Over 40 Furthr-supported start-ups featured in the Business Posts Hot 100 Start-Ups

The Business Post’s Hot 100 Start-Ups supplement celebrates Ireland’s emerging businesses’ energy, creativity and resilience. Furthr has been crucial in supporting over 40 start-ups listed in various industries including technology, healthcare, and sustainability through a range of supports such as assistance with Pre-Seed Start Fund applications, Ready, Set, Go Furthr early-stage founder workshops, the Venture Build and Prep4Seed programmes, our Furthr Foundry Foundry pre-seed accelerator, one-to-one business mentorship and funding through our venture capital fund, Furthr VC. 

Furthr Foundry pre-seed accelerator alum Co-Swipe has been awarded the Enterprise Ireland Pre-Seed Start Fund grant. Co-Swipe, founded by Olga Heanue and Vlada Shevchenko, is an all-in-one B2B platform for data-driven marketing campaigns. It allows users to access audience insights, joint analytics, and intuitive management tools to expand reach and boost ROI through partner marketing. 

Edtech start-up Little Red Edu, founded by Anna Carmody, plans to raise €800,000 in the next six months to expand into the East Asian market. The company is developing an app that uses augmented reality to teach English to early learners, focusing on those learning English as a second language. Initially, the company is targeting schools and organisations in Vietnam and Thailand.

Everly's platform aims to take the stress out of wedding planning

Louth-based Everly, founded by Laura Downes and Orla McDonnell in 2020, has created an online wedding planning solution with the goal of integrating all aspects of wedding planning into a seamless digital platform. The company is looking to raise €1 million in funding by the end of this year to expand into the UK and US markets. 

InterTradeIreland, with support from Invest Northern Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, has launched eight entrepreneurship programmes for women entrepreneurs in Ireland. Funded by the €30m Shared Island Enterprise Scheme, they aim to help women scale their businesses, access investment, and enhance skills in areas like AI and angel investing. The initiative focuses on fostering cross-border collaboration and sustainability to empower women founders and create a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem throughout the island.

Are you interested in the thriving entrepreneurial scene in the Baltics? Startup Fair. Pulse 2024, is the largest startup event in the Baltic States, organised by Startup Lithuania and is taking place on October 3rd. The event set new records with over 2000 participants, more than 430 investors, and attendees from 68 countries. The event features more than 60 distinguished speakers and a Pitch Battle with 44 participants.

Unlock Global Opportunities with Get Exporting

The Get Exporting programme is an innovative initiative from Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices. It's designed for ambitious and scaling Irish companies starting their export journey or ready to scale to the next level. Get Exporting aims to fast-track business growth. 

The event "Bridging the Funding Gap: Scaling Innovations in Circular Bioeconomy," organised by ShapingBio in collaboration with Teagasc, BiOrbic and Furthr, focuses on addressing financial challenges in advancing circular bioeconomy innovations. It brings together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including investors, policymakers, and industry leaders, to explore funding solutions and strategies for scaling sustainable bio-based innovations.

The Skillnet Innovation Exchange Scale-Up Roadshow will be touring Ireland this autumn, offering support to businesses facing growth challenges. With expert Network Partners covering key areas like Legal and Finance, the event aims to prepare companies for their scaling journey. The roadshow will stop in Cork, Kerry, Wexford, Westport, and Drogheda between September 26 and October 23. This is an excellent opportunity for businesses to access valuable resources and accelerate their growth.

Enterprise Ireland has launched the High Potential Start-up Founder of the Year award. The winner will be announced on October 17 at the Gibson Hotel in Dublin, with nine finalists selected from 67 eligible start-ups. The awards are part of the HPSU Founders Forum, which supports entrepreneurs across sectors like digital, fintech, and medical devices. Companies like Peri, which uses AI for menopause management, and Whole Supp, a nutritional supplements firm, are among the nominees. This initiative celebrates innovation and promotes global ambition among Irish start-ups.

The 2024 National Startup Awards, now in their 13^th year, are now open for entries. This year, they have introduced a new category called "The Enterprise Ireland New Frontiers Startup of the Year," in addition to the 10 existing startup categories. The judging panel includes Jamie Heaslip, Gary Fox, and our own Dr Rosalind Beere. The deadline for applications is October 17th, so make sure to submit your application soon!

The Big Pitch 2024 is now open for early-stage startups in Ireland, offering a chance to elevate your business with expert mentoring and live pitching experience. Three finalists will receive personalized coaching and compete for a €5,000 cash prize, while four additional finalists will deliver lightning pitches for a special audience prize. With opportunities to present to investors and industry leaders, this competition is ideal for founders looking to refine their ideas. 

EBN Techcamp24, co-organised by EBN and Furthr, offers a unique opportunity to learn from 36+ experts in digital transformation and AI, sharing real-life experiences and best practices from certified EU|BICs. Attendees will gain actionable insights, discover replicable initiatives for their ecosystems, and build valuable collaborations with peers from top innovation regions, all with a focus on fostering innovation and sustainability.