The Irish VC

In this episode, Ahmed Alderzi, CEO and co-founder of Oranda Therapeutics, shares insights into building a biotech startup focused on rare diseases, the unique approach of Oranda, and lessons learned from his 30+ years experience. Discover how they navigate the complexities of drug commercialisation and their ambitious plans for Europe and beyond.

Topics featured throughout the epidode:

• Oranda's unique platform for late-stage medicines
• The significance of market exclusivity and generics
• Building a biotech startup in Ireland and Europe
• The importance of team and culture in startups
• Navigating regulatory and market access in pharma
• The impact of rare diseases and patient needs
• Funding and investor relations in biotech
• Operational strategies for a virtual team

• "Both industries are needed to serve patients"
• "Eighty percent of medicines in Europe are generics"
• "There are seven thousand named rare diseases"

The Irish VC Podcast — Buymedia, media buying, and scaling from Ireland. In this conversation, Sarah Jane Larkin speaks with Fergal O’Connor, founder and CEO of Buymedia, about how he built the company from an early marketplace idea into an AI-driven media planning platform. The discussion covers start-up iteration, customer-led product development, funding in Ireland, and the changing media landscape across Ireland and the UK

Key topics

• How Buymedia started and why the original marketplace concept changed
• Moving from inventory access to understanding where ideal customers consume media
• Building AI personas, media plans, marketplace buying, and performance feedback loops
• The impact of new media channels and the challenge of recency bias
• Ireland’s start-up ecosystem and the role of Enterprise Ireland, local enterprise offices, NDRC, and grants
• The gap between early-stage funding and large-scale growth capital
• Scaling into the UK and learning a different go-to-market approach
• AI, agentic media buying, and the future of advertising

• Buymedia began with the idea of giving buyers visibility into media inventory and pricing, but later pivoted to solving a deeper problem: helping brands understand where their customers actually consume media.
• The platform now supports the full workflow: building an ideal customer profile, creating a media plan, buying media, and measuring what works.
• Fergal described the company’s growth as a customer-driven journey, with products shaped by market feedback rather than built in isolation.
• He praised Ireland’s early-stage startup support but highlighted a funding gap once companies move beyond initial checks and need bigger growth capital.
• He believes the next major shift in media will be driven by AI, especially agentic systems that can automate media buying and selling.

• Customer discovery should happen before building the product
• Revenue generation early can make a startup more resilient
• Funding discipline matters as much as growth
• AI will increasingly shape how media is planned, bought, and measured

Live from Google HQ Dublin! Delighted to introduce our 3rd Annual Google Takeover Live panel discussion for the Irish VC Podcast with the headline panel of:

Host: Neil Lock - Google

Guests: Mark Kirwan of Positive Carbon, Joseph Smyth of Joulica, Sean Mullaney of Seapoint& Portia Healy O’ Connor of Linda ai.

Discover how AI-native startups are transforming industries with innovative solutions. This episode reveals how founders are reducing food waste, enhancing customer journeys, and revolutionizing healthcare with AI. Learn the secrets to building trust, managing rapid AI integration, and turning ideas into enterprise-ready solutions. Perfect for founders, investors, and technologists eager to leverage AI for growth without compromising trust or quality. Tune in to explore AI as the engine of growth and gain insights to accelerate your startup's journey.

Discover insights from Pat Smith, Managing Director of Local Power Limited, on Ireland’s renewable energy prospects, particularly in biomethane, solar PVs, and battery storage. This episode explores how farmers and rural communities can harness green energy, the importance of government support, and the role of innovative projects in shaping Ireland’s sustainable future.Main Topics Covered:

• Pat Smith’s background and journey into agriculture and energy
• The Irish farming community’s role and challenges in renewable energy adoption.
• Current tensions between farmers and government, and what’s driving unrest
• The potential of biomethane, solar PV, and battery storage for Ireland
• Government policies and the urgent need for clear support in renewable sectors
• Local Power’s projects and future plans, including Ireland’s first fully licensed biomethane facility
• Practical advice for startups and young entrepreneurs in renewable energy

• Local Power Limited
• BVP Website www.bvp.ie

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Pat Smith and his journey from farm background to renewable energy innovator
03:17 - The evolution from traditional farming into energy entrepreneurship with Local Power
06:16 - Current tensions between farmers and government, and what’s driving unrest
08:12 - The importance of diversification: energy solutions for farmers and rural communities
10:28 - What is biomethane and its significance for Ireland’s energy independence
12:37 - Challenges and policy gaps blocking biomethane industry growth
14:24 - The stalled Carna Ross biomethane project – opportunities and government support needed
15:52 - The philosophy behind Local Power’s mission to keep power within rural communities
17:08 - Advances in battery storage technology and its role in renewable energy management
19:00 - The growth of solar PV installations among farms and businesses in Ireland
20:33 - The impact of government grants and incentives on accelerating renewable adoption
21:36 - How businesses and farmers can get involved with Local Power and renewable projects
23:23 - Advice for startups and young entrepreneurs in renewable energy
26:44 - Key takeaways on resilience, pivoting, and smart work in building a successful business
28:23 - The bright future for Ireland’s renewable sector, despite current setbacks
28:58 - Insights on collaboration with BVP investor group and funding opportunities for biomethane
30:17 - Ireland’s first fully licensed biomethane plant – ambitions and stakeholder benefitsResources & Links:Connect with Pat Smith.

In this episode, Stephen Burdock, Director of BVP Investments, shares his extensive experience in banking, private equity, and investment strategies. He discusses what makes a compelling pitch, the importance of team versus idea, and insights into Ireland's emerging sectors like AI and health tech. Don't miss the upcoming Funder/ Founder event open to the public mentioned at the end of the episode!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to BVP and Stephen Burdock

06:03 Understanding BVP's Investment Offerings

12:07 Crafting the Ideal Pitch

17:46 Navigating Feedback and Future Opportunities

23:47 Emerging Sectors for First-Time Founders

29:48 Lessons from Missed Opportunities

In this episode of the Irish VC podcast, host Sarah Jane Larkin discusses the current state of venture capital in 2026 with industry experts Elliott Griffin, Gillian Buckley, and Amy Neale. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the global and Irish VC landscape, the impact of AI on investment strategies, and provide valuable advice for founders navigating the fundraising environment. The conversation highlights the importance of access to capital, the evolution of the Irish VC market, and the need for a focus on commercialisation skills and disciplined financial management.

Chapters

00:00 State of Venture Capital in 2026

07:24 The Evolution of Irish Venture Capital

16:13 The Impact of AI on Investment

23:00 Advice for Founders in 2026

35:05 Navigating the Exit Environment

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In this conversation, Marie Nolan interviews Stephen Tully, CFO of BVP Investments, to demystify and talk through some frequently asked questions around the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS). They discuss the benefits of EIIS, including tax relief for investors, and highlight a successful case study of Astatine, a company that has significantly grown with BVP's support. The conversation also covers BVP's investment strategy, the types of companies they target, and the application process for potential investors. Tune in now, it's a short and snappy one if you want to find out more about this tax relief investment opportunity. The BVP EIIS Fund is open for investment until the 31st December! Check out www.bvp.ie for more information!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to EIS and BVP Investments

01:52 Success Story: Astatine and Its Growth

04:55 Understanding Tax Relief and Investment Risks

09:50 BVP's Investment Strategy and Sector Focus

14:35 Investor Profiles and Application Process

18:29 FAQs and Early Exit Opportunities

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