A great event was held in Dublin Castle yesterday by Enterprise Ireland bringing together almost 200 new companies from the High Potential Start-up, Competitive Start Fund and New Frontiers Funding programmes.
There were quite a few from healthcare and the audience which was very large got to network and listen to an array of speakers who have started companies or who work in ventures and financing. As the old adage goes, those who can do, those who cannot teach !
But avoiding cynicism, Enterprise Ireland and their team are to be congratulated for bringing so many companies past the point of gestation and onto the delivery table. From now on they must learn to walk and become self-sustaining or face a quick or slow death from a lack of sales, or a combination of a poor business model, a management team not up to the task or a combination of all of the above.
I've noted some who I feel have high potential, several I hope to hear more of and many where I cannot understand their business model but recognise they will be competing in very competitive spaces.
None more so than those in health. Mike Ryan had a great quote - all companies need a minder, a finder and a grinder on the management team - classic and brilliant. For me John Power of Aerogen stole the show. A more unassuming presentation of boom-bust-boom you will not hear. John is that overnight success who after 15 years has built aerogen into an extraordinary success. He epitomises real entreprenurial spirit and high quality leadership. His mantra - have a clear vision, a bold strategy, a strong brand and a committed team. John makes simplicity an art form - that in itself is a unique kind of brilliance.