% male to 43.9% female participants, the awards have showcased diversity and young entrepreneurial spirit, with Verve Super being the best in show.

The freshly enhanced program features two new levels of awards: Champion and Diamond, expanding the range to a total of seven levels. This development is complemented by the introduction of the Investable Score™, a new judging criterion with up to a $10M evaluation.

Also introducing an elite Ambassadors, the global pioneers of tech and innovation landscape, starting with Paul Bassett, Co-founder of SEEK and Squarepeg Capital. Awards look forward to welcoming over 60 senior industry experts judges from the likes of Mastercard, Airtasker, Google, Medibank, DEPT®, AWS, Bookings.com, Microsoft, Birchal and more in 2023.

“”Our goal has always been to reflect the diversity and dynamism of Australian businesses. With these enhancements, we’re excited to provide a platform that truly represents the breadth and depth of talent in our business community.”

George Hedon, Founder, Pause Awards

The five industries that dominated the awards last year were Web and Internet, Financial Services, Marketing and Advertising, Education, and Health and Consumer Goods. The awards witnessed a broad geographic representation, with 59% of the awards going to Victorian entities, followed by 15% in NSW and 11% in QLD.

“The Pause Awards are a wonderful opportunity to recognise, assist and learn from Australia’s most innovative and forward-looking businesses. The creativity, ideas and energy motivates me to get involved, help and advocate the great work each of the nominees are doing!”

Eneko Bilbao, Principal Solution Architect, Amazon Web Services

This year we’re introducing 11 new categories for import, athletes, Ai, wellness, social good influencers and Growth Hacker. The top five categories celebrated in 2022 were Defiant Ones, I Wish I’d Done That, Hammer, Wildfire and Company of the Year, and Women in Business.

Pause Awards has proven to be a genuine testament to the strength and vitality of the Australian startup ecosystem, with winners representing companies with a total worth of $10 billion, partnered firms representing $112 billion, and the illustrious panel of judges representing a staggering $290 billion net worth of the ecosystem.

We look forward to the continued growth and success of Pause Awards this year and for everyone interested can click here to enter.

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Pause index

Champion
Kollektiv

Kollektive

Out Of The Garage, Small Team Culture
Airtree Ventures

AirTree Ventures

Venture Cap

Wisr

Diverse Co., Work Sweet Work

inke Packaging

Design First
The Peers Project | Pause Awards Winner

Michelle Akhidenor

Prodigy

Angela Harbinson

Women In Business
Grand Prix
Ovira | Pause Awards Winner

Ovira

Out Of The Garage, I Wish I'd Done That, Hammer

Michelle Duke

Angel, Super Connector
Champion
Brittany Garbutt

Brittany Garbutt

Women In Business
Champion
Origin Energy

Origin Energy

Going Green, New Model
Carers Couch | Pause Awards Winner

Carers Couch

B-Good
Gilbert Guaring, Pause Awards Judge

Gilbert Guaring

Do You Know Who I Am
View all

See who won in 2023

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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.

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