Office Hours

We hold weekly 30-min online sessions with early-stage founders to discuss their big ideas, provide feedback and help them connect to the wider startup ecosystem.

Pointing You in the Right Direction

Have an idea that you want to explore but don’t know where to start?

Get early feedback

Office Hours provide a safe space for early-stage founders to get feedback on their startup idea.

Navigate supports

Receive guidance and signposting on the different supports available within the startup ecosystem.

Are Office Hours for you?

We're looking for anyone with big ideas in the early days of their entrepreneurial journey.

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Do you..

  • Have an idea but don’t know where to start?

  • Want feedback on your idea?

  • Want to learn about available startup supports?

  • Want to get connected to the startup ecosystem?

  • Need help to achieve your next milestones?

“Having those early conversations with mentors helped me navigate the ecosystem more effectively and freed up more time to focus on building my startup”

Andreea Wade | CEO Opening.io

* Acquired by iCMS

Meet the Experts

We offer weekly slots with Ireland’s top ecosystem leaders to give you early feedback or help signpost supports.

Ian Browne

NDRC MD | Dogpatch Labs

Founder, investor and Managing Director of NDRC. Can help with product, GTM, fundraising, sales and fundamentals.

Lorraine Curham

Programme Director | Dogpatch Labs

Former founder, supporting startups to get things done, quickly. Specialist in business strategy, GTM, investment and leadership.

Reta Octania

Programme Manager | Dogpatch Labs

Multidisciplinary startup operations specialist; CX, people, design, live ops. Previously with Meta, Google and Squarespace.

Lizzy Hayashida

NDRC Director | Dogpatch Labs

Former founder, worked in & with startups to multinationals on product design and development, GTM strategies, and partnerships.

Joe Gorman

Programme Manager | Dogpatch Labs

Startup growth strategist with experience in GTM, partnerships, government relations, and media.

Menno Axt

Head of Platform | Dogpatch Labs

Responsible for scouting startups and directly supporting founders to secure rounds with top investors.

Maeve Lyons

Programme Manager | RDI Hub

Design thinking & storytelling for business. Worked in & with start-ups globally, connecting investors, corporates & entrepreneurs.

Dushyant Singh

Regional Lead | PorterShed

Design Entrepreneur with international experience in tech startups, and an MSc in Entrepreneurship from TCD.

Gearoid Kearney

Regional Lead | RDI Hub

Former founder with technical experience in product development, design, scaling marketing budgets, and acquiring B2B/B2C customers.

Andy McManagan

Programme Associate | Republic of Work

Driven to connect startups with support & resources. Formerly led the Founders' Circle. Holds an honours degree in Marketing.

Registrations for Office Hours are open!

Office Hours take place virtually every week.

FAQ

Can anyone register?

Office Hours are designed to support early-stage tech-focused founders. You do not need to have incorporated a startup.

Can I register for more than one Office Hour slot?

You can! Simply register again and depending on availability we’ll try and match you. As a reference, we recommend booking a slot every 2 - 4 weeks.

Can I bring a friend/co-founder to my session?

Of course! Keep in mind that your 30 minutes will go by fast so be conscious of how much you are both talking relative to the time you leave for the advice/feedback.

If I register, does that mean I am guaranteed a slot?

No, there are two main reasons why you might not get a slot. The first is that all Office Hour slots have been filled for the week. The second is because you’re not suitable for Office Hours, that could be the stage you’re at or the type of business you have (we prioritise innovation-driven, globally scalable and tech-focused)

Do I need to bring slides or a presentation?

They’re not essential but one or two slides could help frame the conversation. Meetings are only 30 minutes, so make sure you focus on your priority areas for feedback.

Any advice for things I should definitely do?

Preparation is everything. Make sure that you have thought about what you want to get out of the session.

Do I need to pay for this?
No, Office Hours have no cost to you. However, spots are limited.

Have a question that isn’t answered here?

No problem, reach out to us at [email protected].