The content of this blogpost was originally delivered as a welcome to the Founders at the recent Dublin Web Summit. Frank Ryan is CEO of Enterprise Ireland, the Irish Government Agency responsible for the development of Irish Industry.
On Friday, I was humbled by the presence in Dublin of many of the people that have re shaped the way people all over the globe work and interact socially. I hope and believe that in the three days of the Dublin Web Summit ideas were developed and discussed which will form the next wave of disruptive market led innovation in the internet. The range of topics covered is vast and crucial to the well being of mankind – from changing the world through technology, social entrepreneurship and philanthropy to the future of Mobile, Payments and hopefully the “next big thing”.
One area of particular interest to the Government of Ireland is seeding innovation. In Enterprise Ireland, we have worked in this ever evolving space for 15 years now and today we are the largest seed capital provider in Ireland. We are unique as a Government Agency insofar that we invest in companies (in addition to providing grants for research, innovation and market development). Last year alone we took equity positions in over 70 companies and supported more that 200 start ups. We are dispensing tax payer’s funds so it is only right that we look to try and get some return for the people of Ireland.
As part of our evolution (more…)
