CorkBIC is a private-sector led organisation, specifically set up to identify and build knowledge intensive companies based on promising technology and capable innovative people. It plays a hands-on role helping entrepreneurs navigate the minefield of raising finance, sorting out business propositions, arranging agreements with shareholders and investors, and, perhaps most important of all, finding customers.
Every year, CorkBIC identifies, selects and develops several high potential start-ups or expansions. At any one time, there are 40 or 50 projects in the pipeline. 85% of start-ups engaging in this integrated process survive after five years, far outstripping the international survival average of 50%. Over the past 30+ years CorkBIC has worked with over 500 start-ups, many of whom come back and re-engage.
Each client facing member of the CorkBIC team has done his/her own startup.
- CorkBIC manages HBAN (The Halo Business Angel Network) in the South west and Mid West of Ireland. HBAN is a joint initiative between Enterprise Ireland and InterTrade Ireland. HBAN operates on a regional basis, providing a matching service for private investors (Business Angels) and pre-screened investment opportunities in start-up, early stage and developing businesses. HBAN is also responsible for the development of business Angel Syndicates, CorkBIC supports the Boole Syndicate in Cork and the Irrus Syndicate in Limerick
- CorkBIC is part of a network of 200+ BICs throughout Europe, The European Business & Innovation Centre Network (EBN).
- CorkBIC is a member and plays an acitve role in EBAN - The European Trade Association for Business Angels, Seed Funds and Early Stage Market Players. Michael O'Connor, CEO, CorkBIC was elected to the board of Directors in 2016
- CorkBIC work closely with many organisaions like the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland, HBAN and many others that make up the framework of developing a startup in Ireland
