In this episode, we sit down with Michael O'Loughlin, Managing Partner at Argonautic Global, to get into the practical realities of Irish companies entering the US market. Michael has spent two decades working across banking, payments, regulation, central banking and venture capital — with experience spanning Ireland, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Before his current role, he served as Chief Advisor to the Deputy Governor at the Saudi Central Bank and Strategic Advisor to Fintech Saudi, helping build one of the region's fastest growing fintech ecosystems from the ground up.

This episode is about what actually works when Irish companies come to the US — and what doesn't. We cover:

• Michael's journey from Ireland to Rochester and the investing lens it shaped

• The different types of investing he's involved in, from angel to growth equity, and why that full picture matters

• The readiness threshold — revenue, product maturity, team size — before a US move makes sense

• The mindset shift required when moving from raising in Ireland to raising in the US

• Where Enterprise Ireland's support ends and where the founder has to take over

• How much warm introductions actually matter versus cold outreach, and how to get in the room

• What investors want to understand first when looking at an early-stage company

• What a well-prepared founder looks like walking into a meeting

• Red flags that signal a company isn't ready, even when the product is interesting

• What Irish companies that land well in the US do differently

If you're an Irish founder thinking about the US, or anyone working in the Irish startup ecosystem on either side of the Atlantic, this one is worth your time.

About Michael O'Loughlin

Michael O'Loughlin is Managing Partner at Argonautic Global, focused on AI, fintech and emerging technology infrastructure across global markets. Over the past two decades he has worked across banking, payments, regulation, central banking, venture capital and international ecosystem development, with experience spanning Ireland, Europe, the Middle East and the United States. Previously, Michael served as Chief Advisor to the Deputy Governor at the Saudi Central Bank and Strategic Advisor to Fintech Saudi. He remains actively involved in the Irish technology and investment ecosystem through initiatives including Blockchain Ireland.

About Argonautic Global

Argonautic Global invests in AI, fintech and emerging technology infrastructure across global markets, with a focus on identifying and backing companies with the potential to scale internationally.

Connect with Michael

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oloughlinio/

• Argonautic Global: https://argonauticventures.com/

  Blockchain Ireland: https://www.blockchainireland.ie/