Dublin’s startup ecosystem is recognised globally for its diversity, accessibility, and collaborative spirit. Ireland and Dublin, as its capital, continue to perform strongly in international startup ecosystem rankings, reflecting a supportive environment for enterprises.
Dublin offers a well-integrated platform to help you build, grow, and scale your business with confidence.
Explore the resources below to take your next step.
Startup grants, funding and supports in Ireland
Investment in Dublin remains strong, driven in part by Ireland’s enterprise-focused policy environment. The Irish government is committed to attracting and nurturing businesses of all sizes, from early-stage startups to global enterprises.
For companies establishing a presence in Dublin, a wide range of targeted supports are available, including grants, tax incentives, and advisory services designed to accelerate growth and enhance long-term competitiveness. Below is an overview of the key programmes and incentives.
Local Enterprise Offices
For entrepreneurs looking to establish a business in Dublin, the Local Enterprise Office (LEO) network serves as a first point of contact. With four dedicated offices across the region—Dublin City, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, South Dublin and Fingal—the LEO network offers access to a comprehensive suite of startup supports.
From training and mentoring to curated networking opportunities, LEO services are designed to equip founders with the tools they need to succeed. Eligible businesses can also avail of co-funding for feasibility studies, salary support, and early-stage operational costs.
The LEO network also provides pathways to broader funding channels, including access to Microfinance Ireland and other state-backed financial supports.
Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland plays a pivotal role in supporting high-potential startups that are developing innovative, export-oriented products and services. Through funding, training, and advisory supports, it helps entrepreneurs navigate the startup journey and accelerate their entry into global markets.
As Ireland’s largest seed capital investor, Enterprise Ireland backed 157 startups in 2024, investing €27.6 million through its High Potential Start-Up (HPSU) and Pre-Seed Start Fund (PSSF) programmes. It maintains an active portfolio of more than 1,300 client companies and is now aiming to support 1,000 new startups over the next five years.
Enterprise Ireland’s flagship HPSU Fund provides critical early-stage investment, while additional programmes such as the New Frontiers Programme and targeted startup grants for market research and innovation services ensure that businesses have the tools and insights needed for sustainable growth.
Recognising the importance of inclusive entrepreneurship, Enterprise Ireland also delivers dedicated supports for female entrepreneurs, empowering more women to lead and scale successful ventures.
Tax incentives and initiatives
Ireland also offers strategic tax incentives aimed at encouraging innovation-led companies to establish and grow their operations within the country.
Ireland’s internationally competitive corporation tax rate is complemented by reliefs available to eligible startups during their first five years of trading. From 2026, companies engaged in research and development can avail of a 35% R&D tax credit on qualifying activities, in addition to the standard 12.5% corporate tax deduction, delivering a total effective benefit of up to 47.5%. Additional credits are available for R&D-related buildings, and eligible companies may allocate part of the credit to key employees to reduce their effective income tax rate.
Ireland’s favourable Intellectual Property (IP) regime allows for capital allowances on a wide range of intangible assets, including patents, trademarks, know-how, and copyrights, while the Knowledge Development Box (KDB) offers a reduced 10% tax rate on income arising from qualifying IP.
To further support growth, the Employment Investment Incentive (EII) provides income tax relief to investors who finance qualifying early-stage companies, encouraging both entrepreneurship and private capital investment.
These targeted measures are critical to the pro-enterprise policy landscape and continue to play a key role in strengthening Dublin’s startup ecosystem. Further information on these and other initiatives is available in our comprehensive guide to Ireland’s tax incentives.
Business angels, venture capital firms and other sources of finance
Business angels, often successful entrepreneurs in their own right, are a vital source of seed capital, bringing not only early-stage investment but also strategic insight, industry expertise, and mentorship. In Dublin, Furthr serves as the primary point of contact for connecting startups with angel investors actively seeking high-potential opportunities.
For businesses exploring broader funding options, Dublin also offers access to a wide network of venture capital firms, private financiers, and crowdfunding platforms. A full overview of these funding channels is available in our dedicated guide to business supports in Ireland.
Other sources of support
Dublin has a strong network of accelerators and incubators, ideal for startups looking to scale quickly and strategically. For innovation-focused enterprises, the region is also home to a broad range of research centres that support advanced R&D across key sectors.
For those who have previously been employed in Dublin and are transitioning into entrepreneurship, the Short-Term Enterprise Allowance may provide financial support during the critical startup phase. This government-backed scheme offers a weekly payment to eligible founders, helping to reduce financial barriers while building a sustainable business.
Startup competitions
Participating in high-profile startup competitions can be a strategic way to elevate your company’s visibility.
Ireland hosts several prominent competitions designed to spotlight innovation and entrepreneurial excellence. These include:
Startup events
Networking forums, expert-led talks, training sessions, and curated events not only provide access to knowledge and insight, but also open doors to strategic partnerships, talent, and investment opportunities.
The city’s Local Enterprise Offices play a central role in delivering a programme of events designed to empower entrepreneurs, foster innovation, and support business growth at every stage.
Key players such as The Digital Hub and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce host regular startup networking events throughout the year.
For a broader view of Dublin’s innovation calendar, platforms such as Startup Digest offer up-to-date listings of meetups, workshops, and gatherings.
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs
The Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme offers aspiring entrepreneurs from abroad the opportunity to gain first-hand experience by working alongside seasoned business owners in Ireland’s SME sector. Through direct mentorship and practical immersion, participants acquire insights into day-to-day operations, decision-making, and the core competencies required to successfully launch and manage a small business in a competitive market.
Further information
A range of trusted online resources is available to support startups at every stage, from business planning and intellectual property protection to recruitment, regulatory compliance, and tax management:
