Katrina Leslie, founder of the AI-driven recruitment platform Swipejobs, has won Australia’s Entrepreneur of the Year at the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Awards in Melbourne. The honor came after she was chosen from 27 national finalists and also secured the Technology category, taking place on Thursday evening.
Leslie attributed her company’s success to the collective effort of her team rather than her own contributions. “I’m just one person in the company, and the company’s being created by the collective efforts of everybody on the team,” she said. This award marks the first major external recognition for Swipejobs, which has operated quietly for over a decade.
The platform leverages AI to connect job seekers with employers based on skills, location, and scheduling. According to the company, it has assisted 11,700 businesses and filled 250,000 positions in the past year alone. Financially, Swipejobs generated nearly $1.7 billion in revenue and achieved over $70 million in EBITDA for the year ending June 2026. With 750 employees across the US, UK, and an Australian tech team in North Sydney, the company maintains profitability and remains debt-free.
Leslie’s journey to success was marked by setbacks. She acknowledged two failed versions of the platform before developing a functional model. For the first seven years, she funded the business herself, describing the period as difficult. The company only reached positive cash flow after years of financial strain. Despite these obstacles, Swipejobs now plans to enter the Australian market in the first quarter of 2027.
Swipejobs has reportedly been considering an initial public offering (IPO) within the next six to twelve months. Leslie declined to comment on the company’s listing plans. The platform’s ability to transform recruitment practices has earned praise from Naomi Simson, chair of the EY judging panel. Simson described Leslie’s work as a major shift in how hiring operates, noting how Swipejobs challenges traditional methods.
Leslie’s achievement extends beyond Australia. She will represent the country at the global awards in Monaco next year, competing among entrepreneurs from over 60 nations. She expressed surprise at her selection, calling the moment unexpected. The experience has reinforced her perspective on entrepreneurship as an individual pursuit, though she now looks forward to connecting with fellow winners on the international stage.
The EY awards program, now in its 25th year in Australia, honors entrepreneurs whose businesses drive economic contributions. Past winners, including founders of Mecca, BioPak, and Laurent Bakery, collectively support over 135,000 jobs and contribute $21.4 billion annually to Australia’s GDP. This year’s winners span industries, from GenusPlus Group in Industry to MAISON de SABRÉ, which reached $50 million in revenue by 2024.