merrion street

The Enterprise Ireland Seed & Venture Capital Programme 2012 Report launched today by Jobs Minister Richard Bruton, shows a rise in the level and value of activity in 2012 in venture capital funds supported under Enterprise Ireland Seed and Venture Capital Programmes:

· In 2012 these Funds made 135 investments with an investment value of €54 million in Irish-based companies, representing an increase of €11 million (26%) on the amount invested in 2011.

· Overall, Irish venture capital firms supported by Enterprise Ireland made 159 investments in 105 companies with a value of €81 million in 2012.

· The total funds under management by seed and venture funds under Enterprise Ireland’s Seed & Venture Capital Programmes reached €636 million by end 2012.

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The venture capital sector plays a vital role in supporting innovative companies to grow, expand internationally and create jobs. A strong feature of the past 18 months has been the continuing increase in venture capital funding being made available to meet the urgent need for capital.

Launching the report, Minister Bruton said:

A key part of the Government’s Action Plan for Jobs and a commitment in the Programme for Government is building a stronger and more dynamic venture capital industry in Ireland. International experience from Silicon Valley and elsewhere shows venture capital can play a key part in ensuring access to mentoring and networks as well as the funding that supports the growth of these companies.

The Seed & Venture Capital Programme Report 2012 is available on the Enterprise Ireland website at: www.enterprise-ireland.com/svc2012