Let’s meet the judging panel for The Pitch 2024

The Pitch 2024 is one of Ireland’s most exciting national business competitions, offering entrepreneurs, SMEs and start-ups the chance to impress a panel of judges with their business pitch to secure a game-changing prize worth €100,000. An IMAGE Media and Samsung Electronics Ireland partnership, this competition offers the ultimate winner a tailored technology suite of Samsung Electronics technology worth €50,000; a bespoke IMAGE media, PR and marketing campaign worth €50,000; and mentoring by one of Ireland’s best-known entrepreneurs and former Dragon Bobby Kerr. 

Finalists will have to demonstrate their business’s potential growth and viability before going on to deliver an engaging seven-minute Dragons’ Den-style pitch to bring their business story to life and impress the judges in Dublin City Hall on Monday, November 11.

With this exciting Dragon’s Den style line-up, which will be hosted by IMAGE Contributing Editor Melanie Morris,  it is important applicants know who they will be facing on the night.

Let’s introduce the esteemed judging panel…

Caroline Hirons

Caroline Hirons is a globally recognised beauty expert, author, and entrepreneur with over 35 years of industry experience. Renowned for her no-nonsense approach to skincare, she has built a loyal following and transformed the beauty landscape with her bestselling book, Skincare: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide. As the founder of Skin Rocks, a successful skincare consultancy and brand, Caroline’s deep industry knowledge, business acumen, and passion for empowering others make her the ideal judge for discovering Ireland’s most exciting and talented entrepreneur, SME or start-up. Her ebullient, no-nonsense personality is sure to bring exceptional energy and an infectious buzz to the event on November 11.

Jamie Heaslip

Jamie Heaslip may be still best known for his incredible rugby career, but his transition to the business world has been unfolding in a similarly impressive style since he retired from international rugby in 2018. He is a co-founder of PNR, a venture capital and consultancy firm, and has invested in a range of tech and wellness start-ups, including the health company, The Tenth Man. He is the Ireland Strategic Growth Lead at Stripe, implementing growth strategies that cater to the diverse needs of businesses in Ireland. He combines his passion for enabling businesses to thrive online with his MBA and experience in management, leadership and coaching, building a strong portfolio in business and entrepreneurship. As a former Leinster and Ireland captain and winner of Six Nations and Grand Slam titles, his unique combination of sporting and business acumen means he is well-placed to spot talent and take calculated risks to achieve a successful business outcome.

Annika Bizon

Annika Bizon is Director of Marketing, Omnichannel & Head of Ireland – MX Division, Samsung. She has brought a wealth of over 20 years of experience in business and leadership to Samsung since she joined the organisation in 2021. She previously held senior positions at Three UK and at 20th Century Fox for almost 15 years. During Annika’s tenure in the telecoms and entertainment industries, she has demonstrated impressive acumen in transitioning brands to a digital-first approach while maintaining commercial success. Speaking about The Pitch 2024, Annika says: “Samsung is delighted to be such an integral partner of The Pitch with IMAGE; it’s an initiative that truly brings the best start-ups, scale-ups and SMEs to the forefront. We are proud to empower and equip these brave founders with technology to really push the winner forward with their business endeavours. On a personal note, I’m thrilled to be joining the judging panel and look forward to November 11 immensely.”

Áine Kerr

Áine Kerr is an accomplished Irish journalist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Kinzen, a technology company focused on combating misinformation through machine learning and human expertise. Before founding Kinzen, she held key roles in major tech companies, including as Global Head of Journalism Partnerships at Facebook. With a background in political journalism, Áine has been a strong advocate for the intersection of technology, media, and democracy. She is also known for her work in fostering innovation within the news industry and promoting responsible journalism in the digital age.

Clodagh Edwards

Clodagh Edwards’ passion for media, innovation and disruption means she was always destined for a career in publishing. As the chief executive officer of IMAGE Publications since 2015, Clodagh has reinvented an iconic brand, developing it from one entirely founded in print into a modern, relevant media business that boasts leading digital, video, social and experiential channels. Under Clodagh’s dynamic leadership, IMAGE is Ireland’s leading female-first multi-platform publisher and a renowned innovator in the events and digital space. With her finger on the pulse of Irish business, Clodagh is adept at spotting the brands that are ready to accelerate their business to the next level.  Speaking about The Pitch 2024, Clodagh says: “The Pitch is the ultimate battle of nerves, ability, wits and substance for Irish businesses because there’s so much at stake – from reputation to this year’s incredible prize pot… I can’t wait for it all to unfold.” 

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This article was originally published on October 8, 2024.