Office Hours
We hold weekly 25-min online sessions with early-stage founders to discuss their big ideas, provide feedback and help them connect to the wider startup ecosystem.
Every Friday from 10am - 12pm
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.
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.
Applications for Office Hours are now open!
Office Hours take place virtually every week on Friday from 10am - 12pm.
FAQ
Can anyone apply?
Office Hours are designed to support early stage tech-focused founders. You do not need to have incorporated a startup.
Can I apply for more than one Office Hour slot?
You can! Simply apply 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 book Office Hours with more than one expert in the same week?
Yes, depending on availability you can apply for Office Hours with more than one expert.
Can I bring a friend/co-founder to my session?
Of course! Keep in mind that your 25 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 apply, 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 25 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 programmes@ndrc.ie.