Centre has supported more than 1,500 start-ups by providing space, mentoring programmes and funding pathways
Trade
Pictured: Niamh Collins and David Varian, GEC; Warren Cray, Local Enterprise Office, Dublin City
Start-ups supported by the Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC), have generated €2.5 billion in total revenues over the last 25 years. In 2025, GEC-based start-ups amassed €140 million in revenues.
A report from the entrepreneurial superhub marking 25 years found that GEC has supported more than 1,500 start-ups by providing space, mentoring programmes and funding pathways that help founders navigate the challenges of early-stage growth and scale internationally. In doing so, the report shows that previous and current resident start-ups are now supporting 13,225 jobs per year.
Carried out by KHSK Economic Consultants and commissioned by the GEC, the report found that the 160 businesses based at the GEC returned €31 million to the exchequer in 2025. They produced €73 million in exports and anticipate average revenue growth of close to 70% in 2026, highlighting their market opportunity across key sectors including sustainability, healthcare and AI. The resident companies employed 743 people in 2025, of which 86% are recent college graduates. Salaries totalled €44 million in the same year.
The GEC’s wider economic contribution is also highlighted in the report. Activity generated by GEC-based start-ups, and their employees, supported €146 million in total economic output and approximately 1,300 jobs. This means that for every four jobs created in the GEC, three are created in the wider economy.
Niamh Collins, centre director, Guinness Enterprise Centre, said: “I am very proud of the efforts of the GEC team over the past year, not to mention the past 25 years. That dedication is reflected in the success of the businesses based here. Ecosystems are crucial to start-up success, and the GEC provides a space where ambitious founders can be inspired, grow and scale.
“Our Economic Impact Report showcases the standards the GEC has set for success, with notable graduates including Havoc – sold to Intel for $110 million in 2007 – and Adaptive Media, acquired by Enea for $45 million. We are helping to build international success stories from Ireland and will continue this momentum well into the future.”
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