EE 403 - We Raised $54 million & Here’s What We Learned - The Protex AI Story - Part II with Dan Hobbs & Ciaran O'Mara

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Greg Bradley, founder of BLK BOX, one of the leading gym equipment manufacturers in Europe. Greg shares his journey from bootstrapping a startup with no engineering background to building a business that supplies some of the world’s top sports teams—including Irish Rugby and 75% of the Premier League clubs. Greg opens up about the challenges of scaling a manufacturing business, the rollercoaster ride of COVID-19, and why he stepped away from the CEO role to focus on his strengths. If you’re an entrepreneur looking for insights on brand-building, international expansion, and leadership, this episode is packed with value.  🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🔥 From side hustle to global brand – How Greg built BLK BOX from scratch 🏋️‍♂️ Supplying the pros – Landing contracts with elite sports teams & gym chains 📉 The COVID challenge – Why it was a net negative for the business 💡 Lessons in leadership – Why Greg hired a CEO to replace himself 📈 Scaling manufacturing – Expanding operations without outside investment 🇺🇸 Cracking the U.S. market – BLK BOX’s next big move 🎯 The future of fitness – Hyrox, functional training, and what’s next 💬 "I didn’t bring investment in at the start because I feel sometimes money can suffocate creativity. My strength has always been being resourceful—turning lemons into lemonade." - Greg Bradley  📌 Resources & Links: 🔗 BLK BOX – Greg’s company: https://www.blkboxfitness.com/ 📖 Scaling Up – Business book recommendation 🏃‍♂️ Hyrox – The fitness race taking over: https://hyrox.com/ 📱 Follow Greg Bradley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregory-bradley-69610539/ 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more inspiring founder stories. --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland  Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee  

The Entrepreneur Experiment Live Special with The Local Enterprise Offices: Lessons from Ireland’s Top Founders. To celebrate Local Enterprise Week, we sit down with Tom Keogh of Keogh’s Crisps and Noreen Hackett of Advanced Cosmetics to uncover the real stories behind building globally recognised brands from Ireland. Tom shares how his family farm transformed from market gardening to a premium snack brand sold in over 20 countries, including on international airlines. Noreen reveals how she went from chemist to CEO, creating an end-to-end cosmetics manufacturing powerhouse serving 37 brands worldwide.  If you're a founder or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode is packed with real-world insights on branding, scaling, and navigating sustainability and global expansion. 🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🔥 The power of branding – How Tom turned a family farm into a global snack brand 🚀 Taking the leap – How Noreen built her cosmetics empire from scratch 💡 The importance of authenticity – Why telling the truth in branding is a competitive advantage 📈 Expanding internationally – Breaking into global markets while staying true to your roots 🌍 Sustainability & business – What actually works vs. greenwashing 💰 Navigating funding & investment – Lessons from early-stage growth 🔑 Scaling smartly – How to manage multiple business lines without losing focus 💬 "Word of mouth is the most powerful form of marketing you’ll ever get." – Tom Keogh 📌 Resources & Links: 📖 Enterprise Ireland – Support for Irish startups: enterprise-ireland.com 🛍️ Keogh’s Crisps – www.keoghs.ie  🧴 Advanced Cosmetics – www.advancedcosmetics.ie Loved this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more founder insights. --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee 

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Sean Blanchfield, serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Demonware, PageFair, and Jentic, to unpack his journey from student entrepreneur to scaling and selling tech companies. Sean shares candid insights into the early days of launching startups in Ireland, how Demonware became a critical player in multiplayer gaming, and the bold pivots that led to success. He also dives into his later ventures, PageFair, which tackled ad blocking in the digital advertising space, and Jentic, his latest project at the forefront of AI-driven market insights. From fundraising struggles to navigating acquisitions, Sean reflects on the lessons he’s learned across multiple ventures. If you’re a founder working on product-market fit, considering an exit, or fascinated by the business behind gaming and ad tech, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. 🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🔥 The origins of Demonware and its role in multiplayer gaming 🚀 How Sean and his co-founders pivoted their product four times before finding the right fit 💡 Fundraising challenges in Ireland and how they bootstrapped early growth 🎮 The rise of online gaming and how Demonware powered global hits like Call of Duty 📈 Selling to Activision – why it was the right move and how the deal unfolded 🛑 PageFair & ad-blocking – the problem it solved and how it changed the digital ad space 🤖 Jentic – Sean’s latest AI-driven insights company and the future of market intelligence 💼 The emotional and strategic aspects of selling a business 🤔 Lessons from failed ventures and why iteration is key to startup success 💬 "We were in existential crisis for the first 18 months. Then suddenly, we had product-market fit, and everything changed." – Sean Blanchfield     Visit my Partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee   --- 📌 Resources & Links: 🔗 Enterprise Ireland – Support for Startups: https://www.enterprise-ireland.com/ 🎮 Demonware – Behind Activision’s Multiplayer Gaming: https://www.demonware.net/ 📢 PageFair – Ad-Blocking Analytics & Solutions: https://www.pagefair.com/ 📊 Jentic – AI-Powered Market Intelligence: https://www.jentic.com/ 📱 Follow Sean Blanchfield on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanblanchfield 📖 The Lean Startup – Eric Ries (A book Sean references in his startup journey)

