Any time Ireland’s startup ecosystem is discussed, the same explanations tend to surface: we need better tax incentives, more institutional capital, more angel investors, stronger government supports, and a more joined-up ecosystem. There is truth in all of that. But I’m not sure it explains the real problem. The uncomfortable question is this: if those problems have always existed, why are we so…
Yesterday we announced that Workvivo has raised an additional $22m (€20m) investment from Tiger Global. It’s been an incredible journey over the past two years since we raised our Series A, and this new funding will help us to continue to grow, make our product better and welcome aboard even more happy customers. The opportunity in our space is truly enormous, and we are looking to make a real and…
Just do it. Start. Launch. Stop thinking about it and planning, just do it. Don’t get bogged down in advice (including mine) and be weary of “if I had my time back” advice from other founders. Everyone’s path is different and their experience, while interesting, should not be used as a pathway for your own. You’re going to fuck up. You’re probably going to fail. And that’s ok. Don’t be sensible,…
It’s the morning of the 2020 EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards, and I found myself reflecting on awards in general and their purpose and value to a company. It’s over three years now since John and I started Workvivo - and we’ve had some incredible milestones along the way. Like landing our first customer and seeing sales revenue hit our bank account for the first time. Like winning our first…
You’d think that 13 years into my career I’d have the self belief to know that I’m a capable person and good at what I do. The truth is I have feelings of self doubt almost every single day. From the outside, people likely see someone who’s very confident and self assured. On the inside, it takes a huge amount of effort for me to put that face on. Sometimes it feels all consuming, and my anxiety…