Givewrap, the gift-wrapping paper that gives to charity, was created in November 2022 by Ant Hatton, Hans Berents, and Michelle Tirtabudi, the founders of Independent creative agency, Orphan.
Just five months after launch, it has won a prestigious Amazon Australia Launchpad Innovation Grant. The new business beat hundreds of Australian start-ups to take out one of four Amazon Australia Launchpad Innovation Grants – a grant that will transform the already popular enterprise. Plans to scale the business, both nationally and internationally, are now able to be brought forward. This is what Amazon Launchpad helps to facilitate.
Orphan & Givewrap co-founders l-r: Ant Hatton, Michelle Tirtabudi & Hans Berents
Givewrap co-founder, Ant Hatton, stated, “Before Givewrap, wrapping paper had only ever done one thing – conceal the gift inside. Our belief was that wrapping could do more, and it could mean more. With every roll of Givewrap that is sold, we give $1 to our four charity partners. So when you wrap a gift in Givewrap, you GIVE TWICE. You give a gift to someone you know, and you give a donation to someone in need.”
Givewrap co-founder, Michelle Tirtabudi, added, “Being a startup in the e-commerce space comes with many challenges. So having the expertise of Amazon behind us, will be absolutely priceless in helping scale the business to the heights we believe it can reach. Givewrap is a game changer in gift wrapping. And winning this grant is a game changer for Givewrap.”
Givewrap co-founder, Hans Berents, concluded, “Ant, Michelle, and I are so pumped at the chance to build our social enterprise, and grow our customer base. Because the more Givewrap grows, the more Givewrap gives to our charities. As we move into challenging times, one of the strengths of Givewrap is that it allows you to give back without having to give a lot. Whether it’s a box of chocolates, or a pair of slippers, Givewrap has the power to turn an inexpensive gift, into something a little more special.”
Children’s Cancer Institute General Manager – Brand, Communications & Digital, Heather Mcilfatrick, commented, “Givewrap! You are such worthy winners of an Amazon Australia Innovation Launchpad Grant and the whole team at CCI is immensely proud of what you have achieved. As this amazing business grows, so does the contribution made to our goal of curing all kids of cancer.”
Starlight Children’s Foundation National Partnerships Executive, Kate Slaytor (and one of Givewrap’s official charity partners), stated, “The team at Givewrap are so giving and so professional that’s it’s no surprise they won an Amazon Australia Launchpad Innovation Grant. They are so deserving of this award, and we couldn’t be happier for them. With this win, their chosen charities win too and at Starlight we are extremely grateful to be one of those charities as they’re helping us bring joy and laughter to the sick kids we help.”
Givewrap will continue to cement the brand here in Australia, with the plan to have a huge presence in time for Christmas 2023, while also launching the brand in the US market later this year.
