Heidi Davis, CEO of Peri, has won the Enterprise Ireland High-Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founder of the Year award for 2024.
The company uses AI enabled technology to personalise the management of menopausal symptoms. The Peri wearable device helps users regularly update how they are affected by their symptoms and provides insights to guide women toward a personalised management plan.
The Founder of the Year Awards acknowledges the commitment that entrepreneurs and start-ups have made to build world class companies of the future.
There were nine finalists for this year's Award, all of whom were voted for by their peers and have taken part in Enterprise Ireland's High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) Founders Forum over the last year.
The awards were decided by a judging panel which included representatives from Enterprise Ireland, VentureWave Capital, Endeavour Ireland and Credit Logic.
Runners-up on the night included Barry McCann (Nua Surgical), Mark Kirwan (Positive Carbon) and Alison Liddy (Relevium Medical).
Other finalists included Darren O'Reilly (Whole Supp), Criona Turley (Capella) Aidan Finn (Binarii Labs) Raj Lyons Chohan (Affinity EV2) and Mike McGrath (Kwayga).
Now in its sixth year the HPSU Founders Forum, continues to grow with over 450 founders having participated to date from a variety of sectors including digital technologies, medical devices, fintech, food, engineering and construction.
Michael Carey, Chairman of Enterprise Ireland, said the Founder of the Year Awards promotes Ireland's ecosystem of entrepreneurs who have displayed the potential and commitment to building their businesses and set their sights on global markets.
"We are delighted to build on the success of the Awards which is now in its sixth year, and the Founders Forum which acknowledges and celebrates high-performance, innovative Irish start-ups," he said.
"I wish to congratulate Heidi on winning this year's sward and also pay tribute to the other finalists, all of whom were shortlisted by their peers, which is a real testament to their potential and future success," he added.
Heidi Davis said she was deeply honoured to receive the award, particularly as the nominees are selected by Founder peers.
"Enterprise Ireland has been with us all along on our start-up journey and we look forward to working them as we launch the Peri to market in 2025. Our ultimate aim is to grow the business globally, bringing the Peri to the women of the world, allowing them to live healthier and more productive lives," she added.
