Start-up businesses need to be more investor-friendly, says venture expert

Fergal McCann, venture capital expert and lead adviser with InterTrade Ireland, the cross-Border business development body, said there was no shortage of funding available to entrepreneurs but businesses needed to do more to attract interest from venture capitalists.

"Contrary to what some believe, the relatively low uptake of private equity on the island is driven, not by a lack of funds, but by a lack of investor readiness among companies seeking funding,” said Mr McCann. Equity Network, the InterTrade Ireland-backed agency that supports businesses looking for equity finance, will hold a conference next month to increase awareness of the skills necessary to attract venture capital funding.

“The conference will outline what investors are looking for, and delegates will be able to question and learn from those who have used private equity to establish and grow multi-million euro organisations that have a global reach,” said Mr McCann.