Ireland’s brightest startups took to the stage at the Theatre Royal, Waterford, for The Big Pitch 2025. Three exceptional finalists, guided by experienced mentors, pitched live for the €7,500 prize — with UnitMode taking home the top award.Add Your Heading Text Here
The Theatre Royal, Waterford, was buzzing with energy and ambition on Tuesday, 4th November, as founders, investors, and startup supporters gathered for The Big Pitch 2025 — Propelor’s flagship startup competition.
Three exceptional finalists — UnitMode, deline8, and Mór Taste — took to the stage to pitch their startups live to an expert panel of judges, each having been mentored by some of Ireland’s most accomplished entrepreneurs.
- UnitMode, mentored by Tom Brennan, is setting new standards for sustainability in marketing, ensuring advertised claims are responsible, compliant, and trusted.
- deline8, working with Barry Downes, is transforming technical due diligence with an AI-powered platform that delivers predictive financial insights in hours.
- Mór Taste, guided by Siobhán Oates, crafts Europe’s fruitiest jams, made with 85% real fruit and 70% less sugar for healthier, flavour-rich choices.
After three engaging and polished pitches, the judges — Mairead Roche (Act Venture Capital), Evelyn Smith (Enterprise Ireland), and Gareth Evans (Waterford City & County Council) — faced a difficult decision. Ultimately, Seán Boyle of UnitMode was crowned winner of The Big Pitch 2025 and awarded the €7,500 prize.
While the judges deliberated, the audience enjoyed a fireside conversation with the mentors, who shared their perspectives on the Irish startup landscape, the importance of raising seed funding and managing cash flow, and the founder-mindset that drives founders to scale with confidence.
The event also featured The Little Pitch, where early-stage founders delivered lightning pitches, adding an exciting interactive element as the audience voted live for The One to Watch.
A huge thank you to our sponsors — Klearcom, the Local Enterprise Offices of Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford, and Enterprise Ireland — for their continued support of Ireland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Big Pitch remains a standout event in Propelor’s calendar, shining a spotlight on the talent, creativity, and determination driving Ireland’s startup community forward.
Learn more about The Big Pitch: https://propelorbic.ie/the-big-pitch/
