From left: Astia CEO Sharon Vosmek and MD Victoria Pettibone at Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for Inspirefest 2016. Image: Conor McCabe Photography
Inspirefest has announced that Astia investors will return for the third year in July 2017 – and they’re bringing their chequebooks.
Presenting a unique opportunity for high-growth start-ups with diverse teams, Ireland’s major sci-tech event, Inspirefest, has teamed up with Astia to host an Investor Masterclass for attendees as well as an Entrepreneur Showcase at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre this summer.
With its own dedicated stage at the theatre on Friday 7 July, the Astia Entrepreneur Showcase is an exciting opportunity for investor-ready high-growth start-ups to access capital. It also provides a platform for visiting international and local investors.
However, take note: Astia seeks start-ups that have at least one woman founder holding equity and significant influence. This is a fundamental part of Astia’s screening criteria and mission.
Astia CEO Sharon Vosmek presented a keynote and appeared in frank and revealing panel discussions at Inspirefest 2015 and 2016. Indeed, with 14 Astia investors in Dublin for Inspirefest, the visit resulted in the company’s first investment in an Irish start-up, SoapBox Labs.
Dr Patricia Scanlon, founder of SoapBox Labs will speak on main stage of Inspirefest on the Friday, following in the footsteps of the likes of Nuritas’s Dr Nora Khaldi, who went on to obtain significant funding from – among others – Bono and The Edge late last year.
“Astia and Inspirefest are so mission-aligned – we love participating in the conference each year,” said Vosmek.
“2017 will be our third year at Inspirefest and we hope to continue to build great relationships with entrepreneurs, the entrepreneurial community and the investor community.
“We also come to literally be inspired. Ann O’Dea has created an event that makes us – and every attendee, I believe – feel reinvigorated and recommitted to their mission to promote inclusion within the innovation economy.”
When and where
The Astia Entrepreneur Showcase will take place on 7 July 2017 at the main Inspirefest venue, the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
The session will also see a panel of Astia investors offer expert tips to early-stage entrepreneurs seeking funding, explaining what they look for in an investee.
In keeping with the ‘shared experience’ model of Inspirefest, all of this will take place during the lunch break to allow young entrepreneurs and investors gain from Astia investors’ wisdom, and from the experience of the hand-selected entrepreneurs, while not having to miss any of the main stage talks.
Start-up? Here’s what you have to do
Astia is currently accepting nominations for its Venture Showcase series including, in particular, this special one-off Entrepreneur Showcase in Dublin. This event series provides start-ups with a unique opportunity to present their market domain expertise to qualified investors and to make valuable funding connections.
There are no fees associated to apply or present. You will need to cover your own travel and accommodation, but you will receive a free ticket to the entire Inspirefest event.
Astia’s criteria can be found here but, generally, if yours is a promising, visionary start-up in a high-growth sector with at least one woman in a position of leadership (holding equity and significant influence), this is an unparalleled opportunity to meet potential investors.
To apply for the opportunity to be one of three entrepreneurs on stage at the Astia Entrepreneur Showcase at Inspirefest, submit your company materials here. To be considered for this year’s Inspirefest, materials must be received before 30 April 2017.
Applications received afterwards will still be considered for Astia’s global Venture Showcase series, but may not be reviewed in time for the Dublin event. If you’re not successful, there’ll be a myriad of opportunities to gain insights and advice from Astia leaders and investors at the Inspirefest event.
Investor? Here’s why you should attend
The Astia Entrepreneur Showcase at Inspirefest will see three companies present their market domain expertise on a panel, and answer questions from the investor and entrepreneur audience. Showcase companies are vetted by Astia’s global community of experts and each company is considered by more than 30 reviewers, including industry experts, C-level executives, serial entrepreneurs and members of the Astia investor community.
If you’re an investor attending Inspirefest in 2017, be sure not to miss the Astia Entrepreneur Showcase at 12.30pm on Friday 7 July on Stage 2 at the main venue.
Inspirefest is Silicon Republic’s international event connecting sci-tech professionals passionate about the future of STEM. Book now to get your Early Bird tickets.
