On Wednesday, November 22nd, Ballygarry House in Tralee played host to a dynamic evening of insights, inspiration, and connection at the Tech Industry Alliance (TIA) Growth Capital event, held in partnership with AIB. The event brought together founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders to explore the evolving funding landscape for startups and high-growth businesses.
The evening kicked off with networking and refreshments, setting the tone for an engaging and collaborative atmosphere. Attendees were treated to two compelling customer success stories from founders who have taken very different, yet equally successful paths to growth.
Niall Harty, co-founder of All Real Nutrition, shared the journey of building a purpose-driven brand and securing funding through traditional banking support, notably from AIB. His story highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships and staying true to brand values while scaling.
Following Niall, Emily Brick, founder of Athenna Analytics, offered a refreshing alternative route to growth. Her journey began with Acorns, a program supporting women founders in rural Ireland, and continued with a Business Expansion Grant from the Local Enterprise Office (LEO). Emily’s story underscored the power of grassroots support and targeted funding in building a sustainable and impactful business.
The heart of the evening was a panel discussion moderated by Donagh Kiernan of Tenego Partnering, featuring a stellar lineup of industry experts:
- Daniel Mallon – Claret Capital Partners
- Georgie Browne – AxisBIC
- John O’Sullivan – Act Venture Capital
- Sinead Crowley – AwakenHub / Awaken Angels
- Timothy McCarthy – Goodbody Capital Partners
The panel tackled some of the most pressing questions facing founders today:
- Does a messy cap table deter investors?
- How venture debt is more expensive than bank debt
- Can you accept short-term losses for long-term growth?
- How is the quality of Irish start-ups evolving?
- Taking time to step back and see the bigger picture
The discussion was rich, honest, and thought-provoking, offering both strategic insights and practical takeaways for founders at every stage of their journey.
It was fantastic to connect with so many passionate entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders. Events like these are invaluable for fostering collaboration and driving innovation across the region.
At NexGen Cyber, we’re navigating our own growth journey with a clear focus on what everyone at the event agreed is most important, having customers who truly recognise the value you deliver and are willing to pay for your services. As we continue to expand, including plans to enter the US market in 2026, we remain committed to building meaningful relationships, delivering exceptional cybersecurity solutions, and staying agile in a fast-evolving landscape. Events like the TIA Growth Capital evening reinforce the importance of staying connected, informed, and customer-focused.
A huge thank you to Shane O’Connor, Vivienne O’Mahony, and Donagh Kiernan for orchestrating another outstanding TIA event. Looking forward to the next one!
