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Yvonne Comer

Yvonne Comer | Senior Innovation Catalyst | PorterShed

You have a strong entrepreneurial background and have been a founder yourself. Can you share a bit about your journey and what led you to your current role as a Senior Innovation Catalyst?

I’ve always been drawn to roles where I could carve my own path and with each role, I always came into a newly created position. This gave me the freedom to shape them, make an impact and gain a wide breadth of experience with the chance to work on cutting-edge innovations.

I’ve never been one to shy away from a challenge. Prior to starting at the PorterShed, I was CEO of RugbySmarts, a sports tech startup using computer vision and machine learning to automatically tag key moments in rugby matches, a perfect way to blend my passion for innovation and sport. After RugbySmarts, I transitioned into consulting for startups across industries like digital accessibility, medical tech, and football, helping founders navigate growth. Along the way, the Senior Innovation Catalyst role at PorterShed landed in my inbox, and it immediately resonated. I’ve always loved mentoring, advising, speaking on panels, and judging startup competitions so this role felt like a natural evolution.

I’m a qualified rugby coach and in many ways this role is another form of coaching. Now I get to help founders tackle the chaos of startup life including spotting talent, refining strategies, and making sure no one gets blindsided by bad decisions.

What excites you most about joining the PorterShed community?

As I was  completing the BioInnovate Fellowship and then establishing RugbySmarts, I became immersed in the startup ecosystem across Galway and Ireland, even having a desk in the  PorterShed. I quickly fell in love with the community with its energy, collaboration, and genuine willingness to support one another. There’s nothing like being surrounded by people who want to change the world, hearing about the different innovations and I get immense satisfaction by being a small part of that journey. The PorterShed is so much more than a co-working space, it’s a special community and I’m excited to work alongside the amazing team there to continue building a sustainable legacy for the region.

You’re passionate about supporting women in tech. From your perspective, what are the biggest barriers still facing women in the industry today?

A few years ago, I conducted a study on female representation in sports governance, and the ‘double burden’ was a recurring theme. In most cases women are still the primary caregivers, responsible for childcare, household management, and daily logistics, all while trying to build and sustain careers. This dual responsibility leaves little time for the all-consuming nature of launching or scaling a startup, where success often hinges on the ability to dedicate relentless time and energy.


A similar pattern is evident in the tech industry, where research consistently highlights not just the double burden but also the structural barriers women face in securing leadership roles and investment. Despite the increasing number of women entering the tech sector, female-led startups still receive only a fraction of total venture funding, less than 3% of global VC capital. This funding gap is compounded by limited access to influential networks, which are crucial for securing mentorship, investment, and partnerships.


Addressing these barriers requires systemic change including restructuring investment approaches, increasing access to capital and networks, and creating environments that allow women to thrive without the expectation of doing twice the work just to stay in the game. That’s why it’s great to see the work that organisations like the Awaken Hub and Awaken Angels are doing to overcome this inequity.

What initiatives or changes do you think would make the biggest impact in bridging the gender gap in tech and startups?

Bridging the gender gap in tech and startups requires systemic changes in investment, networks, support structures, and leadership. Increasing funding for female-led startups, expanding access to mentorship and investor networks, and ensuring more women hold decision-making roles in VC firms and tech leadership are critical steps. A recent Beauhurst study on female founders shows that over half of female business owners reported experiences of sexism on their entrepreneurial journey and that they faced increased scrutiny with 63.2% feeling they need to prove themselves more than men to be offered the same opportunities to become a business leader. 

Offering flexible work structures, childcare support, and better parental leave policies can help more women thrive in entrepreneurship. In my opinion one of the most impactful initiatives that our government could implement is to offer a ‘founders benefit’, that is a way to guarantee a small amount of income and not impact your PRSI and pension while you are establishing your business. Gender diversity isn’t just a social issue, it’s an economic opportunity that leads to better business outcomes and long-term innovation so we need to focus on what works for the women of Ireland.

As someone who has built and scaled businesses, what advice would you give to women looking to launch their own startups?

Confidence, strategy, and resilience are key.

