You’re Not Ready: A Fundraising Reality Check

Get an honest, no-fluff look at what it really takes to become fundraise-ready and what investors are looking for before they write a cheque.

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Are You Actually Ready to Raise?

Thinking about raising investment? Before you start reaching out to investors, you need to know whether your business, and your fundraising story, are ready.

Designed for pre-seed and early-stage founders, this NDRC Masterclass cuts through the noise to give you a practical look at what it takes to run a successful fundraise. From the mistakes that can quickly kill investor interest to the signals VCs look for when assessing an opportunity, you’ll get a clearer understanding of where you stand and what needs work before you go out to raise.

The day combines an interactive fundraising workshop with breakfast and networking, followed by the opportunity to put what you’ve learned into practice through dedicated VC Hours, where founders can book 1:1 time with investors.

Next Edition

September 14, 2025

Applications Close

September 16, 10:30AM-15:00PM

Masterclass Date

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led by

Speakers

DC Cahalane

Venture Partner | SVV

Knowledge you will Gain

Europe has emerged as a leading hub for deeptech innovation. Hear from the ecosystem stakeholders and academic partners to learn what it takes to move deeptech out of the lab.

State of Europe’s Deeptech Innovation Ecosystem

Key emerging sectors, active funds and public support available. With numerous startups, research institutions, and government support, the ecosystem in Europe is thriving.

Different routes to market for deeptech innovations

Highlighting the pathways to market and what it means for deeptech ventures; licensing, partnerships, and spin-outs.

Insights from different global ecosystems

The deeptech entrepreneurial ecosystem requires a collaborative approach at all levels. Everything you know about building startups is different in deeptech. Let’s hear from the key decision-makers.

An Interactive & Immersive Schedule

This Masterclass will cover the following topics:

An Interactive & Practical Schedule

This Masterclass will combine practical fundraising guidance with opportunities to connect directly with investors.

1. Breakfast & Networking | 10:30AM

Kick off the morning over breakfast and connect with fellow founders, investors and the wider startup network at Republic of Work.

2. You’re Not Ready: A Fundraising Reality Check | 11:00AM–12:30PM

An interactive workshop exploring what it really takes to become fundraise-ready.

Topics will include:

What investors are looking for before they write a cheque
The most common fundraising mistakes and red flags
How to assess whether your company is genuinely ready to raise
What founders should have in place before approaching investors
Practical steps to strengthen your fundraising position

The session will include opportunities for founder questions and discussion.

3. VC Hours | 1:00PM–3:00PM

Put your learnings into practice with the opportunity to book dedicated 20-minute 1:1 sessions with VCs.

Use the time to discuss your business, fundraising plans and readiness, ask questions and get direct investor feedback.

Course Details

When: Wednesday, 16 September 2026 | 10:30AM–3:00PM

Location: Republic of Work, Cork

Format: In-person Masterclass, breakfast and networking, followed by VC Hours.

Who It’s For: Pre-seed and early-stage founders considering a fundraise or preparing for their next investment round.

Description: Fundraising starts long before your first investor meeting. You’re Not Ready: A Fundraising Reality Check gives founders an honest look at what investors expect, the mistakes that can derail a raise and the work you need to do before going to market. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of your fundraising readiness — and practical actions to strengthen your position before approaching investors.