First Smart Start companies announced

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Smart Start, the new accelerator programme for high potential start-ups, has named the first five Irish companies to receive its funding and support.

Selected from over 150 applications, the successful applicants received €12,000 in seed funding and will now embark on a four-month programme of business and financial mentoring.

The chosen participants are Gavin O’Reilly and Dublin man Stephen Doherty of online jobs board Recruitlegal.com; Gary Stewart of sales management software company Paretos CRM; Joanna Norton of learning software copany Click4ESOL; Adrian Flynn of Aqua Fresh Fish; and Helen Bradley-Lennon and Damian Purcell of sports tutorial service GolfersDen.

Smart Start’s team of mentors, investors and serial entrepreneurs include specialists from Deloitte, Byrne Wallace, Razor Coast, Tapadoo and Sharp Design. The programme will introduce participants to angel investors throughout Ireland and the UK and also has established venture capital relationships with BK Partners and US based Garage Technology Ventures.

In return for a 6% equity stake in each company, Smart Start provides seed funding as well as expertise, resources and networks to help shape the businesses for future growth.

Speaking at the programme launch, founder Gerry Moan, said “These five companies demonstrated tested business concepts, a strategic growth vision and a hunger for success. We will now partner with them every step of the way, by investing not only finance but also our expertise and experience.”

The programme culminates in a trip to Silicon Valley, where the companies will have an opportunity to pitch their businesses to a range of venture capitalists and potential angel investors.

For further information visit www.smartstart.ie

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