Encouraging early stage start-ups to make Ireland home will be the focus as Startup Ireland is to be absorbed into ConnectIreland
Encouraging early-stage start-ups to make Ireland a global start-up hub will be the focus as Startup Ireland is absorbed into ConnectIreland.
ConnectIreland was set up to incentivise overseas referrals that turn into job-creation projects in Ireland.
By absorbing Startup Ireland, the organisation will increasingly focus on early-stage international companies that choose to make Ireland the place to scale their company.
‘If Ireland is to become a global start-up hub by 2020 it is now fitting that a bigger, internationally-connected organisation takes on this mission’
– EOIN COSTELLO, STARTUP IRELAND
Andrew Parish, inward investment consultant with ConnectIreland and outgoing chairman of Startup Ireland, said that amalgamating the two organisations will breathe new life into the ambition.
Startup Ireland co-founder Eoin Costello is to leave Startup Ireland to head up the Digital Dun Laoghaire initiative.
“This is a very innovative development for both ConnectIreland and Startup Ireland,” said Joanna Murphy, CEO of ConnectIreland.
“Given the skillset that currently exists in ConnectIreland, this union will integrate seamlessly into what we do, while also offering new opportunities and areas for growth. We are committed to helping start-ups to succeed and we thank Eoin Costello for his vision, leadership and passion to date, and wish him well in his new role with Digital Dun Laoghaire.”
Make Ireland a place for global early-stage start-ups to call home
Startup Ireland was the organisation that spearheaded last year’s successful Start-up Gathering, which saw more than 100 events take place countrywide across Ireland in October.
Startup Ireland, powered by ConnectIreland, will co-host the GEN Startup Nation Summit as part of the Global Startup Gathering 2016 with Cork Innovates in November, further consolidating Ireland’s visibility as an international destination for high-growth startups.
“If Ireland is to become a global start-up hub by 2020 it is now fitting that a bigger, internationally-connected organisation takes on this mission,” said Eoin Costello.
“With its international network of connectors and deep commitment to playing its part in the economic development of Ireland’s towns, cities and regions, the organisation best placed to do this is ConnectIreland. I wish ConnectIreland every success in continuing the journey with Startup Ireland’s network in helping our country become a global destination for entrepreneurs that want to start, scale and succeed from Ireland.”
Dublin image via Shutterstock
