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Startup Ecosystem in Ireland

Map of Ireland

Startup Ecosystem in Ireland

Startup Ecosystem in Ireland

Ireland has strategically positioned itself as a European startup hub by combining favorable business policies with strong talent development and increasing indigenous innovation beyond its established role hosting multinational tech operations. The country has produced notable successes like Stripe (payments, founded by the Collison brothers), Intercom (customer messaging), and Workhuman (HR technology), while demonstrating particular strength in fintech, enterprise software, and healthtech. The funding environment features active local venture capital firms such as Atlantic Bridge, Delta Partners, and Frontline Ventures, complemented by increasing interest from UK and continental European investors. Angel investors have organized through networks like HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network) and syndicates often formed around specific sectors or alumni from successful Irish technology companies. The accelerator landscape includes programs like NDRC, Dogpatch Labs, and specialized initiatives such as AgTech accelerators reflecting the country's agricultural heritage. Government support is particularly comprehensive through Enterprise Ireland, which ranks among the world's most active venture investors by deal volume, offering everything from early-stage grants to export assistance and R&D funding. While Dublin dominates as the primary startup hub, housing both indigenous companies and European headquarters of global tech firms, emerging ecosystems have developed in Cork, Galway, and Limerick, often focusing on regional strengths in areas like life sciences and manufacturing technology. Irish startups benefit from the country's English-speaking environment, EU membership providing access to the European market, favorable corporate tax regime, and strong university pipelines, though entrepreneurs still navigate challenges including high living costs in Dublin, housing constraints affecting talent attraction, and the continuing need to think internationally from early stages given the limited domestic market.

Ireland has strategically positioned itself as a European startup hub by combining favorable business policies with strong talent development and increasing indigenous innovation beyond its established role hosting multinational tech operations. The country has produced notable successes like Stripe (payments, founded by the Collison brothers), Intercom (customer messaging), and Workhuman (HR technology), while demonstrating particular strength in fintech, enterprise software, and healthtech. The funding environment features active local venture capital firms such as Atlantic Bridge, Delta Partners, and Frontline Ventures, complemented by increasing interest from UK and continental European investors. Angel investors have organized through networks like HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network) and syndicates often formed around specific sectors or alumni from successful Irish technology companies. The accelerator landscape includes programs like NDRC, Dogpatch Labs, and specialized initiatives such as AgTech accelerators reflecting the country's agricultural heritage. Government support is particularly comprehensive through Enterprise Ireland, which ranks among the world's most active venture investors by deal volume, offering everything from early-stage grants to export assistance and R&D funding. While Dublin dominates as the primary startup hub, housing both indigenous companies and European headquarters of global tech firms, emerging ecosystems have developed in Cork, Galway, and Limerick, often focusing on regional strengths in areas like life sciences and manufacturing technology. Irish startups benefit from the country's English-speaking environment, EU membership providing access to the European market, favorable corporate tax regime, and strong university pipelines, though entrepreneurs still navigate challenges including high living costs in Dublin, housing constraints affecting talent attraction, and the continuing need to think internationally from early stages given the limited domestic market.

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Ireland startups in numbers

Startups in Ireland on Foundersbase show a range of characteristics across different early development stages. Among the projects in this region, 38% are currently in the concept phase, exploring early validation, while 62% have developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and are open to forming strategic partnerships. Currently, 40.5% of startups have reached the Prototype phase, one of several indicators of how innovative founding projects in Ireland are evolving. A significant share (62%) report open positions, making this a valuable space for entrepreneurial talent looking to join a team early. In terms of funding, 49% of startups are currently seeking investment, while others pursue different approaches to growth. Startups in Ireland are active across a wide range of industries, with many focusing on areas such as Software, Blockchain, and Sports. Alongside sector diversity, projects also address major global challenges. Notable impact innovation topics include Digital Literacy, Elderly Care, Wildlife Conservation, and Circular Economy, adding purpose-driven perspectives to the local startup scene. Whether you’re interested in supporting founders, investing in early-stage ventures, or finding opportunities to get involved, the startup activity in Ireland offers a great starting point.

Job Offerings

More than (38%) of startups in Ireland are actively recruiting talent, while (62%) are focused on building with their current team.

Hiring 38%

Startup Stage

The Ireland startup ecosystem spans various development stages from early ideas to profitable businesses, with most ventures (40.5%) currently at the Prototype stage.

Funding Need

About (56%) of early-stage startups in Ireland are seeking external investment to scale their innovations, while (44%) are pursuing a bootstrapped growth approach.

Fundraising 56%

Top innovation sectors

Discover the industries where early-stage startups in Ireland are developing innovative solutions and seeking collaboration partners.

Healthcare
Software
Blockchain
Sports
Artificial Intelligence
Education
Energy
Logistics

Impact Focus

Startups from Ireland on Foundersbase most often focus on Digital Literacy, driving innovation in this area.

Digital Literacy
Elderly Care
Wildlife Conservation
Circular Economy

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