In a bold move to expand their businesses and connect with potential investors, seven women-led companies from Northern Ireland are embarking on a major trade mission to the United States. This exciting event, organised by AwakenHub and AwakenAngels, will take place from February 3 to 7 and will see a total of 20 businesses, including the Northern Irish companies, showcase their innovative solutions and explore funding opportunities across Boston and New York.
The goal of this mission is clear: to secure investments and drive growth for women-founded businesses in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The mission comes at a crucial time, as female entrepreneurs in these regions continue to face barriers in accessing funding. Let’s take a closer look at the mission, the women-led companies participating, and why this initiative is a game-changer for women in business.
What is the AwakenHub and AwakenAngels Trade Mission?
AwakenHub is the only all-island community for women founders, and AwakenAngels is the first all-island women-led investment community. Together, these organisations have been a driving force behind the St Brigid’s Day trade mission, which connects talented women entrepreneurs with key investors and opportunities in the United States.
Now in its third year, the mission has already proven successful for past participants. Many have secured six-figure investments just weeks after the event, setting the stage for significant growth. This year, the trade mission aims to showcase 25 women founders and their innovative businesses in sectors like Health and Life Sciences, B2B SaaS, Digital Technologies, and Sustainability.
By facilitating investment meetings and high-level briefings with VCs and potential partners in Boston and New York, the mission will help elevate women-led businesses and increase the visibility of female entrepreneurs on a global stage.
Women Founders from Northern Ireland: The Companies Making Waves
The seven women-led companies from Northern Ireland represent a diverse range of industries, each with unique products and services that have the potential to make a global impact. Here’s a quick look at the companies taking part:
-
6D-Dementia Ltd (Portrush) – Founded by Frances Duffy, this company focuses on creating innovative solutions for dementia care, improving the lives of individuals and families affected by the disease.
-
Educational Voice (Belfast) – Led by Michelle Connolly, this animation studio creates engaging e-learning resources aimed at both children and adults. Their interactive approach to education is gaining recognition in the ed-tech sector.
-
Silver Apples Media (Belfast) – Founded by Angela Wilson, this media company produces content that speaks to a wide range of audiences, offering innovative marketing solutions.
-
Taylor Yates (Bushmills) – A luxury fashion brand co-founded by Karen and Ellen Yates, the company offers responsible luxury products with a focus on sustainability. Their mission is to scale their brand into a global force for conscious consumers.
-
Clúmh (Londonderry) – Led by Lisa McLaughlin, Clúmh is a cutting-edge digital technology company that focuses on enhancing personalisation in various industries through its AI-powered solutions.
-
SeeMe Ltd (Londonderry) – Founded by Mary Blake, SeeMe is a health tech company that uses technology to help people manage mental health and well-being through accessible digital tools.
A Vital Opportunity for Northern Ireland Women Entrepreneurs
For these companies, the trade mission presents an invaluable opportunity to make connections that could shape their futures. The mission’s high-level events include angel investing masterclasses, investor showcases, and private meetings with key stakeholders, which are all designed to help these women founders make meaningful connections with potential backers and collaborators.
During the mission, delegates will also participate in briefings with the British and Irish consulates in both Boston and New York, providing further opportunities for exposure and networking with influential figures in business and finance. These events are crucial for entrepreneurs, especially those looking to scale their operations internationally.
Real Stories of Women Entrepreneurs Making a Difference
What makes this mission so impactful is the stories behind the companies. For example, Karen and Ellen Yates of Taylor Yates are on their second trade mission with AwakenHub. They are raising $1M to expand their luxury brand and make it globally recognised in the sustainable fashion sector. For them, this mission is not just about seeking funding—it’s about scaling with purpose and integrity.
Similarly, Michelle Connolly of Educational Voice sees this mission as a chance to establish partnerships with educational institutions and e-learning platforms. She describes it as “the icing on the cake” for her growing business, noting the incredible value of connecting with like-minded entrepreneurs and potential collaborators in the US.
These real-life stories demonstrate the power of women-led businesses coming together to share knowledge, support each other, and drive growth. It’s not just about securing investment; it’s about creating a sustainable network that nurtures female entrepreneurship and helps women succeed in the business world.
A Crucial Moment for Women-Led Startups
The St Brigid’s Day trade mission could not come at a more critical time for women in business. As Clare McGee, co-founder and CEO of both AwakenAngels and AwakenHub, points out: “Investment in women-founded companies is still critically low.” This mission aims to address that imbalance and provide women entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and support they need to succeed.
While securing financial backing is essential, the value of networking, mentorship, and collaboration is equally important. Through this trade mission, AwakenAngels and AwakenHub are helping to create a robust ecosystem that not only fosters growth but also strengthens the foundation for future generations of women founders.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Women-Led Businesses in Northern Ireland
As the mission progresses, the companies involved are expected to build lasting relationships with investors, partners, and other entrepreneurs. The exposure gained from attending high-profile events in the US will undoubtedly help these companies achieve their goals and secure the investment they need to expand.
In the years to come, this mission will continue to be a catalyst for positive change, propelling women-led companies from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland into the global business spotlight.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- AwakenHub: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
- AwakenAngels: Investment Opportunities for Women
- Taylor Yates: Scaling a Responsible Luxury Brand
- Educational Voice: Innovating E-Learning
- Clúmh: Personalised AI Solutions for Businesses
Photo credit: Ireland Live
