• Best Newcomer for firms less than three years old;

• Startup of the Year for firms less than ten years old;

• Scaleup of the Year for those that have had a minimum Series A in the last four years;

• Investor of the Year as nominated by the founder community; and

• Ecosystem Hero of the Year featuring 

  • People’s Choice

  • Experts' Choice

“If you are a Victorian startup founder, investor or community builder I urge you to get behind the Governor of Victoria Startup Awards and nominate someone who you believe is making an impact in Victoria’s startup sector.” Kate Cornick, CEO, LaunchVic

People's Choice Award open for nominations

Nominations for the Investor of the Year and Ecosystem Hero of the Year categories are being sought from the startup community, which will then be put to a public vote.

The Ecosystem Hero of the Year award celebrates the people behind the scenes of startup success. This one's for the community builders, the master connectors, the thought leaders and first believers who deserve their moment in the sun.

> Nominate now

Investor of the Year

Speaking of first believers, Victoria's investor community is famous for supporting startups with not just capital, but the networks and know-how they need to grow. Nominate an investor you feel has been crucial to growing Victoria's startup ecosystem this year. 

> Nominate Now

Voting Process

The awards for Best Newcomer, Startup of the Year and Scaleup of the Year categories will be selected from a shortlist of the top 30 Victorian startups based on criteria that includes: money raised, age of firm and job creation or number of employees.

This data will come from LaunchVic’s startup database findingstartups.launchvic.org, powered by Dealroom - see more below.

Shortlisted applicants will then be invited to provide a written submission to be assessed by an external expert panel.

Explore Victoria's Tech ecosystem

“Victoria’s startup sector is one of Victoria’s fastest growing sectors  – growing by $3 billion to $10.5 billion in the past year alone." Kate Cornick, CEO, LaunchVic

Explore the Victoria Tech ecosystem via LaunchVic’s startup database , powered by Dealroom. Built by and for founders, investors, executives and tech enthusiasts.

Visit findingstartups.launchvic.org

The Governor of Victoria Startup Awards are supported by The Honourable Linda Dessau AC, Governor of Victoria, and will be presented at Government House in early 2022. Initiated by the Victorian Government, the awards celebrate the outstanding contribution to the fast-growing sector.