Team AwakenAngels

Mary is a prominent figure in the world of angel investing, winning both European and UK Angel Investor of the Year, 2023. Mary serves as the Chair of AwakenAngels. Mary has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the growth of innovative startups on the island of Ireland and across Europe.

As Chair, Mary provides invaluable guidance to the syndicate's strategic direction, drawing upon a wealth of experience as both an entrepreneur and an angel investor to support and empower the next generation of visionary entrepreneurs. Her unwavering dedication to angel investing is instrumental in guiding the syndicate toward a future defined by innovation, growth and positive societal impact.

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As Investment Director, Denise plays a pivotal role in guiding the fund's investment strategy, leveraging her deep knowledge of early-stage investment from micro funds, angel investment through to syndication processes. Denise believes that successful investments are not just financial transactions, but long-term partnerships built on trust, shared values, and a commitment to mutual success.

Throughout her career, Denise has been a staunch advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation. Denise has the ability to identify promising ventures and provide strategic guidance to portfolio companies. Her commitment to supporting entrepreneurs goes beyond investment; she actively mentors and empowers founders to navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses.

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Clare is a dynamic CEO known for her commitment to fostering innovation and fueling growth in the entrepreneurial ecosytem. As the CEO of AwakenAngels, she leads the syndicate's operational strategy, driving excellence in execution and furthering its mission to empower women to embark on their angel investing journey.

In her capacity, Clare collaborates closely with portfolio companies, offering strategic guidance and operational acumen to navigate the intricacies of the market. Her proactive approach and focus on cultivating relationships within the startup ecosystem establish her as a trusted mentor and advisor to entrepreneurs and investors alike. Additionally, Clare is an ecosystem builder, forging commercial and strategic partnerships to enhance the syndicate's impact and reach.

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Sinead, an accomplished community builder and advocate for entrepreneurship, serves as the Director of Community at AwakenAngels. Her background in strategy and innovation matched with dedication to nurturing a supportive ecosystem has consistently yielded invaluable relationships and opportunities for investors and startups on the island of Ireland.

As the Director of Community at AwakenAngels Sinead is on a mission to cultivate a thriving investor ecosystem. Her boundless energy and dedication to fostering connections, positions her as a catalyst for impactful collaboration and growth within the fund's community and the broader startup ecosystem.

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As the Global Ambassador for AwakenAngels, Mary Ann Pierce leverages her extensive experience and profound dedication to fostering connections within Irish diaspora communities and Ireland. Her role serves as a vital bridge between these two realms, where she initiates and facilitates collaborations, strengthening bonds and enabling meaningful engagement for AwakenAngels.

Mary Ann Pierce is Founder and CEO at MAP Digital, a global event agency with a remarkable 20-year track record producing investment banking conferences. At MAP Digital giving back is fundamental. Her MetaMeetings platform has powered Social Good Conferences such as the Equality Moonshot and Global Green Inclusive Innovation Summit (G2i2) at the UN along with Global Summit of Women and Capital as a Force for Good. These endeavours reflect her well-rounded perspective and unwavering commitment to our mission at AwakenAngels.

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Jane McCooey is an Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer for the Global Technology & Data Legal group at Morgan Stanley since 2022, where she works on a range of legal, regulatory, strategic, and operational issues. She is also Co-Chair of the Philanthropy & Giving Back Pillar of the Women’s Business Alliance at Morgan Stanley.

Jane is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Women with Ambition, which provides a platform for Irish and Irish-American women of all levels and industries working in New York to form a meaningful network, share intelligence, and focus on intentional professional development.

Hailing from County Armagh, Jane boasts Irish roots from both the North (Armagh) and South (Louth) of the border. As the Global Ambassador for AwakenAngels, Jane empowers women to explore angel investing as an asset class and begin their journey by investing in women-led businesses on the island of Ireland.

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