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InvestorHub

InvestorHub’s Breakthrough Moment

Meet InvestorHub, founded by Rhys Davies and Ben Williamson, the Pause Awards 2023 winner in ‘Great pivot’ category for which...

28 March, 2024
Kollektive

Kollektive’s Breakthrough Moment

Meet Kollektive, founded by Melinda Farley, the Pause Awards 2023 winner in multiple categories Out of garage, Woman in business...

26 March, 2024
Wrap Fight

Fight Club and Zombie VCs

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

25 March, 2024
WeMoney

WeMoney’s breakthrough moment

Meet WeMoney, founded by Dan Jovevski, the Pause Awards 2023 winner in ‘Wildfire’ category and the first Diamond, the best-in-show!...

20 March, 2024
Addressing Gender Gap

Addressing gender inequality with 21.7% discount for female-led companies

In an era where the pursuit of equality in the workplace is more vital than ever, the Pause Awards takes...

8 March, 2024
Entertainment Brands

How Entertainment Brands are winning hearts and minds

In the ever-evolving landscape of brand marketing, a new breed of trailblazers is emerging, redefining engagement through the art of...

5 March, 2024
Wrap 2023

2023 packed a punch

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

17 January, 2024
M&A green shoots & scandal central

M&A green shoots & scandal central

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

10 November, 2023
David Droga at SXSW Sydney

Can optimism and curiosity win the battle with Ai

Plunge into the world of tech-powered creativity with David Droga, CEO at Accenture Song, as he shares his insights on...

20 October, 2023
Pause Awards at SXSW Sydney

Looking at 100 years from now in Solar, EVs and MedTech

Discover the insights from a panel discussion at SXSW Sydney featuring Slava Kozlovskii (Founder and CEO of evee), Professor Renate...

20 October, 2023
VC 2050

What does the Australia’s VC landscape look like in 2050

Explore the evolution and future trajectory of Australia’s venture capital scene through the insights of industry leaders, discussing challenges, diversity,...

19 October, 2023
100

Always be closing & IPO, no?

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

24 September, 2023
Building Culture

How to build a company culture in dynamic market

Glean insights from top industry leaders as they dissect the intricacies of building a resilient company culture in today’s dynamic...

8 September, 2023
Oppenheimer vs Startup

The valuable startup lessons hidden in the film Oppenheimer

I drew the uncanny parallels between the film ‘Oppenheimer’ and the journey of a startup. Let’s dive into the lessons,...

7 September, 2023
Compass map Australia

How Pause Awards can put your brand on the map

Discover the unmatched influence of Pause Awards in bolstering brand reputation and how it serves as a reality-check for businesses...

30 August, 2023
Wrap 99

I got 99 problems

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

26 August, 2023
How to grow an idea

How to grow an idea into a great product

Discover the secrets of product design, the art of feedback and the nuances of customer adoption. In the third edition...

11 August, 2023
Storytelling and trust

Good storytelling and trust will fuel startup and brand growth

Discover how storytelling, trust, and strategic pricing play pivotal roles in startup growth, get an overview of the fundraising environment...

4 August, 2023
Digital Marketing trends

Lean into digital marketing trends now and in 2024

From cultivating superfans to integrating AI, explore how brands can cut through the noise, build communities, and stay famous in...

28 July, 2023
DJ Equipment

Hit it, DJ! and other local newsings

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

24 July, 2023
Verve Super | Pause Awards Winner

Female-led ethical fintech Verve raises $3M for Verve Money

Verve, a multi-award-winning, female-focused fintech, just wrapped up a $3M pre-Series A funding round. Empowering women’s finances has never been...

21 July, 2023

How to better tune into your success journey

Dive into the essence of true success. This journey doesn’t end with achievements alone, but it’s an everlasting pursuit of...

21 July, 2023
Pause Fest 2020

Pause Fest’s BREAK–THROUGH SESSIONS will keep you scaling

Join the Pause Fest BREAK-THROUGH SESSIONS for an online growth festival like no other! Explore the latest in digital marketing,...

12 July, 2023

How to choose the right awards for your business

Learn how to pick genuine awards that truly recognise your accomplishments. Discover the importance of authenticity, key aspects to look...

