In this episode we delve into the world of startup investments with angel investor Phil McSweeney. Phil brings his wealth of experience to the table, discussing current trends in the startup ecosystem and highlighting sectors poised for growth. This episode is a must-listen for founders at any stage of their entrepreneurial journey, especially those in the midst of fundraising. Phil emphasises a critical challenge facing many founders: the necessity of market demand for their products. He notes that a significant reason startups falter is due to building solutions without a sufficient market. He poses a thought-provoking question to the listeners: "Does the world need another dating app?" This serves as a reminder to founders to critically assess the market need for their innovations. With a background in health, Phil shares his fascination with the health sector, including Med Tech, Pharma, Life Sciences, and Mental Health. His growing interest in AI's potential across various domains is also a highlight of the discussion. However, he's cautious about certain trends, avoiding areas he perceives as fleeting or unproven. The conversation also touches upon the role of angel investors in startups beyond financial support. Phil discusses the possibility of becoming an advisor to startups, particularly in Ed Tech, and the importance of being negotiable in terms of involvement. Closing the episode, Phil provides insights into sectors where startups are likely to succeed in the future. He foresees a growing need for businesses to focus on the well-being of their staff, pointing to a trend that extends beyond the health sector. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for startup founders and entrepreneurs. Phil's advice and predictions offer a valuable perspective on where the startup world is heading and what founders can do to align their ventures for success. Tune in to 'Let's Talk Startups' for this discussion with Phil McSweeney. Thanks for tuning in to 'Let's Talk Startups', hosted by Nargis Jafferali and Demos Demetriou. SUBSCRIBE above to be the first to hear new episodes and the latest news. FOLLOW us on socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube MESSAGE US or visit our WEBSITE to get featured on our next episode, to tell us what you think of the show, or to enquire about partnership opportunities. We'd love to hear from you! See you next time...