Colm Lyon’s new startup Carapay, aims to disrupt the payments space with a new service. It enables retailer to offer a payment option that “will link directly to any bank account in Europe. It can be used to pay bills, club memberships, school fees, bets with friends or any other type of money transfer normally conducted using cheques or cash. It will be free to use.”
He believes it is vital that Ireland realises the internet is a sure route to overseas markets, which must be exploited by increasing the number of start-ups.
We need to have more and more successful Irish internet businesses. One route I recommend would be to have Enterprise Ireland set up a group focused on accelerating internet start-ups, with a fund of €2 million per annum that would put €50,000 into 40 start-up companies to increase the number of companies being supported, rather than just putting money into existing businesses.
In conclusion, Lyon admits to feeling humbled at being recognised as an Internet Hero. I value it a lot, to be honoured by my peers.