Why Irish start-ups, scale-ups and entrepreneurs can’t afford to miss The Pitch 2025

This article is part of our series supporting The Pitch 2025, an IMAGE and Samsung partnership, searching for the next generation of fearless founders and brave start-ups. Think you’ve got what it takes? Apply today at image.ie/the-pitch-2025.

Are you an Irish start-up with a burning idea? Do you dream of scaling your business and aligning with premium brands? Or maybe you are accelerating your SME and need a boost to reach the next level?

If so, then The Pitch 2025, an IMAGE Media initiative powered by Samsung, is your launchpad to success.

The Pitch isn’t just another competition; it’s a strategic opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs to gain invaluable Samsung technology resources, mentorship and exposure. As Matthew Coffey of Squid put it, it’s about “the scale of the opportunity” and the potential of aligning with premium brands like IMAGE and Samsung. Matthew was among the finalists last year who took to the stage to pitch their business in front of a panel of esteemed judges and a live audience.

While pitching can be daunting, the exposure and visibility are priceless for a growing business. “It’s an amazing opportunity to put yourself out there on a stage,” said Sofie Rooney of Chimac, who was also among the high calibre of finalists. Sisterly’s Jennifer O’Connell, another inspiring leader who pitched on the night, agreed and echoed Matthew on the power of being aligned with recognised and respected brands. “The team behind IMAGE are incredibly supportive of young Irish start-ups so… when they invited us to get involved, we were like ‘yes!’,” she said.

Last year’s winner was Platform 55, an HR platform transforming how organisations support today’s family at work. The solution, designed by the co-founders Michelle O’Keeffe and Tracy Gunn, impressed with their business plans, their projections and their pitch on the night. They join the winning alumni of Jennifer Rock of the Skin Nerd and Skingredients, and Karl Swaine, Niall Horgan and Diarmuid McSweeney of Gym+Coffee. 

The winners are united in listing the benefits of all elements of the prize for their businesses (stay tuned for more from all three!), with the technology being repeatedly referenced as “game-changing”.

Bigger and bolder

This year, the prize fund for The Pitch 2025 is even bigger – the winner will walk away with an incredible prize worth up to €150,000 of Samsung technology, an IMAGE media and advertising campaign and expert mentoring with the esteemed Bobby Kerr and Aine Kerr.

The suite of Samsung technology has the potential to be a game-changer for any business, offering cutting-edge tools that enhance productivity, innovation and customer engagement. From sophisticated smartphones and tablets to advanced display solutions, Samsung technology empowers businesses to streamline operations, improve communication, deliver immersive experiences and optimise performance. As part of the prize for The Pitch 2025, such a transformative package could elevate a company’s technological capabilities to new heights, enabling it to stay ahead in a competitive landscape and unlock significant growth opportunities.

A multi-platform media and advertising campaign with IMAGE Media allows the winner to place their brand and their message in front of the right audience at the right time, a critical element in accelerating business to the next level. And to support this growth, the winner receives expert mentoring throughout the year with two experienced, energetic and informed mentors, Bobby Kerr and Áine Kerr – both broadcasters and entrepreneurs – which is exactly what any business needs to take advantage of the opportunities this competition provides and maintain growth into the future.

The Pitch is more than just a competition; it’s a catalyst for growth, a platform for visibility, and a chance to align with industry leaders. Ready to take your start-up, scale-up or SME to the next level? Don’t miss your chance to shine.

Enter The Pitch 2025 today!

The Pitch 2025

Apply to The Pitch 2025 today for your chance to win an incredible prize fund worth up to €150,000 for your business. 

If you are leading a start-up, scale-up or high potential SME, you do not want to miss this opportunity to make it to the final and pitch your business to the judges and audience.

The ultimate winner walks away with:

• A tailored suite of cutting-edge Samsung technology 
• A powerful media and promotional campaign with IMAGE Media
• Bespoke mentoring with Bobby Kerr and Áine Kerr, two of Ireland’s leading entrepreneurs and broadcasters

Enter now at image.ie/the-pitch-2025.

Applications close August 18, 2025.