Why Corporate Governance is Crucial for Startups

Join us for an exclusive webinar with David Duffy, Founder of the Corporate Governance Institute, as he explores why strong corporate governance is a must have for startups and SMEs. Governance isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building trust and credibility, securing funding, and setting the foundation for sustainable growth.

In this session, David will share practical insights into how sensible governance helps attract investors, manage risk, and create long-term value. Whether you’re preparing for your first funding round or scaling your business to the next level, you’ll walk away with five actionable takeaways that will strengthen your governance approach and give your startup the competitive edge it needs.

What You’ll Learn:

• Governance is a Growth Enabler, Not a Barrier – Understand how governance assists  startups to scale faster and smarter with greater confidence
• Funding Depends on Trust – Learn how transparent structures and accountability build investor confidence.
• Risk Management Protects Value – Discover how governance frameworks prevent reputational and operational risks.
• Board Structures Evolve with Growth – Gain insights into how startups can set up advisory boards early, and transition to formal boards as they scale.
• Governance Creates Long-Term Sustainability – Recognise that governance is not just for compliance—it is a strategic tool for creating enduring value.

David W. Duffy is Co Founder and Chair of the Corporate Governance Institute.

David is Ireland’s leading authority on corporate governance, as a thought leader, educator, practitioner, evangelist and author on corporate governance. He has had three books published to date based on his practical experience.  His next book “A Practical Guide to Corporate Governance” – will be published by Chartered Accountants Ireland in 2026.

He has brought fresh and dynamic thinking to the education of aspiring and existing directors through the provision of stimulating online learning and also introduced AI into the learning process for directors. The Corporate Governance Institute has been a trailblazer in director education providing the first online and accredited Diploma in Corporate Governance and a Diploma in ESG. Today it has customers in over 80 countries.

He has conducted over 200 board and governance evaluations and reviews for regulated and unregulated bodies. These include, public and private companies, state funded organisations, charities, membership bodies, sports organisations etc.

He graduated from Trinity College Dublin with a Bachelor of Business Studies Degree and is a Chartered Accountant from PWC in London. He also holds an MBA from IMD in Lausanne, Switzerland.