Ainslie  Peters

Ainslie Peters

Director of Programmes

English
LinkedIn

I am an innovation strategist and mentor with over a decade of experience working at the intersection of business, creativity, and human-centred design. I have worked across Europe supporting founders and teams in building ventures that are both commercially resilient and culturally impactful.
My expertise lies in helping early-stage startups translate empathy and user insight into strategic action. My approach is grounded in human-centred design, helping founders deeply understand their audiences: what they need, what they value, and how they behave. From there, I support teams in refining products/services, evolving business models, and unlocking new opportunities for growth.
Over the past several years, I have worked closely with startups in the creative and cultural sectors in Ireland, including ventures in gaming, fashion, content creation, and cultural heritage. I am also a founder of a strategic design firm, and understand the creative entrepreneurial journey first hand.
I also specialise in storytelling and pitching, helping founders craft clear, compelling narratives that resonate with investors, users, and partners. My workshops, training modules and 1:1 coaching are known for combining strategic depth with practical outcomes.
As a mentor, I aim to bring clarity, energy, and empathy, supporting creative founders to move from idea to impact, with purpose and confidence.