AxisBIC has worked with 46 high potential start-ups to raise €43.6 milion over the three years from 2022 to 2024.
The figures were published ahead of AxisBIC's annual Start-Up Showcase, which celebrates the south-west and mid-west region's high growth start-ups.
Of the 46 start-ups that raised money with the assistance of AxisBIC over the past three years, 41% were led by female founders.
Women also led 11 (36%) of the 28 companies that raised €2.9m in pre-seed start funding with support from the former Cork business innovation centre.
AxisBIC has been fostering the growth of start-ups in the south-west and mid-west of Ireland for more than 35 years. The organisation provides support and essential business expertise to entrepreneurs to help them grow and succeed.
The organisation has worked with 236 start-ups between 2022 and 2024, supporting 97 investor-ready start-ups to pitch to investors.
AxisBIC works closely with entrepreneurs to develop their business plans, raise investment, manage business propositions and arrange agreements with shareholders and investors.
The organisation has an extensive network of partners including Enterprise Ireland, local authorities, universities, investors, business bodies and seasoned entrepreneurs across Ireland and internationally.
The Start-Up Showcase is one of the flagship initiatives of the Growth Pathway Programme, delivered by AxisBIC in partnership with Cork City Council, and Cork County Council.
"There has been a tremendous level of skill and talent in the start-ups that AxisBIC has worked with over the last three years and we are particularly pleased to see a high percentage of female founders raising funds through our programmes," said Larry O'Donoghue, CEO of AxisBIC.
"We hope that it encourages more founders to take that first all-important step to looking for advice and supports when setting up on their own. We have heard some incredibly inspirational stories at the Start-Up Showcase and we wish all the companies the very best of luck in the future.”
Photo: Pictured at the AxisBIC Start-Up Showcase are (l-r) Niall O'Keeffe, Cork City Council; Peigín Crowley, Ground Wellbeing; John Forde, Cork County Council; and Larry O'Donoghue, AxisBIC. (Pic: John Allen)