5 July, 2023
BODD Technologies

Mapping the future of fit and function

Dive into the journey of Bodd Technologies, the innovative company revolutionising the fit and wellness industry. Learn about their growth,...

23 June, 2023
Midnight Health

Midnight Health secures $24 million funding boost

Digital health provider Midnight Health announced today that it secured $24 million in Series B funding from nib holdings limited...

21 June, 2023
Championing breakthrough

Championing breakthroughs in today’s business world

Discover the transformative journey of the Pause Awards, a unique business accolade that propels Australian innovation to the global stage....

21 June, 2023
Sam Altman OpenAi

OpenAI’s Sam Altman says hai

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

19 June, 2023
Pause Awards grows to $412 Billion ecosystem of participants

Pause Awards grows to $412 Billion ecosystem

Pause Awards 2023 launches with Investable Score™, new award levels, and 11 fresh categories. Recognising Australia’s dynamic business scene, Pause...

17 May, 2023
Personality test

Tap into your inner powerhouse

Have you ever wondered what’s holding you back from achieving your full potential? Maybe you feel like you’re not making...

5 May, 2023
Mercedes F1 Petronas

Life in the fast (tech) lane

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

24 April, 2023
evee — Pause Awards 2022

evee rides the electric wave

Discover how evee, an Australian EV rental platform, secured a whopping $1.6 million in equity crowdfunding and plans to ride...

18 April, 2023
Circle In — Pause Awards 2022

Big win for the female-led business Circle In, lands $2 Million 

Circle In, an employee support platform, has landed $2 million in funding to expand its services beyond working parents, improving...

14 April, 2023
Aesop

Designing global empires:
How local brands can conquer the world

Discover how Melbourne brands like Aesop, JULY, Memo Bottle, ThankYou, Blackmagic Design, Quad Lock and Bellroy are transforming the global...

10 April, 2023
Nic Blair, Midnight Health

A passionate pursuit for Healthcare reinvention

Explore the fascinating world of Midnight Health as Nic Blair, Founder and CEO, shares his captivating experiences and invaluable wisdom...

4 April, 2023
Louise Fisher, LunchFox

A journey to revolutionising healthy school lunches

An in-depth conversation with the inspiring entrepreneur behind the award-winning HealthTech startup LunchFox. After winning the coveted ‘I Wish I’d...

28 March, 2023
SVB

Panic! at the SVB & metrics that matter

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

16 March, 2023
Australian startup funding

Startup funding in decline, but early-stage hits peak in Aus

Early-stage funding reached record levels with a growing number of founders backed in 2022. The Pre-Seed and Seed stages proved...

10 February, 2023
wrapped 2022

How it started; How it’s going 2022

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

17 December, 2022
Breakfast with Champions AWS Startups

Learning from mistakes and how to tackle the upcoming headwind

We know that mistakes propel us forward, but how do we make them recognize them and learn from them ss...

14 December, 2022
Sunrise Conference

Rise and Demise

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

28 November, 2022
Judge Sessions with LongView, Fullstack and Art Processors

Judge Sessions with LongView, Fullstack and Art Processors

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspiration...

20 October, 2022
Canva, Ignition Lane Wrap

Cash to splash & other VC news

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

2 October, 2022
Judge Sessions with Wavia, SEIKK and MedTech Actuator

Judge Sessions with Wavia, SEIKK and MedTech Actuator

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspiration...

26 September, 2022
Pause Awards packaging and trophies

Pause Awards Wins Australia’s International Good Design Awards for Design Excellence

Pause Awards received a prestigious Good Design Award Winner Accolade in the Communication Design category in recognition for outstanding design...

19 September, 2022
Judges, Synergy Group, AOK Creative and i4 Connect

Judge Sessions with Synergy Group, AOK Creative and i4 Connect

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspiration...

16 September, 2022
Matt Vitale, Co-Founder Birchal

A word with Birchal’s Co-Founder – Matt Vitale

We’re less than 3 months away from our Awards Night. The nominations are pouring in, the judges are getting ready...

