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!
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The Irish VC ep23: Making Waves, Tom Cotter on Building OceanR
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
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The Irish VC Ep22: Gerry Maguire, Chair of the IVCA & partner at Atlantic Bridge
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:
Investment Strategies
Lessons Learned: Stories of successful investments and takeaways from decades in the industry.
The Irish Semiconductor Industry: Exploring Ireland's contributions to this critical sector.
IVCA’s Role: The importance of private capital access and the association's impact on the Irish VC ecosystem.
Industry Reflections: Gerry’s thoughts on how venture capital has evolved over the years.
Advice for Entrepreneurs: Practical tips for those seeking to secure investment.
Looking Ahead: Gerry’s vision for the future of venture capital in 2025 and beyond.
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!
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.
Ireland