The Smart50 Awards

Click here for Smart50 Awards 2023

Since 2007, the Smart50 Awards have delivered national recognition to the fastest growing businesses across Australia.

For the Smart50 Awards 2022, we partnered with Employment Hero to announce:

The Smart50 List which recognises the fastest growing SMEs in Australia; and

The Smart50 award categories which celebrate specific business achievements.

 

See 2022 Smart50 List

2022 Smart50 List

July founders
July
01
July
REVENUE: $21 million
GROWTH: 640%
FOUNDER: Athan Didaskalou, 37; Richard Li, 34
HEAD OFFICE: Collingwood, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 23
INDUSTRY: Travel
Learn more
Ofload
02
Ofload
REVENUE: $25.25 million
GROWTH: 397%
FOUNDER: Geoffroy Henry, 32
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2020
EMPLOYEES: 120
INDUSTRY: Transportation and logistics
Learn more
Untitled Group
03
Untitled Group
REVENUE: $30.96 million
GROWTH: 363%
FOUNDER: Michael Christidis, 29; Nicholas Greco, 31; Filippo Palermo, 29; Christian Serrao, 30
HEAD OFFICE: Cremorne, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
EMPLOYEES: 51
INDUSTRY: Media and entertainment
Learn more
Mad Paws
04
Mad Paws
REVENUE: $10.03 million
GROWTH: 251%
FOUNDER: Alexis Soulopoulos, 32; Justus Hammer, 44; Jan Pacas, 47
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2015
EMPLOYEES: 75
INDUSTRY: Consumer goods
Learn more
Quantaco
05
Quantaco
REVENUE: $18.97 million
GROWTH: 202%
FOUNDER: Anthony Sullivan, 46
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
EMPLOYEES: 100
INDUSTRY: Financial services
Learn more
Henderson Healthcare
06
Henderson Healthcare
REVENUE: $40.09 million
GROWTH: 172%
FOUNDER: Melissa Henderson, 40
HEAD OFFICE: East Victoria Park, WA
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
EMPLOYEES: 22
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
InstantScripts
07
InstantScripts
REVENUE: $16.32 million
GROWTH: 128%
FOUNDER: Dr Asher Freilich, 42; Maxim Shklyar, 46
HEAD OFFICE: Melbourne, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 35
INDUSTRY: Healthcare
Learn more
Wisr
08
Wisr
REVENUE: $59.39 million
GROWTH: 118%
FOUNDER: Anthony Nantes, 43
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 162
INDUSTRY: Financial services
Learn more
Tradiespec
09
Tradiespec
REVENUE: $3.09 million
GROWTH: 115%
FOUNDER: Tim Cullen, 30; Matt Deeks, 35
HEAD OFFICE: Peakhurst, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2019
EMPLOYEES: 11
INDUSTRY: Automotive
Learn more
Muval
10
Muval
REVENUE: $18.93 million
GROWTH: 112%
FOUNDER: James Morrell, 33; Mahdi Chardi, 38
HEAD OFFICE: Newstead, QLD
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 42
INDUSTRY: Transportation and logistics
Learn more
Bi3 Technologies
11
Bi3 Technologies
REVENUE: $4.87 million
GROWTH: 110%
FOUNDER: Shahnewaz Khan, 40; Rodney Agassi, 42; Thiru Ps, 39; Michael Tanuhardja, 42
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 75
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
Arrow Digital
12
Arrow Digital
REVENUE: $829,000
GROWTH: 94%
FOUNDER: Jasmine Batra, 50
HEAD OFFICE: Melbourne, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2007
EMPLOYEES: 15
INDUSTRY: Marketing and advertising
Learn more
Hero Packaging
13
Hero Packaging
REVENUE: $4.69 million
GROWTH: 92%
FOUNDER: Anaita Sarkar, 34; Vik Davé, 37
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 11
INDUSTRY: Retail
Learn more
OtherBirds
14
OtherBirds
REVENUE: $4.71 million
GROWTH: 88%
FOUNDER: Daniel Copsey, 41; Alex Roberts, 38; Ben Hollands, 44
HEAD OFFICE: Port Melbourne, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
EMPLOYEES: 143
INDUSTRY: Marketing and advertising
Learn more
Megaphone
15
Megaphone
REVENUE: $16.74 million
GROWTH: 88%
FOUNDER: Max Hertan, 33; Lauren Oakes, 31.
HEAD OFFICE: Richmond, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2013
EMPLOYEES: 125
INDUSTRY: Marketing and advertising
Learn more
TechForce Services
16
TechForce Services
