The Irish VC

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