The Irish VC ep30: Branding for Start-ups! The Balancing Act - Product vs. Brand.

The Irish VC ep30: Branding for Start-ups! The Balancing Act - Product vs. Brand.

September 1, 2025 · 56 min · Season 1 · Episode 30

About this episode

The episode discusses the critical role of branding for start-ups and the balance between product development and brand identity.

This episode was recorded in front of a live audience at Munster Technology University (MTU) in Cork. In this episode of the Irish VC podcast, the panel comprising of Hilary O'Shea from Otonomee, Alison MacSweeney from Brandhive & Ryan O'Neill from LegitFit discusses the critical role of branding for start-ups, emphasising the balance between product development and brand identity. They explore strategies for building a brand on a budget, the impact of cultural identity on branding, and the importance of authenticity. The conversation also touches on common branding mistakes, the value of a strong online presence, and how purpose-driven companies can attract talent and customer loyalty. Insights from various founders highlight the evolving landscape of branding and marketing in today's competitive environment. Chapters below: 00:00 Introduction to the Irish VC Podcast 03:00 The Role of Branding in Startups 06:04 Product vs. Brand: The Startup Dilemma 08:51 Building a Brand with Limited Resources 12:09 Scaling a Brand Globally 14:58 The Impact of Irish Identity on Branding 17:54 Valuing Brand in Investment 20:52 Mistakes in Branding and Marketing 23:43 The Importance of…

People in this episode

Guests: Hilary O'Shea, Alison MacSweeney, Ryan O'Neill

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Otonomee, Brandhive, LegitFit, Munster Technology University

Places: Cork

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