Laois Startup Network to fire up Midlands Founders Ecosystem
Laois Startup Network Launches to Ignite Startup Ecosystem Across the Midlands
Startup life isn’t just about building a business—it’s about navigating constant uncertainty, embracing bold risks, and experiencing a beautiful, relentless kind of hustle. While the journey is thrilling, magical, and rewarding, it’s also often incredibly isolating. Until now, Laois and its neighbouring counties have lacked a genuine community for startup founders—but that’s about to change.
Introducing the Laois Startup Network, a fresh monthly meetup specifically designed for startup founders and anyone genuinely connected to the startup scene. The first event kicks off on Thursday evening, 27th of March, starting at 7:00 PM at Kavanagh’s Pub, Portlaoise, hosted in partnership with Vision 85.
Shane McCarthy, one of the organisers, explained why this network is essential for the region:
“Startups are incredibly hard to build and even harder to make successful. Sometimes founders need a listening ear, a fresh perspective, and to simply know there are others experiencing the forest fires they’re facing too. Laois Startup Network, a place where founders meet, will hopefully form the foundation of a new Midlands startup ecosystem. Your community is vital in the startup world, and this meetup is an exciting opportunity to bring local founders together and ignite something special.”
Eamonn, founder of Vision 85 and co-organiser of the initiative, highlighted the strategic positioning of Laois:
“Laois is ideally located for businesses, opportunities, and growth, so collaborating to create a meetup here felt natural. This is about gathering founders in a creative, energetic environment, encouraging collaboration and driving engagement across the midlands region.”
Tickets for this first meetup went live recently and the initial response suggests there’s significant interest among startup founders to connect and collaborate locally. There will be no formal agenda, sales pitches, or structured talks initially—just real conversations, open dialogue, and meaningful connections between founders who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the startup journey.
This is a call to all current and former startup founders and those closely tied to the entrepreneurial community. If you’re building something, dreaming big, or have startup scars worth sharing, you belong here.
Tickets are Free and can be bought on Eventbrite – just type in Laois Startup Network or click here
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, 27th of March, 2025
- Time: 7:00-9:00pm
- Location: Kavanagh’s Portlaoise, R32 EP2K.
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