6 September, 2022
Peter Brennan, Heaps Norman and Analogue Digital

A word with Heaps Normal’s Head of Brand – Peter Brennan

By now you must be well versed with our community of champions and our commitment towards them. So in the...

9 August, 2022
Starward whiskey, award winner San Francisco

Venture snapshot: down but not out

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

26 July, 2022
Birchal founders, party, equity crowd sourcing

Best equity crowdfunding year in Australia – $86m!

Aussie equity crowdfunding has hit a new high, with $86 million raised from more than 43,000 investments in FY22 making...

22 July, 2022
Canva, Sydney, Ecosystem, growth, startup, founders

Startup Genome ecosystem report 2022 review

Startup Genome is the world-leading policy advisory and research organisation for public and private organisations committed to accelerating the success...

10 July, 2022
newsroom, news, ecosystem, founder stories, insights, advice, product, growth, learnings

We’re giving a voice to our community with a stylish newsroom design

Pause Awards isn’t a single night or week of celebration. It’s a perennial reminder to uplift and highlight the ongoing...

10 July, 2022
GO1, unicorn, education

M&A on the rise & the EV SPAC demise

Welcome to Ignition Lane’s Wrap, where they cut through the noise to bring you their favourite insights from the technology...

29 June, 2022
George Hedon, Founder & CEO, Pause Awards

Our new vision:
The home for champions

You’ve seen the new website. You’ve heard how it was built. Now, it’s time to get down to the intent...

27 June, 2022
Haley Worley, Founder of The Sheet Society, winner Pause Awards 2021

The Sheet Society
– Success Stories

In the last 5 years, product innovation has transformed dramatically. Not only has it changed where shoppers spend their time...

17 June, 2022
Josh Howard | Pause Awards Judge

Single Use Ain’t Sexy
– Success Stories

According to WWF Australia, on average, Australians use 130kg of plastic per person each year. Less than 12% of that...

1 June, 2022

Afterpay
– Success Stories

Launched in 2015 in Sydney, Afterpay has revolutionised the way shoppers purchase products.Deeming itself as ‘financial wellness’ in the present...

24 May, 2022

Get to know:
Will Hayward – Judge

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspirations...

17 August, 2021

Get to know:
Jamie Finnegan – Judge

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspirations...

18 July, 2021

Get to know:
Melanie Rayment – Judge

Welcome to the Pause Awards show, where we invite past winners and future judges to talk about their journeys, inspirations...

24 June, 2021

Past winners:
where are they now?

Here is a short timeline of successful past Pause Awards winners who are still making waves in the ecosystem.  These...

24 June, 2021

See who won Pause Awards '23

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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

  • Diverse Co.

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

  • Large team culture

    Honours organisations with 1000+ employees that lead the way in nurturing a dynamic and innovative work environment.

  • Medium team culture

    Recognises mid-sized companies (21-999 employees) for their exceptional efforts in cultivating a culture that champions innovation.

  • Small team culture

    Applauds small teams of fewer than 20 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

    Celebrating a standout company known for exemplary leadership, resilience, and strategic vision, underpinned by robust plans for future growth.

  • Defiant ones

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

  • Hammer

    Acknowledging companies that have carved their success path in the market, defining success on their own terms.

  • I wish I'd done that

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

  • On the rise

    Celebrating early-stage startups that have shown remarkable progress and success in their initial years.

  • Prodigy

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

  • Singularity

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

  • Women in business

    Celebrating 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.

  • Going green

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

  • You've got ethics

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

  • Design first

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

  • 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.

  • Out of the garage

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

  • Wildfire

    Celebrates companies that have rapidly and significantly impacted their marketplace, 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.

  • Down under

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

  • 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.

  • Silent achiever

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

  • 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.

  • Champion

    Awarded to a single entry in all five Category Track, Champion is the top accolade from all categories in that track. To win the Champion, you need to be at Grand Prix level or score the most points.

  • Diamond

    Awarded to a best-in-show, Diamond is the highest accolade at Pause Awards. To win the Diamond, you need to be one of the five Champion winners.

  • Grand Prix

    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.

Pause Awards launch on 15 May 2024!
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