More women needed in start-ups, conference told

Enterprise Ireland says it could meet its target for the percentage of women-led start-up businesses a year early, however, it said that the country needs more women starting their own tech companies.

Since the establishment of the female enterprise unit within Enterprise Ireland in 2012, the number of start-ups led by women has grown from 7% in 2012 to 18% last year.

Speaking on day two of National Digital Week in Skibbereen, Co Cork, the manager of female entrepreneurship in Enterprise Ireland, Sarita Johnston, said that the target set for the end of next year is 20% — and it may be achieved by the end of 2015.