Start-ups to create more than 900 jobs

More than 900 jobs will be created over the next three years in 53 new start-up companies.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton announced that positions will open by 2014 as the new firms set up shop across the country, following a Government and Enterprise Ireland initiative to support start-ups.

“What we must also do if we are to create the jobs we need is to create a base of indigenous companies that match that level of success,” said Mr Bruton.

“Our aim is not only to attract the next Google or Microsoft to Ireland, but to make it possible for the next Google or Microsoft to start up in Ireland.”

The 53 firms delivering the jobs come from sectors including financial services, ICT, digital games, medical devices and pharmaceuticals.

Among them is games developer Digit Games Studio Ltd, which will create 47 jobs, and digital marketing company Digital Marketing Institute, which will open 39 positions. Both companies have bases in Dublin.

Others include financial services software firm Nomoseire, which will create 14 positions in Cork, and abrasives manufacturers Kerry Abrasives, establishing nine jobs in Listowel, Co Kerry.

The firms were given support during the first six months of the year under Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Ups (HPSU) programme.

The idea was to invest in indigenous businesses with strong export potential.

“The Government has already delivered a series of measures aimed at better supporting indigenous companies to succeed in export markets,” said Mr Bruton.

“We have established a new, potential exporters’ division in Enterprise Ireland to provide new supports for exporters. We have delivered new mentoring and management support programmes to help companies improve their performance.”

Head of HPSU and scaling at Enterprise Ireland Greg Treston said the organisation’s aim was to meet the needs of fledgling companies to help them grow.

“Initiatives are in place with specialist support at critical points along the start-up development path, and the overall seed capital and VC funding environment for new business has never been stronger,” Mr Treston said.