In this episode of The Irish VC, Caroline Gaynor (Guest), Partner of Lightstone VC emphasises the importance of building a strong support network for founders, particularly those who are first-time entrepreneurs. Sarah Jane Larkin (Host) & Caroline both highlight the challenges of lacking a track record and the need for guidance from experienced individuals. Additionally, Caroline stresses the often-overlooked necessity of having a well-thought-out fundraising strategy, urging founders to understand the funding landscape and the various players involved. Tune in now!

#BVP #TheIrishVC #IVCA #Entrepreneur #VentureCapital

In this episode, Denise Sidhu, Director and Partner at Kernel Capital, shares her journey into venture capital, discussing the lessons learned over her 20-year career. She highlights the current state of the venture capital landscape in Ireland, the challenges faced by startups, particularly in securing funding, and the importance of perseverance and optimism. Denise also advocates for increased support for women in entrepreneurship and offers valuable advice for founders and aspiring investors.

Chapters

00:00Denise Sidhu's Journey into Venture Capital

05:39Lessons from 20 Years in Venture Capital

06:07Current State of the Irish Venture Capital Landscape

08:35Exciting Sectors in Irish Venture Capital

12:21Challenges Faced by Irish Founders

19:13Advocating for Women in Entrepreneurship

22:09Advice for Aspiring Founders

24:53Transitioning into Venture Capital

26:52Final Thoughts and Community Support

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Munster Technology University (MTU) in Cork. In this episode of the Irish VC podcast, the panel comprising of Hilary O'Shea from Otonomee, Alison MacSweeney from Brandhive & Ryan O'Neill from LegitFit discusses the critical role of branding for start-ups, emphasising the balance between product development and brand identity. They explore strategies for building a brand on a budget, the impact of cultural identity on branding, and the importance of authenticity. The conversation also touches on common branding mistakes, the value of a strong online presence, and how purpose-driven companies can attract talent and customer loyalty. Insights from various founders highlight the evolving landscape of branding and marketing in today's competitive environment.

Chapters below:

00:00 Introduction to the Irish VC Podcast

03:00 The Role of Branding in Startups

06:04 Product vs. Brand: The Startup Dilemma

08:51 Building a Brand with Limited Resources

12:09 Scaling a Brand Globally

14:58 The Impact of Irish Identity on Branding

17:54 Valuing Brand in Investment

20:52 Mistakes in Branding and Marketing

23:43 The Importance of Authenticity in Branding

26:59 The Future of Branding and Marketing Strategies

30:02 Final Thoughts on Branding and Purpose

In this short episode of the Irish VC, Mark Farrelly of HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network) has a fireside chat with Brian Thornes. From orthopaedic surgeon to Inventor & CEO, Brian tells us about the ground-breaking development of the X-Bolt hip fracture system. Discover how this innovative technology is transforming orthopaedic care around the world, offering enhanced stability and faster recovery for patients. For any angel investors interested in potentially investing in this company, please email [email protected] for further information. Enjoy the episode!

Welcome to this special edition of The Irish VC recorded in front of a live audience at NovaUCD, the hub of innovation at University College Dublin. Hosted by Mark Farrelly of HBAN & joined by 3 fantastic founders on the guest panel, Alan Barry (PlasmaBound), Apoorva Kumar (InspeqAI) & Dr Harriet Treacy (Beyond BMI).

This podcast episode explores the vibrant startup ecosystem in Ireland, featuring insights from founders in health tech, AI, and advanced materials. The discussion covers their journeys, the challenges they face, and the opportunities available in the Irish innovation landscape. Key themes include the importance of funding, the role of support organizations, and the need for cultural and legislative changes to foster entrepreneurship. The episode highlights Ireland's strengths in MedTech and the evolving HealthTech sector, as well as the potential for AI to disrupt various industries! Tune in and enjoy!

In this podcast, Ryan O'Neill, Co-founder and CEO of LegitFit, shares his journey from a background in Big Pharma to the fitness tech industry. He discusses the inception of LegitFit, emphasising the importance of customer feedback in product development. Ryan elaborates on the challenges of scaling a startup in a small market like Ireland, the significance of funding, and the strategies employed to grow the business. He also highlights the company culture and future plans for expansion into new markets.Tune in Now!

John Flynn reflects on his journey into venture capital, beginning with a background in physics and tech before joining ACT in the late 1990s. He discusses the evolution of Ireland's VC landscape over the past 40 years—from ACT's early days as part of AIB, through the tech boom and crash of the early 2000s, to a more mature and thriving ecosystem today. He highlights key moments, such as the dot-com downturn, the rise of indigenous tech success stories, and the transformation of Ireland’s start-up support structures post-2009, noting how entrepreneurs, VCs, and institutions have all strengthened over time.

Tune in!

Recorded live at Google HQ Dublin, this special episode brings together an expert panel of funders and founders to discuss the realities of raising and investing capital in Ireland. From securing early-stage funding to navigating VC investment, our panelists share their insights, knowledge, and real-world experiences to help entrepreneurs and investors understand the current funding landscape.

Featuring:
🎙️ John O'Sullivan – Partner, ACT VC
🎙️ Chupi Sweetman – CEO & Founder, Chupi
🎙️ Eleanor Blaghbrough – Co-founder, Blume Equity (UK)
🎙️ Andrew McGreal – Investment Director, BVP
🎙️ Niamh Sterling – All-Island Director, HBAN

Whether you're a startup looking for funding or an investor seeking opportunities, this conversation offers invaluable perspectives from both sides of the table. Tune in now! 🎧

In this episode of The Irish VC, Sarah Jane Larkin of t sit down with Gillian Buckley to celebrate 40 years of the IVCA and explore her journey in venture capital. We discuss the impact of the Western Investment Fund, the evolving landscape for startups and entrepreneurs, and the crucial role of women in VC. Gillian shares insights on unlocking private sector investment, success stories from the Irish ecosystem, and the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of venture capital. Plus, invaluable advice for entrepreneurs seeking investment. Tune in now!

In this episode of The Irish VC, we sit down with Tom Cotter, CEO of OceanR, to dive into the world of sustainable business and impact-driven investment. OceanR is making waves in the eco-friendly apparel space, and Tom shares insights on scaling a mission-led company, securing investment, and the challenges of sustainable innovation. Hosted by Marie, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for investors, founders, and anyone interested in the journey of this start-up to scaling success. Tune in now! 🌊♻️ check out more about OceanR here: https://www.oceanr.co