Help each other, because nothing beats sharing, Ben Verwaayen, Keen Venture Partners, speaking at National Digital Week

By @SimonCocking. National Digital Week is coming soon, November 10th to 12th in Skibbeereen, West Cork this week. Interesting insights from Ben Verwaayen from Keen Venture Partners who will be sharing some insights from the perspective of an investor. See more interviews with other featured speakers here.

How and why did you get involved with the Digitalweek event?

I heard about this initiative last year, but couldn’t attend, so was delighted to be able to attend this year. Many of the organizers also use their great network to great effect!

Innovation isnt just technology.
It isnt just for new companies. Innovation is a mind set, an invitation to all : think aloud freely and act

— Ben Verwaayen (@Verwaayen) October 28, 2016

What are you excited about for this year’s version of the event

My excitement is about the concept: a well covered infrastructure allows work to come to people instead of people come to work. Talent is everywhere and if we understand the digital opportunity we can tap into their energy and capabilities and the society will benefit

What will you be talking about this year?

I am going to talk about digital dispruption and the opportunity that presents for different ways of working. Ireland and its rural population understand the need to build communities of interest and work with the local institutions.

Young and creative, passioned to make a difference and solve real issues for our society. Why arent we more supportive of social enterprise?

— Ben Verwaayen (@Verwaayen) September 8, 2016

How has the last 12 months been? Anything you would do differently? / insights learned?

The realisation of the opportunity is one thing, making it happen is quite something else!
So it is about getting the knitting right, between knowledge institution, enterprises and start ups. That means hard work to make the connection work.

Do not miss out this year! Tickets selling fast last remaining tickets on https://t.co/bT5JAvkNG2 #NDW16 @AIBBiz @VodafoneIEbiz @google pic.twitter.com/CND2v322sS

— Digital Week (@DigitalWeekIRL) November 5, 2016

What would your tips be for people looking to get investment?

Part of doing your job as a starting entrepreneur is to make sure potential investors know about the proposition, understand the business model and the opportunity.

How can people find out more about you?

I believe 1600 people plan to attend. That is superb. They can do a lot of networking.

Anything else you’d like to add / should have asked?

Help each other, because nothing beats sharing.

Business Showcase event : National Digital Week, hosted by Ludgate Hub, Skibbereen

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