09 Oct Innovation City Unlocks Global Opportunities for Adbot
In the fast-paced world of startups, every opportunity to expand internationally can be a game-changer. For Michelle Geere, CEO of Adbot , her recent trip to Ireland for the Irish Tech Challenge South Africa 2024 was one of those pivotal moments. Through Innovation City’s network, Michelle found herself on a journey that not only opened new doors for Adbot in the European market but also forged meaningful connections that could shape the company’s future. In this Q&A, Michelle shares her experience of the trip, the partnerships formed, and how being part of Innovation City has been a catalyst for her business’s growth.
Q: Your trip to Ireland seems to have been a great success! What is the vibe like over there?
Absolutely! Dublin has this amazing multicultural energy. You can meet folks from all over the globe, like Canadians, Nigerians, and Brazilians, all drawn to the city to take their careers to new heights. It creates this vibrant, hustling vibe where everyone’s keen to make their mark, especially in the startup scene. It’s really inspiring to be around so much ambition and diversity!
Q. How did Innovation City’s connections with the Irish Tech Challenge help open doors for you during this journey?
Being part of Innovation City was a real game-changer for Adbot’s journey with the Irish Tech Challenge 2024. As members we get the scoop on exciting opportunities like this and can tap into the experiences of past participants, which really helped us prepare for the application. The best part? We had access to VCs and Business Ireland South Africa members who were ready to chat over coffee and share what truly matters. Without this connection, grabbing an opportunity like this would have been much tougher and take longer for sure!
Q. You have secured a possible partnership with Irish SME representing 10,500 SMMEs. What was the process like, and how do you think this partnership will impact Adbot’s future in the European market?
Before heading to Ireland, we cast a wide net by reaching out to over 300 potential partners. During the acceleration process, we honed our pitch to focus on connecting with organisations supporting SMEs, like ISME Ireland , Ibec, and Scale Ireland. We made it clear we wanted to sit down and have coffee with them to discuss potential partnerships. After our final pitch, we were thrilled to be referred to ISME and Scale Ireland, which led to productive meetings. We’re now running a trial with ISME, and if all goes well, we’re aiming to set up bi-monthly sessions for their members. This would allow us to offer guidance, strategies, and support, which we believe could greatly enhance Adbot’s footprint in the European market by building strong, meaningful connections with SMEs.
Q. Innovation City Co-Founder Kieno Kammies helped set up a couple of key meetings for you while you were in Ireland. How did these meetings come together, and what was the most significant outcome from those discussions?
Kieno Kammies was instrumental in introducing us to key contacts in Ireland. These introductions allowed us to engage directly with various SMEs and startups to better understand their ad usage and growth journeys. Through these discussions, we gathered essential feedback that has been incredibly valuable for refining our product to suit the cultural and user experience needs of the Irish market.
Q. Spending a few extra days in Ireland really paid off! What was the highlight of your extended stay, and how do you see this experience influencing your business strategy moving forward?
Staying those extra few days in Ireland was absolutely worth it! It gave me a deeper understanding of the local business landscape and how enterprises leverage online tools to attract customers. The highlight of my extended stay was definitely meeting with ISME. It was inspiring to see how closely aligned we are in our passion for supporting small business owners and boosting the economy. This experience will be pivotal in shaping our strategy as we expand into the European market, ensuring we align our efforts with local needs and priorities.
Q. As a member of Innovation City, what do you believe has been the most valuable aspect of being part of this community, especially in terms of securing international opportunities like the one in Ireland?
Being part of the Innovation City community has been incredibly valuable, especially for securing international opportunities. Epicenter Stockholm in Sweden, working with my developer team, was where I first experienced the supportive network of IC. When I arrived at Dogpatch Labsin Dublin for the Irish Tech Challenge, it felt like IC had paved the way for us, making it feel seamless to work away from home. Meeting with the Deputy President of South Africa was a memorable highlight. The friendships and connections I’ve made are truly the beginning of a lifelong network of partners that will help grow Adbot and realise our passion for assisting SMEs in their growth journeys.
Q. Do you have any advice for other Innovation City members who might want to follow in your footsteps and pursue international growth opportunities?
My advice to fellow Innovation City members is to occasionally pause from the daily hustle and look around at the opportunities within our community. Innovation City offers a wealth of opportunities tailored to support any goal your startup aims to achieve. Don’t hesitate to apply to these opportunities, as they provide more than just a foot in the door – they offer genuine support and guidance throughout the process. It’s truly a partnership that can propel your international growth ambitions.
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