Own your value and think big and don’t underestimate your potential, you have to believe in yourself, or no one else will. Build strong networks, as relationships will open doors. Kelly Hoey is a thought leader in this area and has generously been helping female founders in Ireland over the last few years through the Awaken Hub.   Leverage the ‘double burden’ as a strength—exceptional multitasking and problem-solving make great founders. Know that you belong in this space, find allies, and push forward. The startup ecosystem needs more female founders, and those who succeed now will pave the way for others.

Have you had any standout mentors or role models who helped shape your career?

I’ve been lucky to have great mentors and role models who have influenced my career. Andrew Parish, who I was connected with through the Enterprise Ireland Mentor Programme, is an accomplished entrepreneur and investor, and he’s been instrumental in guiding my understanding of strategic business growth and investment. His experience, willingness to give back and his patience has given me invaluable insights and guidance. I definitely hit the jackpot the day we met. 

Kelly Hoey, a renowned networking expert and author, has also been a significant influence. I was part of the first cohort in Awaken Hub that was coached by her. Kelly’s emphasis on the power of building meaningful professional relationships has reshaped my approach to networking, highlighting the importance of cultivating authentic connections.

Other amazing role models have been the founders of AwakenHub, Mary McKenna, Clare McGee, Denise McQuaid, and Sinead Crowley. Their dedication to empowering female entrepreneurs across the island of Ireland has not only inspired me but has also provided a supportive community. Through initiatives like AwakenAngels, they have created platforms that facilitate investment and growth for women-led businesses, embodying the collaborative spirit essential for driving systemic change in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Full disclosure, I’m their Galway County Ambassador. I believe in their vision and I want to help other female entrepreneurs find this great network to get all the benefits joining brings 

Most importantly, my mother has been a lifelong role model. She built and ran her own highly successful business in a male-dominated industry, demonstrating resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief that success is earned through hard work and strategic thinking. Her example instilled in me the confidence to break barriers and challenge expectations in my own career.

How do you define innovation and its role in today’s startup landscape, and how do spaces like PorterShed support it, particularly for underrepresented founders?

They play a crucial role in fostering innovation, particularly for underrepresented founders, by providing access to community, capital, and connections, three essential pillars of startup success.

For many founders, particularly women and those from non-traditional backgrounds, breaking into established networks can be a significant barrier. PorterShed helps bridge this gap by creating an inclusive ecosystem where diverse entrepreneurs can collaborate, learn from each other, and access mentorship from experienced leaders. The peer-to-peer support and shared knowledge within a co-working space can be game-changing, especially for founders who may not have the same historical access to investment circles or established industry connections.

Beyond community, visibility and credibility are key benefits. Being part of an innovation hub signals to investors and partners that a startup is serious and surrounded by a strong support system. PorterShed also provides practical resources, funding opportunities, accelerator programmes, and investor networks, that help founders scale faster and more efficiently.

You’ve had an incredible journey in rugby, playing for Ireland and now serving on the board of Irish Rugby. Do you see any parallels between the challenges women face in tech and those in professional sports?

There’s significant parallels between the challenges women face in sport and  in tech startups. My work on gender diversity in rugby governance highlighted structural and cultural barriers that mirror those in tech, particularly in leadership representation, access to resources, and ingrained biases.

In both fields, the double burden and networks remains a key issue. Just as women in rugby struggle to gain visibility and leadership positions within governance structures, female founders face a lack of access to investment networks and funding. 

Both sectors have historically resisted quotas or structural interventions, citing concerns over “tokenism” rather than recognising the systemic barriers that prevent women from reaching the top. My research on gender diversity in National Governing Bodies (NGBs) reinforced the need for intentional frameworks and action plans, not just aspirational targets which I’m grateful to have seen implemented over the last couple of years. There have been significant changes at the NGB level thanks to the Women in Sport Plan.  Similarly, in tech, achieving gender parity requires proactive investment, inclusive hiring policies, and clear pathways for advancement.

Ultimately, whether in sports or tech, cultural change is crucial. Diversity drives better decision-making, innovation, and financial performance. The challenge in both industries is ensuring that commitments to gender equity translate into measurable actions and long-term systemic change.

How has your experience as an elite athlete influenced your approach to leadership and business?

Leadership is an evolving concept, and I’ve often reflected on whether it’s an innate quality or something catalysed by pivotal moments. My own journey has shown that authenticity and staying true to one’s values are critical. Early in my career, I was criticised for not adopting an authoritative leadership style, which initially shook my confidence. However, my experience in sport had already shaped my leadership philosophy, one that’s rooted in teamwork, hard work, purpose and resilience, qualities that have since been recognised as essential in effective leaders.