REVENUE: $8.23 million
GROWTH: 83%
FOUNDER: Vamsi Gosu, 44
HEAD OFFICE: North Strathfield, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2015
EMPLOYEES: 80
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
Shine Drink
17
Shine Drink
REVENUE: $6.54 million
GROWTH: 68%
FOUNDER: Steve Chapman, 30; Sam Prince, 38
HEAD OFFICE: Manly, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2016
EMPLOYEES: 10
INDUSTRY: Consumer goods
Learn more
Scratch
18
Scratch
REVENUE: $8.04m
GROWTH: 65%
FOUNDER: Mike Halligan, 34; Doug Spiegelhauer, 40
HEAD OFFICE: Collingwood, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 9
INDUSTRY: Consumer goods
Learn more
Buttoned Up Events
19
Buttoned Up Events
REVENUE: $3.05 million
GROWTH: 64%
FOUNDER: Julian Haines
HEAD OFFICE: Fitzroy, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2016
EMPLOYEES: 8
INDUSTRY: Other
Learn more
Elite Eleven Sporting
20
Elite Eleven Sporting
REVENUE: $20.86 million
GROWTH: 62%
FOUNDER: Benn Martiniello, 27; Lisandro Paz, 27
HEAD OFFICE: Tullamarine, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2014
EMPLOYEES: 50+
INDUSTRY: Retail
Learn more
Spinifex Energy
21
Spinifex Energy
REVENUE: $1.95 million
GROWTH: 60%
FOUNDER: Tom Warriner, 38
HEAD OFFICE: Milton, Queensland
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 2
INDUSTRY: Power and utilities
Learn more
Association of Professional Builders
22
Association of Professional Builders
REVENUE: $5.15 million
GROWTH: 59%
FOUNDER: Sky Stephens, 28; Russ Stephens, 58
HEAD OFFICE: Brisbane, Queensland
YEAR FOUNDED: 2014
EMPLOYEES: 17
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
Cube Online
23
Cube Online
REVENUE: $13.11 million
GROWTH: 57%
FOUNDER: Tony Van-Eyk, 34
HEAD OFFICE: Rosebery, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
EMPLOYEES: 100+
INDUSTRY: Software and internet
Learn more
Tank Stream Labs
24
Tank Stream Labs
REVENUE: $3.31 million
GROWTH: 56%
FOUNDER: Bradley Delamare, 38
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2012
EMPLOYEES: 7
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
Vollardian
25
Vollardian
REVENUE: $1.15 million
GROWTH: 53%
FOUNDER: Arani Satgunaseelan, 36; Bodine Jones, 43
HEAD OFFICE: Woolloomooloo, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
EMPLOYEES: 8
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
Infamous Swim
26
Infamous Swim
REVENUE: $7.44 million
GROWTH: 53%
FOUNDER: Gemma Crowe, 38
HEAD OFFICE: Nunawading, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 14
INDUSTRY: Retail
Learn more
Pop Education
27
Pop Education
REVENUE: $1.85 million
GROWTH: 51%
FOUNDER: Sarah Phillips, 34; Alex Phillips, 44
HEAD OFFICE: Golden Gully, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2016
EMPLOYEES: 11.5
INDUSTRY: Education
Learn more
Zoom2u Technologies
28
Zoom2u Technologies
REVENUE: $4.13 million
GROWTH: 47%
FOUNDER: Steve Orenstein, 42
HEAD OFFICE: Pyrmont, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2014
EMPLOYEES: 100
INDUSTRY: Transportation and logistics
Learn more
Code Like A Girl
29
Code Like A Girl
REVENUE: $819,000
GROWTH: 46%
FOUNDER: Ally Watson, 34
HEAD OFFICE: Cremorne, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
EMPLOYEES: 8
INDUSTRY: Education
Learn more
HardwareBox
30
HardwareBox
REVENUE: $2.58 million
GROWTH: 45%
FOUNDER: Andrew Gurney, 37
HEAD OFFICE: North Melbourne, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2015
EMPLOYEES: 2
INDUSTRY: Retail
Learn more
Fresho
31
Fresho
REVENUE: $N/A million
GROWTH: 45%
FOUNDER: Huw Birrell, 41; James Andronis, 43
HEAD OFFICE: Melbourne, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2016
EMPLOYEES: 62
INDUSTRY: Hospitality
Learn more
Signifi Media
32
Signifi Media
REVENUE: $10.51 million
GROWTH: 44%
FOUNDER: Matthew Cahill, 50; Nick Sertis, 46
HEAD OFFICE: Perth, WA
YEAR FOUNDED: 2015
EMPLOYEES: 20
INDUSTRY: Software and internet
Learn more
LiveTiles Global
33
LiveTiles Global
REVENUE: $53 million
GROWTH: 43%
FOUNDER: Karl Redenbach, 46; Peter Nguyen-Brown, 45
HEAD OFFICE: South Yarra, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2014
EMPLOYEES: 138
INDUSTRY: Computers and electronics
Learn more
ShopGrok
34
ShopGrok
REVENUE: $1.65 million
GROWTH: 39%
FOUNDER: Aaron Cowper, 38
HEAD OFFICE: Chippendale, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2018
EMPLOYEES: 11
INDUSTRY: Software and internet
Learn more
Bon Maxie
35
Bon Maxie
REVENUE: $2.65 million
GROWTH: 37%
FOUNDER: Clare Spelta, 35
HEAD OFFICE: Brisbane, Queensland
YEAR FOUNDED: 2015
EMPLOYEES: 4
INDUSTRY: Retail
Learn more
Vivi
36
Vivi
REVENUE: $8.45 million
GROWTH: 37%
FOUNDER: Lior Rauchberger, 48
HEAD OFFICE: South Yarra, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2015
EMPLOYEES: 83
INDUSTRY: Education
Learn more
Acoustic Blinds and Curtains
37
Acoustic Blinds and Curtains
REVENUE: $2.31 million
GROWTH: 35%
FOUNDER: Cameron West, 34; Peter Watkins, 36; Richard Macalister, 72
HEAD OFFICE: Artamon, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2019
EMPLOYEES: 11
INDUSTRY: Consumer goods
Learn more
Honeycomb Strategy
38
Honeycomb Strategy
REVENUE: $2.69 million
GROWTH: 34%
FOUNDER: Renata Freund, 33
HEAD OFFICE: Cremorne, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2016
EMPLOYEES: 12
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
The Nudge Group
39
The Nudge Group
REVENUE: $2.63 million
GROWTH: 34%
FOUNDER: Steve Grace
HEAD OFFICE: Haymarket, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2019
EMPLOYEES: 14
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
LINK
40
LINK
REVENUE: $4.29 million
GROWTH: 31%
FOUNDER: James Webb, 36; Chris Tinta, 37; Hugh Dellit, 36; Brad Minhinnick, 32
HEAD OFFICE: Fortitude Valley, Queensland
YEAR FOUNDED: 2012
EMPLOYEES: 42
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
Causeis
41
Causeis
REVENUE: $2.59 million
GROWTH: 31%
FOUNDER: Michelle Lelempsis, 41; John Lelempsis, 41
HEAD OFFICE: Hamilton, Queensland
YEAR FOUNDED: 2010
EMPLOYEES: 16
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
Neolink
42
Neolink
REVENUE: $30.24 million
GROWTH: 29%
FOUNDER: Sean Crook, 35; Christopher Makhoul, 34
HEAD OFFICE: Banksmeadow, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2016
EMPLOYEES: 21
INDUSTRY: Transportation & Logistics
Learn more
Pendula
43
Pendula
REVENUE: $3.02 million
GROWTH: N/A
FOUNDER: Alex Colvin, 33
HEAD OFFICE: Surry Hills, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2017
EMPLOYEES: 33
INDUSTRY: Software and internet
Learn more
Ekam Global
44
Ekam Global
REVENUE: $2.34 million
GROWTH: 20%
FOUNDER: Raghveer Singh Badech, 42
HEAD OFFICE: Epping, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2016
EMPLOYEES: 3
INDUSTRY: Wholesale and distribution
Learn more
Quad Lock
45
Quad Lock
REVENUE: $106.15 million
GROWTH: 20%
FOUNDER: Chris Peters, 43; Rob Ward, 41
HEAD OFFICE: South Yarra, Victoria
YEAR FOUNDED: 2011
EMPLOYEES: 60
INDUSTRY: Consumer goods
Learn more
inke packaging
46
inke packaging
REVENUE: $3.60 million
GROWTH: 18%
FOUNDER: Jordan Shreeve, 26
HEAD OFFICE: Cremorne, VIC
YEAR FOUNDED: 2019
EMPLOYEES: 4
INDUSTRY: Software and internet
Learn more
hipages Group
47
hipages Group
REVENUE: $61.86 million
GROWTH: 11%
FOUNDER: Roby Sharon-Zipser, 46; David Vitek, 47
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2004
EMPLOYEES: 200
INDUSTRY: Software and internet
Learn more
Trikon
48
Trikon
REVENUE: $6.92 million
GROWTH: 6%
FOUNDER: Jigar Shah, 41; Hiral Shah, 39
HEAD OFFICE: Bella Vista, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 2007
EMPLOYEES: 150
INDUSTRY: Telecommunications
Learn more
RUBIX
49
RUBIX
REVENUE: $13.60 million
GROWTH: 4%
FOUNDER: Dylan Smith, 48
HEAD OFFICE: Melbourne, VIC
YEAR FOUNDED: 2011
EMPLOYEES: 85
INDUSTRY: Professional services
Learn more
Realise Business
50
Realise Business
REVENUE: $2.74 million
GROWTH: 2%
FOUNDER: Jacqui Attard, CEO
HEAD OFFICE: Sydney, NSW
YEAR FOUNDED: 1989
EMPLOYEES: 25
INDUSTRY: Non-profit organization
Learn more

Smart50 2022 Category Winners

Innovator Award Mad Paws
Innovator Award
Mad Paws
Collecting the 2022 Smart50 Innovator Award is online pet-sitting platform Mad Paws. Sponsored by BlueRock.
Learn more
People Power Award hipages Group
People Power Award
hipages Group
It should come as little surprise that the first recipient of the new Smart50 People Power Award is hipages Group, the country’s largest online tradie marketplace. Sponsored by Employment Hero.
Learn more
Untitled Group founders
Resilience Award Untitled Group
Resilience Award
Untitled Group
This year’s Smart50 Resilience Award winner is Untitled Group, Australia’s largest independent music and events promoter. Sponsored by Fifo Capital.
Learn more
single-use plastics birchal equity crowdfunding
Rising Star Award Zero Co
Rising Star Award
Zero Co
This year’s Rising Star winner is Zero Co, an eco-friendly cleaning and body care brand that has an audacious mission to untrash the planet from single-use plastic. Sponsored by Aiven.
Learn more
Community Hero Code Like a Girl
Community Hero
Code Like a Girl
This year’s Community Hero winner is none other than Code Like a Girl, founded by Ally Watson.
Learn more
Retail Champion Hero Packaging
Retail Champion
Hero Packaging
Hero Packaging’s disruption of the traditional B2B packaging industry has earned the company the Smart50 Retail Champion Award.
Learn more
Sustainability Award River Stone Aquaculture Innovations
Sustainability Award
River Stone Aquaculture Innovations
There’s no business more deserving of our Smart50 Sustainability Award than this year’s winner, River Stone Aquaculture Innovations.
Learn more
Marketing Award Botanicals by Luxe
Marketing Award
Botanicals by Luxe
Our inaugural Smart50 Marketing Award winner is ethical skincare brand Botanicals by Luxe, a company driven by founder Bec Connolly’s expertise and passion for the industry.
Learn more
Regional Award Higher State Co
Regional Award
Higher State Co
Higher State Co has taken the top gong in the new Smart50 Regional Award category, with the drinks company making a significant impact on the Geelong and Port Fairy communities in Victoria.
Learn more

The Categories

Innovator Award

Sponsored by BlueRock

This award celebrates initiatives that spark progressive change in an industry through disruptive strategies, digital solutions or original ideas.

