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