Joe Fernandez

ALPACA is a research-led, game-based early literacy screening platform that helps teachers identify challenges before small struggles become larger hurdles. The business grew from collaborative research involving Trinity College Dublin and Marino Institute of Education.

WestBIC supported ALPACA through Pre-Seed Plus, bridging the gap between Enterprise Ireland’s PSSF stage and HPSU readiness. Together they built investor-ready financial models, refined fundraising strategy and aligned the company’s international roadmap with current investor expectations. ALPACA achieved HPSU status on 5 December 2025 and is preparing for its first institutional funding round.

“Their support around financial modelling and investor readiness has been practical, trusted, and hugely valuable at a critical stage of our growth.”

Joe Fernandez is Founder and CEO of ALPACA, leading the company’s mission to transform early literacy screening through game-based assessment.

Dr Colm Fallon is Co-Founder of ALPACA, bringing research expertise from Trinity College Dublin and Marino Institute of Education to the platform’s development.