View award information

People Power Award

Sponsored by Employment Hero

This award celebrates a business that demonstrates an enlightened and supportive approach to its people and culture.

View award information

Resilience Award

Sponsored by Fifo Capital

This award recognises a business that has shown resilience, adaptability and leadership in the last year.

View award information

Rising Star Award

Sponsored by Aiven

This award recognises the achievements of high-growth startups.

Community Hero

This award celebrates a small business that has supported its people, clientele or wider community in a productive, uplifting or charitable way.

View award information

Retail Champion

This award celebrates innovations in product offer, outstanding customer service, employee care and sales and marketing initiatives.

View award information

Sustainability Award

This award recognises initiatives that support or promote energy or water conservation, waste reduction, climate action or environmental advocacy.

View award information

Marketing Award

This award celebrates a business that can inspire great marketing from others by demonstrating how it implemented creative marketing to launch new products, build brand awareness or find new audiences.

View award information

Regional Award

This award recognises business owners from regional areas that have made a significant impact to their community by supporting local organisations or boosting economies with jobs and opportunities.

View award information

Sponsors


Platinum Sponsor
Employment Hero is the world’s leading HR, payroll and benefits platform. The award-winning employment software helps launch businesses on the path to success by powering more productivity every day. Employment Hero services over 80,000 businesses, collectively managing over 750,000 employees. Its core platform reduces admin time by up to 48 per cent. Learn more about Employment Hero.

 

Silver Sponsors

Fifo Capital
Fifo Capital offers finance solutions, built specifically for your business. Our mission is to make it easier for businesses to do more business. Since launching in Australia in 2007, we’ve supported thousands of businesses with more than $2bn. Fifo Capital was recognised as a 2022 finalist for Lending Innovator of the Year at the Fintech Awards, and in 2020 was named Best Working Capital Solution Provider – Australia at the APAC Business Awards. Learn more about Fifo Capital.

 


Aiven provides managed open source data technologies, like PostgreSQL, Kafka, and OpenSearch, on all major clouds. Through Aiven, developers can do what they do best: create applications. Meanwhile, Aiven does what they do best; manage cloud data infrastructure. Aiven enables customers to drive business results from open source that trigger true transformations far beyond their own backyard. Learn more about Aiven.

Blue Rock
BlueRock is a multidisciplinary entrepreneurial advisory firm helping business owners operate and grow successful businesses and achieve their personal goals. It is a tech-led, impact-focused company that always strives to do better, placing great importance on innovation and creating strong communities through the Be BlueRock Foundation and certification as a B Corporation. BlueRock’s experienced people are the trusted partner for over 7,000 clients Australia-wide, providing them with all the tools they need as they embark on the adventure of business. Learn more about Blue Rock.

We Make Online Videos (WeMOV) is a video production company that specialises in making corporate communication videos, animated explainers, online advertising, aerial cinematography, property development videos and profile videos for Australian businesses. Learn more about WeMOV.

 

 

See 2022 Smart50 List Winner

Judges

Jane Lu
Jane Lu Showpo
Jane Lu
Founder and CEO
Showpo

Jane started Showpo in 2010 in her parents’ garage. With no experience or money, just her laptop and two shelves of clothes, she grew Showpo into a global fashion brand that sells to millions of happy customers around the world.

Jane is also a massive advocate for small business and women in business. She started the group Like Minded Bitches Drinking Wine which now reaches over 165,000 women globally.

Jane is our judge for the Retail Champion award.

 

adam schwab
Adam Schwab Luxury Escapes
Adam Schwab
Co-founder and CEO
Luxury Escapes

Adam is the co-founder and CEO of Luxury Escapes, a global online travel business with almost 500 team members across four continents. Adam has also been the Executive Chairperson of Bookwell, and is a director and angel investor in Bluethumb and has written for Crikey and SmartCompany since 2005.

Adam is our judge for the Innovator award.

