Navigating the Celtic Startup Ecosystem: Insights from shipshape.vc

In the lead-up to the Interceltic Business Forum, we're excited to feature some of the pioneering minds who will be sharing their knowledge and experiences.

One such innovator is Daniel Sawko, the founder of Shipshape.vc, a groundbreaking investment search engine that aggregates data on thousands of funds, investors, and investments worldwide.

Join us as we delve into Daniel's vision for democratizing access to investment and the pivotal role Shipshape.vc plays in fostering the growth of tech businesses globally.

What is shipshape.vc?

Shipshape.vc is a free-to-use investment search engine that aggregates data from around the world.

With information on about 20,000 funds, over 130,000 individuals working at these funds, and approximately 80,000 investments, the platform helps tech companies identify potential investors in their specific domain.

Since its launch 20 months ago, nearly 4,000 tech companies have used shipshape.vc, collectively raising over $1 billion USD (including us at shipshape.vc - though we’re a tiny slither of that!).

Why did you decide to found it?

I wanted to create shipshape.vc as a result of personal experience and a desire to solve a widespread problem.

Having been involved in a successful £5 million Series A for another tech company, I was directly involved in the challenges in identifying relevant investors.

This was the start of wanting to make the investment landscape moreaccessible, especially for businesses outside major tech hubs.

The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in the decision. While livingin Wales during lockdown, I observed brilliant tech businesses emerging toaddress pandemic-related challenges. However, many of these promising ventures lacked access to relevant capital. This motivated the creation of shipshape.vc as a tool to open access to investment opportunities.

What have been some of the pleasant surprises of founding a startup in Wales?

Starting a business in Wales has several advantages (I’ve got to say we should advertise these better!):

1. Access to talent: Welsh universities produce skilled graduates who are eager to stay     in the region.
2. Lower cost of living: This allows for competitive salaries and better employee retention.
3. Supportive ecosystem: The "Goldilocks-sized" tech community facilitates networking and     exposure to key players, all the way up to the First Minister and Economy Minister.
4. Government support: Initiatives like Smart FIS Wales and Angels Invest Wales provide funding and resources for innovative projects.
5. Quality of life: Wales offers an attractive lifestyle, contributing to employee satisfaction and retention.

What are some of the similarities in the VC funding landscape across the Celtic nations?

While the VC landscape in Celtic nations is evolving, there are some common threads:

1. Emerging     ecosystems: With the possible exception of Scotland, which has a more     established VC presence (still growing!), many Celtic regions are seeing     growth in local funds and initiatives.
2. Government involvement: Regional     development funds and partnerships with organisations like the British     Business Bank and regional European mechanisms are common across these     areas.
3. Challenges in capital concentration:     Compared to major urban centres, many Celtic regions face difficulties in     amassing and tapping into large pools of capital.
4. Focus on     regional impact: Many funds in these areas prioritise local economic development.

Why is it important for you to be speaking at the Interceltic BusinessForum?

Participating in the Interceltic Business Forum is exciting for several reasons:

1. Historical context: The Interceltic Business Forum acknowledges the rich history of innovation and global impact from Celtic regions, from the Scottish Enlightenment, Wales’ and Cornwall’s role in the Industrial Revolution, Brittany’s pioneering role in the French Empire, through to Ireland's economic strategies!
2. Celebrating Celtic entrepreneurship: The forum highlights the strong culture of resilience and enterprise shared by Celtic nations and their diaspora.
3. Fostering connections: It's an opportunity to strengthen ties between Celtic business communities and explore potential collaborations - our data reflects this - businesses in Celtic nations are more likely to look over familiar, narrow tracts of water to exciting large markets on the shore opposite.
4. Promoting global outreach: Celtic nations have a strong history of looking beyond local borders for capital and growth opportunities!

We want shipshape.vc to contribute to the growth and success of the Celtic business ecosystem. Helping entrepreneurs connect with the right investors (for free) is what we do!

As we look forward to the Interceltic Business Forum, the insights and opportunities shared by speakers like Daniel are invaluable for driving economic growth and collaboration among the Celtic nations.

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this dynamic event. Join us on August 12th in Lorient to network, learn, and help shape the future of our interconnected economies.

Sign up now and be a part of this exciting journey!