The Startup Ecosystem of Ireland
Ireland has 4 cities in the top 1000 and has a vibrant startup scene that ranks 17th within the competitive global top 20.
COUNTRY RANKING
Since 2024, Ireland lost 1 spot in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, having now positioned itself as 17th worldwide.
Population
Million
Regional Ranking
In Western Europe
Global Ranking
Worldwide
Ecosystem
Startup Ecosystem Overview
Ireland’s ecosystems have several advantages that make it an attractive option for tech talent looking to relocate. Situated between North America and Europe, with a highly skilled English-speaking population, the country boasts one of the highest levels of STEM graduates per capita in the EU. Additionally, Ireland’s generous tax policies have enticed major corporations like Google and Facebook to establish their international headquarters there, making it a hub for tech jobs.
Despite the presence of high-profile American companies in the country, which can be a challenge for local startups, the public sector is actively working to support and grow the startup ecosystem. Initiatives such as the Employment Incentive and Investment Scheme (EIIS) and support from agencies like IDA Ireland and Enterprise Ireland are aimed at attracting investment and fostering innovation. The National Development Plan 2021-2030 includes the New Regional Enterprise Development Funding (REDF) to enhance the startup infrastructure.
Local initiatives in cities like Galway, Limerick, and Meath are also accelerating the growth of Ireland’s seed startup ecosystem with financial assistance, workspace, mentoring, and networking opportunities. The energy and environment industry is also thriving, with notable exits like Mainstream Renewable Power and the launch of the 2050 Accelerator for sustainability startups.
As more regional startups achieve unicorn status, Ireland’s vibrant startup ecosystem is poised to garner even more global attention. With a focus on supporting seed startups, providing funding, incubation centers, resources, and programs, Ireland is on track to realize its full potential as a leading destination for entrepreneurial talent.
Startups
Ireland Top Startup Industries
406 startups
150 startups
104 startups
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Ecosystem HealthCheck
Ireland Ecosystem Health Check
The health check tables allow you to look at the performance Ireland has in each of the parameters that are part of StartupBlink's ranking algorithm. There are five tables, corresponding to the three subscores, the subscore analysis and industry ana...
- Overperformance
- Performance equal to global ranking
- Underperformance
ECOSYSTEM
Browse the startup ecosystem database of Ireland
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Startup Ecosystem Charts
Startup Funding in Ireland2017 - 2024
Startup Funding in Ireland 2017 - 2024
From 2022 to 2023, startup funding in Ireland has decreased by 69.53%. During this period, the number of deals in Ireland has decreased by 25.57%. Since 2017, total startup funding in Ireland exceeded US$ $11.65B.
Average Funding in 2023
$4.91M
Funding in 2023
$958.19M
Deals in 2023
195
USD
Amount of Funding (USD)
Number of Deals
Ecosystem
The Startup Ecosystem in Ireland
Global Rank
Ireland is ranked within the top 20 startup ecosystems globally.
Top Industries
Ireland’s startup scene is best represented in Software & Data, Healthtech, and in Fintech.
Top Cities for Startups in Ireland - Ranked by StartupBlink
2024 National Rank  | City | Global Rank |  | | | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1st 0 | 54th - 3 | 13.962 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
2nd 0 | 314th - 39 | 1.202 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
3rd 0 | 318th - 3 | 1.179 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
4th 0 | 373rd - 21 | 0.941 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
5th new | 1072nd new | 0.094 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
6th + 4 | 1114th new | 0.083 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
7th 0 | 1120th - 179 | 0.081 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
8th 0 | 1124th - 164 | 0.080 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
9th new | 1158th new | 0.073 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 | |
10th new | 1203rd new | 0.064 | 00.00 | 00.00 | 00.00 |
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