Pathfinder trade mission to open doors in US market
6 November 2024
A team of some of the most dynamic tech companies from across Derry, Strabane and Donegal are all set to fly the flag for the North West next week as they get set to embark on the Ireland NW to Boston Go to Market Pathfinder II trade mission to the US.
The Pathfinder programme, delivered at Cambridge Innovation Center by MassGlobal Partners, has been designed to provide opportunities for early-stage, and scaling, innovation driven enterprises from the North West City Region. It’s led by Derry City and Strabane District Council and Donegal County Council working in collaboration with Donegal Local Enterprise Office; Alpha Innovation and their US Delivery Partners, CIP, following on from the successful Pathfinder initiative delivered in 2023.
The programme is designed for local entrepreneurs ready to take their start ups to the next level, develop their Go To Market strategy, and explore how to become investor ready. The trip provides the opportunity for the companies to make meaningful connections within the US market and gain insights from experienced professionals in their sector.
They will accompany a high-level delegation of civic leaders and senior officers from both Councils, headed up by the Mayors of each Council area, Councillor Lilian Seenoi-Barr, Derry and Strabane and An Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Niamh Kennedy, along with senior representatives from Ulster University, Atlantic Technological University, NW Regional College, Londonderry Chamber of Commerce and Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The joint visit is a key initiative of the Regional Economic Development Pillar of the NW Strategic Growth Partnership and is supported by the NW Development Fund which is co-financed by the NI Executive and the Irish Government. The visit culminates in the Golden Bridges transatlantic conference which takes place on the Friday in Boston. The conference is the highlight of the visit programme providing the platform to showcase the very best of the North West to an influential Irish American business audience.
Speaking ahead of the trip, Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Lillian Seenoi-Barr, explained that the delegation would build on Ireland North West’s political, economic and cultural linkages with the City of Boston, the wider Massachusetts knowledge corridor, the State of Pennsylvania and City of Philadelphia.
“I am really looking forward to this visit to Philadelphia and Boston, which builds on many years of groundwork between our two countries,” she declared. “Derry and Donegal are uniquely positioned to offer a very compelling proposition for US companies hoping to branch into Ireland, the UK and European markets, and we will be driving home that message next week.
“Our strong cultural and economic ties will continue, and we will work to promote the many benefits of investing in the North West City Region.”
An Cathaoirleach of Donegal, Niamh Kennedy said: “I am excited about our upcoming visit to Philadelphia and Boston, as it builds on the positive relationships we have nurtured over the years between our nations,” she stated. “Donegal and Derry present a compelling opportunity for US businesses looking to enter the Irish, UK, and European markets, and we are committed to communicating that message during our visit. We are dedicated to showcasing the many advantages of investing in the North West City Region."
The companies travelling next week are all technology focused and will be promoting some of the most innovative products and services currently available across the two councils.
Vice President of the Londonderry Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Fleming, said he was delighted to be joining the delegation to help advance the strong ties that exist between the NW City Region and Boston and Philadelphia. “The trade mission presents a real opportunity to promote the North West City Region and to pave the way for trade, investment and business-to-business opportunities that will be of mutual benefit both here and in the US. The Chamber has identified the expansion of North West exports as an important opportunity to grow our economy and achieve regional balance. We have some exciting local companies ready to take the next step in connecting to a global market, and we are here to support them on their journey.”
The companies travelling next week include ChallengeCurve, a Derry based company that helps businesses navigate the challenges of launching new propositions or maintain existing operations by delivering Software Testing and Quality Assurance frameworks that reduce risk and ensure performance, compliance and scalability.
They will be joined by Kippie, a business dedicated to supporting games companies facing challenges in meeting diversity workforce targets and addressing skills shortages, particularly from underrepresented communities. Kippie helps companies build a more diverse, productive, and inclusive workforce by providing access to a wider pool of talent.
Malin Head based Forward Emphasis International (FEI) and eleetLX will be promoting their expertise in customer experience management (CXM) and business process outsourcing (BPO) solutions, essential across the regulated industries such as banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), and other sectors where compliance, accuracy, and security are paramount.
Donegal company TeamBase will also be hoping to impress investors with their proficiency in supporting insurance brokers, carriers, and managing general agents who face the challenge of preparing group insurance proposals for large corporate clients.
Also travelling next week is DigiFood, with expertise in supporting new product development managers and teams in the prepared consumer foods sector who face the challenge of managing multiple product development projects simultaneously.
During the visit all the businesses will take part in an in-country programme delivery supporting go-to-market needs. The programme includes plenary sessions, workshops, breakout sessions, US style pitch practice, expert panel sessions, expert roundtables, 1 on 1 interviews and feedback sessions on pitches to panel experts and recommendations, programme wrap-up, lessons learned and next steps.
The programme concludes with the opportunity for in-market face to face meetings on Friday 15th November.