What sets this city apart?
Ireland’s capital has a thriving, vibrant and diverse business ecosystem which always has room for entrepreneurial business people.
At just 115km² in area, Dublin offers a huge amount in a compact space. Its small size and welcoming, supportive attitude, set it apart from other city locations. Whether you are a global company or a start-up, a company of 10 or 10,000, you will fit right in. Here, SMEs and giants operate side-by-side, tech companies and fledgling start-ups are neighbours and government buildings sit opposite creative agencies.
You will find that state agencies have a low level of bureaucracy and transparent and consistent policies. They will help you to gain access to decision-makers as well as to funding and finance – including VCs and co-funding.
Networking opportunities are provided by a close-knit business community; experienced companies give guidance to those looking to scale-up while the city’s vibrant and creative start-up scene also benefits established businesses.
As Ireland’s inward investment promotion agency, the IDA partners with multinationals, both established and emerging, to provide funding and incentives and to aid in their relocation to Dublin. It helps companies to become established in Dublin and to ramp up their operations here.
Enterprise Ireland (EI), the government body responsible for the development of Irish enterprises globally, partners with countless businesses to help them reach a wider customer network; its Employment and Investment Incentive (EII) provides tax relief for those investing in certain types of start-ups.
EI is also responsible for attracting and supporting certain high-potential International startups which are based in Dublin. These entrepreneurs (including those relocating to Dublin) are chosen based on their ability to build sustainable and scalable start-ups.
EI provides a full range of support from access to VCs and co-funding to networking opportunities within the Dublin Start-up scene.
Industry/Business Networks & Meetups
Dublin is well served by networks and professional communities. To connect with like-minded Dubliners, join one of these groups or approach the organisations working for businesses in your sector.
- Business Groups
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- Technology Groups
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- Creative and skill-focused groups
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- Industry organisations
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- Architecture, engineering and construction
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- Business and Finance
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- Film and Photography
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- Food and Beverage
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- Health
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- Legal
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- Professional
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- Science and Environment
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- Export Networks
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Collaborations with Research Centres
Dublin’s Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) sector is a very dynamic one, driven by an exceptional level of collaboration between industry, academia, state agencies and regulatory authorities.
It provides companies with an excellent commercial, political and social environment in which to carry out RDI activities. Global leaders in high-tech industries have collaborated with Dublin-based research centres in many areas, including pharmaceuticals, bio-technology, medical devices, ICT and financial services.
View all information on support, funding and incentives for RDI, plus a list of centres of excellence.
All of this is part of the reason why Dublin is home to…
- 10/10 of the top pharmaceutical companies
- 17/20 of the top ICT & software companies
- 15/20 of the top medical device & medtech companies
- 20/25 of the top financial services companies
In less than 10 years, over 100 High Growth global companies have established operations in Ireland (source: IDA), eager to capitalise on the opportunity to expand quickly and benefit from an environment that’s friendly to disruptive business models. It’s an exciting, energetic, auspicious space to inhabit.