The Investor Readiness Pathway

 

Investor readiness capacity building for social entrepreneurs planning to raise social or impact investment

Applications will be open from 25th February to 18th March.

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Building investor readiness capacity of social entrepreneurs to raise social or impact investment to scale social or environmental impact

Overview

Demand for an Investor Readiness Pathway emerged from within the SEI Community, from both impact investors wishing to invest in social innovation and from social entrepreneurs who wanted support to secure investment. In response Social Entrepreneurs Ireland has developed an Investor Readiness Pathway.

This helps social entrepreneurs prepare for the investment process to scale their impact and to navigate the investment ecosystem. It offers the opportunity to:

  • Mock pitch to experienced investors and gain valuable advice on how to prepare for investment in a supportive environment
  • 1 on 1 bespoke support from experienced mentors from the investment world to address gaps identified
  • Build your financial literacy and confidence communicating with investors
  • Build your network within the social and impact investment ecosystem

Support

The pathway is tailored to the needs of each organization and will focus on key areas for development identified in the pitching diagnostic.

  • Pitching diagnostic: Social entrepreneurs complete a mock pitch to a panel of judges which includes investors. From which the panel provide valuable feedback and identify key area(s) of development.
  • Investor ready support: SEI supports the social entrepreneur to make improvements in the areas identified via bespoke training and mentoring. Depending on feedback from the pitching diagnostic on which areas need to be strengthened, support could be on areas such as:
    • Business Plan
    • Building Pitch Deck
    • Measuring and communicating impact
    • Go-To-Market Strategy
    • Financial model / scenario analysis
    • Investor Relations Training
  • Mid-pilot update
  • Closing pitch

Time-commitment

Participants are expected to commit a minimum of 30 hours over a 6-month period, excluding the pitching process.

Funding

Each participating organisation will receive a €500 bursary.

Supported by:

Who is it for?

SEI Alumni with a legal entity structure of LTD or DAC planning to raise equity or debt funding, or CLG with debt funding needs.
If not yet incorporated, applicants must plan to incorporate within 6-9 months and seek investment.

What we offer

Pitch to experienced investors to get feedback
Expert advice on how to address gaps identified
Support addressing gaps by highly experienced mentors from the investment ecosystem

Key Dates:

Applications Period

from 25/02/2025 to 18/03/2025

Selection Decision

week of 14th April

Pitching Diagnostic

08/05/2025

Closing Pitch

20/11/2025 (provisionally)

Important Information & Announcements

You can find more details about the Investor Readiness Pathway and the selection process on our FAQs page.

Who is eligible?

  • Legal entity structure LTD or DAC planning to raise equity or debt funding, or CLG with debt funding requirements. If none of these, then planning to incorporate within next 6-9 months and to raise investment.
  • Proof of social concept – evidence of social or environmental impact in Ireland
  • Proven business model – financial proof of concept
  • Clarity on person responsible for finance to ensure timely information
  • Stage of development: Early Stages of Roll-Out, or Up and Running, or Scaling  (Definitions of this are in the FAQ).
  • Time and resource to commit a minimum of 30 hours over a 6-month period

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and we are committed to providing equal opportunities regardless of gender identity, marital status, family status, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity or religion. (The Equal Status Acts 2000-2018)