Scale-ups Announced to pitch at Inaugural Disrupt by the Sea 2023 Shark Tank Investor Event
US Investors To Back Top Scaleups with $100,000 Cash Investment Opportunity
Irish scaleups will flock to Donegal this Friday (15 September) for the inaugural Disrupt by the Sea 2023 Shark Tank. The event, which is taking place in front of a live audience, will see 6 founders pitch to a panel of US investors for a share of a $100,000 cash investment. Those attending will get a sneak preview into disruptive innovations that are set to take the world by storm.
The event is taking place on the shores of Lough Swilly, in The Pavilion venue on the grounds of the idyllic 18th-century Georgian-style, Rathmullan House.
Scaleups will benefit from tough love and valuable feedback on their 6-month roadmap, while receiving introductions to key contacts in the US, access to meeting space on the East Coast, and a suite of ALPHA Innovation wrap-around supports.
Scaleups will benefit from tough love and valuable feedback on their 6-month roadmap, while receiving introductions to key contacts in the US, access to meeting space on the East Coast, and a suite of ALPHA Innovation wrap-around supports.
ALPHA’s panel of judges will put the businesses through their paces. John Fries, Managing Partner of Germantown Ventures, boasts over 24 years of experience in the Tech and Healthcare space. He will be joined by Mark Baiada, Chairman of BAYADA Home Health Care, an international nonprofit operating across 6 countries. General Manager of BAYADA (Ireland), Mike Finucane, will complete the line-up.
MC for the event is Gormfhlaith Ní Thuairisg (Craoltóir - Radio na Gaeltachta; Communications & Marketing Manager - Udarás na Gaeltachta) who will add to the upbeat festival atmosphere.
Disrupt by the Sea is being hosted by ALPHA Innovation with Head of Innovation, Kevin Sexton announcing the 6 scaleups pitching today.
Meet the Scaleups and Pitchers:
Creeslough based Huku Balance, will be pitching this year. Founder and CEO Cathal Sheridan outlines the company's mission is to "Transform sedentary lives into active lifestyles, Huku Balance inspires movement and balance for a healthier, more vibrant you."
Cathal will be joined on stage by Seán McVeigh, Chief Commerical Officer at Precision Sports Technology, based in Galway. A native of Letterkenny, Seán is co-founder alongside Emma Meehan. He will be showcasing how Precision Sports is providing real-time rehab exercise feedback and analysis for elite sports clubs and physios.
The Atlantic Coast is also being represented by Celtonn, based in the Nexus Innovation Centre at the University of Limerick. CEO and Co-Founder Marie Bourke will be pitching on the day to showcase how a Celtonn’s high-frequency technology is enabling global wireless connectivity, through satellite-to-satellite communications in space.
With over 20 years of experience in technology sales, Gary Gallagher founded Optahaul in 2020. Based in the Kells Enterprise & Technology Centre, Co. Meath, the company offers next-generation route optimization for dairy processes, cooperatives and milk hauliers while reducing haulage costs and emissions.
Trinity College-based Scaleup eAltra will also be pitching this year. Founder Denis Roche and his team are using artificial intelligence to better understand the needs of cancer patients and improve treatment outcomes.
Kieran Supple CEO of Reap Interactive will complete the lineup. Kieran has created a device which is used on ranches to monitor cattle and allow farmers to make better decisions. The real-time insights reduce over-feeding and increase profitability, leading to healthier cattle as a result.
Announcing the sharks, Kevin said “We can’t wait to welcome our judges and scale-ups to Donegal this Friday. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talent and global ambition of scale-ups operating right across the country, and our sharks are chomping at the bit to take the best of the best under their wing as they target US Market pilots.”
Kevin concluded, “The event is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Donegal and the Atlantic coast as a great place to start, grow and scale global ventures. The wealth of talent and support networks in the region is unparalleled and with Disrupt by the Sea, we will continue to build on the strong connections we already have with the USA each year.“
“Donegal is not just a county; it’s an experience! From local delicacies to mesmerising coastal views and the innate warmth of its people – we’re showcasing it all!”
A limited number of tickets are available to purchase on Eventbrite.
Click on the button below to purchase your tickets!
ALPHA Innovation is supported by Enterprise Ireland and Donegal County Council.
