Feb 14, 2019
Audioplay is proud to announce it has taken out the title of Australian Creative Startup 2019 in the Pause Fest 2019 Startup Pitch Competition. Co-Founder Gemma Pepper pitched against a highly competitive field of 27 start ups before taking out the title.
Pepper will now travel to Copenhagen in June to represent Australia in the International Creative Business Cup. The Creative Business Cup is a major international event that highlights new entrepreneurial businesses in the creative industries. Contestants from over 80 countries compete for the International Creative Business Cup; Audioplay will be amongst the world’s best creative businesses.
Audioplay launched in January 2019 and is already getting attention. An iOS app designed for 6 to 12-year-olds, Audioplay gives kids a rich new way to experience stories without screens. Audioplay is innovative audio-based entertainment that bridges the gap between the digital and physical world – Audioplay is a unique platform that encourages highly physical imaginative play.
Audioplay was created by co-founders Gemma Pepper and Zoe Pepper who arrived in the startup world after 15 years writing, directing and producing theatre, film and events, and participated in ACMI Xcel Accelerator in late 2018.
“It’s a real honour to be recognised by the industry in this way” said Pepper, following her win. “We have been developing the Audioplay platform for a long time, so it’s great to see how quickly it’s gaining traction now that we are out in the market” she added.
ACMI Director & CEO Katrina Sedgwick said success stories like Audioplay are the reason why Australian creative start ups need investment and support from the outset.
“Congratulations to Audioplay – this is such a wonderful start up that gives children early access to the imaginative and creative world of theatre and film. For ACMI, it’s a thrill to see one of our star alumni from ACMI Xcel succeed in this way” said Ms Sedgwick.
QUT Creative Enterprise Australia CEO Mark Gustowski said this was the fifth year QUTCEA had hosted the Australian leg of the Creative Business Cup with the quality of entrants increasing each year.
“It’s testament to the hard work and creativity of Gemma and Zoe that among eight exceptional finalists, Audioplay was chosen to represent Australia at the International Creative Business Cup in Denmark in June,” Mr Gustowski said.
“Audioplay offers a creative solution for families who are looking for new, fun ways to entertain children while also encouraging them to live active lives.
“QUTCEA is proud to support Gemma and Zoe in developing Audioplay to both spark children’s imaginations and promote physical activity.”
Audioplay’s first offering is The Turners, a four part series of fifteen minute action-packed episodes which is available through the App Store now.
