Testimonials

During the Irish TT, I discovered how much progress Ireland had made over the last 15 years, both economically and in terms of advanced technologies and start-ups. It is definitely a great place for VC investments.

- Alain Ries, Partner, Iris Capital Management, France

The Tech Tour provides excellent access to innovative companies, industry contacts and an opportunity to experience the business and cultural climate driving innovation in a country.

- Dilip $Mistry, Emerging Business & Venture Capital Relations, Microsoft EMEA, UK

This was Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault's first sponsorship of and participation in the Irish TT and we are convinced that it was an important focal point for Testa, Hurwitz & Thibeault's vibrant technology practice and our planned European growth.

- Mark Bettencourt, Partner, Testa Hurwitz & Thibeault, USA

Oracle is proud to have been a local sponsor of the Irish TT. Many of Oracle's 125 partners in Ireland were represented at the event, and it was a good opportunity to network and demonstrate our commitment to the Irish market. It was especially useful to meet the VCs behind many existing and prospective partners, and understand how we can jointly support the success of Irish software companies.

- Glen Cahill, ISV Manager, Oracle, Ireland

The Tech Tour was a great way to see the best young companies that Ireland has to offer over a few days with a number of other like-minded investors.

- Bob Geiman, Principal, Polaris, USA

Thank you very much for your invitation to the Irish TT. I found this tour very efficiently organised. I managed in the space of three activities-packed days to catch up with a lot of good companies known to Amadeus and to learn about some great new technologies being developed in Ireland supported by one of the most active entrepreneur

- Andrea Traversone, Investment Manager, Amadeus Capital Partners, UK

Great trip, well organized and thoughtful selection of companies and venues.

- Simon Clark, Partner, Fidelity Ventures, UK

Anyone who believes that Ireland's only tech strength is software is in for a surprise. The Irish TT demonstrated that Ireland has strengths in a variety of sectors, including wireless.

- Jennifer Schenker, International Editor, Red Herring, France

Very well organized, good quality of presenting companies, good networking possibilities... in short: I'll be back for the next tech tour!

- Marc Wachsmuth, Executive Investment Manager, GIMV, Belgium

The Irish TT has been an eye-opening experience for anyone still sceptical about venture technology business opportunities in Europe. Ireland has it all, disruptive technologies, superb human assets and established marketing channels to the rest of the world. One of the best Tech Tours I have participated in.

- Voytek Siewierski, Senior Executive Director, DoCoMo Europe, UK

Speaking both from the perspective of Accel

- Ferghal ORiordain, Partner, Accel Partners, UK

Having never visited Ireland, the Irish TT provided me a with a great opportunity to be introduced to the technology community around Dublin, Limerick and Belfast in a very efficient and enjoyable manner, in addition to the usual, good networking opportunities. The Irish TT came at an opportune time for SVB Europe as we are at the early stages of assessing our opportunities in Ireland.

- Andy Tsao, Senior VP, Silicon Valley Bank, UK

This was my first Tech Tour and I can only describe the format as excellent. The Irish Tour provided me with exposure to over 40 leading Irish Tech companies, a first class networking opportunity with a high quality group of delegates and also a chance to experience first hand some of the finer sights the length and breadth of Ireland. A great use of two days and the most fun I have had on a bus!

- Gordon Beveridge, Associate, Scottish Equity Partners, UK

This was one of the best run and most focused VC events that I have attended. The split of time between Company meetings and delegate networking time was very well managed.

- Colin Watts, Partner, TLcom Capital Partners, UK

The Irish TT provided an invaluable means of networking with senior technology professionals whilst meeting with the most innovative and upcoming technology companies in Ireland.

- John Meehan, VP, Arma Partners, UK

As always, the Irish TT was one of the better events I have attended recently. The quality of both the presenting companies and the delegates definitely reflects the experience and commitment of the European Tech Tour team. Brown Rudnick is committed to continuing to support the Tech Tour and we look forward to attending the various upcoming events in 2005.

- Mark Dorff, Partner, Brown Rudnick, UK

The Irish TT was a truly outstanding event, as it was superbly planned and organized, and the quality of presenting companies was very impressive. The two and a half days spent in Ireland were intense but well worth it.

- Andreas Schlenker, Associate, Partech, France

The Irish Tech Tour was very well organized with high quality companies presenting and sharing information. The Irish Tech Economy has progressed impressively over the past few years. Ireland offers attractive early stage investment opportunities and an increasing dynamic approach to transatlantic company building.

- Kevin Dillon, Partner, Abbey Road Ventures, UK

The Irish TT combined great company with great companies, precision logistics and traditionally warm Irish hospitality. A thoroughly worthwhile week - compressed into 2 1/2 days!

- Rory OSullivan, Managing Director, Sardis Capital, UK

The in country selection committee must be accurate and impartial in the selection of companies which possess the required attributes to generate significant interest from the international VC community. Not only is this paramount to the success of a Tech Tour, the Irish committee raised the bar a set a new standards for this latest series.

- Mike Fitzgerald, CEO, Altobridge, Ireland

This was the best event I have experienced, in terms of overall organisation and caliber of VC's present. The Tech Tour has been extremely useful in establishing contacts and relationships that we believe will be very important to us going forward.

- John Byrne, CEO, Information Mosaic, Ireland

Tech Tour is the most valuable resource for companies - it brings together entrepreneurs with world-class VCs in a focused gathering that maximizes the benefits to both groups.

- Alain Robinson, CEO, Shenick, Ireland