8:50

Welcome and opening remarks from the Chair

Do you need to raise money to bring your business to the next stage? Our agenda is packed with insights from leading investment firms, successful entrepreneurs and growth-support organisations, all in one room as they share how you can secure funding for an established business with ambitions to grow.

9:00

Navigating the how, what, where and when of a successful IPO

Finance is the fuel for scaling your business. As a company owner, how do you get the quantum and source of funds right in order to ensure success? In this session Orla discusses the financing landscape, key questions for business owners to consider and outlines what it takes to deliver a successful IPO.

9:20

PANEL DISCUSSION: Is being a publicly listed company the right growth route for your business?

We hear a range of perspectives – an exchange, a plc and an investor – on choosing the IPO route. Plus, what are the key motivations and challenges when tapping global growth markets?

9:55

Could debt financing be an option for your growing business?

Conor discusses the more traditional option of regular business lending which is making a comeback and why a number of Irish firms have gone down the debt-financing route.

10:05

Latest developments in the fundraising landscape

10:15

Reaching the next level with private equity

Leo discusses the option of minority equity, which sits at the intersection of private equity and venture capital: What is it? Which companies typically receive backing? What are the risk characteristics?

10:25

Recent investments in growing Irish businesses

Mark discusses some recent investments and how private equity can help with international growth and succession dilemmas.

10:35

Legal insights on private equity investments

Lorcan will speak on some of the legal issues that commonly come up in private equity investments; How good preparation is key and he will share some insights on how well private equity delivers on its promises to management post transaction

10:45

Q&A with speakers

11:30

PANEL DISCUSSION: Should you hire an advisor to help you raise capital?

Our panel of entrepreneurs have been through the fund-raising process and share their advice and insights on how to choose the right advisors for your fundraising initiative.

12:10

Maintaining good relations with your company’s investors

It goes without saying that you should be proactive in building solid, harmonious investor relations. Eavan provides insights on how to create a two-way communication channel and maintain great relations with your company’s investors.

12:30

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: My funding journey: How I managed to raise the finance to grow my business

Pat has nearly 50 years’ experience in the hotel industry after starting his career with Ryan Hotels in 1969. After a tough start to his current business, launching at the start of the recession in 2007, Dalata has grown to become Ireland’s largest hotel group operating the Clayton and Maldron brands across Ireland and the UK. Pat shares his experience and insights from funding the growth of his businesses over the years.

12:50

PANEL DISCUSSION: How to raise capital? Ask an entrepreneur

Raising capital can be one of the most critical aspects of building a successful business — and often one of the most difficult. Our panel of entrepreneurs have been through it all. They share the difficulties they encountered during fundraising and how they overcame them.

Roundtable 1

Pitching to investors: How to secure that vital growth capital for your business

Roundtable 2

Raising private equity growth stage finance

Roundtable 3

Government funded initiatives to support ambitious high-growth businesses

Roundtable 4

IPO groundwork: How to get ready for an IPO

Roundtable 5

Equity Crowdfunding for growth stage investment: How does it work?

Roundtable 6

Successful business architecture: What are the key pillars on which a successfully funded business will be built?

4:00

Closing Remarks followed by Networking Reception