Cork-based AxisBIC opens applications for annual Entrepreneur Experience.
AxisBIC has helped emerging businesses raise €500 million since its inception in 2011.
The landmark figure was revealed as the programme opens applications for its 2025 Entrepreneur Experience, an intensive mentoring event.
“It was heartening to see so many female founders at the Entrepreneur Experience in 2024 and it is a trend we hope to see continue as an increase in women take that leap of transforming an idea into a thriving business”
The two-day event, scheduled for October 17-18 at Ballymaloe, Co. Cork, brings together 24 emerging entrepreneurs with 24 established business leaders for intensive mentoring and peer-to-peer support over 24 hours.
Last year’s event saw a notable milestone in gender representation, with 48% of participating start-ups founded or co-founded by women across sectors including fashion, food, medtech, AI, edtech, renewables, fitness and skincare.
“It was heartening to see so many female founders at the Entrepreneur Experience in 2024 and it is a trend we hope to see continue as an increase in women take that leap of transforming an idea into a thriving business,” said Larry O’Donoghue, AxisBIC CEO. “This event gives start-ups a unique opportunity to learn from some of the best in the country as well as getting invaluable peer-to-peer support over the two days.”
Supporting our southern stars
AxisBIC, which has been supporting start-ups in the South and South-West of Ireland for more than 35 years, announced that investment firm Quintas Capital is joining as a new partner for the 2025 event. The company joins existing partners including Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Grant Thornton, Broadlake and The Currency.
“I would like to thank all our partners for making it possible to host this event every year, with a particular mention for Quintas Capital which is coming on board this year,” O’Donoghue added.
The programme has supported numerous successful companies, including Crest Solutions (now Catalyx), Velo Coffee, Nicki Hoyne, All Real Nutrition, Green Rebel, Ground Wellbeing and Doctrine Skincare.
Andrew O’Shaughnessy, founder of Poppulo, participated in the inaugural event in 2011 and credits the experience with helping build his successful enterprise. “I took part in the first AxisBIC Entrepreneur Experience in 2011 and it was a fantastic experience,” he said. “I learned so much from the different business leaders and emerging entrepreneurs that I met over the two days and used the advice I received to turn Poppulo into a successful enterprise.”
“There are many, many questions that you have as a founder and it’s crucial to get the right advice and support along the way. I would highly recommend this event to anyone who is starting their business journey,” O’Shaughnessy added.
The closing date for applications is Friday, 5 September and applications can be made here
Image at top: Michael Neary, Grant Thornton; Rena Maycock, Chirp; Fionnuala Wall, AxisBIC and Jim Barry, Barry Group, pictured at The Entrepreneur Experience Alumni Gathering at Grant Thornton, City Quay, Dublin. Photo: Conor Ó Mearáin
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