Three Limerick businesswomen spoke about the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur and the opportunity for start-ups in the SportsTech sector at a Network Ireland Limerick event supported by LEO Limerick at One Pery Square recently.
The co-founders of SportsTech Ireland, Grainne Barry, Martina Skelly and Emily Ross, shared their collective and individual experiences of running their own business and what it takes to be an entrepreneur. All three agreed on the importance of having a clear mission statement and values.
“Know what you want, narrow down the people you need to meet and be specific in your asks and your objectives,” said Gráinne Barry, EMEA Operations Director, STATS Data & Technology Ltd and also co-founder of SportsTech Ireland.
She was joined at the event by Martina Skelly, Co-founder and CEO of software company YellowSchedule and Emily Ross, Founder and CEO of InkVine Consultants in a fireside chat facilitated by Gillian Horan, The Pudding.
Not content with their own businesses and job roles, the three businesswomen came together to establish SportsTech Ireland which aims to champion Ireland as a leading destination for SportsTechnology and Innovation in 2017.
According to Emily Ross, the opportunities for start-ups in the SportsTech sector is huge, “Data and the interpretation of data is hugely important in all sports and there are plenty of opportunities to exploit that and develop innovative products.”
The three entrepreneurs also highlighted the importance of having mentors and advisory panels with specialist expertise to guide you on your journey and provide a sounding board.
Valerie Murphy, President of Network Ireland Limerick said, “It was encouraging to hear the emphasis on mentoring. This is something that Network Ireland has really focused on in the last year and provides a free mentoring programme for all members. All three speakers caught the imagination of our attendees. Their openness and honesty about their highs and lows was refreshing and insightful. ”
Network Ireland Limerick provides a forum where women in business, the professions and the Arts can exchange business ideas and increase their business contacts.