What's Happening
Funding & Scaling
Funding & Scaling provides essential guidance and insights tailored to the funding and growth needs of entrepreneurs throughout Ireland. These events offer valuable opportunities to explore a wide range of funding options, learn directly from successful founders, and engage in in-depth discussions on funding strategies. Attendees also benefit from expert advice from seasoned investors and peer entrepreneurs, gaining practical insights to help navigate the challenges of scaling a business.
These events welcome an enthusiastic audience to experience fireside chats with founders who have successfully launched and scaled businesses, along with in-depth discussions with industry experts on key topics relevant to founders.
Get involved by asking questions, and stay afterwards to enjoy refreshments and network with other like-minded guests.
Next Funding & Scaling:
Wed, 14th May, 2025 | 8:30am - 11:00am
The Guinness Enterprise Centre
Guest Speakers
Will Parker |
CCO - Config LS
Áine Denn |
Founder & Business Advisor
Johnny Dunne |
CEO - Customs Window
Alan Merriman |
CEO - Elkstone
Karole Egan | Senior Investment Advisor - Enterprise Ireland
Agenda
Start time: 8:30am
Smart Borders: How Customs Window is Reinventing Customs with AI
An Irish startup revolutionising customs compliance with AI – Johnny Dunne CEO and Co-founder at Customs Window will share how his company navigated early-stage funding and built a product serving global trade.
Panel discussion:
Navigating U.S Expansion: Strategies for Irish Startups Amidst New Trade Realities with:
Alan Merriman, co-founder and CEO at Elkstone; Karole Egan, Senior Investment Advisor at Enterprise Ireland; Áine Denn, Entrepreneurial leader, mentor and advisor
Beyond the Exit: Will Parker’s Next Act in Life Sciences Innovation
Will Parker, Co-founder of Config LS & former Chairman/CCO of Safefood 360. Will scaled Safefood 360 into global markets, led its acquisition by UK-based LGC, and is now building Config LS – a cutting-edge regulatory solution for life sciences.
Networking: 10:00am-10:30am - Coffee Dock
Some of our previous speakers have included:
Sinéad Crowther; Soothing Solutions | Charlie Gleeson; Zipp Mobility | Paul Quigley; Newswhip | Travis George; Vela Games |Jennifer Rock; The Skin Nerd | Gavan Walsh; iCabbi | Chris Burge; Spark Crowdfunding | Sean O'Sullivan; SOSV | Aisling Kirwan; Positive Carbon | Sonia Neary; Wellola | Ross Keating; The Lennox Academy |Sharon Keegan; Peachylean | Fiona Edwards Murphy; ApisProtect | Orla McDonnell; Everly | Tim Crowe; WrxFlo | Eoin Carroll; Decision Analytics | Aidan Finn; Binarii Labs | Skillnet Innovation Exchange | Adrian Walsh; CheckVentory | Avril Copeland; Tickerfit | Colm Lyon; Fire | Enterprise Ireland | Frontline Ventures |
Previous topics covered have been:
Using the power of AI to combat the global issue of food waste I Sales is the lifeblood of any business – how best to optimise the process I Meet the founder driving the future of healthcare and patient communication I Preparing and Managing your Data I Room Key components to a successful acquisition I Meet the founder revolutionising the shapewear and activewear world.
Topics included essentials for startup success, such as:
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Strategies for securing Pre-Seed Start funding
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Implementing robust data security
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Effective sales techniques for business growth
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Overcoming fundraising challenges
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Building traction with key industry players
