HPSUThe formula for high potential start-ups
Some businesses are born global. But successfully scaling them internationally brings a unique set of challenges. The HPSU team works with Ireland’s most high potential start-ups, accelerating the execution of their business plans with a potent formula of funding, network and experience.
The Covid-19 pandemic has created a new set of challenges for businesses. In response to this, Enterprise Ireland is working with HPSUs to help them avail of business response supports announced by the Government.
What does a HPSU company look like?
Investment
HPSU, and other investors, typically look for a capable management team with strong domain knowledge and relevant experience. It is helpful, but not essential, for the founding team to have complementary skill sets.
Business Plan
A well-developed business proposition in the form of a business plan or investor deck is a good starting point for discussing potential HPSU pre-seed or seed-stage equity investment.
Global Value Proposition
HPSU invests in companies that have strong export potential. For this reason, the value proposition needs to have relevance and appeal in important international markets.
Co-Investment
At seed stage, HPSU co-invests alongside external investors. Securing external funding or receiving a term sheet is often a trigger for advancing a HPSU investment discussion.
Innovative Product/Service
HPSU prioritises innovative start-ups in terms of technology, process or business model. Having a minimum viable product with some customer validation is a distinct advantage.
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John Doe
Lead Test Engineer
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The HPSU Formula
Investment
Seed funding, whether pre-seed or seed stage, helps to accelerate the execution of a business plan and support a company from validation through to early-stage scaling.
Enterprise Ireland is Europe’s largest seed investor by number of investments.
Tailored Learning
Tailored learning provides founding teams with the skills to cope with the demands of scaling a start-up. From fundraising to building the team and driving sales, clients can access peer knowledge, masterclass expertise and mentorship through our Founders Forum.
National Network
HPSU has access to an extensive network of start-up ecosystem service providers.
These incude accelerators, incubators, research centres, co-working spaces, our regional offices and universities to support client companies as they scale.
International Network
HPSU clients benefit from access to advisors in Enterprise Ireland’s 39 international offices when they are ready to export.
Customer introductions and market intelligence greatly accelerate international expansion.
Contact our HPSU team here or call +353 (0)1 727 2130 to discuss how we can support your high potential start-up.
Case Studies
Upcoming events
19.03.2020
Scaling Beyond, the journey to successful and sustainable growth. A PwC and Enterprise Ireland event
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25.03.2020
Enterprise Ireland HPSU Founder Forum – Building and Leading a Team
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1.04.2020
FutureScope Conference – The Convention Centre
FAQs
Want to learn more about qualifying and applying for HPSU funding? We’ve put together a list of answers to the questions we get asked the most.
Meet The Team
Teri Smith
Manager HPSU Operations
Teri progressed her career in business development and investment roles within Enterprise Ireland and now leads the HPSU Operations team which manages the relationships with clients, entrepreneurs and stakeholders across the business eco-system.
Alan Hobbs
Manager HPSU - Industrial products & life sciences
With extensive international experience working across Asia and the US, Alan manages the life sciences High Potential Start-Up team which works with the best emerging Bio, Pharma and Medical Device companies in Ireland.
Niall McEvoy
Manager HPSU - ICT
With previous entrepreneurial experience in founding and managing a sports technology company, Niall now leads the HPSU ICT Accelerate team which supports high growth clients pre and post seed investment stage.
Jenny Melia
Divisional Manager - High Potential Start-Ups
Having started her career with Enterprise Ireland’s Research and Innovation division, Jenny progressed to working with start-ups, quickly scaling companies and global players in the food sector before becoming Divisional Manager for HPSU
Testimonials
“Being a HPSU client gives you access to Enterprise Ireland’s best business network who can support you on a global scale through their international offices. You are assigned a mentor and a dedicated Development Advisor which is invaluable to a start-up. One of the key challenges facing any start-up is staffing and Enterprise Ireland provided solid advice and support through the process.”
— Irene Villafañe, COO and Co-Founder of Calt Dynamics
“The High Potential Start-up Founders Forum has been a great source of comfort. While other founders may work in different industries, the challenges are the same and a different perspective can be key to unlocking a solution. The benefits reaped from the Founders Forum will depend entirely on what each group put into it. We have had a very strong group and are still in regular contact two years later.”
— Brian Shields, CEO, Neurent Medical
“The latest announcement of the creation of 100 new jobs at Odyssey VC headquarters is a very positive indication of the significant growth we have achieved. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years on our start-up journey, including Kildare Local Enterprise Office and Enterprise Ireland who have supported us every step of the way.”
— Oisín Curran, CEO and Co-Founder, Odyssey VC
Get in touch by email or call the HPSU team on +353 (0)1 727 2130 to discuss how we can support your high potential start-up.
