Before we get to the good stuff, we wanted to offer context which underscores just how much of an achievement it is to make this shortlist. This year there was a massive 237 entries for the Finnie Awards across all 18 categories (not including Biggest Raise of the Year). That’s 30 per cent more than last year.
Payments disruptor Afterpay rocked the industry when it took out fintech organisation of the year at the Finnies for the second year in a row last year. Now, the global buy now, pay later company has become the first winner to sponsor the Finnies and is a major sponsor for the 2019 Awards.
What do AfterPay, Brighte, Civic Ledger and AirWallex have in common? Aside from all being successful fintechs, they all entered and won Finnie Awards last year.
The hospitality industry now has an app that solves two of the sector’s biggest problems 
One of Australia’s most influential female entrepreneurs, who’s presented in her swimsuit, has joined Antler’s new Sydney startup program 
Canva confirms $70m raise, valuing the design business at $2.5 billion 
Design ‘unicorn’ Canva’s value is reportedly set to double to $2.5 billion 
![[VIDEO] Go inside KPMG’s Sydney Innovation Lab](https://www.startupdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/KPMG-Innovation-Lab-600x300.png)
![[VIDEO] How developer Lend Lease is embracing innovation](https://www.startupdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Lend-Lease-Michael-Vavakis-600x300.png)
