Startups embark on Bank of Ireland incubator programme in Galway

'StartLab is focused on helping startups develop their teams, fine-tune their ideas and engage potential customers and investors'

Eight technology startup companies are commencing six months of intensive business development, mentoring and networking, as part of Bank of Ireland's StartLab Galway, an 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 eight companies 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.

Discussing the StartLab Galway programme, David Tighe, Head of Innovation, Bank of Ireland said: 'We're delighted to welcome our first cohort of companies to Startlab Galway and the calibre of entrepreneurs is really exceptional. The West of Ireland is a hotbed of innovation and our nine new entrants are testament to the quality of emerging business talent. StartLab and its customized programmes will focus on helping these 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 technology entrepreneurs over the coming months.'

The first StartLab cohort, selected through a competitive process of over 60 applications, represents a diverse cross-section of technologies and entrepreneurs:

• Birdleaf, turning email addresses into insights to increase return on investment in marketing;
• Howling Hamster, producers of video games for PC, Mac and Linux for international sales and distribution;
• Couture Intel, a luxury fashion price comparison site;
• WoofAdvisor, helping pet lovers find 100% verified pet-friendly accommodation, amenities and services;
• ExerWise, a wearable activity tracker for children;
• MintTek Circuits, provides a new way to source hardware prototype requirements;
• Bluedrop Medical, develops technology capable of remotely detecting and monitoring foot ulcers in patients with diabetes;
• BuilderEngine, an innovative new platform for people who want to create smarter websites;

Bank of Ireland's StartLab Galway team includes David Tighe, Head of Innovation, Gene Murphy, Entrepreneur in Residence and Tracy Keogh, Galway Startup Community Manager.

For more information follow @BOIStartups account, call into StartLab Galway, Bank of Ireland Workbenches in Dublin and Galway, or visit startlabhq.com.

ENDS

Note for editors:

Bank of Ireland StartLab Galway:

StartLab Galway represents a new and innovative way for Bank of Ireland to engage, support and work with the tech startup community. Providing a bespoke workspace, central location and event space alongside support and mentorship, StartLab Galway provides tech startups with the appropriate environment to grow and scale their companies. The first incubator program of its kind to support and grow tech startup companies in Ireland, StartLab is the central point for the Tech Startup community to learn, grow and scale through the support of Bank of Ireland.

The Governor and Company of the Bank of Ireland issued this content on 17 February 2016 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 18 February 2016 14:47:30 UTC

Original Document: http://www.bankofireland.com/about-bank-of-ireland/press-room/press-releases/item/524/startups-embark-on-bank-of-ireland-incubator-programme-in-galway/#february