From the Hunter Innovation Festival to Parliament House: Storm Menzies Wins National Kickstarter Challenge
Hunter-based entrepreneur and Hunter Innovation Festival 2025 speaker, Storm Menzies, has secured a major national victory, taking home the top prize at the 2025 Kickstarter Challenge in Canberra.
Storm Menzies taking home the top prize at the 2025 Kickstarter Challenge in Canberra and presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia
The founder of ByStorm Beauty, which produces the world’s first adaptive makeup tools designed to make beauty inclusive for every body, was awarded the $30,000 grand prize at Parliament House.
Storm Menzies at the Hunter Innovation Festival Startup Alley on 25 September 2025
In a field of over 415 entries, Storm’s vision for accessible beauty stood out to the judges. The award was presented by Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of Australia.
A Victory for Resilience
This win is a testament to tenacity. After applying for the same program last year and missing out, Storm returned with a refined pitch and renewed determination.
"I applied for the same program last year and didn’t make it. Safe to say there is no shame in reapplying! Out of 415 entries this time, I won! So grateful that the judges saw the vision to make beauty accessible for every single body." — Storm Menzies
Bucking the Trend
Storm’s success comes at a critical time. Recent data reveals that teams led by female founders attracted less than 0.5% of capital in the last quarter. ByStorm Beauty’s win highlights the immense quality and potential of female-led startups in our region, even amidst a challenging investment landscape.
Congratulations to Storm for proving that persistence pays off—and for bringing this "big cheque" home to the Hunter (even if it was a tight squeeze on the plane!).
