Seedcorn competition Munster regional winners announced
Waterford-based PlayerStat Data and Cork firm Lia Therapeutics have been named ‘Best New Start’ and ‘Best Early Stage’ company respectively at the Munster regional final of the 2022 InterTradeIreland Seedcorn Investor Readiness Competition.
Both companies presented their investment proposal to a panel of judges that included active investors. The winners fought off tough competition to walk away with €20,000 each and a place in the overall Seedcorn final later this month.
Seedcorn is the biggest investor readiness competition on the island of Ireland for innovative new start and early stage businesses, with an overall prize fund of €300,000. The winners from each of the four regions will go head-to-head in Belfast on the 24th of November.
PlayerStat Data is a data solutions specialist, targeting the USA and Canadian youth soccer market. Established in 2019, PlayerStat Data’s solutions provide a unique 360 degree view of player development pathways for under 13 to under 19 level soccer players.
Commenting on the company’s win, Colin Brett, co-founder and CEO at PlayerStat Data said:
We are delighted to have been named ‘Best New Start’ in the Munster regional final and compete in the national final. This is our second time entering the Seedcorn competition, having previously been Munster finalists, and we wanted to learn from the valuable feedback from judges on our pitch and business plan to take us to the next level. The prize money will help go towards funding for our AI tech development and increased marketing spend in the North East USA and Ontario regions.
Cork-based Lia Therapeutics, a med-tech start-up, has developed Nightleaf, the first wearable medical device which aims to treat and relieve sore and dry eyes. Designed with patients at the centre, Nightleaf was inspired by the principles of design thinking and value driven care. Nightleaf will be launched initially in the US, with a view to further expansion to help the 340 million people globally who suffer with sore and dry eyes.
Sinéad Buckley, CEO at Lia Therapeutics said:
It is an honour to be named ‘Best Early Stage’ company for the Munster region and secure our place in the all-island Seedcorn final. We entered the competition for the opportunity both to develop relationships with real-world investors and industry experts, and to connect with other companies in the start-up ecosystem. Our Seedcorn journey has proven to be really valuable so far and we’re looking forward to what comes next.
Established in 2003, Seedcorn has helped in excess of 6,900 companies, giving entrants the opportunity to become investor ready, with expert feedback on business plans and pitches, and exposure to real life investors.
Congratulating PlayerStat Data and Lia Therapeutics, Shane O’Hanlon, Funding for Growth Manager at InterTradeIreland said:
The Seedcorn Competition always attracts entries from innovative and ambitious companies, and this year has been no different. Both categories were hard fought, and I want to congratulate PlayerStat Data and Lia Therapeutics on winning the Munster regional final this year. Both firms impressed our judges with a confident pitch demonstrating innovative spirit and a drive to grow their businesses. On behalf of all of us at InterTradeIreland, I wish both firms the best of luck at the overall final on the 24th of November.
