Digital Irish Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Elena Levine, Founder and CEO of Forcoda and the newly launched Forcoda Ventures. Elena has spent over a decade building a US-based product and engineering agency from the ground up as an immigrant founder, shipping more than 200 projects for enterprise clients including M&T Bank, Shake Shack, Oral-B, and the University at Buffalo — while also helping startup clients collectively raise over $100m. Today, she runs curated investor luncheons in major US cities, sits on the founder side and the investor side of the table, and has rare 360-degree visibility into what actually moves a fundraising conversation forward.In this conversation, we get into:Why clarity of thought is the single biggest differentiator Elena looks for in early-stage founders — and how investors read it in the first 30 seconds of an email or meeting.How to research investors properly before reaching out, including the underrated move of talking to founders already in their portfolio.What “smart money” actually means in practice, and how to spot the investors who will pick up the phone at 10pm on a Saturday — versus the ones you’ll regret bringing onto your cap table.Why approaching investors too early can damage a relationship for years, and how to find the right moment to start the conversation.The fine line between ego and confidence — and why Elena, raised in Russia, had to relearn how to talk about herself when she landed in the US.If you’re an Irish founder preparing to raise capital in the US — or any non-American founder building a credible US footprint from abroad — this episode is packed with practical, candid advice from someone who has lived every side of the table.Elena Levine is the Founder and CEO of Forcoda, an AI-first product and engineering agency she has built from the ground up over 12 years, shipping 200+ projects for US enterprise clients including M&T Bank, Shake Shack, Oral-B, and the University at Buffalo. Forcoda works across two tracks — rapid MVPs and prototypes for startups, and AI readiness, roadmaps, and agentic infrastructure for enterprise. She also founded Forcoda Ventures, which connects founders with US investors through curated luncheons in major cities, and is currently raising the firm’s first fund focused on early-stage fintech and AI companies. Having built her own company as an immigrant founder in the US market, Elena has a first-hand perspective on what it takes to land enterprise clients, raise from US investors, and build a credible American footprint from abroad.Forcoda is an AI-first product and engineering agency founded in 2014. The firm has shipped over 200 projects for enterprise clients and funded startups, and operates two distinct tracks: rapid MVP and prototype delivery for early-stage founders, and AI readiness, roadmaps, and agentic infrastructure for enterprise. Its sister venture, Forcoda Ventures, runs curated investor luncheons that connect founders with 15–20 hand-picked US investors per session, and is raising a debut fund targeting fintech and AI companies.Want to get in contact with the Digital Irish team? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.comAbout Elena LevineAbout Forcoda

In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we sit down with Alan Costello, one of the earliest employees at Afterpay, to uncover the inside story of its incredible journey from a small startup to a publicly listed, multinational business. Alan shares his firsthand experiences navigating the highs and lows of startup life, the challenges of rapid scaling, and the near-shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reflects on the pressures of going public, the shift from acquisition to retention, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned about resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Join us as we explore the remarkable growth of Afterpay and what the future holds for Alan.Okay, here are comprehensive show notes for your podcast episode featuring Alan Costello and his journey with Afterpay:Episode Title: From Startup to Public Listing: Alan Costello's Inside Story of Afterpay's Explosive GrowthEpisode Description:In this episode of The Digital Irish Podcast, we sit down with Alan Costello, one of the earliest employees at Afterpay, to uncover the inside story of its incredible journey from a small startup to a publicly listed, multinational business. Alan shares his firsthand experiences navigating the highs and lows of startup life, the challenges of rapid scaling, and the near-shutdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also reflects on the pressures of going public, the shift from acquisition to retention, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned about resilience, adaptability, and leadership. Join us as we explore the remarkable growth of Afterpay and what the future holds for Alan.Key Takeaways:The importance of resilience and adaptability in startup life.The challenges and rewards of rapid scaling and going public.The impact of external factors, like COVID-19, on a growing business.The importance of agility and pivoting during times of rapid change.Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com

This week we chat with John Hill, VP of Story at Whop (whop.com), about building community and driving impact at scale. We explore his journey from LinkedIn and Techstars to Whop, and the personal influences behind his drive.Key Discussion Points: Whop's Mission & Impact: John shares his excitement about Whop's mission to enable sustainable income and discusses the company's rapid growth. He highlights success stories and the long-term vision. The Drive for Impact: We delve into the personal influences behind John's passion for large-scale impact, including his family history and upbringing. Irish Citizenship: We discuss John's exploration of Irish citizenship, what it means to him, and how the Digital Irish community can support him in this process. He shares his next steps and what connections would be most helpful.Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/msuaajohn/

In this episode of Digital Irish, we dive deep into the world of New York City real estate with Sara Kennedy, a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson with the Noble Black & Partners Team at Douglas Elliman. Sara, a fellow Irish expat and a member of the Digital Irish Board, shares her invaluable expertise on navigating the NYC market. We cover: Understanding the NYC Real Estate Landscape: Different property types (condos, co-ops, rentals), lease terms, security deposits, and utilities. Challenges for Irish Renters: Building credit in the US, finding co-signers/guarantors, and overcoming common hurdles. Tips for Finding an Apartment: Essential tips for apartment hunting in NYC, including leveraging resources and navigating the competitive market. Key Differences Between Irish and US Real Estate Markets: Important considerations for Irish buyers and renters, including tax implications and cultural nuances. Must-Know Resources: Essential resources for Irish people moving to NYC that can provide valuable information and support. Links: Sara’s NYC Real Estate Guide: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LcEoN2ZDf3qEk3AsiIEYP3ZPbbeGN0AE/view?usp=sharing Connect with Sara Kennedy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-kennedy-424345106/ Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com

Join us as we sit down with Dermot McCormack, a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, affectionately known as "Digital Dermot from Dublin." Dermot takes us on a full circle journey through his remarkable career, from his early days as a young engineer to his current role as a mentor and investor. We’ll delve into his early career, exploring his move to the US and his involvement in the internet boom of the 90s. Dermot will discuss the most rewarding aspects of his career and the story behind his unique nickname. We’ll also dive into the highs and lows of his startup experiences, including IPOs and bankruptcies. Dermot will share valuable lessons learned from both successes and failures, emphasizing the importance of strong advisors and resilience in the face of adversity. As a mentor and investor, Dermot discusses his approach to supporting startups and the qualities he seeks in founders. We’ll explore his passion for the startup world and his vision for the future of tech, media, and entrepreneurship. Tune in to this insightful conversation to gain valuable insights from a true industry veteran who has come full circle in his career. Additional Resources: https://www.bravomondo.com/ Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com

In this episode of Digital Irish, we sit down with Tim Griffith, the CEO of Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. Tim brings a unique perspective to the organization, having transitioned from a background in advertising and agency work. We delve into what drew Tim to the social entrepreneurship sector and how they've adapted their skills from the advertising world to drive positive change. We also discuss the core areas of focus for Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, how they measure impact, and some of the most inspiring stories of social entrepreneurs they've supported. Tim shares their insights on the challenges and rewards of leading a social entrepreneurship organization, the importance of balancing financial sustainability with social mission, and the exciting trends shaping the future of the sector. Don't miss this inspiring conversation as we explore the power of social entrepreneurship and the incredible work being done by Social Entrepreneurs Ireland. https://ie.linkedin.com/in/tim-griffiths-79642217