Intensive, not theoretical
Practical, not theoretical.
We’re a working lab for startups. Expect workshops, sprints, and real-world experiments.
Where Irish startups get off the ground
Where Irish Startups Get Off the Ground
An intensive, hands-on laboratory for startups and founders who want to validate ideas faster, build credible brands, and become genuinely investor-ready.
Startups
Pre-seed
Funding
Community
Workspace
Structured support
Short cycles, clear outputs and fewer assumptions.
Clear next steps
Support that fits the stage you are at.
Why Establish.ie?
Why founders choose a practical launchpad instead of more theory.
The work is about turning ideas into sustainable companies through clear decisions, evidence and the right mix of support at the right moment.
Funding focus
Built around Irish and European funding.
We help you navigate Enterprise Ireland, LEOs, EU funds, research grants and private investment.
Commercial + human
We care about the business and the founders.
Product-market fit, governance and cash flow matter. So do wellbeing, alignment and sustainable growth.
Community
Peers, mentors and alumni around you.
Access peers, mentors, partners and alumni who’ve already walked the path you’re on.
Stage-appropriate
Support that meets you where you are.
From rough idea through pre-seed and seed, we design a path that fits your stage.
Who we help
Establish.ie is designed for founders with ambition and a willingness to test.
We work with founders and teams who want direct feedback, a practical route and a clearer next step.
Early-stage tech startups
SaaS, platforms, digital products, AI/ML, data, fintech, healthtech and more.
Non-tech and service businesses
Professional services, creative agencies, online education and B2B offers with growth potential.
Spin-outs and innovation projects
University spin-outs, corporate innovation teams and internal ventures moving toward market.
Purpose-driven and impact ventures
ESG, sustainability, social enterprises and mission-led businesses blending purpose with profit.
Founders at idea or pre-revenue stage
Individuals or teams who want structured guidance, honest feedback and a clear path.
What founders leave with
Outputs that are easy to explain, test and share.
The point is not more jargon. The point is to make sharper choices, reach customers earlier and build a story that investors, partners and future team members can understand.
Make the idea testable.
- Turn vague ideas into clear, testable propositions.
- Validate the market and find real customers early.
- Shape a lean MVP instead of overbuilding too soon.
- Design a simple go-to-market plan for the next 6–12 months.
Build momentum around the venture.
- Create a credible, investable brand and story.
- Prepare an investor-ready pitch deck and data room.
- Identify and apply for funding, grants and supports.
- Put in place basic governance, legal and risk structures.
Core programmes & services
Six ways to move from “interesting” to investable.
Each programme can stand alone or be combined into a longer journey depending on your stage and what you are trying to build.
Startup Foundations Lab
From fuzzy concept to validated proposition.
- Problem and customer clarity
- Market and competitor landscape
- MVP, experiments and roadmap
Best for very early-stage founders.
Investor-Ready Pitch Sprint
Sharpen the story, the numbers and the delivery.
- Investment narrative and ask
- Pitch deck and financial model
- Q&A practice and objections
Best for pre-seed and seed rounds.
Brand & Story Studio
Build a startup brand that customers and investors remember.
- Positioning and messaging
- Founder's narrative
- Website copy guidance
Best for launch or repositioning.
Funding & Grants Desk
Navigate public and private funding with more confidence.
- Funding landscape review
- Application support
- 12–24 month funding roadmap
Best for founders planning the next raise.
Mentorship, Advisory & Governance
A trusted sounding board for decisions and structure.
- 1:1 mentoring and office hours
- Advisory board design
- Basic governance and risk
Best for founders who need a steady partner.
Community, Events & Workspace
The surrounding environment that helps founders stay moving.
- Founder circles and peer groups
- Workshops and pitch nights
- Optional co-working and meeting space
Best for founders who want to build with others.
How it works
Five steps from first conversation to the next 6–12 months.
We keep the process lightweight and structured so founders can move in short, useful cycles instead of getting stuck in open-ended advisory.
Book a Discovery Call
We start with a conversation about you, your idea, stage, goals and constraints.
Diagnostic & Roadmap
We run a structured diagnostic, identify gaps and propose a tailored pathway.
Programme Onboarding
You join the agreed programme(s) in a cohort or on a bespoke 1:1 basis, depending on fit.
Execution & Experiments
Weekly tasks, experiments and milestones keep the work practical and accountable.
Investor-Ready & Next Steps
We finish with clarity on the next 6–12 months and where funding fits in.
Ready to establish your startup?
Give your idea the best chance of becoming a real business.
Book a free discovery call or send a deck / one-pager if you want a quick view on where the next practical step should be.