Ormeau Labs: Fundraising Sprints in partnership with the British Business Bank and IntertradeIreland.
Effectively raise venture capital with Ormeau Labs
Every month, we are running a week-long Fundraising Sprint that provide hyper-individualised and on-demand support to 5 startups based in Northern Ireland. This means you’ll get personalised guidance to help you prepare and execute a successful fundraising campaign.
These sprints are highly interactive and hands-on, so you’ll have the opportunity to refine your strategy, build momentum, and build powerful partnerships with investors. We’ll help you stress-test your models, build a well-researched investor pipeline, create a communication strategy, and prepare essential fundraising materials. Founders will also have the opportunity to meet with investors and gain access to an established network of over a thousand investors.
At the end of the week, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the venture capital market and a clear path forward to effectively raise capital.
The programme is designed and led by Chris McClelland who has helped hundreds of founders launch and raise over $700M in venture capital across local and international markets. Founders will gain unique insights and frameworks gained from his first-hand experience of the dynamics of the venture capital market.
FAQs
Who’s this for?
This is for CEO founders of venture scale company based in N. Ireland that are actively raising investment or within the next 6-12 months. Teams can be from any sector or stages from pre-seed to Series A.
This programme is designed to support under-represented founders from all over Northern Ireland. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and we welcome applications from all Northern Irish founders actively seeking investment, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, or any other personal characteristic. We encourage you to apply and we will ensure that all applications are reviewed objectively and fairly.
What is the time commitment?
The sprint includes an initial day of group sessions followed by four days of one-on-one Deep Dives. Post-sprint, you’ll have ongoing support through weekly office hours and workspace access for 3 months.
Time Commitment:
- Monday Kick-off: The sprint starts with two sessions on Monday—morning and afternoon—focused on venture capital fundamentals and strategies for successful fundraising.
- Tuesday-Friday Deep Dives: Daily one-on-one “Deep Dive” sessions are available from Tuesday through Friday. These 1-hour sessions offer personalised guidance tailored to your startup’s stage and needs. Sessions are available in person or virtually and are bookable on a first-come, first-serve basis.
We may add additional sessions based on the needs of the participating companies.
Post-Sprint Support:
- Office Hours: Participants can access optional, weekly bookable office hours for continuous support and guidance.
- Workspace: A hot desk at Ormeau Baths is available for 3 months for each participant.
This is an opportunity to get a head start with your fundraising so participants are expected to dedicate their week to this.
The sprint runs for 5 days, with two full-day workshops on the first and third day that are held in person at Ormeau Baths. The remaining days offer bookable one-to-one support for approximately 2.5 hours per day.
After the sprint, participants will have access to weekly virtual check-ins and bookable office hours as well as hot desking space at Ormeau Baths for a total of 3 months to further support and offer guidance on their fundraising campaign.
When are the sprints?
Sprints run the first week of every month. The May sprint is spread over two weeks due to May bank holidays.
September Sprint
Monday 4th — Friday 8th September 2023
Applications close 23rd August 2023
October Sprint
Monday 2nd — Friday 6th October 2023
Applications close 19th September 2023
November Sprint
Monday 6th— Friday 10th November 2023
Applications close 23rd October 2023
How do I apply?
We are operating a continuous application process, so you can apply to these sprints anytime.
The application form requires a short overview of the concept, team, and fundraising status and goals. Please attach latest pitch deck or one-pager for wider context – don’t worry, we will help improve investment materials during the sprint if successful.
How much does it cost?
It is free to participants due to the kind support of the Ormeau Baths in partnership with the British Business Bank and InterTradeIreland. Please note, we do not ask for equity to participate. Our only ask is that you provide some feedback at the end of the programme and share with us your funding successes.
Who is running this?
Chris McClelland is a General Partner at Broadstone a new pre-seed fund dedicated to supporting founders based in Ireland.
He founded Ecliptic Labs, one of the first mobile app development agencies, and Brewbot, a robot that brewed beer. Brewbot was backed by some of silicon valley’s best known entrepreneurs and venture capital firms.
Chris has extensive experience in fundraising and has first hand experience supporting 250 founders in raising over $700M. He has also mentored startups and led workshops for programmes such as NDRC, Techstars, IgniteNI, Patch, and the ATI/Boeing Accelerator. Based on this experience he has developed a range of unique content and frameworks including Fundraising Sprints.
As Managing Director of IgniteNI, Chris designed and led 8 programmes, supporting 111 companies. He has been featured in media worldwide, including the BBC, Guardian, New York Times, and Wired.
Operations and Support
- Gary Davidson, NDRC Investor Relations @ Dogpatch Labs
- Drew O’Sullivan, Lead Equity Advisor @ InterTradeIreland
Advisors
- Ian Browne, NDRC Managing Director @ Dogpatch Labs
- Claire Halliday, GM @ Ormeau Baths
- Jon Bradford, Co-Founder @ Ormeau Baths & Partner @ Dynamo VC
Data privacy
Data privacy is important to us. All information submitted in the application form will be kept confidential and only shared with the program team, partners and advisors. We will not share any information with third parties without your consent.