Entrepreneur Ambassador with the School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship

 

Susan Spence is the co-founder of SoftCo,  one of Ireland’s most successful software companies and a leading procure-to-pay solution provider globally. SoftCo was recently acquired from its founders by Keensight Capital, in one of the largest Irish technology transactions.

Susan is also co-founder of Manverton, which over the last 10 years has invested in property and extensively in the Equine industry including Breeding, Development, and Racing.   In addition, Susan chairs the Dublin Regional Enterprise Plan, a Department of Enterprise initiative. Susan supports Social Entrepreneurs Ireland and has a long-term association with Going for Growth, an organisation that helps female entrepreneurs develop, and scale their business.

Susan is delighted to be an Entrepreneurial Ambassador for TU Dublin, working specifically with the School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

Susan was the Irish Tatler Entrepreneur of the Year 2018 and is a former recipient of the Veuve Clicquot Businesswoman of the Year. Susan is a contributor to  “That Great Business Show”podcast by Conall O Móráin.  Susan is a Leeds United fan.

As Entrepreneurial Ambassador with the School of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at TU Dublin, Susan is looking forward to working with students who are interested in creating a business or a social enterprise for either the local or international market.  She can offer particular advice on how to get a business off the ground, the challenges faced at different stage of the business cycle, (start-up, mid-market player, and industry leading), and ultimately building a sustainable, profitable organisation.

When not working Susan loves playing and watching sports. She plays golf, and supports both Leinster and Leeds United.  Susan’s dog, Milly, is named after her favourite footballer, James "Milly" Milner.  Aligning with her sporting interests, SoftCo sponsors both the Men's and Women's hockey team and has brand ambassadors in Horse Racing, Golf and Hockey.  Susan explains that some of the best books she has read relate to both Sport and Business, including "Betaball" by Erik Malinowski, "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight, “Eleven Ring" by Phil Jackson,  "Steve Jobs" by Walter Isaacson, and "Personal History" by Kathrine Graham.

 

A message from Susan:

“I look forward to sharing my entrepreneurial insights and sales expertise with TUD students as I enjoy working with talented people who have great Ideas.  In SoftCo we have always developed young people though our graduate program and it is great to be able to work with and support future entrepreneurs"

 

Book your one to one appointment:

To book an appointment with Susan submit your request here.

 

The GROWTHhub project is a HEA funded project that is working to build student entrepreneurship competences by linking with the TU Dublin entrepreneurship ecosystem.