Two Irish Startups on Bizspark One

Software Monetization Start-up Inishtech and Social Network Skillpages Selected to Join Microsoft Bizspark One Programme

Bizspark, a Microsoft an initiative designed to help indigenous technology start-ups to grow into successful businesses, has announced that Irish companies SkillPages and Inishtech have been selected alongside 98 other global start-ups to join Microsoft Bizspark One, a fast track programme for the world's highest potential start-ups.

The new invite-only programme is an extension of the BizSpark programme and seeks to accelerate the growth of high potential start-ups through a one-to-one relationship between 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.

InishTech helps software companies with the monetization of their products, giving 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. 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."

Fellow Bizspark One start-up SkillPages was founded by Irish entrepreneurs Iain MacDonald and Michael Gallagher in 2010. It is a skill based social network that helps members find skilled people they can trust, and to get found by people who need skills. 

Launched in 2009, Ireland has signed up over 400 start-up companies to the 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. 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, 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.

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."

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