AxisBIC says there has been a considerable increase in high-potential start-ups from the Cork and Kerry region since 2023.
Previously known as CorkBIC, AxisBIC said it has worked with a record number of high potential start-ups (HPSUs) in the past year.
The company worked with 17 HPSUs from across the Cork and Kerry region, more than double the number from the previous year.
“It’s really encouraging to see so many female led start-ups, especially in the Cork and Kerry region, but I think we need to try to increase that number even further”
Working alongside their partner, Enterprise Ireland, AxisBIC’s vision is to unlock the potential within their expanded region, empowering high growth innovators to drive positive impact.
The 17 HPSUs were among 85 that featured in the ‘Class of 2023’ at this week’s Enterprise Ireland Start-Up Day. There were also 71 Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) investments with 11 of these having worked directly with AxisBIC.
More female founders needed
Enterprise Ireland confirmed that the Irish state agency invested a total of €24m in start-ups last year with €4m going towards the 17 HPSUs that worked with AxisBIC.
One of those HPSU start-ups was Peigín Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing. Crowley has worked with AxisBIC in developing her spa brand idea into a successful business.
“It’s really encouraging to see so many female led start-ups, especially in the Cork and Kerry region, but I think we need to try to increase that number even further,” Crowley said.
“I would strongly recommend anyone in business to contact AxisBIC for support. Setting up your own business can be very daunting but the team at AxisBIC have been so helpful working with me on my business plan as well as providing invaluable advice along the way. Last October, I attended the AxisBIC Entrepreneur Experience which was really beneficial as it offered entrepreneurs unparalleled access and mentoring from some of the country’s most successful business leaders.”
AxisBIC was formerly known as CorkBIC but rebranded earlier this year due to an expansion of the region in which it offers its services. AxisBIC now works with businesses in Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.
“We have been working with start-ups for the past 35 years and it is heartening to work with people like Peigín Crowley as they develop an idea into a thriving business,” said Larry O’Donoghue, CEO of AxisBIC.
“We had a particularly successful year in 2023 and we hope to continue to increase the number of high potential start-ups that we work with in 2024, especially in our expanded territories now including Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.”
The team at AxisBIC works closely with each entrepreneur to develop a well-tested business plan, raise investment, manage business propositions, and arrange agreements with shareholders and investors. The organisation has an extensive network of partners including local authorities, universities, investors, business bodies and seasoned entrepreneurs across Ireland and internationally.
“Enterprise Ireland is proud to continue supporting AxisBIC as they help to grow and develop innovative startups who have high growth potential and can contribute to economic development in their areas,” said Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy.
“AxisBIC worked with 17 high potential start-ups in 2023 and we look forward to seeing further success stories in the year ahead.”
Main image at top: Peigín Crowley of Ground Wellbeing at the AxisBIC Entrepreneur Experience in 2023. Photo: John Allen
