Enterprise Ireland
Annual Report and Accounts 2005
Annual Report and Accounts 2005
The 5th annual showcase of start-up companies introduced and profiled 75 companies. During 2005, Enterprise Ireland worked with these companies from embryonic concept to the stage where they were formally recognised as high potential start-up companies.
The event was hosted by Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mr. Micheál Martin TD, and Frank Ryan, CEO, Enterprise Ireland.
The Start-ups Class of the Year event demonstrates Ireland’s innovative new businesses and provides a key networking opportunity for their owners and managers. These new companies have a unique opportunity to promote their businesses in front of invited guests from the investment community, the Government and the media. The event included a networking session where investors seeking new opportunities and innovative start-ups could meet and discuss areas of mutual interest.
Gerard Moore, Managing Director of Sanvest, and founder and CEO of Spectel, says:
“I attended the Enterprise Ireland showcase event and found the occasion very useful and a great opportunity to see the bulk of the 2005 Irish technology start-ups in one location. As a private investor, my time is limited so this type of event is invaluable in showcasing in a single day the potential early stage investment opportunities out there.”
Peter Brady, Managing Director, Heatsolve Limited, one of the companies profiled, says:
“….a very enjoyable and worthwhile day, a well organised event, a great networking and information gathering occasion.”
The total investment in the 75 companies is €83 million, of which Enterprise Ireland invested €17 million, across a variety of sectors; Software, Services and Emerging Sectors account for 59% of the class, Industrial and Lifesciences 33% and Food and Retail Consumer 8%. The majority of the 223 entrepreneurs involved were working for Irish-owned businesses before leaving to start their own companies, and eight of the new start-ups were created by ex-patriates returning to Ireland.
This year, for the first time, a Year Book was produced detailing each of the companies that make up the Class of 2005.
Enterprise Ireland salutes the courage and tenacity of the teams of entrepreneurs that make up the Start-ups Class of 2005 and is committed to supporting these businesses to grow so that they realise their full potential.
