#TechIreland

[goldgro]

The Irish Start-Up Scene: Opportunities for Global Entrepreneurs in 2025

In 2025, Ireland continues to establish itself as a prominent hub for global entrepreneurs, characterized by a dynamic start-up ecosystem fueled by innovation, investment, and a supportive business environment. The country’s strategic position, coupled with its friendly regulatory landscape, makes it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses internationally.

Key Factors Driving Start-Up Growth

Favorable Tax Regime: Ireland's corporate tax rate remains one of the lowest in Europe at 12.5%, creating an enticing proposition for start-ups. This favorable tax environment encourages investment and allows businesses to reinvest profits back into growth.

Access to Funding: A robust network of venture capital firms, angel investors, and government grants provides ample funding opportunities for entrepreneurs. Initiatives such as Enterprise Ireland and the Local Enterprise Offices play a vital role in supporting start-ups through financial assistance and mentorship.

Innovative Ecosystem: Ireland’s emphasis on research and development, coupled with strong partnerships between academic institutions and industry, fosters an innovative environment. Initiatives such as the Innovation Partnership Programme encourage collaboration, leading to the development of cutting-edge solutions.

Technology and Digitalization: The tech sector is thriving, with Dublin recognized as a European technology hub. The presence of major players like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft has created an ecosystem that attracts talent and fosters innovation, making it an ideal base for tech start-ups.

Skilled Workforce: With a well-educated and multilingual workforce, Ireland offers access to a diverse talent pool. Universities and educational institutions are also adapting their curriculums to meet the evolving demands of the start-up sector, ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to the skills they need.

Emerging Industries and Sectors

In 2025, several sectors are poised for significant growth, providing unique opportunities for entrepreneurs:

FinTech: The financial technology sector in Ireland continues to thrive, driven by a need for innovative solutions that enhance the banking experience. Start-ups focused on payments, digital wallets, and blockchain technology are particularly noteworthy.

HealthTech: With advancements in digital health and telemedicine, the HealthTech sector presents lucrative opportunities. Start-ups developing health management solutions and personalized medicine are attracting considerable attention.

Renewable Energy: As Ireland commits to sustainability goals, there is a surge in clean energy start-ups focused on innovations related to wind, solar, and other renewable resources, creating opportunities for entrepreneurs in this vital sector.

AgriTech: The agriculture sector is embracing technology to improve yields and sustainability. Start-ups focusing on precision farming, smart agriculture tools, and supply chain optimization have great potential for growth.

Support Networks and Resources

Navigating the start-up landscape can be challenging for global entrepreneurs. However, various support networks and resources are available to facilitate their journey:

Networking Events: Frequent start-up events, pitch competitions, and industry meet-ups provide invaluable networking opportunities, allowing entrepreneurs to connect with potential investors and collaborators.

Incubators and Accelerators: Programs like Dogpatch Labs and NDRC offer mentoring, resources, and investment opportunities for early-stage companies, helping them scale effectively.

Government Support: The Irish government actively promotes entrepreneurship, offering various incentives and support programs through agencies like IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, ensuring entrepreneurs have the resources they need to succeed.

As Ireland's start-up scene flourishes in 2025, global entrepreneurs are presented with unprecedented opportunities to launch and grow their businesses. The combination of a supportive regulatory environment, access to funding, and a thriving innovation ecosystem makes Ireland a prime destination for those looking to make their mark on the global stage. Entrepreneurs willing to embrace the vibrant culture and unique advantages that Ireland offers will find a landscape ripe for success.

[cristian-randieri]

Tweeted

TechIreland’s Innovation Nation 2018, reviewed - https://t.co/nttkPLHhiG

— Cristian Randieri (@C_Randieri) April 30, 2018

[kpmgtoday]

Latest in IT innovation at Cork Tech Summit

... us and them now, but our trust and acceptance will evolve the relationship to one which will seem normal to future generations.” Other organisations speaking on the day include axial3D, TechIreland, KPMG, Stripe, 8West, CIT, Trinity and OpenLitterMap. Tickets are now on sale at www.techsummit.ie. Delivered by KPMG Today (@KPMG_TO) Read more here Follow @KPMG_TO on Twitter to get latest updates

[ericvanderburg]

TechIreland data shows female-founded companies are on the rise

http://i.securitythinkingcap.com/Pxg7y8

[goldgro]

North and South: A Tale of Two Economies on One Island

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), in collaboration with the Shared Island Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach, has recently released a comprehensive report comparing the economies of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This research provides a valuable, high-level overview, using a range of economic and social metrics to explore the similarities, differences, and evolving trends between the two jurisdictions.  

It's crucial to remember the distinct contexts: Northern Ireland operates as a regional part of the UK economy, while Ireland is an independent EU Member State. Furthermore, recent years have seen strong growth in Ireland alongside the impacts of Brexit across the UK and periods without a functioning Executive in Northern Ireland. These factors shape the comparisons drawn in the report.  