Transformational Leadership which is proven to drive motivation, trust, and performance in sports, mirrors the qualities needed in business. Research by EY has demonstrated that female athletes are more likely to develop these leadership traits, and that sport plays a crucial role in advancing women in their careers. With 94% of C-suite women having played sports, it’s clear that the discipline, competitiveness, and resilience cultivated through sport are valuable in business.

For me, captaining teams from a young age meant I was learning leadership long before entering the workforce. The lessons learned on communication, emotional control, and building trust, translated seamlessly into business, alongside the ability to embrace setbacks and critical feedback then learn from them rather than let them define you. Leadership isn’t about mimicking dominant styles, it’s about surrounding yourself with the right people, continuously learning, and creating an environment where others can grow. If we strive to lead with purpose and integrity, we can inspire those around us in both business and life.

What lessons from rugby do you think apply directly to entrepreneurship and innovation?

Rugby and entrepreneurship share core principles like resilience, teamwork, adaptability, and a relentless drive for success. Just like rugby, where setbacks are opportunities to learn and strategy must evolve in real time, entrepreneurs must embrace failure as feedback, pivot when necessary, and make decisive choices under pressure. Strong leadership is about empowering a team, leveraging diverse strengths, and maintaining focus on a shared vision. Ultimately, the grit, discipline, and high-performance mindset developed in sport translate directly into building and scaling successful businesses. There will always be competition, you have to expect the hard knocks, but you know that you can overcome anything that is thrown at you because you’ve put in the work and you’re willing to learn. 

What changes would you love to see in the next five years when it comes to women in tech and entrepreneurship?

In the next five years, I’d love to see greater investment in female-led startups. Expanding access to influential networks and mentorship is also critical, as underrepresented founders often lack the same entry points into key investment and business circles. Additionally, more women in decision-making roles from VC firms to startup boards will help reshape the landscape, making funding and leadership opportunities more equitable. 

What’s next for you in your journey—any exciting projects or initiatives you’re working on?

There are several exciting projects on the horizon that align with my passion for innovation, inclusion, and high performance.

With Irish Rugby, I’m Chair of the Women’s Subcommittee and we’re heading into an exciting few months as the WAIL and Celtic Challenge finish up, and the 6 Nations and World Cup start. There will be great opportunities to raise the visibility of our female players throughout this period. I’m also involved in initiatives around the IRFU’s 150th anniversary, which presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the game’s legacy while driving meaningful progress in areas like diversity, inclusion, and the development of the women’s game. It’s an exciting time to shape the future of rugby governance and ensure that the sport continues to evolve in a way that reflects modern values.

In my roles with Vision Sports Ireland and Changing Ireland, I’m committed to creating more inclusive opportunities in sport and society. Vision Sports Ireland continues to break barriers for visually impaired athletes, while Changing Ireland focuses on highlighting social innovation and equality through policy and community-driven initiatives.

At PorterShed, we’re working on several initiatives to support founders and fuel Ireland’s startup ecosystem. One idea borrowed from SxSW is a Startup Wake, a space where founders can openly discuss and learn from failed ventures, something that needs to be normalised in our ecosystem. I also want to look at female-focused training programmes to bridge gaps in entrepreneurship and a new offering to support the different Tech Meetups in our event space. Another exciting project is AI Navigator, a collaboration led by RDI Hub, designed to help SME’s effectively integrate AI into their business strategies. I’m very open to hearing ideas directly from our community so please get in touch if there’s anything you’d like to see the PorterShed doing,

Finally, what does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?

International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a call to action. It’s a day to recognise the achievements of women across all industries and walks of life, but also a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve true equity.

Personally, it’s a time to reflect on the incredible women who have shaped my journey. It’s also about using my platform to champion practical change, whether that’s driving better representation in governance and leadership positions, advocating for investment in female-led startups, or creating spaces for founders to thrive.

True progress won’t come from just one day of recognition; it requires year-round action. That means ensuring the doors I’ve walked through stay open for others, and continuously pushing for systemic changes that make success more accessible for all women.

Connect with Yvonne: Linkedin | Email Address 

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