Elkstone is connecting the Irish diaspora to home. Elkstone
Elkstone is connecting the Irish diaspora to home in a meaningful way.
Ireland’s private market specialist Elkstone has launched a new initiative that aims to connect the Irish diaspora back to Ireland through the lens of Irish venture.
By leaning in to support and invest in Irish venture, Elkstone are building a thriving community of investors, advisors, and connectors - all committed to empowering the next generation of Irish startups on the international stage.
For the Irish abroad, it’s an opportunity to gain access to the very best of Irish venture deals as well as give back to the Irish founder ecosystem in a meaningful way.
Click here to sign up to receive news & insights on a wide variety of topics regarding Elkstone
Elkstone’s team of venture specialists led by Niall McEvoy are passionate about sourcing and supporting Ireland’s best entrepreneurs and innovators, with investments in more than 60 startups including stars such as LetsGetChecked, Flipdish, Manna, and Protex AI, which places the company in the top tier of European VCs.
"It’s time to expand our network and give the global Irish community access to the very best of Irish venture. We also see the Irish diaspora as strategic investors, helping Irish companies land and expand into new markets. One of the biggest challenges startups face is breaking into new markets, and the diaspora can play a key role in accelerating this process, creating real impact along the way," said Susan Dwyer, Head of Community at Elkstone.
Alan Merriman, Founder & CEO of Elkstone
Click here to sign up to receive news & insights on a wide variety of topics regarding Elkstone
Elkstone is on the road, connecting with Irish leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs across the US - from New York, Washington, San Francisco, Palm Beach, Texas, and beyond—as well as closer to home in London and other key hubs.
Through a series of curated events, they are showcasing Ireland’s most exciting ventures and bringing together like-minded and diverse leaders who share a passion for impact and investing in the future of Ireland.
Q&A with Susan Dwyer, Head of Community Building at Elkstone
Susan Dwyer, Head of Community Building at Elkstone
What excites you most about Elkstone's initiative to connect the Irish Diaspora to Irish Venture?
I’m most excited about bringing people together to drive real impact. Connecting the global Irish community back to Ireland to support the next generation of entrepreneurs is a mission that really resonates with me. It’s also been very inspiring to see how many who have built successful careers and businesses are eager to give back.
Irish startups have a huge opportunity to make their mark globally, but success doesn’t happen in isolation. The diaspora plays a vital role—whether by investing capital, opening doors, or providing mentorship. When the Irish abroad lean in, they don’t just support founders—they help shape the future of Irish innovation.
How do you see the Irish startup ecosystem evolving?
We’re seeing more ambitious founders tackling a whole range of diverse problems. Sectors like MedTech, Healthcare, AI, and Cybersecurity are particularly strong, with incredible companies emerging from Ireland right now.
Looking at our own portfolio, companies like Protex AI, LetsGetChecked, Evercam, Manna Air Delivery, and Output Sports are already making waves in the US— and many more are following in their footsteps.
I’m especially excited by the surge of innovative MedTech companies coming out of Ireland, solving real-world challenges. Luminate Medical and CroíValve are just two standout examples of companies, spinouts from NUI Galway and Trinity College Dublin, in our portfolio that are transforming healthcare. It’s an exciting time to be part of this dynamic and evolving ecosystem!
Why is a global network so important for Irish startups?
One of the biggest challenges for any startup is breaking into new markets, especially one as vast as the US. Connections are key, you need the right people to open doors, make introductions, and help you gain traction. This is where the Irish diaspora plays a crucial role, accelerating the journey for Irish startups by providing invaluable connections.
To build global success stories, we need a global network leaning in to support. Take LetsGetChecked for example, one of our portfolio stars—they recently raised a Series F and made a major acquisition of leading US digital pharmacy player Truepill. But when they first entered the US market, they needed strong connections to get started. The more we bring people together, the greater the impact. A strong global network isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential for Irish startups looking to scale internationally.
What’s your message to the Irish abroad?
I truly believe there’s a real opportunity here to be part of something special. If you want to stay connected to Ireland while expanding your own network, this is an exciting avenue to explore. When the Irish diaspora brings their experience, networks, and capital together, it’s more than just supporting startups—it’s about shaping the future of Irish innovation.
Ireland has incredible talent and ambition, and by reconnecting with Irish venture, there’s a genuine chance to turn that potential into lasting success. Now is the time to back Irish founders, support big ideas, and play a role in something bigger than any one of us.
If you’re interested in diversifying your investment portfolio while making a positive impact on Ireland’s future, we’d love to connect with you. Join our growing community at IrishDiaspora.com or reach out to SDwyer@ElkstonePartners.com.
To learn more about Elkstone, you can visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.