Alexi Boyd COSBOA
Alexi Boyd
CEO
COSBOA

A fully qualified BAS agent, Alexi has over 20 years experience working with small and family businesses in addition to running her own bookkeeping practice. She has hosted her own community radio show and podcast dedicated to small business education and advocacy since 2014 and in 2021, was appointed as chief executive of the Council of Small Business Organisations Australia.

Alexi is our judge for the Community Hero award.

Eloise Keating SmartCompany
Eloise Keating
Editor
SmartCompany

Eloise is the editor of SmartCompany. Prior to joining SmartCompany, Eloise was news editor at Books+Publishing, the trade press for the Australian book industry. Eloise has degrees in media and communications, marketing and business management, and political science. You can follow her on Twitter at @ellykeating.

Eloise will be judging across the Smart50 award categories.

jane martino
Jane Martino Smiling Mind
Jane Martino
Chair & Co-founder
Smiling Mind

Jane is chair and co-founder of the globally recognised tech-based not-for-profit Smiling Mind, and is currently consulting to a number of clients across the technology/venture landscape including the Commonwealth Bank’s x15ventures. Jane is a published author, most recently creating a series of five children’s books with Penguin released from October 2020 and throughout 2021.

Jane is our judge for the Innovator award.

Michel Hogan
Michel Hogan  
Michel Hogan
Brand counsel

Michel is a brand counsel, advising organisations on the risk to their purpose and values of making the wrong promises. She’s a trailblazing thinker and action-focused speaker whose provocative ideas are backed by 30 years in the field, working alongside organisations big and small both in Australia and the US. She has written over 500 articles about brand, including 13 years writing for SmartCompany and is the author of two books — Between Making Money and World Peace and The Unheroic Work.

Michel is our judge for the Sustainability award.

sarah mullen
Sarah Mullen Adore Beauty
Sarah Mullen
COO
Adore Beauty

Sarah is one of Australia’s leading female executives. With a strong fashion and cosmetics background, Sarah is passionate about product, brand, and leading teams to success. Currently COO of online beauty retailer Adore Beauty, Sarah leads the brands, customer service, and operations teams.

Sarah is our judge for the Retail Champion award.

Wayne Morris Fifo Capital
Wayne Morris
CEO
Fifo Capital

As CEO of Fifo Capital, Wayne is passionate about helping Australian businesses grow, by making better, smarter finance solutions more accessible. Wayne is a leading expert in supply chain and alternative finance. He has provided insights at parliamentary hearings and is regularly consulted by the AFR as an expert on working capital solutions. Wayne is constantly challenging businesses and governments to look beyond ‘vanilla’ forms of finance and move towards more scalable, future-proof solutions to create greater stability and resilience across the business sector.

Wayne is our judge for the Resilience award.

Alex Hattingh Employment Hero
Alex Hattingh
CPO
Employment Hero

Alex Hattingh is the Chief People Officer at Employment Hero. Alex has over 20 years of experience in partnering with leadership to establish and continuously improve company culture and employee experience. She derives energy from driving organisational excellence and building high-performing work environments. Alex’s roles have covered international Fortune 500 companies, through to home-grown Australian start-ups. Her experience spans OD Consulting in Sydney, to Generalist and Leadership HR roles in New York, followed by HR leadership for the Asia Pacific region with bases in Singapore and Australia. Alex thrives in an environment that is results-driven and dynamic; where employee success, achievement, collaboration and agility are highly valued.

Alex is our judge for the People Power award.

julie mathers
Julie Mathers Flora & Fauna
Julie Mathers
Founder and CEO
Flora & Fauna

Julie is the CEO and founder of Flora & Fauna, the world’s largest 100% vegan store. Flora & Fauna, a certified B Corp, was awarded Best Small & Succeeding Business for NSW at the Telstra Business Awards, Top Sustainable Retailer in 2021 and 2020, Best Small Retailer and Best Online Retailer 2018, and shortlisted as a finalist for Responsible Retailer of the Year at the World Retail Awards 2017.

Julie is our judge for the Sustainability award.

