“Winners revealed after eight start-ups pitch for €5.7m at AxisBIC Venture Academy”

Valentia Island Vermouth, a company based in Kerry, has been honored as the Most Investible Company at the AxisBIC Venture Academy, an event where eight promising start-ups presented their ideas to over 100 investors and business professionals, hoping to secure a total of €5.7m in investments.

This Venture Academy is an integral component of the Growth Pathway Programme, a collaborative effort between AxisBIC, Cork City Council, and Cork County Council, designed to nurture and support innovative entrepreneurs on their path to success. Notably, half of the participating start-ups at the River Lee Hotel in Cork focused on AI-driven solutions, spanning sectors like fintech, aviation procurement, and manufacturing, with the remaining companies operating within life sciences, food tech, and beverages.

Through the Venture Academy, AxisBIC provides critical support, expertise, and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills necessary to grow their ventures effectively. Over the past 15 years, start-ups that have engaged with the Venture Academy have collectively raised an impressive €31.5m, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in fostering entrepreneurship.

Valentia Island Vermouth, founded by Anna and Orla Snook O’Carroll, is known for its premium Irish vermouth crafted using environmentally sustainable methods, such as cold infusion techniques using locally sourced Kerry ingredients. The company’s commitment to quality and sustainability has earned it the title of Most Investible Company at the recent event.

Another standout company at the Venture Academy was Capriso, a provider of AI-driven bookkeeping and financial management solutions founded by Pratheesh Chambeth, which received the award for Best Pitch. Capriso’s innovative offerings include automated transaction categorization, fraud detection, and financial analytics, delivering real-time insights and efficiencies to businesses and accounting firms.

Larry O’Donoghue, the CEO of AxisBIC, commended the high level of innovation and expertise demonstrated by the participating entrepreneurs, emphasizing the support and interest from investors as a positive sign for the start-up ecosystem. O’Donoghue encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs seeking investment opportunities to engage with the AxisBIC team for guidance on their path to growth and success.

In the lead-up to the Venture Academy, selected start-ups underwent a rigorous month-long mini-accelerator program featuring personalized sessions and workshops aimed at providing valuable feedback, advice, and coaching from experienced investors. This preparatory phase equipped the entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and insights to refine their pitches and impress potential investors.

Reflecting on their success, Orla Snook O’Carroll of Valentia Island Vermouth expressed gratitude for being named the Most Investible Company, highlighting the support and resources provided by AxisBIC throughout their journey. The company’s win has already generated interest from investors, signaling a promising future for their venture.

In addition to Valentia Island Vermouth and Capriso, several other promising start-ups presented their innovative solutions, ranging from next-generation gut microbiome probiotic products to AI-driven utility management apps. Each company brought a unique perspective and solution to the table, underscoring the diverse range of talent and innovation within the start-up community.