In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Aimee Connolly, the powerhouse founder behind Sculpted by Aimee. From working on makeup counters at 16 to building one of Ireland’s most successful beauty brands, Aimee shares her incredible journey of bootstrapping her way to the top. She reveals the bold steps she took—cold emailing manufacturers, self-funding her first product launch, and scaling from a solo founder to leading an international beauty empire. If you're an entrepreneur looking for real, unfiltered insights on launching a product, navigating challenges, and building a loyal brand community, this episode is for you. 🎧 Show Notes: In this episode, we cover: 🔥 The moment Aimee decided to build her own beauty brand 🚀 How she launched Sculpted by Aimee with just €10,000 💡 The power of ‘massive action’ and breaking down big goals 📈 Bootstrapping vs. raising investment: the cashflow lessons she learned 🌍 Expanding into new markets: from Ireland to the UK and beyond 🔑 Why authenticity and community-building have been key to her success 🏋️‍♀️ Balancing business growth with personal well-being 💬 "The number one difference between an entrepreneur and someone who doesn’t start is knowing you don’t have all the answers—but not letting that stop you." – Aimee Connolly   Visit my Partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee      📌 Resources & Links: 📖 Enterprise Ireland: Support for Startups🛍️ Sculpted by Aimee📱 Follow Aimee Connolly on Instagram & LinkedIn 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more insights from world-class founders.

Two of our all-time favourite guests return to the pod to announce their $36 million fundraising round! In this episode of The Entrepreneur Experiment, Gary Fox sits down with Dan Hobbs & Ciarán O’Mara, the co-founders of Protex AI, a startup using computer vision to prevent workplace accidents before they happen. They first appeared on the podcast in 2023 after raising $18M. One year later, per Gary’s prediction about how their 2024 would go, they’ve just closed a $36M Series B, expanded from 4 to 22 countries, and are working with Fortune 500 giants like DHL. Show notes: In this episode we cover: 🔥 The brutal reality of raising capital & how they secured $54M 🚀 How they attracted inbound investors and flipped the script 💡 How AI is transforming workplace safety & why enterprises are buying in 💰 The difference between raising a Seed, Series A & Series B 📈 What it REALLY takes to scale from startup to enterprise 🔑 Why building relationships—not just products—matters in B2B sales 🏋️‍♂️ The mindset shifts they had to make as leaders If you’re a founder looking to raise capital, scale a startup, or break into enterprise sales, this episode is packed with raw, real-world insights.  🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs. Resources & Links: 📖 The Founder’s Survival Guide by Rachel Turner 📩 Learn more about Protex AI: protex.ai📱 Follow Dan Hobbs & Ciarán O’Meara on LinkedIn: Dan Hobbs | Ciarán O'Mara🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs.  --- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee

