Event Details
In the EU, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of the economy. They make up over 99% of businesses and are crucial for employment, innovation and economic growth. SMEs, including both startups and growing companies, often face challenges in accessing finance for essential activities like innovation, digitalisation and expansion.
At this "Access to finance - Investment" event you'll have the opportunity to hear from our expert panel on company Investment, and how it can be utilised by SMEs as a way to access finance.
Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the event Q&A session.
Time:
08:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Venue:
The Dean Hotel , 33 Harcourt Street, , Dublin 2 D02 WC81
Moderator: Mary Rose Burke, CEO Dublin Chamber
Niall McEvoy, Head of Venture, Elkstone:
Niall is Head of Venture at Elkstone, Irelands largest seed stage fund (€100m). Niall joined Elkstone from Enterprise Ireland where he led the High Potential Start-up (HPSU) team. Prior to that, Niall spent 7 years at the helm of his own start-up as Co-Founder and CEO at Irish Sportstech company Teamer. He has spent much of his career working directly with start-ups and scale-ups, has deep domain expertise in start-up and growth stage funding, and a real passion for supporting founders on the journey from start to scale.
Niamh Sterling, Founder & Managing Director, Sterling Lynch Consulting:
Niamh Sterling is founder of Sterling Lynch Consulting, where she advises SMEs on improving operational performance, accelerating commercial growth and creating enterprise value. She is Chair of Business Venture Partners (BVP) and All-Island Director of HBAN. Previously, she founded Interact - Ireland's largest Facilities Management company - and H2O Solutions, both acquired by Bidvest in 2021 and was board of LeoLynch prior to its acquisition by US private equity.
Chris Burge, CEO, Spark Venture Funding:
Chris Burge is CEO of Spark Venture Funding, an equity investment platform based in Dublin. The platform facilitates investment into SMEs, start-ups and scaling businesses by a wide range of private investors. Chris has been an active investor in start-up businesses over the years and also provides mentor advice to a number of early-stage companies. He has started a number of successful businesses of his own over the years, notably in the energy sector. With over 25 years commercial experience, Chris also has a Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering and a Master’s degree in Energy Management.