Niall Smart suggested on Pat's Blog: - The Y-C model can work in Ireland; but the structural and cultural issues associated with VC & EI mean they are unlikely to drive it. Y-C, betaworks, seedcamp, and techstars are primarily driven by entrepreneurs - not VCs or agencies. If a group of entrepreneurs in Ireland with the time, energy and contacts can make it happen, then EI, InvestNI & potentially some VCs need to hand over €1 million NSA. Chump change that they might never see again - but single-handedly the simplest and most effective way to seed a new generation of Irish startups.
09 Jun 16:40
Also by Niall Two other key components of Y-C are mentoring - which can happen locally - and contacts/demo day. EI can help by facilitating a Paddy’s Valley type trip to London & SF for startups in the program. (Not a brain drain: just get them out there in front of investors)
09 Jun 18:52
Ger,
I hate to point out the obvious but you do know of the Greenhouse incubator that I'm opening in Limerick next month?
The Greenhouse meets those "criteria" almost to the letter. We help idea stage entrepreneurs to develop their business during a 6-month incubation cycle. They come in with only an idea and we bring them to a point where they have a fully formed company, have a developed product or service, are incorporated as a company, have their IP and patents looked after etc. They are assigned a mentor and will get the full support of the network that the Greenhouse has behind it.
At this stage they should be ready for further investment and funding and we will do the introductions in this for them.
No cash charge just a small equity stake.
The Limerick Greenhouse is opening early July and i'm already working on one in Cork or Dublin.
Full details on: www.greenhouselimerick.com
10 Jun 09:35
Thanks Evert, yep I know about the greenhouse. I just wanted to capture all the ideas in one place to let people continue the conversations.