The Irish VC ep28: Ireland as a launchpad @NovaUCD
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!
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The Irish VC ep27: LegitFit - Building a Fitness Tech Empire, Ryan's Story
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!
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The Irish VC ep26: John Flynn on ACT, Tech, and the Evolving Start-up Ecosystem
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!
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The Irish VC ep25: The Funding Landscape in Ireland - Live Audience Recording at Google HQ Dublin!
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, HBANWhether 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! 🎧
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The Irish VC ep24: With Gillian Buckley, 40 Years of the IVCA
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!
This podcast will bring you the latest interviews from some of the leading figures within the venture capital landscape in Ireland and abroad.
Our interviews focus on a diverse range of people from founders to investors. The goal is to find out about the highs and lows of each individual's journey to date and to give our audience a unique insight into the different elements of our ecosystem.
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