Gillian Buckley is the Investment Manager with the Western Development Commission. She has over 25 years’ experience in investing, managing and advising SMEs across a broad range of sectors. She brought the WDC Investment Fund from concept to reality, negotiating both the original exchequer allocation with the Irish Government, and the legislative framework for its operation. Gillian devised the Evergreen Strategy which has allowed the Fund to be self-financing and all returns are reinvested back into the companies in the Western Region.  She has overseen the investment of almost €80m in over 300 SME, community, and micro enterprises. She has served or still serves on a number of portfolio companies, including Loci Orthopaedics, HookeBio, Stamford Devices t/a Aerogen, Selc Ireland, Cambus Medical and Neuravi.  She is co-founder and director of CREW (Creative Enterprises West), a strategic initiative focused on the digital creative sector, the WRAP Fund, a dedicated fund for the AV sector and the WDC’s Micro-Loan Fund for Creative Enterprises.  A Chartered Director and member of the Institute of Directors, Gillian is also a member of the Council of the Irish Venture Capital Association and a past Chair.