[Dublin, 26 January 2024] – Spark Crowdfunding, a leading equity crowdfunding platform, is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick Flynn as its new Chairman of the Board.
Patrick Flynn founded Flynn O’Driscoll, Business Lawyers in 2002. In 1983 he graduated with an honours BCL law degree from University College Dublin. He was admitted as a solicitor in Ireland in 1987 and in England and Wales in 1996. In 2013 he completed an Advanced Leadership Management Programme with the Timoney Institute which is associated with IESE Business School.
Pat previously worked with A&L Goodbody, one of Ireland’s largest law firms. He is a former senior executive of Ulster Investment Bank (part of the RBS/NatWest Group) where he specialised in global structured finance transactions involving European and US companies. He has also worked in corporate finance in Ireland and in emerging markets, particularly the former CIS countries, for a UK business. Pat was head of the corporate law department in a top 10 Dublin law firm before leaving to establish Flynn O’Driscoll.
Pat has, in over 35 years of business life, acquired considerable transactional experience in acting on corporate mergers, investments, acquisitions and financings. He is practical, with excellent business skills and he brings these, together with a wide range of friendships and business relationships to day to day problem solving for clients. Over the years he has advised companies and shareholders on wide ranging issues including disputes and is recognised as an excellent solutions driven lawyer.
He served on the Board of Directors of Enterprise Ireland for a four year term, 2014 - 2018. Enterprise Ireland is the Irish Government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets and is one of the biggest early stage venture capital businesses in the World. He served to June 2023 on the Executive Committees of the Law Exchange International, the International legal network of 34 global law firms comprising of 1,733 lawyers.
Pat Flynn stated, "I am honoured to join Spark Crowdfunding as Chairman of the Board. The company has already made remarkable strides in empowering start-ups and investors alike. I look forward to contributing to the next phase of the company’s growth and success."
Spark Crowdfunding’s CEO, Chris Burge, echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm about the future under Pat Flynn's leadership. "Pat brings a fresh perspective and a deep understanding of our industry. His extensive background in the growth of early stage companies in Ireland aligns seamlessly with our commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurial endeavours. His guidance will be invaluable as we continue to expand our platform and provide innovative solutions for both entrepreneurs and investors. Pat has an exemplary track record and brings a wealth of experience and strategic vision."
Having secured regulatory status from the Central Bank of Ireland in November, 2023, Spark Crowdfunding is poised for an exciting chapter under the stewardship of Pat Flynn. The entire team looks forward to working collaboratively to achieve new milestones and reinforce Spark Crowdfunding's position as a pioneering force in the investment crowdfunding sector.