Adriarna Nunn
Adriarna Nunn Cobild
Adriarna Nunn
Head of People & Culture
Cobild

Adriarna Nunn is a big exponent of the idea that without challenge, there’s no change. She’s driven by the task of subverting conventional workplace practices, rewarding teams on merit and performance rather than tenure, and appreciates the positive impact she can make towards creating communities of engaged, productive and happy people. Adriarna believes that replacing outmoded management theories with innovation and inclusion, leads to healthier outcomes and her mantra, in a nutshell, remains always, People First.

Adriarna is our judge for the People Power award.

ben cairns
Benjamin Cairns Matilda Bay
Benjamin Cairns
Head of Marketing
Matilda Bay

Benjamin has a passion for the Liquor and FMCG industry. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Benjamin has experience in creating brands, telling stories and bringing ideas to life.  He’s worked with mainstream to underground brands from local to global.  Benjamin’s creative flair has helped spearhead innovative NPDs and memorable campaigns.

Benjamin is our judge for the Marketing award.

ben tyers
Ben Tyers The Local Rag
Ben Tyers
Founder
The Local Rag

Ben is the founder of The Local Rag, and also Managing Editor of Thrillist Australia, Thrillist’s first international edition. A combination of growing up in regional Victoria, and working in lifestyle publications for the best part of the last decade gave him the idea to launch The Local Rag, a guidebook to exploring the best that regional Australia has to offer.

Ben is our judge for the Regional award.

Christina Gerakiteys SingularityU
Christina Gerakiteys
CEO
SingularityU

Christina Gerakiteys is a catalyst for change, alchemising impossible to possible through the unleashing of human potential and is on a mission to enable the enablers to empower and inspire leaders to have maximum impact. Christina is a sought-after speaker, facilitator, and program designer, creating interactive educational experiences driven by design thinking, purpose, engagement, and play. Christina works with startups and is proud to be an ambassador for Tech Central.

Christina is our judge for the Rising Star award.

nate sampimon
Nate Sampimon Riparide
Nate Sampimon
Co-founder & CEO
Riparide

A long-time member of Melbourne’s startup community, Nate founded co-working space Inspire9, venture accelerator Angelcube, and is now focused on Riparide, a fast-growing travel startup operating across Australia, New Zealand and the US.

As Riparide’s co-founder and CEO, Nate helps people escape the daily grind and find fulfilling moments in nature. The company celebrates the power of short nature escapes, shaping the way people discover adventure in regional areas.

Nate is our judge for the Regional award.

Priyanka Ashraf
Priyanka Ashraf The Creative Co-Operative
Priyanka Ashraf
Founder
The Creative Co-Operative
Priyanka Ashraf, founder of The Creative Co-Operative, is promoting anti-racism through storytelling and entrepreneurship in a bid to “write intersectionality back into society”, and was a winner of the Smart2021 Community Hero Award.
Priyanka is our judge for the Regional award.
Steph Claire Smith Keep It Cleaner
Steph Claire Smith
COO and co-founder
Keep It Cleaner

Steph is the COO and co-founder of Australian health and wellness app, Keep it Cleaner (KIC). She’s incredibly passionate about using her past experiences with toxic diet & exercise culture to help others build a healthy relationship with food and exercise. Steph has owned multiple successful businesses, is a proud mum to her son, Harvey, host of the KICBUMP podcast, co-host of the KICPOD, author, has over 80 health food products stocked in supermarkets across Australia through a separate business venture which licences the Keep it Cleaner brand.

Steph is our judge for the Resilience award.

Laura Henshaw Keep It Cleaner
Laura Henshaw
CEO and co-founder
Keep It Cleaner

Laura is the CEO and co-founder of Australian health & wellness app, Keep it Cleaner (KIC). Her mission is to help others embrace self-acceptance and make sustainable changes towards a healthier, happier lifestyle. Laura has a monthly column with Vogue Australia and has been invited to share her advice with the likes of body+soul, The Project, Women’s Health, ELLE, Yahoo and the NZ Herald. Laura is the co-host of KICPOD, author, health & wellness and business keynote speaker and has over 80 health food products stocked in supermarkets across Australia through a separate business venture which licences the Keep it Cleaner brand.

Laura is our judge for the Resilience award.