Catalyst launches SEAM festival to bring NI’s founders, investors and support network together
One-day Belfast event will connect 300–350 entrepreneurs with investors, business support organisations and pitch opportunities, alongside two free, equity-free founder programmes
Catalyst has announced SEAM, a new one-day entrepreneurship festival bringing Northern Ireland’s founders, investors and business support organisations together at Belfast’s Banana Block on November 17, with Bank of Ireland as headline partner.
Inspired by Belfast’s linen heritage and its former identity as “Linenopolis”, the name SEAM reflects connection, collaboration and the foundations on which businesses are built. The festival will take place in a restored linen spinning mill on the Newtownards Road.
SEAM will feature a live founder showcase, dedicated opportunities for capital conversations with active investors and angels, a marketplace of ecosystem support organisations and a closing reception. Organisers expect between 300 and 350 people to attend.
Alongside the festival, Catalyst is opening applications for two free, equity-free founder tracks. Early Stage is aimed at founders developing an idea or building a new business. Ten teams will be selected to pitch live on the main stage, supported beforehand through mentoring, funding guidance and pitch coaching.
The Growth track is for established businesses seeking to scale. Around 50 founders will receive access to active investors and angels, alongside dedicated opportunities for introductions and conversations. Applications close September 11.
Both programmes are open to founders across Northern Ireland, with selections due by the end of September.
Fiona Bennington, director of Entrepreneurship and Scaling at Catalyst, said: “SEAM exists because Northern Ireland has a plethora of diverse support opportunities, but it can be hard to navigate. Putting the whole ecosystem in one room for one day removes that friction for founders. How a venture is shaped in its earliest months determines whether it can scale. Northern Ireland has a strong community of entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses, but we believe there is real value in bringing that network together in a more focused way. We want SEAM to become an annual moment for founders who are serious about growing their business, and we would encourage anyone interested to apply now.”
Niall Devlin, head of Business Banking NI, Bank of Ireland, added: “At Bank of Ireland, we're passionate about fostering entrepreneurship and backing the people and businesses driving our economic future. Being ‘Right With You’ means supporting businesses at every stage, helping them navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and grow with confidence. We're proud to support SEAM Festival and would encourage founders at all stages to get involved because strong businesses don’t just need great ideas, they need strong relationships, shared expertise, and a thriving support network.”
Tickets and applications are available at seamfest.org.