In discussions about the European startup landscape, people usually mention cities such as London and Berlin as the main hubs feeding the ecosystem of the region. Therefore, we know a little about these cities, but potentially miss those coming up and could be no less exciting and deserves our attention.
Let's take a look at Dublin and the Republic of Ireland as a whole, which is by many rightly perceived entrepreneurs as a link between Europe and Silicon Valley. In late January, the capital of the island green hosted SVOD Europe, a conference of just under 500 participants in order to build a virtual bridge for entrepreneurs on the Atlantic.
A new era of tech events began
We're back in New York in November for the 4th edition of our technology event focused on growth.
What is very interesting to watch in Ireland is how government and technology companies care about the ecosystem and go far to do the country a better place for entrepreneurs. The conference was supported by the "starter agency" Enterprise Ireland's government, while Google Ireland contributed to the event with the location in the heart of his headquarters.
The support of .gov. ie
in addition to running a number of programs and competitions for local startups, Enterprise Ireland puts a lot of effort to attract entrepreneurs from other European regions in the country. Since we discussed opportunities for foreign founders in Ireland there are two years, the agency has not slowed his pace.
"Attracting startups is always a difficult business," said John O'Dea, Director Department High potential Startups to Enterprise Ireland. "This is not about just startups to open an office in Ireland - those managed by our sister organization, IDA Ireland, - but it is where the founders decide to move."
In her work with business growth of Ireland and beyond, the agency focuses on what he calls "high potential Startups" (HPSU). to be considered as one, the startup must meet several requirements :.
- the introduction of a new or innovative product or service to international markets
- involved in manufacturing or services traded internationally.
- Able to create 10 jobs Ireland and achieve € 1 million in sales within three to four years of starting.
- Led by an experienced management team.
- headquartered and controlled in Ireland.
- Less than five years from the date of registration of the company.
In September 2015, EI organized a competition for "start-up with great potential" exclusively for outside teams to Ireland for the first time. The offering was the as for the local contest :. € 50,000 ($ 55,800) in exchange for 10 percent equity, and all kinds of help and support in relocating and growing business in Ireland
competition competitive start-up funds attracted 95 applications for teams around the world, 15 of which were eventually receive funding from Enterprise Ireland.
This year, EI plans to invest in at least 20 startups overseas through two similar contests that are scheduled to take place sometime in April and October.
When asked about the success stories that have developed from teams overseas -Mer relocated to Ireland, O'Dea appointed analyzing Aylien startup feelings fulfillment platform EiraTech, and analysis of retail Countbox services.
"We are still very cautious about investing," said O'Dea. "But every significant Irish output has money from Enterprise Ireland in it. In 2015, we invested approximately € 35 million in startups, but certainly the amount we return after the output is a multiple of that. "
Silicon Valley, the effort of Ireland to help startups looks pretty good too.
"I always had mixed feelings about government involvement [in startups]. in the US, they do not do very well," said Deborah Magid, Director of Software Strategy at IBM Venture Capital group, who also participated in group discussions SVOD Europe. "In Ireland, they do it better than most. Enterprise Ireland has been at it for a long time, they have people who are really professional. They see themselves as venture capitalists, they try to behave this way . "
Silicon Docks
as for non-governmental leaders, Google is among the top in Ireland. SVOD to Europe, he provided the room, which was actually part of his office in the so-called Silicon Docks district and helped to invite some of the keynote speakers and panelists.
Google also runs a number of programs for Irish entrepreneurs both on its own and in collaboration with Enterprise Ireland and other ecosystem players. Back in August, it is associated with the hub of the Dogpatch Labs local startup community to extend the Google Tech Network Hub in Dublin. Dogpatch Labs for members which means get free access to over 20 other coworking spaces worldwide.
"The main thing in it for us really is that we [want to] helps ecosystems thrive, "said Paddy Flynn, Director, trust and safety at Google, who also oversees much of the activities related to the start-of the company." We believe that what is good for business, we believe that what is good for the communities, we believe that what is good for the development of technology in general, so it's about at this basic level. This does not include M & A or purchase [startups], it is not on Google Ventures is he even here it is actually on the development of the community. "
In addition to providing the venue and speakers, Google Ireland offered a special prize for the winner start competition in Europe SVOD AdWords voucher € 5,000 has never left the country though.: . at the end of the second day of the conference, he went to Ourobotics, a startup Irish based in Cork
winners
Founded and led by Jemma Redmond, the winning startup Ourobotics is a bioprinting company that recently introduced open source 3D printer called Renegade that can work with biomaterials. It can be assembled for under $ 900, which is a fraction of what you would normally pay for a similar device.
the startup has also created an open source device more sophisticated Revolution, unlined costing $ 13,000, which is still much cheaper than other bioprinters available on the market. Currently bioprinters can be used for education and for printing things like human skin, which could be used for drug testing and toxicity.
The second prize the contest went to redesign, an Israeli start-up company working on technology that would allow anyone to replace an actor in a popular film. The mobile application is yet to be released will provide the user with a set of instructions on how to shoot to take in a film like Pulp Fiction and Titanic.
The third start-up of the competition was founded Wishround Ukraine, a platform "friendsourcing" for all kinds of gifts. The service, which already operates in Ukraine and Poland, you can choose a gift you want to receive for birthday or another occasion and begin a campaign to your friends smart. The startup is working with a number of retailers and make money by taking a commission on items sold by it.
The three winners will have the opportunity to present on the SVOD conference "main", which will take place in May in Mountain View.
From the East to the West
As co-organized by a number of people from Eastern Europe conference, SVOD Europe is a good fit for Dublin and Ireland, which is particularly interested in attracting the region's entrepreneurs.
"A key attraction for EU external candidates is that competitive winners Startup Fund will be eligible for a Visa contractor them and their spouse and children to reside and work in Ireland "said O'Dea Enterprise Ireland.
From this point of view, the country is nearly perfect for entrepreneurs from Eastern Europe looking to start a business in the EU.
"Dublin has some advantages compared to other European cities, and it uses them successfully," said Denis Dovgopoliy, executive director of SVOD Europe and the founder of the Ukrainian business accelerator GrowthUP. "hiring is inexpensive, but there are many iT companies, around which the ecosystem is formed. it is also important that Ireland uses the euro, but there is no problem with people do not speak English as in many other EU countries.
"If Ireland is part of the Schengen agreement, it would have been the perfect place to launch a start -up that focuses on European and American markets. Even a taxi driver who drove us to the airport tried to sell us Dublin as a place to go to! "
Stay up to date with the Dublin staged on Index.co
Read more. recent space Dublin coworking is building a "dungeon start" incredible
Featured Photo credit: SVOD Europe