Incubator programme for innovative start-ups
Bank of Ireland is calling on all Galway technology startup companies to apply for one of seven places on the startlab Galway programme, a six month intensive business development, mentoring and networking incubator programme for innovative tech businesses.
startlab Galway aims to develop entrepreneurial activity in the West of Ireland and strengthen the local infrastructure and supports available to entrepreneurs at the critical early stages of establishing a company.
Based in a custom-designed Bank of Ireland building on Eyre Square, the seven companies who successfully progress to the programme will benefit from a range of complementary facilities including desk space, high-speed wifi, conference rooms as well as one-to-one sessions with key coaches and mentors, introductions to investors and support from Bank of Ireland’s Innovation Team.
The companies will embark on a six month curriculum which includes sessions on business model validation, lean methodology, building strategic partnerships and stress-testing the product / market fit.
The programme is designed to educate, connect and scale the technology startups and, once completed, businesses will participate in a ‘Demo Day’, with the opportunity to pitch to industry leaders, venture capitalists and investors. Applications are now open at www.startlabhq.com
Startups involved in the last incubator programme which finished in August have had fantastic success since partaking in the programme and some have secured significant investment from VC funds.
Speaking about how they found the programme, Siobhan Ní Chofaigh, MintTek Circuits, said: “The very first thing that we felt when we got into the BOI startlab in 19 Eyre Square was like a real company.
“We had been working from a home office and the energy and work environment of startlab was exactly what was needed. startlab got us back on track. Our first month saw sales grow by 40% month on month. In the six months we created more customers, sales and partnerships than in the previous 12. Tracy and the team were always around to help overcome challenges. If we needed help or a connection the digital rolodex was opened up and that connection was made, instantaneously.”
Discussing the startlab Galway programme, David Tighe, Head of Innovation, Bank of Ireland said: “The West of Ireland is a hotbed of innovation and our last intake of startups are testament to the quality of emerging business talent in the region. startlab, through its customized programmes, focuses on helping businesses to develop their teams, fine-tune their ideas and engage potential customers and investors.
“Supporting and empowering startups is at the heart of Bank of Ireland’s enterprise ethos and we look forward to working with our new entrepreneurs over the coming months.”
For more information follow @BOIStartups account, email [email protected] , call into startlab Galway, Bank of Ireland Workbenches in Dublin and Galway, or visit startlabhq.com.