Client Successes
Ground Wellbeing
Peigín Crowley
Cork
Cork based, Peigín Crowley, founder of Ground Wellbeing, has worked extensively with AxisBIC in developing her spa brand and products into a successful business. Born at the kitchen table in 2020, Peigín has expanded the brand to focus on women’s health developing hands on treatments and products for PMS, pregnancy and menopause; products designed to provide comfort and skincare relief to those undergoing cancer, while 2024 has seen the launch of the fascinating Lymphatic Support ritual. One of the AxisBIC iHPSU clients in 2023, Peigín also participated in the AxisBIC 2023 Entrepreneur Experience.
“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. In 2023 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.”
Crest Solutions (now Catalyx)
Frank Madden
Cork
Crest Solutions (now Catalyx) is a leading vision and traceability solutions and services to Life Science regulated manufacturing and packaging industries in Western and Northern Europe. This multinational business with offices across Ireland, UK, Benelux and Scandinavia, specialises in Industrial vision and serialisation solutions for LifeScience Industries. In 2020 CXVGlobal was created through the merger with a US company Xyntek and Belgian based industrial automation company Vistalink. In 2022 CXV Global was sold to a US Private equity firm. Today CXVGlobal is known as Catalyx and continues to grow with annual sales of €120Million globally.
“AxisBIC has helped Crest Solutions (now Catalyx) along our 20 year journey from initially doing our first business plan to helping us start the business through their Startup programmes. AxisBIC have remained a partner to help our business grow to over 200 people across 11 countries over the past 20 years and continually adapted to our needs as we grew the company.”
Doctrine Skincare
Tracey Ryan
Cork
Doctrine Skincare is a science-led Irish skincare brand blending high-performance active ingredients with a luxurious, sensory experience. Founded by cosmetic chemist and herbal scientist Tracey Ryan, alongside Caoimhe Donoghue and Mark O’Sullivan, Doctrine’s mission is to make skincare feel like self-care. Each product is designed to meet modern consumers’ desire for efficacy and emotional connection.
“Doctrine has recently received Enterprise Ireland’s Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) and continues to work closely with AxisBIC as we prepare for HPSU. AxisBIC has been an incredible support throughout our journey, from guiding us through the PSSF process and refining our application, to assisting with our engagements with Enterprise Ireland and preparing us for the next stage toward HPSU. Being part of the AxisBIC community, including the Entrepreneur Experience, has given us invaluable access to seasoned founders and investors, and a real sense of belonging among ambitious Irish entrepreneurs. AxisBIC provides not only strategic guidance but genuine warmth and support, always ensuring we’re connected to the right people and resources when we need them.”
Graphite Note
Hrvoje Smolic & Vinnie Lynch
Kerry
Graphite Note is a no-code Decision Intelligence platform that helps business users turn data into clear, actionable decisions. We combine predictive and causal machine learning with generative AI to not only forecast what will happen but also recommend what to do next. Our clients include leading consumer goods and manufacturing brands across Europe and Latin America who use Graphite Note to forecast demand, understand performance drivers, and test business scenarios before acting.
We’re proud to hold ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 certifications, ensuring the highest standards of information security and AI management. Graphite Note has also received support from Enterprise Ireland through the HPSU program and continues to expand internationally through both direct clients and strategic partners.
“AxisBIC have been incredibly supportive throughout our journey, from refining our go to market, business plan and investor materials to helping us prepare our successful HPSU application and seed raise. Their guidance and introductions were very impactful during our fundraising process. I’ve always appreciated their practical, founder-focused approach and the genuine interest they show in helping companies like ours succeed.”
Foxes Bowe
Alice O’Carroll and Tony Foote
Limerick & US
Foxes Bow Whiskey is an independent, design-led Irish whiskey brand founded by Alice Carroll and Tony Foote. Blending traditional Irish craftsmanship with a bold, modern aesthetic, we’re reimagining what Irish whiskey can be – inclusive, creative, and globally resonant. Our flagship release, Foxes Bow Irish Whiskey Release 1, has achieved rapid traction and is now available in Ireland and North America. To date, we’ve raised €2 million in funding through a combination of private angel investment and Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) programme. Our focus remains on building a world-class brand that celebrates Irish creativity while challenging convention in a category that’s ripe for reinvention.
“AxisBIC have been instrumental in every part of our startup journey – from our early involvement in the Entrepreneur Experience and the invaluable mentorship that came from it, to pitching at the Venture Academy where we secured investment from key strategic angels. Their team has been exceptional in helping us refine our business plan and HPSU application, and in connecting us with Enterprise Ireland and the right investors at the right time. Simply put, AxisBIC have been an essential part of our growth story – we genuinely wouldn’t be where we are today without their guidance and support.”
