Overview of the Internet & Games Competitive Start Fund
The purpose of the Internet & Games Competitive Start Fund is to accelerate the growth of Internet & Games companies that have the capability to succeed in global markets. The fund aims to enable Internet & Games start-up companies to:
- Build a prototype, gain market traction and retain a significant number of users
- Identify the business revenue model.
- Develop a market entry strategy / plan for exploiting international opportunities.
- Identify suitable channels to international markets.
- Evaluate and assess overseas market opportunities and reach firm conclusions regarding the viability of the proposed business.
- Assess the suitability of their service / product offer for new markets.
Am I eligible?
You are eligible to apply if you are an existing or potential client of Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up Department and have not previously availed of HPSU equity funding.
Please note applicants must be eligible to live and work in Ireland.
What is the maximum funding available and what costs are eligible?
- Applications are considered on a competitive basis.
- The maximum support available is €50,000 for a 10% ordinary equity stake in the start-up company.
- The investment shall be released in two equal tranches.
- The first tranche will be released when the company provides confirmation of an additional investment of €5,000 in the company.
Eligible costs
The overall equity investment will contribute towards the costs associated with developing and verifying the product market fit. The following activities are expected to form the basis of expenditure;
- Salaries & Wages,
- Travel & Subsistence,
- Consultancy Fees, Outsourcing,
- Customer Acquisition Activities,
- Prototyping and Overheads.
How do I apply?
Closing Date for Application was Thursday 16th of December. Check back here for updates on new calls.
Apply via the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.
First time applicants will be required to register on the Enterprise Ireland Online Application System.
Any expenditure incurred prior to receipt of the application will not be eligible for support.
Please note that an application for approval of an equity investment for selected companies under this scheme shall be subject to:
(a) Approval from Enterprise Ireland’s Investment Committee.
(b) The company agreeing to the Terms and Conditions set out in the Enterprise Ireland Term Sheet.
A Sample Application is available here - please note this is for information purposes and only applications submitted via the Enterprise Ireand Online Application System will be accepted.
How is my application evaluated?
An evaluation panel comprising of Industry Experts and representatives from Enterprise Ireland will evaluate each application and will score them under the following criteria:
| Evaluation Criteria | Weighting |
| Promoter's track record and domain knowledge. | 20% |
| Demonstrate clear customer need and demand, and ability to articulate a credible business model. | 25% |
| Capability to execute. | 20% |
| Innovation. | 15% |
| Ability to deliver a product-market fit within 12 months. (Time lines for tranching). | 20% |
| Total | 100% |
Please Note: Enterprise Ireland reserves the right to seek additional clarification from the applicant in regard to your application.
Closing Date for Applications
Closing Date for Application was Thursday 16th of December. Check back here for updates on new calls.
Key Contact/more information
Contact the igcsf@enterprise-ireland.com mailbox for more information. An Enterprise Ireland telephone support line will be open from 1st December until 16th December. The dedicated telephone number for the Internet & Games Fund is: + 353 1 727 2244
If you are not a client of Enterprise Ireland and want to learn more about qualifying and applying for Enterprise Ireland’s High Potential Start-Up supports, go to our Start a Business Section.