Ormeau Labs | Jan / Feb Round-up

21 Feb 2025

Kicking Off 2025 with a Bang!

SQC Digital Belfast 2025: Shaping a Prosperous Future

It was a pleasure to host the SQC Digital Belfast 2025: Shaping a Prosperous Future event, Directed by one of our members here at Ormeau Labs, Jonathan Rogan, Founder of SQC Digital.

With an incredible lineup of speakers, who provided invaluable insights into the future of Belfast’s economy and digital transformation,

• Ian Snowden – Permanent Secretary, Department for the Economy
• Suzanne Wylie OBE – CEO, NI Chamber of Commerce
• John Mathers – Head of Barclays Corporate Banking NI
• Claire Hanna – South Belfast MP & Mid Down
• Dr Bill Wolsey OBE – Founder & Managing Director, Bennchor Group
• Councillor Micky Murray – Lord Mayor of Belfast
• John Campbell – BBC NI’s Economic & Business Editor.

Founder’s Night & Foundry Fuel Showcase

We were thrilled to host Founder’s Night on February 6th, where Gareth Burns showcased his innovative platform, Foundry Fuel, cutting-edge digital platform designed to help founders and small businesses connect with technologists—without the complexities of traditional recruitment.

Our Founder Labs Cohort 2 teams, who took the stage to pitch their businesses live for the first time:

Gokul Madan Alikkal – Xolution
Conall Madden – Azguard Ltd.
Beth Glenfield – Stow

The evening continued with an engaging fireside chat as Gary Davidson sat down with Ciaran Doherty of Loadar. They explored Ciaran’s journey from corporate life to the startup world, his experience scaling internationally, and securing a significant investment round from Techstart Ventures LLP & Frontline Ventures.

Read more: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7293596133199601665

SeedLegals Office Hours – Every Wednesday at Ormeau Labs

We’re excited to announce that SeedLegals Office Hours are now happening every Wednesday morning with Michael McDowell at Ormeau Labs!

This is an incredible opportunity for startups to receive expert advice on investment plans, S/EIS, Share Options (EMI), R&D tax credits, and more.

Read more: https://meetme.seedlegals.com/seedlegals-office-hours

AI Week at Ormeau Labs

Ormeau Labs proudly hosted AI Week from February 17th - 20th, featuring an exciting lineup of AI innovations, expert talks, and hands-on sessions.

Here’s what went down:

Monday 17th: Introducing AI and Where to Get Started – Presented by Kainos.
• Tuesday 18th: AI and the Enterprise – Presented by Niall Maher, AI Innovation Engineering Lead at Marsh McLennan.
• Wednesday 19th: Gen AI – Presented by Amazon Web Services
• Thursday 20th: Top Security Priorities for CEOs in 2025 & the Impact of AI – Presented by Instil / Vertical Structure

Pathway to Growth Programme

We are delighted to be supporting Jenny Ervine, Seamus Cushley, and the Raise Ventures team on their delivery of the Pathway to Growth programme.

As part of the Barclays Eagle Labs Ecosystem Partnership Programme, we are launching applications to join three Deep Dive Sales-focused workshops, bespoke mentoring, and a half-day growth conference this Spring.

Young Social Innovators & Ignite Community Programme

We were delighted to support Young Social Innovators with the launch of the PEACEPLUS funded Ignite Community programme.

This was a great reminder of the potential we unlock when we invest in youth-driven innovation. There was a fantastic buzz in the room, with lots of great conversations taking place, social innovation truly coming to life!

Customer Success Meet-Up NI

We had an amazing Customer Success Meet-Up hosted by Danielle Hashemipour. A panel featuring Jemma-Kate McSheffery and Jane Megahy, thank you for sharing your stories and insights with all of us.

This event was open to anybody working in CS, anybody working with CS, or anybody wanting to know more about CS!

It was a fantastic opportunity to connect, learn, and discuss best practices in Customer Success.