Source: Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland startlab in Galway hosted its third “Demo Day” today in Eyre Square.
Six startup companies currently partaking in the programme had a five minute slot to pitch their business to the assembled high profile investors, mentors and the Bank of Ireland network.
The current cohort of startups participated on the incubator programme for the past six months with access to mentors, coaches and support from Bank of Ireland’s Innovation Team and wider network.
Companies participating in the programme were selected from early stage tech startups through a competitive process which took place through February 2017 with the program beginning in April 2017 from a range of sectors including Fintech and other fast paced industry segments.
Bank of Ireland startlab Galway Demo Day companies includes BriteBiz, CitySwifter, ToyPing, MissingMinutes, HappyTechie and Open Box.
Speaking at today’s event, David Tighe, Head of Innovation, Bank of Ireland said, “Entrepreneurs and startup companies are a major part of the future economic development of Ireland and require strong support in the early days. startlab Galway provides early stage companies access to a range of supports to help them succeed and grow from a Galway base.
“it is incredible to see how far these companies have developed over the past three months and I am delighted to see how far they have advanced in that period. Demo Day presents a fantastic opportunity for startups to meet and network with investors and mentors and showcase their businesses. Galway and the rest of the west have a fantastic startup community and environment and I would encourage startups interested in the startlab programme to investigate the next programme.”
Bank of Ireland startLab Galway complements Bank of Ireland Workbenches, running at Mainguard Street (Galway), Grand Canal Square, Montrose and Trinity College(Dublin), Patrick Street (Cork) and O’Connell Street (Limerick). Since opening, the Workbenches - which offer hot desking, meeting and event space to startup companies and entrepreneurs - have welcomed more than 10,000 visitors, hosted more than 200 events, and supported more than 100 startup enterprises.
The Bank of Ireland Innovation Team involved in startlab includes David Tighe, Head of Innovation, Tracy Keogh, Galway Startup Community Manager and Gene Murphy, Entrepreneur in Residence.
The application process for a place on the next startlab Galway programme will be launched in the coming weeks at @boistartups.