Ten female-led start-ups graduate from Female High Fliers Accelerator
Ten female-led start-ups have graduated from the Female High Fliers accelerator following an investor pitching session at the DCU Ryan Academy. The event marked the culmination of the 13-week long programme which supports female entrepreneurs develop key business skills and grow their business.
Over 80 people were in attendance to hear investor pitches from the participating female entrepreneurs. Businesses included:
- Emu Ink - an independent publishing company providing a unique schools’ programme that turns primary pupils into real published authors. www.emucourses.ie
- Work Juggle - a curated, digital marketplace that connects highly skilled professionals with flexible work, contract work, part-time roles or remote working. www.workjuggle.com
- Aine Nutriscience - an interactive, cloud-based animal feed ration formulation platform that will help increase farm profitability sustainably. www.ainenutriscience.com
- BYOS - an inspirational, ethical, sustainable brand whose core product category is accessible fine jewellery for women. www.byos.melissacurry.com
- Exit Entry - an online educational platform connecting teenagers and third level students with potential employers.
- Finca Organic Skincare – online retailer of clean, plant-based skincare products for sensitive skin, particularly for rosacea. www.rosacea.ie
- Blendi – a new smoothie offering (and USB portable blender) in the form of freeze dried fruit, vegetables and superfoods, aimed at the corporate market www.blendismoothies.com
- Oodlique - a personalised gifts market place, featuring a carefully curated selection of high quality personalised gifts from talented craftspeople, designers and manufacturers from around the world. www.oodlique.com
- Bronwyn Conroy Beauty School – one of Ireland’s premier private beauty school, established in 1972 but with plans to expand from an Irish only base to an international platform. www.bronwynconroy.com
- Big Mouth Digital - a cloud-based digital marketing course provider and consultancy service aimed at non-marketing professionals in SME’s www.bigmouthdigital.com
Niamh Collins, Female High Fliers Programme Manager, congratulated all of the participants and wished them every success in the future.
“Congratulations to all of our business leaders on their impressive performances today and throughout the programme. They have all worked extremely hard over the past 13 weeks and with our support they are now fully equipped with the tools to further grow their businesses. We look forward to witnessing that development and wish them every success in the next stage of their journey.”
Attendees on the day also heard from Mary O’Brien, co-founder and CEO of Video Doc and graduate of the Female High Fliers programme 2016, who shared some insights and learnings on her journey since receiving funding last year. Sarita Johnston, Manager of Female Entrepreneurship at Enterprise Ireland also shared her thoughts on the future of female entrepreneurship in Ireland.
For further information about the programme visit http://www.ryanacademy.ie/