NDRC Pre-Accelerator Showcase at PorterShed

On Friday, PorterShed was buzzing with excitement as we hosted the sold-out NDRC Pre-Accelerator Showcase. Nineteen impressive tech startups took the stage to pitch their innovative ideas to an audience of peers, investors, and key players in the tech community.

Before the spotlight turned on, these startups had the opportunity to engage 1-on-1 with some of the brightest minds in tech and investment. Representatives from Enterprise Ireland, Elkstone, ACT Venture, and Atlantic Bridge were on hand to share insights, make connections, and offer guidance to this Winter Cohort. A huge thank you to Gavin Bluett and the team at Browne Jacobson for sponsoring the Showcase Day and lending their skills to this year’s cohort, offering advice on the legal side of startups. It’s this kind of direct access and collaboration that underscores the strength of Ireland’s tech ecosystem!

This showcase wasn’t just the culmination of a day’s work; it was the crowning moment of a six-week journey for these startups. Throughout the programme, participants learned from experienced guest speakers, benefited from mentorship, and tuned into fireside chats featuring entrepreneurs who’ve walked the same challenging road they’re now on. It’s no small feat to embark on such a journey, and this group of founders rose to the occasion with creativity.

A special thanks to everyone who contributed – from speakers to mentors to the tireless support team. Your time and expertise have been instrumental in shaping the futures of these startups.

One of the highlights of the day was a fireside chat with Barry O’Sullivan, an entrepreneur with a wealth of experience and success. Barry shared candidly about the highs and lows of building a company, offering practical advice on assembling a strong founding team, the critical role of skilled engineers, and the immense potential of AI in today’s tech landscape.

He also emphasised the importance of early-stage partnerships, recounting how they were pivotal during his journey with Altocloud. Reflecting on the event, Barry remarked, “I can see the fingertips of some of the great work the NDRC has done from watching the pitches during the day.”

As we wrap up 2024, we couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out the year. Watching this cohort of startups showcase their progress and passion was a testament to the hard work, talent, and resilience they’ve demonstrated throughout the past 6 weeks.

A massive congratulations to all 19 companies – you’ve truly impressed us, and we’re confident this is just the beginning of your incredible journeys.

We’d also like to extend a shoutout to Dushyant Singh, our Programme Manager, for his dedication and leadership in guiding this cohort. And of course, a huge thank you to the entire NDRC team for their support in making this program such a success.

At PorterShed, events like the NDRC Pre-Accelerator Showcase remind us why we do what we do. It’s about fostering a community where innovation thrives, where startups have the tools, resources, and networks to turn their visions into reality.

To everyone who joined us last Friday and to those who made this journey possible: thank you. Let’s keep building, innovating, and celebrating together. Here’s to a bright future for Irish tech – and to see what this exceptional cohort achieves next!