Prep4Seed is a 12-week intensive Investor Ready programme delivered nationally by the Irish BICs: AxisBIC, Furthr, Propelor BIC & WestBIC in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland.
11 high-growth start-ups have been selected to complete the Prep4Seed Programme delivered by the Irish Business Innovation Centres.
The 11 businesses span a variety of sectors that include climate tech, life sciences, fintech, digital tech, food and sustainability.
“Start-up companies are a driver of innovation and economic growth”
The participating companies are: Blip Payments Limited, Chapter Technology Limited, Liltoda, Maximo Financial Planning, Nibbed Ltd, Shoden Limited, Somatech Limited, Tao Climate, Voltflo, Xtricate Medical Ltd and Zeitgeist Spirits.
Nurturing future enterprise leaders
“Start-up companies are a driver of innovation and economic growth,” said Carol Gibbons, Divisional Manager for Entrepreneurship, Start-Ups and Local Enterprise at Enterprise Ireland.
“At Enterprise Ireland, we are committed to helping founders start and scale their business internationally. The Prep4Seed programme, delivered in collaboration with the four BICs, is an effective platform from which to launch and nurture our future enterprise leaders and their businesses. I am pleased to see the wide regional spread of companies across a range of sectors engaging in this programme and we look forward to supporting these high-growth start-ups on their investment journey.”
The Prep4Seed programme includes five Masterclasses run by the Irish BICs and six one-to-one sessions concentrating on client-led bespoke activity with experienced BIC consultants. The one-to-ones ensure that content from the Masterclasses is applied in a relevant way to each company. The individual, tailored company focus, brings these start-up companies through the investor readiness process quickly and effectively.
Participants are also brought through intensive investor pitch preparation sessions and trial pitches preparing them for Investor Pitch Day. The 12-week programme culminates with the Investor Pitch Day in May hosted by Enterprise Ireland.
“We are thrilled to welcome participants to Cork for the inaugural Masterclass of the 2025 Prep4Seed Programme,” said Larry O’Donoghue, CEO of AxisBIC.
“AxisBIC has been engaged along with the BICs and EI with Prep4Seed since its pilot phase and has witnessed numerous companies gain immense value, securing substantial investments. Programmes like Prep4Seed play a crucial role in ensuring startups are investor-ready and equipped for sustainable growth.”
Main image at top:
Back Row, Standing (L to R) – Dr. Tony Callaghan, Somatech; Richard Walsh, Maximo; Shane Molloy, Xtricate Medical; Georgie Browne, AxisBIC; David Joyce, Voltflo; Mairead Murray, Liltoda; John Havel, Solas Sodas
Centre ground, Seated (L to R) – Mary Ryan, WestBIC; Majella Murphy, Furthr; Steve Rock, Shoden
Foreground, Seated (L to R) – Rosemary Ward, PropelorBIC; Hugo Urien, Blip Payments
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