Join Us

Go Big or Go Home | Celebrating Local Entrepreneurs

Date: 07/05/26
TIMINGS:

4:00PM – 7:00PM

This event will champion entrepreneurship with an engaging programme running from 4pm to 7pm, bringing together founders, investors, and innovation leaders for an evening of insight and connection.

The session will open with a keynote from a high-profile entrepreneur Nick Boyle, who is a Belfast entrepreneur and investor best known as the co-founder of Lightsource, one of the world’s leading solar energy developers. Nick founded the business in 2010 and led its rapid growth from a small startup into a global renewable energy company, completing a multi-million pound full acquisition with BP in 2024.

The event will highlight early-stage momentum to Series B and beyond, shining a spotlight on what it really takes to grow, unpacking the strategies, decisions, and leadership challenges that define each stage of the journey. We’ll cut through the noise on funding, exploring everything from equity to traditional finance, and breaking down the full spectrum of capital available locally and globally. Most importantly, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how investors think, what they look for, and how to position your business to stand out.

The event will conclude with drinks and networking, giving attendees the chance to move around the exhibition area, continue conversations, and build valuable new connections.

Who should attend:
Entrepreneurs at any stage | Advisers | Intermediaries | Investors

MAX 3 PEOPLE PER ORGANISATION

Location: Ulster Bank, Donegall Square East, Belfast

Sponsors:

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Speakers & Panelists

Nick Boyle

Founder & CEO

Nick founded Lightsource Renewable Energy in 2010. Since then, the company’s remarkable growth trajectory has seen it grow from a six-person start up to a global leader in the development and management of solar energy projects with more than 1,300 employees across 19 countries. In 2017, Nick spearheaded an innovative partnership with energy giant bp, resulting in a 50:50 joint venture between the companies and a new name: Lightsource bp. Nick’s dynamic leadership and vision continued to drive the company’s remarkable growth and international reach, including a $1.8bil investment from international lenders. Lightsource bp has deployed several GW of utility-scale solar projects globally and is executing a significant international project development pipeline. With headquarters in London, the company is now active in countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Australia. In October 2024, bp closed their acquisition of the remaining 50% of Lightsource bp, with Nick and the other founders exiting the company’s board and leadership team. Nick continues to sit on the board of various companies across UK, Europe, Americas and India. Nick previously sat at Board and Senior Director level in several leading retail financial service companies. Throughout his career, Nick has always been recognised for his entrepreneurial skill and success in pairing retail financial products with low-risk, predictable investments.

John Ferris

Accelerator Community Manager

Ulster Bank

John’s career spans technology, media and entrepreneurship. He began in healthcare tech before spending 15 years in media as a journalist and editor at the North Belfast News, while also running Ireland’s leading independent food and drink website, Forked. In 2013, John founded a wifi software startup that achieved global adoption across hospitality, events and transport. Since 2015, he has worked with Entrepreneurial Spark and, following its acquisition by NatWest, has coached and mentored more than 1,500 startups across the UK and Ireland. A member of Ulster Bank’s Regional Board since 2019, John champions inclusive entrepreneurship in Northern Ireland.

Rachel McCausland

CEO

Lowe

At the helm since 2022, CEO Rachel McCausland has been building a career in the rental services industry for close to two decades. With a breadth of experience within strategic growth and market diversification she has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s global expansion through several key acquisitions and new regional locations.  Leveraging deep industry knowledge and visionary leadership to position Lowe Rental Corporation at the forefront of innovation and market growth.

Matthew Nesbitt

Founder & CEO

HALO Technologies

Matthew Nesbitt is the Founder and CEO of HALO Technologies, trading as HALOS Bodycams, a global leader in next-generation body-worn cameras and connected frontline technology. Founded in 2019, HALOS has rapidly scaled to operate in over 30 countries, with offices in Belfast, Dublin, and Dallas, serving enterprise customers across private security, retail, transport, and public services. An award-winning entrepreneur and Belfast Young Business Person of the Year 2024, Matthew has positioned HALOS at the forefront of the industry through a premium, technology-led approach. The platform combines 4G-enabled body-worn cameras, real-time live streaming, panic alerts, two-way communications, and AI-powered automation to improve safety, accountability, and operational efficiency at scale. At the age of 32, Matthew led HALOS through a $20 million Series A funding round, accelerating international expansion and product innovation, and cementing the company’s position as one of the fastest-growing players in the global bodycam sector. Matthew’s vision is to redefine how organisations protect and empower their frontline teams, building HALOS into the category-defining platform for connected workforce technology worldwide.

Liam McStravick

Co-Founder & CEO

Team FeePay

Liam McStravick is Co-Founder and CEO of TeamFeePay, where he leads the company’s strategic growth. A seasoned entrepreneur, Liam founded the Copius Group in 2004 and, over 17 years, built and scaled multiple successful ventures, including Copius Consulting, TD3, FourGears Media, Silent Sideline Ltd, The Football Management Company, B4B Telecoms, ClubSport NI, and Copius Priority Club (now trading as Sector 3 Solutions), with several successful exits. At TeamFeePay, Liam is focused on delivering a platform that enables sports clubs to maximise membership income, reduce administrative burden, and improve financial reporting through automation. He is committed to collaborative growth through partnerships with governing bodies and industry stakeholders.

Thank you for submitting your application form, a member of the team will be in touch shortly with confirmation of your registration and an Invoice for payment.



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