Furthr is a multifaceted organization with distinct operations in Ireland and the United Kingdom, each focusing on unique aspects of business innovation and environmental sustainability.
Background
Furthr Ireland is Ireland's largest Business Innovation Centre, dedicated to supporting founders in Dublin and surrounding counties through acceleration, funding, and connection. Since 1988, Furthr has worked with over 6,000 startups, assisting them in navigating their growth journeys. The organization has facilitated over €200 million in direct funding through managed channels, including venture capital and angel investment.
Furthr UK operates with a mission to make it easy for individuals and companies to understand and improve their environmental impact. The company provides information, advice, and tools to help users reduce their carbon footprint. Their Climate Companion platform offers personalized tools for individuals, while their business services assist companies in calculating, reporting, reducing, and mitigating emissions with high-quality solutions and transparency.
Key Strategic Focus
Furthr Ireland focuses on accelerating the growth of Irish startups by providing practical, hands-on support to entrepreneurs. This includes developing investor-ready strategies, securing pre-seed or seed funding, and scaling into high-potential businesses. The organization collaborates with approximately 300 startups annually, offering specialized one-on-one consultations to about 100 of them. These consultations aid founders in developing robust business plans, securing investment, and unlocking growth potential.
Furthr UK aims to empower individuals and businesses to take actionable steps toward environmental sustainability. By offering tools and services that facilitate understanding and improvement of environmental impact, Furthr UK supports the transition to a more sustainable future.
Financials and Funding
Furthr VC, the venture capital arm of Furthr Ireland, launched its latest fund in December 2019 with an initial investment from Enterprise Ireland and 15 technology entrepreneurs, business leaders, and private investors. By August 2022, the fund grew to €32 million, enabling Furthr VC to invest up to €650,000 initially and up to €3 million through subsequent follow-on investment rounds. The fund has invested in 15 companies, including Klearcom, Evercam, and Bluedrop Medical.
Furthr UK achieved B Corporation certification in October 2023, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency. The company earned an overall B Impact Score of 106.6, surpassing the median score for ordinary businesses.
Pipeline Development
Furthr Ireland supports high-potential startups across sectors such as ICT, FinTech, EdTech, AI, and ILSC. The organization offers tailored acceleration and mentorship programs, guiding startups from early-stage ideation to securing venture-backed investment. In 2024 alone, Furthr-supported companies employed over 350 people, contributing significantly to job creation and economic growth in Ireland.
Furthr UK continues to develop and enhance its Climate Companion platform and business services, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions for individuals and companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Furthr Ireland leverages its extensive experience to design, develop, and deliver bespoke innovation programs for large organizations, helping them drive innovation-led transformation. The organization blends internationally recognized innovation theory with real-world practice, supporting startups in refining business propositions, financial strategies, investor pitches, and data rooms.
Furthr UK offers the Climate Companion platform, a personal tool for delivering climate wellness to individuals. The platform provides information, advice, and tools to help users measure and reduce their carbon footprint, access renewable energy solutions, and support environmental projects.
Leadership Team
Furthr Ireland is led by a team of experienced professionals dedicated to supporting Irish entrepreneurs. Key figures include:
- Martin Murray: Chief Executive Officer
- Julian Seymour: Chief Operations Officer
- Richard Watson: Managing Partner at Furthr VC
- Colm O'Sullivan: Managing Partner at Furthr VC
- Majella Murphy: Head of Operations
- Dr. Rosalind Beere: Head of Programmes
- Fiona Nagle: Head of Marketing
- Paul Coyle: Head of Finance
- Thierry Artaud: Head of Corporate Innovation
- Eugene Mitchell: Head of Consulting
- John Phelan: Head of HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network)
- Aisling R.: Head of Talent
Furthr UK is co-founded by Henry Bishop, who serves as Director. Under his leadership, the company focuses on providing tools and services that facilitate understanding and improvement of environmental impact.
Leadership Changes
In March 2023, Furthr Ireland announced the appointment of Maoiliosa O’Culachain as the new Chief Executive Officer. He succeeded Martin Murray, who had served as CEO since 2018. O’Culachain brings extensive experience in the startup ecosystem and aims to further Furthr's mission of supporting Irish entrepreneurs.
Competitor Profile
Market Insights and Dynamics
The startup support and venture capital landscape in Ireland is vibrant, with numerous organizations providing funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage companies. The market has seen significant growth, with increased investment in sectors such as ICT, FinTech, and MedTech.
Competitor Analysis
Key competitors in the Irish startup support ecosystem include:
- Enterprise Ireland: A government organization that provides financial support and resources to Irish businesses aiming to scale internationally.
- NDRC: An accelerator program that offers mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to startups.
- HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network): A network of angel investors providing funding and expertise to early-stage companies.
These organizations focus on supporting startups through various stages of development, offering funding, mentorship, and access to networks.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Furthr Ireland collaborates with Enterprise Ireland and the Department of Enterprise, Trade, and Employment to support startups in securing funding and scaling their businesses. The organization also partners with large corporate clients to deliver bespoke innovation programs, helping them drive innovation-led transformation.
Furthr UK partnered with Amba in August 2021 to empower businesses to create a climate-positive workforce by driving sustainable employee behaviors. This collaboration provides aggregated, real-time data to support business objectives surrounding organizational sustainability.
Operational Insights
Furthr Ireland operates with a lean, high-trust, and collaborative culture, fostering an inclusive and open environment where everyone has the opportunity to grow and succeed. The organization prioritizes psychological safety, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. This culture empowers employees with growth opportunities, encourages innovation, and celebrates diverse perspectives.
Furthr UK focuses on providing user-friendly tools and services that enable individuals and businesses to take actionable steps toward environmental sustainability. By offering personalized platforms and business services, Furthr UK differentiates itself in the market by making climate action accessible and engaging.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Furthr Ireland plans to deepen its impact with expanded funding initiatives and cutting-edge support programs, leveraging best practices from European networks. The organization aims to focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and digital transformation, empowering Ireland's brightest innovators to scale globally.
Furthr UK intends to continue enhancing its Climate Companion platform and business services, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions for individuals and companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact. The company plans to expand its reach and influence, supporting the transition to a more sustainable future.
