Since 2011, 24 emerging entrepreneurs have spent 24 hours with 24 of Ireland’s most successful business leaders — sharing insights, challenges, and practical advice that help founders accelerate growth and investment readiness.
The 2025 Entrepreneur Experience took place on October 17th & 18th 2025 in Ballymaloe, Co. Cork. Huge thanks to our Partners Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Grant Thornton, Broadlake, Quintas, MediaHQ and The Currency.
24 Emerging & Scaling Entrepreneurs were carefully selected from all over Ireland from 83 applications. The Emerging Entrepreneurs came from a huge range of sectors & industries from AgriTech to Food; Medtech to AI; FinTech to EdTech and from Skincare to Software.
Our Seasoned Entrepreneurs were once again led by our captains Jim Barry, Barry Group and Rena Maycock, Chirp and included David Jeffreys, Teresa Chambers, Grainne Kelly, Julian Costley, Dave Ronayne, Brendan Nevin, Ger O’Mahony, Anthony Quigley, Mark Brosnan, Colum O’Sullivan, Paul Shanahan, Patrick Ryan, Marie Byrne, John Stapleton, Larry Bass, David McKernan, Joanna Gardiner, Kevin MacSweeney, Áine Denn, Damien Kennedy, Denise Tormey and James Govan.
What is the Entrepreneur Experience™
The Entrepreneur Experience™ is a unique event for 24 Emerging Entrepreneurs to gain unparalleled access, advice and mentoring from 24 of Ireland’s most successful business leaders over 36 hours.
Set in a focused, informal environment, Entrepreneurs get direct, one-to-one mentoring, peer-to-peer learning, and real-world feedback from seasoned business leaders who have built, scaled, and exited successful companies.
It’s not a conference or a seminar — it’s an immersive experience where conversations are open, honest, and deeply practical.
Who is it for?
The Entrepreneur Experience™ is designed for:
- Ambitious founders and co-founders who are ready to scale
- Entrepreneurs seeking strategic advice, funding insight, and leadership guidance
- Companies from all sectors — including technology, food, consumer brands, life sciences, and renewables — who want to learn from the best
Whether you’re validating your business model, preparing to raise investment, or expanding into new markets, this event will help you define your next steps with clarity and confidence.
Why Apply?
- Expert Mentoring: Gain personal access to Ireland’s leading founders, investors, and CEOs for 24 hours of honest, authentic advice.
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: Connect with 23 other ambitious founders — share insights, challenges, and strategies in a trusted, supportive environment.
- Proven Outcomes: Alumni have raised over €500 million since the event began, with many securing seed and growth funding within months.
- Join an extensive Alumni: Join community of over 350 Entrepreneurs
Proven Impact
Some of Ireland’s most successful founders and companies have taken part in the Entrepreneur Experience™, including:
Poppulo (formerly Newweaver); Crest Solutions (now Catalyx), Velo Coffee, All Real Nutrition, Green Rebel, Ground Wellbeing, and Poppulo.
“I took part in the first AxisBIC Entrepreneur Experience in 2011 and it was a fantastic experience. I learned so much from the different business leaders and emerging entrepreneurs that I met over the two days and returned to work inspired and invigorated and used what I had learned many times in Poppulo’s journey. There are many questions that you have as a founder and it’s crucial to get the right advice and support along the way. I would highly recommend this event to anyone who is starting their business journey.” – Andrew O’Shaughnessy, founder of Poppulo
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The Entrepreneur Experience™ is proudly delivered by AxisBIC, supported by our partners:
Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Grant Thornton, Broadlake, Quintas Capital, The Currency & Media HQ
