John Ferris

John's professional journey began with a foray into coding for a healthcare tech company in Pittsburgh, setting the stage for a dynamic career marked by versatility and innovation. Transitioning into a 15-year stint in media, John honed his skills as a journalist and editor at the North Belfast News while concurrently steering Ireland's most successful independent food and drink website, Forked. In 2013, John pivoted towards entrepreneurship, launching a groundbreaking wifi software technology startup. His brainchild quickly found global traction, seamlessly integrating into diverse environments such as restaurants, cafés, hotels, stadia, and vehicles. Recognised for his commitment to nurturing ambitious startups, John became an integral part of Entrepreneurial Spark in 2015. The social enterprise's acquisition by NatWest, RBS, and Ulster Bank in 2018 only fuelled his dedication. Leading the charge, John played a key role in coaching and mentoring over 800 startups across the UK and Ireland, resulting in a cumulative investment of £65m and the creation of 1200+ jobs. John has been a member of Ulster Bank's Regional Board since 2019. Here, he spearheads initiatives focusing on climate advocacy and championing a more diverse entrepreneurial landscape in Northern Ireland. In tandem, John assumed the role of Northern Ireland's Dealmaker at the Department for Business and Trade, where he currently supports international scale-ups with an ambition to headquarter in the UK.