Propeller 3.0 Huge International Interest
Once again DCU Ryan Academy’s, Propeller Venture Accelerator, ranked 7th in Europe, is off to a flying start. Over 140 companies applied from around the world, An amazing 47% of them are internationally based including 8 from India and 3 from New York, other countries include Togo (which is always interesting), Nigeria, Israel, New Zealand and Malta but to name a few. The map below gives a good illustration.
So far we held over 115 meetings including a lot of Skype calls around the world. Discussing items such as their business model, pricing structure, team development, lowest hanging fruit and gaining traction with the market.
One of the goals I wanted to achieve this year was to help the general start-up eco system. While space is limited on the accelerator, the decision was taken to invite the mentors to get involved in two ways;
- By reviewing the applications and completing feedback forms.
- Providing feedback during the company presentations.
We had an amazing number of mentors volunteer to help and I would like to thank them for their time in doing so. This feedback will be given to the companies in the New Year.
Presently Propeller has been nominated for a Europa award. Over €3.2 million euro has been raised by the 12 Propeller companies. In addition, during Christmas week alone, over €1 million ($1.32 Million USD) has been secured in funding, a sign of the momentum Propeller is gathering!
Death Buy Fashion Testimonial
Niamh Phelan, CEO, Death Buy Fashion talks about being in the Propeller Venture Accelerator.
Propeller application process extended until November 2nd.
Due to a surge of interest from our recent trip to the Dublin Web Summit, we have extend the application process until the Friday, 2nd November.
We would like to take this time to thank the RDS and those who organised the Dublin Web Summit, it was a great couple of days!
Does Your Start Up Idea Have Legs?
Does your start up idea have legs?
Pitching / Presentation of new business ideas
19th October 2012, 10 – 1pm
DCU Ryan Academy, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24
Do you have an idea for a new business and wonder if it will take off? Are you already in business and would you like to get some feedback on your presentation skills? This is your chance to pitch to a panel of Industry
Experts. The panel will evaluate your idea, give constructive advice and answer any questions you have. This is an opportunity for you to see if your start up idea has legs and get constructive advice on how to move your business forward. Applicants will have to fill out an application form in advance to book a pitching slot. Note that this event will take place in the DCU Ryan Academy, Citywest Business Campus, Dublin 24. This event is sponsored by Invent DCU and the DCU Ryan Academy.
Click HERE for an application form
Fantom launch new Facebook app
Irish digital media firm and also an Alumni DCU Ryan Academy Propeller Venture Accelerator company, Fantom, has fired a salvo into the US Presidential Campaign with the launch of a new facebook app that pits Barack Obama against Mitt Romney in the form of digital sticker-books. Supporters and political junkies can collect and trade stickers of the candidates, the campaign trail, campaign staff, and policies in the new facebook app. An infograph (http://election.fantom.tv), charts the popularity of each candidate, tracking the number of books collected and completed and the number of successful trades made by each side.
Can a stickerbook predict the result of the election? “Paul the Octopus did a good job with World Cup results,” claims Fantom CEO Paul Healy, “and this is even more scientific.”
The Fantom swingometer may be just for fun but the serious message behind the digital sticker books is youth engagement in politics. Politicians struggle to engage with young people. Healy intends the Fantom facebook game to engage younger Americans in the candidates’ issues and policies, in a fun way. “That’s not to discount the fact that we are looking forward to the competitive nature of the Obama and Romney Fantom users!’ The real US election takes place on November 6th, but Fantom users can cast their vote by playing at http://election.fantom.tv.
Seoige Technology, Propeller Venture Accelerator
John Joyce, CEO, Seoige Technology talks about Propeller Venture Accelerator and his experience.
swiftQueue
Brendan Casey, CEO of swiftQueue talks about his experience while on this years Propeller Venture Accelerator
Paul Healy, CEO of Fantom talks about his experience while on the Propeller Venture Accelerator
Ryan Academy launches third phase of Propeller Venture Accelerator
Ryan Academy launches third phase of Propeller Venture Accelerator
YOU GET
- €30,000 Euro investment (approx $37,000 USD)
- Investor Day (previously investors came from Ireland, England, Italy & the USA)
- Free Office Space (3 months during & 1 month after)
- Mentorship (over 80 mentors that can guide, advice and open doors)
- Introductions to potential clients, partners and investors
- In total a deal worth €45,000 Euro (approx $55,500 USD) investment & services
WE GET
- 7.5% equity stake, valuing your company at €600,000 Euro ($740,000 USD)
DCU’s Ryan Academy is launching the third phase of its Propeller Venture Accelerator programme for early-stage technology start-ups on Monday 3rd September 2012. This three-month, award-winning accelerator offers a total package of €45 000 to entrepreneurs with winning ideas: €30 000 investment, office space, over 80 mentors (technical, specialists and serial entrepreneurs) and a Demo Day pitching session with investors and business angels.
