Graduate Start Fund

Enterprise Ireland is to provide funding for early-stage start-ups established by graduates working across a number of technology subsectors, including cloud computing, software-as-a-service, enterprise software, cleantech, gaming, mobile and apps. The initiative provides valuable business support and networking opportunities to innovative entrepreneurs and companies at the start of their journey, and provides a platform from which they can progress their business.

The Competitive Start Fund can help entrepreneurs to:

• Develop their business with a €50,000 investment
• Grow as leaders and decision makers through tailored supports
• Expand their networks and work alongside like-minded entrepreneurs

The purpose of the Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of start-up companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets and the graduate entrepreneurship call specifically is to encourage entrepreneurship among graduates. Under the organisation’s €500,000 competitive start fund, Enterprise Ireland will provide up to €50,000 in equity funding for a 10 per cent stake in start-ups run by graduates.

The Competitive Start Fund is part of Enterprise Ireland’s strategy for increasing the number and quality of High Potential Start-Up companies that have the potential to employ more than 10 people and achieve €1 million in export sales within three years