A dynamic and healthy venture capital market is a prerequisite for the growth and development of high potential start-up companies in Ireland. Enterprise Ireland assists companies that wish to raise venture capital funding to grow their businesses, focusing on stimulating funding for companies that would have difficulty raising capital through traditional sources of finance. The agency's support for venture capital funds is undertaken through investment as a limited partner with other private investors on a pari passu basis. The management of these funds is in the hands of private sector Venture Capital fund managers who take investment decisions on a fully commercial basis.
Under the Seed and Venture Capital Scheme 2007-2012, Enterprise Ireland has acted as catalyst for the establishment of four Seed Capital Funds. These Funds have a total of €124m in seed monies under management. Enterprise Ireland can assist companies with contact details and specific areas of interest for the major Irish venture capital companies. In addition, the agency can assist with introductions to these specific venture capital funds.
Enterprise Ireland also continues to focus on the development of high potential start-up companies. This year, Enterprise Ireland is targeting the support of 95 High Potential Start Ups (HPSUs). Initiatives such as the Competitive Start Fund also provide critical early stage financing to entrepreneurs, while the €10m International Start-Up Fund encourages overseas entrepreneurs to locate start-up businesses in Ireland. Details of all these schemes are available on Enterprise Ireland's website, www.enterprise-ireland.com.
In November 2011 my colleague, the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, TD, announced a new Seed Capital Scheme to encourage individuals currently or formerly in employment to establish new business ventures. The scheme provides for a refund of tax already paid by an individual who sets up and takes employment in a new qualifying business. Further details are available from the Revenue Commissioners website, www.revenue.ie.