Michael Culligan

Overview

Michael Culligan is an experienced international business development executive with a background in the City of London, China, Japan, mainland Europe, and North America, spanning sectors such as ICT, financial services, and education. He has developed specialist skills in the seed capital and business angel arena. As National Director of the Halo Business Angel Network (HBAN), he worked to build sustainable business angel syndicates in partnership with active angel networks across Ireland. Under his leadership, HBAN facilitated significant private angel funding for innovative startups. In 2016, Culligan was appointed CEO of Dublin BIC, an umbrella organization that includes influential startup support bodies like HBAN and the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC). During his tenure, he focused on boosting Dublin BIC's role in putting Irish startups on an international stage by equipping them with the necessary knowledge, skills, and mentors to become global successes. He worked on building valuable links between early-stage indigenous companies and large multinationals to help them scale internationally. After nearly seven years as CEO, Culligan transitioned from Dublin BIC in December 2022. He remains involved with the Furthr VC fund, which aims to accelerate, fund, and connect Ireland’s most ambitious founders. His time with the organization afforded him the privilege of enabling Furthr to optimally support many entrepreneurs through various programs, including GoFurthr in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, management of the globally recognized HBAN business angel network, and the Guinness Enterprise Centre, recognized internationally as a global entrepreneurial superhub. Culligan holds an undergraduate degree in Applied Physics & Electronics and is a first-class MBA graduate of the UCD Smurfit School, where he has lectured on business strategy for the MBA program for several years. His extensive experience and leadership have significantly contributed to the growth and internationalization of Irish startups.

Investment Focus

• Innovative startups with high growth potential
• Strong management teams
• Scalable business models
• Clear exit strategies

Portfolio Companies