Demographics and the Labour Market: Diverging Paths?

Population: Ireland's population (5.1 million in 2022) grew significantly faster than Northern Ireland's (1.9 million) between 2010 and 2022, largely fueled by strong net migration into Ireland. Ireland also maintains a younger population structure, resulting in a lower old-age dependency ratio compared to Northern Ireland.  

Participation & Employment: Labour market participation rates (ages 16-64) are higher in Ireland, and the gap has widened over time (4.4 percentage points higher in Ireland by 2022). While Northern Ireland had higher employment rates in 2010 following the financial crisis, Ireland's strong recovery means its employment rate (73.3% for 16-64s in 2022) now surpasses Northern Ireland's (by 3 percentage points).  

Volatility: Ireland's economy shows more pronounced business cycle effects, with indicators like unemployment, migration, and NEET rates exhibiting greater volatility than in Northern Ireland. Recently, unemployment has been lower in NI, while the rate of young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) has been lower in Ireland.  

Living Standards: A Widening Gap

The report highlights a significant and growing divergence in living standards:

Household Income: Using a reliable measure adjusted for household size and purchasing power, household disposable income was found to be 18.3% higher in Ireland than in Northern Ireland in 2018, with this gap widening over the 2011-2018 period.  

National Income: Comparing modified GNI* per capita (a measure adjusting for globalisation effects in Ireland) with GDP per capita in NI shows a 57% gap in favour of Ireland in 2022. GNI* per capita also grew significantly faster in Ireland between 2015 and 2022, indicating increasing divergence.  

Wages: Hourly earnings (PPP-adjusted) were 36% higher in Ireland than in Northern Ireland in 2022.  

Economic Structures: Tax, Spend, and Trade Shifts

Taxation: Per capita, personal income tax payments in NI are less than half those in Ireland, likely due to higher average incomes and a more progressive tax system in Ireland. Corporation tax receipts per capita are over five times higher in Ireland, forming a much larger share of total tax revenue (21% vs 6% in NI).  

Spending: Government spending priorities differ. Ireland allocates a higher share of its expenditure to health (26.3% vs 17.3% in NI) and capital investment (13.4% vs 8.7% in NI). Northern Ireland allocates a higher share to social protection (30.1% vs 27.9% in Ireland).  

Trade: While Great Britain remains NI's largest trading partner, trade between NI and GB declined between 2015 and 2022, particularly services imports from GB. Conversely, trade between NI and Ireland increased, especially NI's goods exports to Ireland and services imports from Ireland. Brexit is cited as a likely important driver of this shift.  

Sectoral Performance and the Productivity Divide

Employment Structure: Public sector employment remains higher in NI (29.2% vs 25.3% in Ireland in 2019), though the gap has narrowed. Ireland shows higher employment concentration in high-productivity sectors like 'information and communication' and 'financial insurance'.  

Productivity: A significant productivity gap exists, favouring Ireland. Labour productivity in Ireland was higher in 8 out of 10 sectors in 2021. This is particularly stark in manufacturing and ICT, heavily influenced by Ireland's strong foreign direct investment (FDI) sector. Productivity in foreign-owned firms in Ireland was almost four times higher than in NI in 2021, pointing to a sharp divergence. Employment in foreign-owned firms also grew much faster in Ireland between 2015 and 2021.  

Well-being Indicators: Education and Health Concerns

The report flags concerns regarding key well-being indicators, particularly in Northern Ireland:

Education: NI lags significantly in educational enrolment rates compared to Ireland, the UK, and the EU27, especially in early years (3-5) and among 15-19 year olds. Alarmingly, the 15-19 enrolment rate in NI fell between 2018 and 2022, and early school leaving rates increased over the same period, contrasting with falling rates in Ireland.  

Healthcare: While waiting lists for 0-6 months are similar, NI has much higher rates of people waiting longer (over 18 months) for inpatient and outpatient procedures. Infant mortality rates, previously similar, diverged significantly by 2021, falling in Ireland and the UK but rising in NI.  

Life Expectancy: Life expectancy from birth in Ireland (82.4 years in 2021) surpassed NI (80.4 years) and the UK average (80.7 years), having converged around 2006 and diverged since. This divergence likely reflects the widening gaps in living standards, education, and healthcare access.  

The ESRI's report paints a picture of increasing economic divergence on the island of Ireland. While Northern Ireland has recently experienced lower unemployment rates, Ireland shows significantly higher and faster-growing living standards, higher productivity levels (particularly driven by FDI), and concerningly, widening advantages in key education and health outcomes. Factors like Brexit, differing economic structures, investment priorities, and policy choices appear to be contributing to these distinct trajectories. This research provides crucial evidence for policymakers North and South as they address the challenges and opportunities for the shared island.  

Sources

The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI): Comparative Analysis of Economies of Ireland and Northern Ireland

Disclaimer: This analysis is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice. Readers should conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any financial decisions.