News

Two DCU Alumni Share in Startup Funding from Ryan Academy Propeller

24 February 2011

Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship ‘Propeller’ Accelerator outlines the first cohort of six companies on its Techstars Network member programme

The Propeller Accelerator, part of the DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship, has released details of the first group of companies funded and supported under its mentor-led programme. These startups, five from Ireland and one from the UK, cover key technologies such as mobile applications, cleantech, online gaming, informatics, Facebook ecommerce and social media. Two of the companies have founders who are DCU alumni: Don Corbett (Business School) who is co-founder of Associate Mobile and Doctor Shane Linnane (Physics) who is co-founder of GreenEgg Technologies.

This first group of six companies has already begun their 3 months intensive programme of mentor-led acceleration that culminates in the Propeller Demo Day on the 6th of May, when the startups present to a group of investors. The first group of companies are:

Associate Mobile: Associate Mobile is developing cloud-based mobile platforms for enterprise and consumer markets. MobileMinder - a parental supervision platform for mobiles is the company's first commercial output.  www.associatemobile.com/mobileminder/

Fantom: Fantom’s goal is to be the premier provider of social media software for fan-based websites. It currently operates in social media for politics and hopes to use the Propeller opportunity to pivot into other domains. www.icitizen.ie

GreenEgg Technologies: GreenEgg Technologies are a research and development company focused on technological solutions for the clean technology and environmental sectors. They develop innovative eco-friendly products for a range of applications and their research focuses on the development of products that enable the smart and efficient operation of technology. www.greenegg.ie

HealthComms: HealthComms aims to become a leading specialist in providing health and security solutions to the Equine Industry. They have developed Equinewatch, which provides continuous monitoring of location and telemetry of animals. Their highly visual based systems provide a means for alerting owners when unusual events such as isolation, agitation or temperature variation occur. http://equinewatch.com

 

Simple LifeForms: Simple LifeForms: Simple Lifeforms is an online games development, publishing and consultancy firm. They develop games for the world’s most dynamic game platforms such as Facebook, iPhone and iPad. www.simplelifeforms.com

Vendorshop: VendorShop enables businesses to sell products on Facebook via their social shopping cart application. VendorShop is free to install and takes just minutes to set-up. It currently powers 15,000 stores worldwide.
www.facebookvendor.com

“We had over seventy applications from across Ireland, the UK and Europe and even included the US and Brazil” said Gordon McConnell, Director of the Propeller Accelerator and Deputy-CEO of the Ryan Academy. “We are delighted to have such an exciting group of startup companies working in the Propeller Space, and a group of over 40 mentors to work with them over the next three months.”

The Propeller Accelerator was recently announced as a charter member of the Techstars Network, which was announced in the White House. It has also agreed partnerships with the Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN) and the Irish Technology Leadership Group (ITLG) in recent weeks.

A number of Irish-based companies have also signed-up to support the Propeller Accelerator programme including software company Sage Ireland, legal company Arthur Cox, marketing and sales company Publicis D and legal intellectual property company Tomkins IP. National Irish organisations such as the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (ISME) organisation and State agency Enterprise Ireland are also partners. Propeller is also linked to the Venture Catalyst at Arizona State University.

For further information please contact: Gordon McConnell at Gordon.mcconnell@dcu.ie or mobile 086 8330536
Or check the Ryan Academy technology blog: www.ryanacademy.wordpress.com

 

About Propeller Accelerator (http://www.dcu.ie/ryanacademy/propeller.shtml)
The Propeller Accelerator was established in 2010 as part of the DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship. Based on the successful model of Techstars, the Propeller Accelerator provides seed funding, collaboration space and a three-month mentor-led programme for the fast acceleration of early stage technology companies. The areas of interest to the Propeller Accelerator include covered startups in the areas of software, hardware, informatics, sensors and Internet technologies. The Propeller Accelerator is a charter member of the Techstars Network.

About the DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship (www.ryanacademy.ie)
The DCU Ryan Academy is a partnership between Dublin City University and the family of the late Tony Ryan (Ryanair). The Academy exists to promote entrepreneurship and innovation and to use our iconic building in Citywest as a dynamic hub for entrepreneurs and researchers to develop ideas, learn new skills and network. The Ryan Academy is working with researchers and entrepreneurs to help them achieve their potential.