Former PayPal executive joins MASV as COO to spearhead support of high-growth businesses.
MASV, the family investment office founded by Voxpro entrepreneurs Dan and Linda Kiely, has appointed Louise Phelan as Chief Operating Officer.
The move comes as it accelerates plans to scale a multi-million-euro portfolio of high-growth companies in Ireland and abroad.
“Her experience in scaling teams, putting in governance and getting complex organisations execution-ready is exactly what our portfolio needs for the next stage.”
Phelan, who previously served as PayPal’s vice president of global operations for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, brings decades of experience in building and managing complex organisations.
Her career includes senior roles at GE Money and Phelan Energy Group, and she currently sits on the board of Kingspan, having previously served on Ryanair’s board.
Hands-on support
“MASV was set up to give founders the kind of hands-on support we wished we’d had when we were building Voxpro,” said Dan Kiely.
“Louise is one of the best operators I’ve worked with anywhere in the world. Her experience in scaling teams, putting in governance and getting complex organisations execution-ready is exactly what our portfolio needs for the next stage.”
MASV backs globally ambitious founders in sectors such as artificial intelligence, digital platforms and wellness. Its portfolio includes Irish and international start-ups such as Manna, Solidroad, Protex AI, Sweepr, Riley, Sisu and Barspace.
It typically invests at early and growth stages and works closely with founders and co-investors. While it remains a privately owned family office, the firm is considering inviting a small number of aligned family offices and private investors to co-invest on selected deals, reflecting growing interest in its operator-led model.
In her new role, Phelan will focus on strengthening MASV’s leadership and operations, deepening support for portfolio companies and refining its investment strategy. She highlighted the importance of operational discipline and market execution for Irish start-ups.
“There is no shortage of great ideas in Ireland, but there is often a gap in operational discipline, governance and go-to-market execution,” she said. “MASV’s edge is that we don’t just write cheques; we roll up our sleeves and work with founders on structure, teams, sales and resilience.
“I’m especially keen to use that platform to back more female founders and to support emerging ventures in wellness and longevity, where Ireland can build globally significant businesses.”
Top image: Louise Phelan, COO, MASV
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