SKILLPAGES AND INISHTECH AMONGST 100 HIGH POTENTIAL COMPANIES CHOSEN GLOBALLY
Dublin, 29th September 2011 – Two Irish companies, SkillPages and Inishtech, have been chosen to join Microsoft Bizspark One, a fast track programme for the world’s highest potential start-ups. The two companies were amongst only 100 companies identified globally for the programme.
An expansion of the BizSpark programme, Bizspark One seeks to accelerate the growth of selected high potential start-ups through a one-to-one relationship between Microsoft and the chosen companies. In this unique, invite-only programme, start-ups are paired with a dedicated relationship manager who works with them to promote visibility, expand the network of investors and mentors, expose the company to business opportunities and develop cutting-edge applications.
Paul Rellis, Managing Director, Microsoft Ireland said, “The companies on Bizspark One are amongst the highest potential start-ups around the world. This is a huge testament to the achievements of Inishtech and SkillPages and sends out a clear message that these companies are going places on the global stage.
“At Microsoft we firmly believe that indigenous companies will be a critical component of economic recovery. A strong and healthy start-up community, exporting services globally, will be central to returning Ireland to a position of economic strength. Microsoft supports technology start-ups and entrepreneurs in an effort to drive the local software industry to create economic opportunities and address national priorities. It is companies like SkillPages and Inishtech who will lead this emerging sector and we are delighted to be working with them.”
Iain MacDonald, CEO, SkillPages noted, “Having such a close relationship with Microsoft will be of major benefit to SkillPages. With over 1,500,000 people joining SkillPages in the last six months, BizSpark One will help accelerate our growth through Microsoft providing SkillPages with customised technical and development assistance. This insight into complex challenges that we may face will be invaluable as our user growth accelerates across the globe.”
Aidan Gallagher, CEO, Inishtech remarked, “Founded just over 2 years ago we are already working with more than 120 customers across 20 countries on 3 continents. Membership of Bizspark One will now help us fasttrack our growth by giving us access to networks, markets and business development opportunities that would take us time to develop on our own.”
For further information please contact:
Suzanne Sullivan, Q4PR, 01-4751444/086-3797291
About SkillPages:
SkillPages was founded by Irish entrepreneurs Iain Mac Donald and Michael Gallagher in 2010. SkillPages is a skill based social network that is transforming the way people with skills connect to the people who need them. The platform brings together online connections to help members find skilled people they can trust, to get found by people who need skills and to collaborate with others.
About Inishtech:
InishTech helps software companies to make money from their software. Innovative SLPS cloud-based service gives application developers the ability to easily manage how their software is created, packaged, sold, distributed and consumed.
Founded in 2009 and based in Dublin Ireland, InishTech is privately held, with the major shareholders being the founders, private investors, Enterprise Ireland and Microsoft. InishTech is already an international leader in the field of software monetization – the technologies & services that help ISVs to drive the commercial success of their applications.
About Bizspark:
Launched in 2009, Ireland has signed up over 400 start-up companies to Microsoft’s Bizspark Programme making us one of the most successful Bizspark programmes in the world, with more companies signed up per capita than any other country of a similar size.
Microsoft Bizspark is an initiative designed to help indigenous technology start-ups to grow into successful businesses. The programme recognises the unique and significant role that start-up companies can play in helping to stimulate and drive an economy and is designed to provide a package of supports which will strengthen their ability to develop innovative technologies and solutions while growing in markets both locally and across the globe.
Companies participating in BizSpark are given technology support, access to a global ecosystem that can give them an enhanced business advantage and a network of partners to help support their growth and development. BizSpark provides entrepreneurs with fast and easy access to Microsoft software including development tools and server products with no upfront costs, it provides discounts on the purchase of Dell hardware and preferential rates from Internet hosters, enabling companies to get their products and services online faster and more cost effectively.
Find out more at www.bizspark.ie.
