'We had a particularly successful year': Rise in high-potential start-ups in Cork and Kerry region 

AxisBIC, formerly known as CorkBIC, has recorded a rise in high-potential start-ups in the Cork and Kerry region in the past year.

The organisation said it worked with a record number of 17 high potential start-ups (HPSUs) from across the Cork and Kerry region in 2023, more than double the number from the previous year.

Working alongside its partner, Enterprise Ireland, AxisBIC’s vision is to unlock the potential within its expanded region, empowering high-growth innovators to drive positive impact.

The 17 HPSUs were among 85 that featured in the ‘Class of 2023’ at this week’s Enterprise Ireland Start-Up Day. 

There were also 71 Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) investments with 11 of these having worked directly with AxisBIC.

Enterprise Ireland confirmed that the state agency invested €24 million in start-ups last year with €4 million going towards the 17 HPSUs that worked with AxisBIC.

CEO of AxisBIC, Larry O’Donoghue, said: “We have been working with start-ups for the past 35 years and it is heartening to work with people like Peigín Crowley as they develop an idea into a thriving business.

“We had a particularly successful year in 2023 and we hope to continue to increase the number of high potential start-ups that we work with in 2024, especially in our expanded territories now including Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick.” 

Ms Crowley of Ground Wellbeing, who has worked with AxisBIC in developing her spa brand idea into a successful business, said: “It’s really encouraging to see so many female-led start-ups, especially in the Cork and Kerry region, but I think we need to try to increase that number even further. I would strongly recommend anyone in business to contact AxisBIC for support.

“Setting up your own business can be very daunting but the team at AxisBIC have been so helpful working with me on my business plan as well as providing invaluable advice along the way.

“Last October, I attended the AxisBIC Entrepreneur Experience which was really beneficial as it offered entrepreneurs unparalleled access and mentoring from some of the country’s most successful business leaders.” 

CEO of Enterprise Ireland, Leo Clancy, said: “Enterprise Ireland is proud to continue supporting AxisBIC as they help to grow and develop innovative startups who have high growth potential and can contribute to economic development in their areas. AxisBIC worked with 17 high-potential start-ups in 2023 and we look forward to seeing further success stories in the year ahead.”