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Celebrating the outstanding contribution of the Victorian startup sector.
Nominations Now Open
Five award categories recognise Victorian startup achievement.
Individual Categories
Company Categories
Nominations close 10am Wednesday 5 March.
Individual Categories (Nominated by the public)
*For the period ending 31 December 2024
The awards for Best Newcomer, Startup of the Year and Scaleup of the Year categories are selected from a shortlist of the top 30 Victorian startups based on criteria that include: money raised, age of the firm and job creation or number of employees.
This data comes from LaunchVic’s startup database, dealroom.launchvic.org, powered by global startup and VC platform dealroom.co.
Shortlisted applicants provide a written submission assessed by an external expert panel.
For the Investor of the Year and Ecosystem Hero of the Year awards, LaunchVic invites nominations from the public..
Dickie Currer
Hype Man Media
Joint Winner
Megan Luttrell
Aussie Founders Club
Ben Armstrong
Archangel Ventures
TRAVLR
A “Travel as a Service” platform from the co-founders of popular travel app, The Bali Bible.
Andromeda Robotics
Creators of Abi-an AI-powered robot companion built to combat loneliness in aged care.
Kismet
A healthcare platform improving access to NDIS services.
Is there a fee to enter?
No, there is no fee to enter or participate in the Governor of Victoria Startup Awards.
Can I nominate myself?
The Best Newcomer, Startup of the Year and Scaleup of the Year categories will be selected using quantitative data from LaunchVic’s startup database, dealroom.launchvic.org, rather than a nomination process.
However, you are welcome to nominate yourself, or someone you believe is worthy for the Investor of the Year and the Ecosystem Hero of the Year categories. The top nominations for each category will then be put to an external expert panel to decide the winner.
I’ve been nominated, but I don’t want to participate. What do I do?
LaunchVic will advise you if you have been shortlisted for a specific category at which time you can communicate your wish to be involved.
I live interstate – can I nominate someone?
Yes, as long as you are nominating a Victorian-based startup, scaleup, investor, or community builder.
How are the finalists chosen?
The Best Newcomer, Startup of the Year and Scaleup of the Year categories will be selected using quantitative data from LaunchVic’s startup database, This data comes from LaunchVic’s startup database, dealroom.launchvic.org rather than a nomination process.
For the Investor of the Year and Ecosystem Hero of the Year, LaunchVic will invite nominations from the public.
The LaunchVic team will shortlist the top nominations for each category based on the eligibility criteria, and our external expert panel will assess this list to determine the winners.
Can I win again if I was a winner last year?
No, not in the same category.
What is the prize for the Governor of Victoria Startup Awards?
There is no ‘prize’ (monetary or in-kind). However, the winner receives ‘acknowledgment’ of the highest order from the Governor of Victoria for being #1 ranked in front of their colleagues and peers.
What is LaunchVic's role in the awards?
LaunchVic, as Victoria’s startup agency, is coordinating the Awards Process, using both quantitative (Dealroom) and qualitative (Victorian expert panel) metrics to evaluate nominations.