A clutch of high-potential companies have graduated from the Irish Stock Exchange’s first ever leadership programme for executives, #IPOready, which enhances skills in raising capital, investor relations and business management.

The 15-month long programme, which took in CEOs and CFOs from a range of sectors including technology, security, food and printing, was supported by Enterprise Ireland and provided:

• expert training and insights from over 100 top advisors, experienced investors, entrepreneurs, academics and leading Irish corporates on large scale corporate funding, business development and investor relations
• networking opportunities with other ambitious companies and a wide range of experienced leaders and experts
• access to over 15 investor organisations to pitch their company’s story and receive feedback
• support in achieving plans for future international growth through one-on-one coaching throughout the programme

Justin Keatinge, CEO of Version 1 said: “The IPOready programme is a brilliant support and networking opportunity for companies interested in scaling their business. Over the course of the programme I have gained knowledge on raising capital, investor relations and business management — not only from leading experts but also from my fellow participants.”

Companies who sent their top execs along included:

• Cup Print – a leading producer of printed personalised paper cups in Europe specialising in short to mid-size runs and fast delivery.
• Epicom Food – creators of innovative retail milk powder-based products for China and MENA.
• Impedans – specialists in the delivery of high performance and high resolution plasma diagnostics solutions to customers in research and industry.
• Integrity 360 – a provider of information security solutions for their clients’ networks, infrastructure and data.
• Netwatch  — a global provider of remote CCTV monitoring and protection systems for home and business premises.
• Mcor Technologies — an innovative manufacturer of the world’s most affordable, full-colour, safe and eco-friendly 3D printers.
• Sign+Digital Materials – distributor of sign making and digital printing equipment, supplies and training.
• Storm Technology — a business technology consultancy specialising in Microsoft technology.
• Version 1 – a provider of technology enabled solutions and services to businesses in the UK and Ireland.

Orla O’Gorman of ISE said: “Some fantastic and interesting companies with huge international potential participated in our first IPOready programme. It has been a pleasure to watch their businesses and ambitions grow over the last 15 months and I look forward to seeing them progress on their corporate journey.”

In Association with

Ambitious, growing companies with turnover exceeding €5m and are interested in attending future IPOready programmes should contact O’Gorman at orla.ogorman@ise.ie.

Photo: Version 1’s Justin Keatinge (left), Orla O'Gorman,  Storm Technology CEO Karl Flannery, and Eoin Goulding (right), CEO of Integrity 360