Dublin Wants You !
With an innovative and thriving tech community Dublin is one of the Europe’s leading cities for tech start-ups. A recent report from the Financial Times, ‘Tech Cities of the Future’ 2021 ranked Dublin 3rd place among 76 cities. The FD Intelligence report was focused on finding European cities with the most promising prospects for start-ups, technology and innovation investment. It described Dublin as a ‘thriving hotpot in the start-up space’
So why is Dublin punching well above its weight? There are a number of factors that have led to Dublin’s reputation as a hub for tech start-ups. Firstly, a strong VC and angel investor community has been attracted by some of the best entrepreneurial talent in Europe. The city is also home to a highly educated workforce plus Dublin’s buoyant economy and favourable lifestyle and culture is attracting tech talent from all around the globe.
Nine out of ten of the world’s largest tech companies are based in the city such as Facebook, Google, LinkedIn, Amazon and TikTok and they are continuing to expand their footprint. The influence of these companies has been a major contributor to Dublin’s start up and innovation culture. Many local start-ups have now reached unicorn status and are following in the footsteps of the tech giants with companies such as Wayflyer, Flipdish and Intercom now valued at over €1 billion and becoming well-known well beyond our shores. dublin.ie/tech
Smart Cities
Dublin City Council also recognises the importance of the tech sector and works closely with many technology providers along with academia and local residents through the Smart Dublin project. Founded by the four Dublin Local Authorities Smart Dublin’s goal is to take advantage of the opportunities presented by new technologies and to address some of the biggest challenges we face from the climate crisis to bridging the digital divide. This very successful project was recognised when Dublin came joint second in the 2021 Most Innovative EU Cities Awards. smartdublin.ie
Government Supports to Start-ups
Ireland’s national and local Government agencies have an international reputation for supporting start-ups at every stage of their journey from the concept stage right up to going global. Along with a favourable corporate tax rate there are targeted supports provided by Enterprise Ireland www.enterprise-ireland.com and the Local Enterprise Offices www.localenterprise.ie
Dublin City Local Enterprise Office (LEO), is a first-stop shop for new entrepreneurs and existing micro enterprises. The LEOs spearhead business support for indigenous companies looking to locate in Dublin through mentoring, training, grants and management development. They’re the front door through which all information on State supports for small tech businesses can be found.
If you are considering starting a company or networking with the tech start up community in Dublin you should contact the team at localenterprise.ie/DublinCity
