Start-up and early stage companies across the island of Ireland are encouraged to enter
InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition before the closing date on Friday, May 31.
Seedcorn, which has a total cash prize fund of €280,000, is open to both Northern Irish and Irish firms looking for funding, with the overall winner receiving €100,000.
Loci Orthopaedics, based in Galway won the top prize in 2018, while
Northern Ireland's NeuroCONCISE and Jumpack Ltd were recognised as the Northern Ireland winners of the Best Early Stage Company and Best New Start Company, each winning €20,000.
Since the first competition in 2003, a total of €4.5 million has been awarded to companies.
Participants not only have the opportunity to walk away with funding but will also receive guidance on how to develop their business plan, present business propositions, improve their ‘investor readiness’, benefit from exposure with venture capitalists, angel and other investors and get the chance to increase the profile of their business.
“It’s vital that determined start-up and early-stage companies get the support and advice they need to achieve their ambitions," said Shane O’Hanlon, Funding for Growth Manager, InterTradeIreland. "Seedcorn is much more than a competition – it goes beyond the €4.5 million cash funding by helping firms prepare for challenges and learning how to capitalise on opportunities.
“Companies learn from industry experts and the wider investment community, who help them refine their business plans and improve their pitches to potential investors. We would encourage companies to avail of this fantastic opportunity and submit their entries before the upcoming closing date.”
InterTradeIreland’s Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition closes at 13:00 on Friday, May 31 and details on how to apply can be
found here.
Source: Written based on press release