Sahil Bloom went from private equity investor to one of the most influential creators and investors in the world—without a plan. In this episode, he shares his founder formula for success, why money isn’t the answer, and the hidden struggles behind entrepreneurship. We discuss defining your own version of wealth, battling imposter syndrome, and the power of taking action over planning. If you’re searching for clarity in business, body, and brain—this one’s for you. Show Notes In this episode, we cover: ✔️ Sahil’s journey from private equity to creator, investor, and entrepreneur ✔️ Why money alone won’t make you happy—and what actually does ✔️ The “arrival fallacy” and why success never feels like you expect ✔️ The biggest mistake founders make when chasing more ✔️ Why imposter syndrome is a tax on growth (and how to reframe it) ✔️ How Sahil structures his businesses for maximum impact ✔️ The power of defining your own success instead of society’s version ✔️ How to balance ambition with purpose without burning out Resources & Links: 📖 Get Sahil’s book The Five Types of Wealth: thefivetypesofwealth.com 📩 Subscribe to Sahil’s Curiosity Chronicle: sahilbloom.com 📱 Follow Sahil on Social Media: @SahilBloom on all platforms 🎙️ Enjoyed this episode? Leave a review and subscribe to The Entrepreneur Experiment for more deep-dive conversations with world-class entrepreneurs.

In this episode, we sit down with Colin Harmon, a visionary entrepreneur who transformed Ireland’s coffee culture. From starting as a barista to building 3fe, one of Ireland's most respected coffee brands, Colin shares his journey of entrepreneurship, branding, and the shifting landscape of social spaces. We explore: Why traditional social spaces like banks, pubs, and churches are declining The power of community in business How Colin built 3fe from a single café to an industry leader The business lessons he learned through scaling and adapting The future of coffee culture and entrepreneurship If you’re an aspiring founder or someone fascinated by how businesses shape culture, this episode is a must-listen! -- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee   -- Show Notes: Guest: Colin Harmon, Founder of 3fe Coffee Topics Covered: The Evolution of Social Spaces Why traditional meeting points are disappearing How coffee shops have replaced banks and pubs as social hubs Colin’s Entrepreneurial Journey How he transitioned from a finance job to coffee The early struggles of starting a coffee business Scaling from one café to a respected brand The Business of Coffee The challenges of running a specialty coffee company How branding and storytelling played a key role in growth Why community-driven businesses thrive Lessons in Leadership & Growth The mindset shifts needed to scale a business Why customer experience is the most valuable asset Future trends in coffee and hospitality Resources Mentioned: 3fe Coffee Website Colin Harmon’s Book: What I Know About Running Coffee Shops Follow Colin on Instagram

With 400 episodes under my belt, I'm turning the mic on myself to share the origins of this passion project that started as a side experiment and grew into a full-fledged business. This is an AMA (Ask Me Anything) episode where I answer all the questions you sent in over the last few weeks. How does the pod make money? What do I look for in a guest?  Discover the pivot from property management to podcasting and the invaluable lessons learned along this unpredictable entrepreneurial path. From the nuances of guest selection to cultivating a unique storytelling approach, I share my blueprint for creating compelling content that resonates with audiences. Chapter Timestamps (00:01) - Gary Fox Celebrates 400 Episodes (10:25) - Podcast Sponsorship and Business Strategies (22:40) - Gary Fox's Guest Selection Process (28:00) - Podcasting, Investing, and Self-Reflection (35:41) - Podcast Preparation and Mindset Development (47:28) - Entrepreneurial Success and Life Lessons (56:40) - Family Business and Time Management -- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee

Join Gary as we sit down with Mary Sadlier, the powerhouse behind Coole Swan, the premium Irish cream brand taking the world by storm. From navigating challenges to owning 3% of the U.S. market, Mary shares her journey of resilience, innovation, and growth. In this episode, you'll discover: How Mary overcame setbacks to scale Coole Swan globally. The art of balancing quality and profitability in a competitive market. The entrepreneurial mindset that turns challenges into opportunities. Lessons in leadership and staying true to your brand ethos. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, Mary’s insights will inspire and challenge you to think bigger.   -- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee

In this brain special of The Entrepreneur Experiment, we dive deep into the world of mental mastery with renowned brain hacker Keith Barry. Known for his groundbreaking work in hacking the human mind, Keith helps individuals and corporations achieve sustainable, meaningful change at a neurological level. In this episode, Keith shares: The art and science of hacking your own brain to unlock peak mental performance. Strategies to overcome mental barriers and build resilience. The surprising ways the brain influences decision-making in business and life. Practical tips for cultivating a sharp, focused, and creative mind. Whether you're looking to sharpen your mental edge or understand the secrets of the mind, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to think like a true founder. -- Visit my partners Enterprise Ireland: https://bit.ly/EIreland Azure Communications: https://bit.ly/azureEE  Nostra: https://bit.ly/nostraee