Propeller, voted 7th Best Accelerator in Europe in a study commissioned by the Kauffman Fellows Programme, has adopted and adapted the successful Techstars model for the European market. It aims to accelerate early-stage technology start-ups with a special focus on software, Web 2.0, informatics, clean-tech and applications. To date, companies emerging from the Propeller programme now employ 49 personnel and have raised over €1.75 million in investment, with many company-investor discussions still ongoing.
Terence Bowden, Ryan Academy Venture Manager said, “Propeller has a proven track record in helping technology start-ups accelerate to the next phase of their evolution. We offer to our successful participants a comprehensive package of practical and financial supports and, through our extensive network of contacts in business and enterprise, access to a full suite of mentoring programmes and to further investment possibilities through our Demo Day at the end of the programme.”
Propeller Participant Testimonials
“Winning a place on the inaugural Propeller Venture Accelerator was like being plucked off the bus and placed on the bullet train for our business. We were given access to the most senior Irish business talent and an inside track to the Irish and international investment community”.
Paul Healy, CEO Fantom (online gaming company) and Serial Entrepreneur
“I found the network incredible. The amount of advisors and more importantly investors that I was introduced to was amazing.”John Joyce, CEO & Founder, Seoige Technology (developer of Savvybear.com)
“The Propeller Venture Accelerator has been a great experience, one that has truly accelerated our company by at least 2 years, if not more, in only 3 months. With easy access to a number of experienced mentors we were able to achieve results so much faster.”Tom Byrne, CEO & Founder, HealthComms (homecare technology solutions)
The closing date for applications is 22nd October 2012 but applicants are encouraged to apply early and to engage with the Academy. The accelerator starts with the companies moving to Citywest on the 21st January 2013.
For more information please visit http://ryanacademy.ie/propeller-venture-accelerator
Apply now for the Business Innovation Programme
Applications are open for the 2012/2013 Business Innovation Programme
This is a free programme for eligible jobseekers funded under the Springboard Initiative.
Click here for further information and to apply
Participants who completed the 2010 – 2011 Business Innovation Programme have kindly provided the Academy with the following testimonials:
“It took courage to apply for the programme. I am glad I did, as I’m reaping the rewards in my new position in Thermodial. The mix of experience in the class was invaluable to me” Andy Donlon, Business Innovation Assistant
“The BIP has been a thrilling year with the best of lecturers and consultants delivering the modules and master classes in this uniquely designed course. There was also so much learning from the 120 highly capable and experienced fellow participants from diverse backgrounds”. Philomena Mc Cabe, BA Psychology
“The course helped to redefine my core skills, highlighted skills I hadn’t recognised, and gave the additional skills and confidence I would need to launch a completely new career direction. Don’t hesitate! It’s YOUR opportunity now!” Paul O’Connor, Director, Polus Intelligence
“The Business Innovation Programme was a fantastic experience. It allowed me to use the skills I was learning in a host company. It provided practical opportunities and academic experience, which developed and increased my personal knowledge and skill-set” Ronan A. O’Reilly, Business Development Manager
“The Business Innovation Program was the best decision I made in 2011, the program was inspiring & creative, it gave me confidence in myself and the capability to create my own business to secure my future.” Gerry Rellis, Owner, Smart Print Consultancy
“I now have a brand new skill-set as well as the confidence to take a much broader approach to seeking employment. As a direct result of the programme, I have secured a wonderful employment opportunity, highly marketable skills and thanks to the in-company placement, direct experience in applying these skills to business challenges. I cannot recommend the programme highly enough.” Debbie Slevin, Financial Services Professional
DCU Ryan Academy for Entrepreneurship 