Entrepreneurs to battle it out to win €10k in funding at enterprise awards
All graduates of the DIT Hothouse venture programme, Kevin Egan of Team Traders, Kieran Murphy of Traders Now and Cathal Brady of Ultan Technologies, will pitch proposals and have their business plans questioned by an experienced panel of judges at the PwC-sponsored event, which will be launched today.
Now in its 10th year, this event is the initiative of the Bolton Trust and DIT Hothouse. Last year’s winner, Foxframe, was featured as one of the top 60 technology companies to watch in 2012 by the Wall Street Journal.
Bolton Trust chairman Rea O’Neill said: “This year’s finalists represent real opportunities with global potential for investment. All are seeking to expand quickly into global markets with a focus on the US. Last year’s DIP Awards saw the investment of over €1.2m in three excellent companies.”
Since 2001, the Hothouse programme in the Docklands Innovation Park has supported 250 early-stage entrepreneurs.
Previous participants have included Movidius, Sigmoid Pharma, Muzu.tv and Mick’s Garage. Hothouse firms have created more than 1,000 jobs and won over €90m in investment.
Speaking at the shortlist announcement, Ronan Murphy, a senior partner at PwC, said: “At this time of economic and business uncertainty, it is very important to support our young people and foster a culture of innovation.
“Many of our young entrepreneurs will be our future business leaders and their new ideas and businesses will no doubt contribute to job creation and Ireland’s recovery. PwC is delighted to support these awards and wishes the candidates every success.”
The awards take place on Thursday, Mar 1, at PwC’s offices at Spencer Dock, Dublin.
