The Big Pitch 2025

The Big Pitch 2025

The Big Pitch is Propelor’s annual startup showcase, bringing together some of the most ambitious new companies and experienced business leaders for a morning of ideas, innovation, and opportunity.

On Tuesday, 4th November at the Theatre Royal, Waterford, three finalists will present their businesses on stage, each supported by an experienced mentor to sharpen their pitch. They will compete for the title of The Big Pitch Winner 2025 and a €7,500 cash prize.

The event also features four lightning pitches from emerging founders, with the audience voting live to award The One to Watch.

More than a competition, The Big Pitch offers a rare opportunity to see promising new ventures up close, hear directly from their founders, and experience the energy of Ireland’s entrepreneurial community in action.

Fireside Conversation with The Big Pitch Mentors

Alongside the competition, The Big Pitch 2025 will feature a fireside conversation with our three mentors, offering insights into today’s startup climate and the evolving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The panel brings together leaders with extensive experience across founding, scaling, and investing in high-growth companies:

• Tom Brennan – A pharmaceutical entrepreneur and founder with a track record of building global life sciences companies, including EirGen Pharma, Q1 Scientific, TriviumVet, and Shorla Oncology.
• Barry Downes – Managing Partner at Sure Valley Ventures and founder of FeedHenry, with deep expertise in AI and emerging technologies, supporting early-stage companies from concept to scale.
• Siobhán Oates – Chartered Accountant and CFO at Klearcom, with a strong background in preparing startups for investment through her work with South East BIC and HBAN.

This conversation will provide attendees with valuable perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping Ireland’s startup ecosystem today.

Be part of The Big Pitch 2025 and experience the energy of Ireland’s entrepreneurial community.

Host or Publisher Propelor