The massively successful AIB Start-up Academy in association with The Irish Times is about to heat up with all of the finalists in play, including a wild card chosen by our readers. The winner and two runners-up of the eight-week business launch pad will share a prize package of €250,000, with the overall winner receiving a direct €20,000 cash investment, so there's a lot at stake. We spoke to Lucinda Kelly of Popertee who are one of the finalists of this year's competition. Popertee is a start-up that makes the organising of a pop-up shop or event space really easy. They offer a selection of Irish spaces where you can “pop-up”. You can contact them directly and they’ll connect your business with the “Popertee". We asked Lucinda how they felt to have been hand-picked as one of the chosen start-ups: "We’re delighted that the judges saw the potential for the Popertee business model and market opportunity. We had only registered the business in November of 2015, so I believe we’re the newest business on the program, which is very exciting." Lucinda was thrilled to be chosen, and is viewing the AIB Start-up Academy as a learning experience to improve the day-to-day runnings of Popertee. She hopes to encompass all that they learn at the final pitch stage. "We are looking forward to the pitch at the final where we get to showcase all the great learnings we have taken on board as part of the 8 week program." Popertee believe their business stands out from the other finalists because they want to disrupt the global pop-up market, something which hasn't been accomplished before. "We will do this through our great product, our rebellious spirit and our excellent customer service. We’re very different and already are showing traction by having customers using our service." In terms of the brilliant grand prize of €250,000, Popertee would use the cash to fund the operational costs of the business and in Lucinda's words: "...give us a little more runway before fully launching in the UK." The future looks bright for Popertee, and Lucinda believes that the start-ups involved could also learn a lot from each other during the course of the competition. "After the AIB Start-up Academy, we expect to launch in the UK and work closely with marketing agencies and brands to ensure we build a product that they will use. I would hope that we as a group of finalists stay close to each other and keep in touch." AIB are Backing Brave. To read more about the Start-up Academy in association with the Irish Times, visit here.