The Guinness Enterprise Centre (GEC) is expanding its startup network across the UK and Ireland to facilitate international growth. The initiative provides startups with access to workspace, local networks, and market-entry support through partner hubs in various UK regions.
The GEC has already partnered with SISTER in Manchester, Central Tech Liverpool, and the Scottish ecosystem CodeBase. The organization aims to grow this network to 20 innovation hubs by the end of 2027. These agreements allow UK-based startups to use the GEC as a landing point in Ireland.
Several Irish companies have recently secured funding for international expansion. CameraMatics raised up to €49 million, Redfaire secured €13 million, and HR Duo raised €1.6 million to grow its UK sales operations. Total Irish startup funding reached approximately €350.4 million by August 2026.
Founded in 2000, the GEC currently hosts 160 businesses. In 2025, its resident companies generated a combined turnover of €140 million, with €73 million coming from exports. Over its 25-year history, the centre has supported more than 1,500 startups.
