About

Vestra Partners was founded by a group of successful operators who have built and scaled businesses, based in Ireland and the UK.

Together with a fractional team of experienced and trusted industry executives who have extensive network and expertise in managing and developing businesses.

Team

The Vestra founders have experience across a wide range of industries including Beauty, Fashion, Media, Financial Services, and Technology.

Ciara Byrne
Founder and Managing Partner
Ciara is a visionary leader with 15 years of experience scaling innovative businesses in fashion, and technology.

As Vice President of New Business Innovation at Condé Nast, she spearheaded the launch of Vogue Business and Vogue memberships (e.g., Vogue Club, Vogue 100), building globally scalable offerings that redefined consumer engagement. Her strategic integration of AI, AR/VR has positioned Condé Nast as a leader in the digital landscape.

For a decade at Condé Nast, Ciara led global innovation, oversaw operations (including M&A) for large parts of the company’s global portfolio of brands, and built high-performing teams from New York, London, to Shanghai. She was a Director on the board of Condé Nast International, managing all strategy and operations across 32 markets.

Prior to this, Ciara spent five years at Google driving commercial and product development in emerging business areas, sharpening her expertise in omni channel strategies, market expansion, and working with a vast portfolio of brands.

Her global network includes non-executive roles with the British Fashion Council, and advisory positions with the World Economic Forum and Andreessen Horowitz’s Creative Council.

Ciara is a passionate mentor and active angel investor, mentoring and backing early-stage ventures in beauty, consumer, and blockchain, deepening her understanding of founders’ needs. She has mentored dosens of women throughout her career through the various organisations she has supported, Women at Google, 30% Club, Women in AI, and her own co-founded women's professional network.

Holding a Master’s in Management from Smurfit Business School, an International Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and English from University College Dublin and Sorbonne IV Paris, and a Music Performance Degree from the London College of Music, Ciara blends analytical rigor with creative vision, making her a dynamic leader in the beauty and fashion industry.

Ajay Goel
Operating Partner
Former Ernst and Young and Condé Nast - qualified accountant who has led global financial strategy and M&A. Extensive experience in financial modelling and forecasting.

Founder of Morecastle. a growth and performance agency, which facilitates brands to expand globally via all online/ social commerce and retail channels. One of two Merchants of Record for TikTok in Europe, preferred Boots partner.

Kerry Dwyer
Investment Manager
Kerry Dwyer is an experienced investment professional with a diverse background spanning early-stage investing, startup incubation, financial advisory, and strategic funding.

Alongside Vestra Partners, Kerry oversees a private angel investment platform, leading deal sourcing, investor relations, due diligence, and portfolio operations.

Previously Kerry was an early hire at Swoop Funding, one of Ireland’s fastest growing fintechs, where she played a pivotal role in scaling the platform’s equity and grant advisory services. She reviewed over 4,000 pitch decks, worked closely with high-potential startups, and helped founders to navigate the complex funding landscape. Her work extended to product development, investor network growth, and frequent public speaking engagements within the Irish and UK startup ecosystems.

Kerry comes from an entrepreneurial family and also supports her sisters’ business, Drobey, Ireland’s no.1 fashion rental platform. Her entrepreneurial flair was sharpened during her time in Antler’s UK11 cohort in 2024, where she was among the top 3% of selected founders exploring innovations in fintech and the future of work.

Her earlier career at Ireland’s leading stockbroker, Davy, included roles in financial planning and private client investment management, working primarily with business owners.

Kerry holds a BA in Business and Economics from Trinity College Dublin, having also studied at Singapore Management University. Passionate about startup investing, Kerry brings a founder-friendly perspective to venture capital—rooted in a deep understanding of financial strategy, operational excellence, and investor readiness.

Outside of this work, Kerry is an active contributor to the Irish Youth Foundation, an advocate for female founders, and an outdoor enthusiast!

Once invested, Vestra Partners provides hands-on, strategic support across every stage of brand growth to ensure sustainable scale and long-term value.