The Irish VC

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

In this episode of The Irish VC, we sit down with Gerry Maguire, Chair of the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA) and a key figure at Atlantic Bridge, one of Europe’s leading venture capital firms. Gerry shares his journey into venture capital, offering unique insights into his career, investment strategies, and the factors behind Atlantic Bridge’s success.

We delve into:

This episode is packed with valuable insights for investors, entrepreneurs, and anyone curious about the dynamic world of venture capital. Tune in to gain wisdom from one of Ireland’s most experienced VC leaders!

In this episode, we sit down with Conor Layden, Commercial Director of the Arigna Group, an expanded family business based in Roscommon, Ireland. Conor shares his journey into the family business, reflecting on whether it was always part of his plan. We explore Arigna Groups transitioning from black to green, focusing on sustainability and innovation.

Conor provides fascinating insights into their newest product line, including Harvest Flame—a sustainable fuel that not only burns clean but also nourishes the soil as fertiliser & recently launched in Aldi and Woodie’s

We also dive into the company’s expansion journey, including the challenges of finding funding, industry trends, and how their partnership with BVP has helped their growth. Finally, Conor takes on our quickfire round, sharing personal perspectives that you won’t want to miss.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about innovation, sustainability, and the future of energy.

In this episode, our host Andrew McGreal of BVP interviews the Founder and CEO of SaaStock, Alexander Theuma. Alex gives us an insight to the background and origins of SaaStock, SaaStock's role in scaling companies. They then delve into the launch of backfuture, a new solo venture fund and concluding with some reflections and details about the upcoming Saastock event in the RDS Dublin next week!

One not to be missed!