CloudMount Shortlisted for National Startup Awards 2025: A Local Tech Success Story

A local milestone

CloudMount was shortlisted for the National Startup Awards 2025, marking a local technology milestone for the Kilkenny business.

A shortlist can provide a useful moment for a startup to reflect on how it presents its work. It is not proof of product performance, security, regulatory compliance or customer outcomes. The practical lessons below are recommendations for founders generally.

Explain the problem before celebrating the technology

A clear startup story begins with a recognisable customer problem. Describe who encounters it, how it is handled today and why the existing approach is difficult. Then explain the proposed improvement in ordinary language.

Keep the scope specific. Distinguish features already available from experiments and future plans. If the business uses AI, explain the role of the technology without implying that automation removes the need for checking, judgement or responsible handling of information.

Build an evidence file, not just a pitch

Maintain a simple record of the evidence behind public claims. For a performance statement, note what was measured, the conditions and the limitations. For customer feedback, obtain permission before publication and retain the agreed wording. Do not turn an informal positive comment into a quantified result or an implied endorsement.

An award announcement deserves the same discipline. Confirm the exact wording, relevant year and permitted use of any branding with the organiser before publishing. Keep shortlist status distinct from winning.

Use attention to improve customer conversations

Recognition can be an opportunity to invite useful questions rather than simply ask for applause. A startup might offer a product walkthrough, publish an explanation of a common problem or ask prospective users where the proposed workflow breaks down.

Prepare to answer practical buying questions: who is the service for, what does implementation involve, what support is available and what happens if something goes wrong? Where answers are still developing, say so.

Keep operational foundations ahead of publicity

Use a milestone as a prompt to review ownership, documentation and support capacity. Check that public contact routes work, demonstrations reflect the current product and someone is responsible for following up enquiries.

For startups processing personal data, understand the lawful basis, minimise information, apply appropriate security and assess whether a DPIA is required. For those building or deploying AI, assess the AI Act according to the actual system and role.

The lasting lesson is to connect visibility with substance. Celebrate only what can be supported, explain the business plainly and use the occasion to strengthen everyday execution.