The NDRC announces Spring 2018 Investment Programme for startups.

The NDRC, the investor in early stage digital companies, has announced the launch of its Spring 2018 Investment Programme for startups. Successful companies will secure investment of between €30,000 and €100,000, per venture, over the programme. They will also receive expert mentoring in customer discovery, business model design, sales and growth tactics, finance, investment, technology, marketing, design and communications.

Upon completion of the programme, the ventures whose ideas have been commercially validated, and are deemed by NDRC to be investor ready, will receive finishing supports, including the potential for further investment and a programme of dedicated investor relations activity.

Successful companies in the NDRC portfolio have raised in excess of €152m as at the end of 2016.

NDRC’s portfolio of digital companies over the last ten years includes Nuritas, Logentries, Bizimply, Boxever, Plynk, SilverCloud and TandemHR. These companies went on to receive millions of euros in follow-on investment from both Irish and international investors.

Entry to all NDRC programmes is extremely competitive and initial applications should be made by 26^th November.

Ben Hurley, CEO NDRC, said: “We invest and build startups with digital technology at the heart of the business but are very much looking for founders from a variety of backgrounds – industry, corporate and research. 

“Digital is impacting every business and every sector and we are seeking people who have seen a problem in their area of expertise be it health, finance, HR  or others and think there may be a digital solution with international growth potential.”

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to pitch to NDRC at the start of December and offers will be made by end of December. The Accelerator Programme will then commence at the beginning of February.

The NDRC will host a number of ‘office hours’ events, where interested parties can visit the team to discuss the programme. Information on these events is available on www.NDRC.ie.

NDRC has a mandate from the State (Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment) to make commercial investments, ensuring that digital entrepreneurship is at the centre of Ireland’s economic agenda.