The Irish VC

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

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 42:38 sportsRecreation-intro-high-short.wav

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 Sadoo'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

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 hello@bvp.ie 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: 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!

In this episode, we sit down with Conor Layden, Managing 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!

In this episode, we dive into Pre Budget chat with our host Sarah-Jane Larkin and our guest Martina Fitzgerald, current CEO of Scale Ireland & former RTE political correspondent. They share valuable insights on Martina's career from journalist to CEO, The impact of Scale Ireland on start-up's, shaping policy for the start-up eco system, the role of funding in start-up growth, proposed changes for the budget, the importance of female representation in start-ups & some final thoughts. Tune in for an engaging conversation that promises to inform and inspire.

In this episode, our host Marie Nolan chats with Marie Donnellan, former EY Director and current CEO of Platform 94. (Yes, 2 Marie's on the podcast!) Marie shares insights into what Galway based Platform 94 does, the industries they collaborate with, and how they help both indigenous and foreign businesses scale. They also dive into the importance of work-life balance, and Marie answers some fun, quick-fire questions to close out the conversation.

In this episode, Sarah Jane Larkin - Director General of the Irish Venture Capital & Private Equity Association chats with IVCA & Level 20 Members, Jennifer McMahon partner at Seroba and Laura Dillon Partner at Waterland Private Equity Ireland. This discussion is a Level 20 themed conversation, discussing careers in Venture Capital and Private Equity, including getting more gender parity and increasing the numbers of women in all levels of this industry.

In this episode, our host Marie chats to Irish legend and superstar athlete Derval O'Rourke. Derval competed for Ireland in numerous European, World and Olympic Championships. They chat about the success of the Irish team at the European Athletics Championships that just happened over the last few days in Rome! How these athletes prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?! They then take a step back in time to young Derval O'Rourke growing up in Cork and moving to Dublin to study & train in UCD. Transitioning from professional athlete to entrepreneur, providing advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to get their ideas off the ground and giving some insights on available supports out there! Finishing off with some closing thoughts from Derval & a random fire round questions at the end!