BLOG
What the Kickstarter Challenge winners want you to know
If you’re in two minds about whether it’s worth entering this year’s Kickstarter Challenge, don’t take our word for it – hear from our incredible winners from the past three years, sharing the impact the experience has had on their founder journey. Whilst the prize money is certainly welcome, it’s the connections and opportunities that have come their way that has made the real difference.
Find out what the winners think of the kickstarter Challenge
Hailey Brown - Vacayit
“When I won Kickstarter in 2022, it opened doors I never imagined. I met the Prime Minister, who introduced me to Tourism Australia, and I was able to contribute to the National Strategy of Accessible Tourism,” says Hailey Brown.
Hailey is the founder of Vacayit, an innovative audio storytelling platform that makes travel accessible for people who are blind or have low vision. Inspired by a friend’s frustrations with inaccessible travel information, Hailey created a solution that allows everyone to experience destinations fully, breaking down barriers in the tourism industry.
Since her win, Hailey has taken Vacayit international, establishing a second office in New York and scaling her platform to reach more users globally. She credits her growth to the connections, mentorship and visibility she gained through Kickstarter: “Early national support gave us access to the right people and the right rooms, enabling us to influence future decisions and create more female-led wealth.”
Hailey’s journey is a powerful example of how the Kickstarter Challenge can transform an early idea into a platform with global reach and social impact. This could be your chance to get started and grow your idea beyond your expectations.
Alexandra Cannizzaro - Platform Zero
“Without winning the Kickstarter Challenge, I don’t think we’d be where we are today. The program gave us national credibility. I haven’t come across another program like this in Australia that has this influence.”
Meet Alexandra Cannizzaro – entrepreneur, climate champion and winner of the 2023 Kickstarter Challenge Grand Final.
Her business, Platform Zero, is tackling Australia’s food waste crisis by connecting supermarkets with small businesses and charities. This results in surplus food getting a second life with local businesses accessing discounted produce and farmers (including Alexandra’s own dad) being rewarded for their hard work.
Since winning Kickstarter, Alexandra has grown Platform Zero and partnered with major customers, including Nestlé and Hungry Jacks, showing how one bold idea can create meaningful change.
Rosie Dumbrell - Everform Therapywear
“Incredible media coverage and exposure, Kickstarter put us on a national stage."
Those are the words of Rosie Dumbrell, physiotherapist, entrepreneur and winner of the 2024 Kickstarter Challenge Grand Final.
Rosie is the founder of Everform Therapywear, a groundbreaking brand revolutionising activewear by supporting women facing pelvic floor issues such as incontinence, prolapse and pelvic pain. Her innovative leggings and shorts feature an invisible support sling designed to provide comfort and relief, particularly during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Since winning the Kickstarter Challenge last year, Rosie has expanded her brand and reach, helping even more women benefit from her innovative solutions.
“You gain connection to other female business owners and mentors and access to online education and face-to-face events. It’s all those extra elements that are crucial,” Rosie shares.
Her experience proves that the Kickstarter Challenge is more than just funding – it’s a launchpad for community, mentorship, education and visibility.
So, if you have an idea, this could be the opportunity you’ve been waiting for. Find out more and apply now. Entries close 5pm AEST 1 October 2025:
