The Irish VC

The Irish VC Podcast — Buymedia, media buying, and scaling from Ireland. In this conversation, Sarah Jane Larkin speaks with Fergal O’Connor, founder and CEO of Buymedia, about how he built the company from an early marketplace idea into an AI-driven media planning platform. The discussion covers start-up iteration, customer-led product development, funding in Ireland, and the changing media lands...

Live from Google HQ Dublin! Delighted to introduce our 3rd Annual Google Takeover Live panel discussion for the Irish VC Podcast with the headline panel of: Host: Neil Lock - Google Guests: Mark Kirwan of Positive Carbon , Joseph Smyth of Joulica , Sean Mullaney of Seapoint & Portia Healy O’ Connor of Linda ai. Discover how AI-native startups are transforming industries with innovative solutio...

Discover insights from Pat Smith, Managing Director of Local Power Limited, on Ireland’s renewable energy prospects, particularly in biomethane, solar PVs, and battery storage. This episode explores how farmers and rural communities can harness green energy, the importance of government support, and the role of innovative projects in shaping Ireland’s sustainable future. Main Topics Covered: Pat S...

In this episode, Stephen Burdock, Director of BVP Investments, shares his extensive experience in banking, private equity, and investment strategies. He discusses what makes a compelling pitch, the importance of team versus idea, and insights into Ireland's emerging sectors like AI and health tech. Don't miss the upcoming Funder/ Founder event open to the public mentioned at the end of the...

In this episode of the Irish VC podcast, host Sarah Jane Larkin discusses the current state of venture capital in 2026 with industry experts Elliott Griffin, Gillian Buckley, and Amy Neale. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the global and Irish VC landscape, the impact of AI on investment strategies, and provide valuable advice for founders navigating the fundraising environment. Th...

In this conversation, Marie Nolan interviews Stephen Tully, CFO of BVP Investments, to demystify and talk through some frequently asked questions around the Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS). They discuss the benefits of EIIS, including tax relief for investors, and highlight a successful case study of Astatine, a company that has significantly grown with BVP's support. The convers...

In this episode of The Irish VC, Caroline Gaynor (Guest), Partner of Lightstone VC emphasises the importance of building a strong support network for founders, particularly those who are first-time entrepreneurs. Sarah Jane Larkin (Host) & Caroline both highlight the challenges of lacking a track record and the need for guidance from experienced individuals. Additionally, Caroline stresses the...

In this episode, Denise Sidhu, Director and Partner at Kernel Capital, shares her journey into venture capital, discussing the lessons learned over her 20-year career. She highlights the current state of the venture capital landscape in Ireland, the challenges faced by startups, particularly in securing funding, and the importance of perseverance and optimism. Denise also advocates for increased s...

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Munster Technology University (MTU) in Cork. In this episode of the Irish VC podcast, the panel comprising of Hilary O'Shea from Otonomee, Alison MacSweeney from Brandhive & Ryan O'Neill from LegitFit discusses the critical role of branding for start-ups, emphasising the balance between product development and brand identity. The...

In this short episode of the Irish VC, Mark Farrelly of HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network) has a fireside chat with Brian Thornes. From orthopaedic surgeon to Inventor & CEO, Brian tells us about the ground-breaking development of the X-Bolt hip fracture system. Discover how this innovative technology is transforming orthopaedic care around the world, offering enhanced stability and faster rec...

Welcome to this special edition of The Irish VC recorded in front of a live audience at NovaUCD, the hub of innovation at University College Dublin. Hosted by Mark Farrelly of HBAN & joined by 3 fantastic founders on the guest panel, Alan Barry (PlasmaBound), Apoorva Kumar (InspeqAI) & Dr Harriet Treacy (Beyond BMI). This podcast episode explores the vibrant startup ecosystem in Ireland, f...

In this podcast, Ryan O'Neill, Co-founder and CEO of LegitFit, shares his journey from a background in Big Pharma to the fitness tech industry. He discusses the inception of LegitFit, emphasising the importance of customer feedback in product development. Ryan elaborates on the challenges of scaling a startup in a small market like Ireland, the significance of funding, and the strategies emplo...

John Flynn reflects on his journey into venture capital, beginning with a background in physics and tech before joining ACT in the late 1990s. He discusses the evolution of Ireland's VC landscape over the past 40 years—from ACT's early days as part of AIB, through the tech boom and crash of the early 2000s, to a more mature and thriving ecosystem today. He highlights key moments, such as t...

Recorded live at Google HQ Dublin, this special episode brings together an expert panel of funders and founders to discuss the realities of raising and investing capital in Ireland. From securing early-stage funding to navigating VC investment, our panelists share their insights, knowledge, and real-world experiences to help entrepreneurs and investors understand the current funding landscape. Fea...

In this episode of The Irish VC , Sarah Jane Larkin of t sit down with Gillian Buckley to celebrate 40 years of the IVCA and explore her journey in venture capital. We discuss the impact of the Western Investment Fund, the evolving landscape for startups and entrepreneurs, and the crucial role of women in VC. Gillian shares insights on unlocking private sector investment, success stories from the...

In this episode of The Irish VC, we sit down with Tom Cotter, CEO of OceanR, to dive into the world of sustainable business and impact-driven investment. OceanR is making waves in the eco-friendly apparel space, and Tom shares insights on scaling a mission-led company, securing investment, and the challenges of sustainable innovation. Hosted by Marie, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways...

In this episode of The Irish VC , we sit down with Gerry Maguire, Chair of the Irish Venture Capital Association (IVCA) and a key figure at Atlantic Bridge, one of Europe’s leading venture capital firms. Gerry shares his journey into venture capital, offering unique insights into his career, investment strategies, and the factors behind Atlantic Bridge’s success. We delve into: Investment Strategi...

In this episode, we sit down with Conor Layden, Commercial Director of the Arigna Group, an expanded family business based in Roscommon, Ireland. Conor shares his journey into the family business, reflecting on whether it was always part of his plan. We explore Arigna Groups transitioning from black to green, focusing on sustainability and innovation. Conor provides fascinating insights into their...

In this episode, our host Andrew McGreal of BVP interviews the Founder and CEO of SaaStock, Alexander Theuma. Alex gives us an insight to the background and origins of SaaStock, SaaStock's role in scaling companies. They then delve into the launch of backfuture, a new solo venture fund and concluding with some reflections and details about the upcoming Saastock event in the RDS Dublin next week! O...

In this episode, we dive into Pre Budget chat with our host Sarah-Jane Larkin and our guest Martina Fitzgerald, current CEO of Scale Ireland & former RTE political correspondent. They share valuable insights on Martina's career from journalist to CEO, The impact of Scale Ireland on start-up's, shaping policy for the start-up eco system, the role of funding in start-up growth, proposed changes...

In this episode, our host Marie Nolan chats with Marie Donnellan, former EY Director and current CEO of Platform 94. (Yes, 2 Marie's on the podcast!) Marie shares insights into what Galway based Platform 94 does, the industries they collaborate with, and how they help both indigenous and foreign businesses scale. They also dive into the importance of work-life balance, and Marie answers some f...

In this episode, Sarah Jane Larkin - Director General of the Irish Venture Capital & Private Equity Association chats with IVCA & Level 20 Members, Jennifer McMahon partner at Seroba and Laura Dillon Partner at Waterland Private Equity Ireland. This discussion is a Level 20 themed conversation, discussing careers in Venture Capital and Private Equity, including getting more gender parity a...

In this episode, our host Marie chats to Irish legend and superstar athlete Derval O'Rourke. Derval competed for Ireland in numerous European, World and Olympic Championships. They chat about the success of the Irish team at the European Athletics Championships that just happened over the last few days in Rome! How these athletes prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games?! They then take a step...

This podcast was recorded in Google HQ Dublin, Ireland, in front of a live audience. Tune in for a captivating discussion on 'Tech Tomorrow' with our incredible host Sarah Jane Larkin, Director General of the IVCA & podcast guests including: 🔹 Elliott Griffin - CEO of Business Venture Partners (BVP) 🔹 Sonia Neary - CEO of Wellola 🔹 Mark LIttle - Ex Broadcaster/ Co -Founder Storyful...

In this episode, Sarah Jane Larkin talks with Irelands Minister for Finance, Michael McGrath. They discuss a number of topics including... - What he considers the biggest policy win for Ireland as a country - The importance of homegrown ventures for Irelands economy - Supports for innovation/entrepreneurship, and those who back them! - Saving for rainy days - How best we can bolster Irelands econo...