GEC 25 Year Impact Report 2026 - Flipbook - Page 26
GEC Impact Report –
Key learnings over 25 years:
Over 25 years, the GEC has learned that building successful companies is not just
about space or support in isolation - it is about creating a connected, collaborative
ecosystem where founders can access the right support, at the right time, with
pathways to scale both nationally and internationally.
Space Alone Doesn’t Build
Companies - Community Does
Providing workspace is not enough. The real value comes
from curated community, peer learning, and daily
interaction between founders. Companies grow faster
when they are surrounded by others on the same journey.
Physical Hubs Still Matter in a Digital World - even with
remote work, founders consistently value in-person
connection, energy, and serendipitous interaction. The
future is hybrid - but community still matters.
Founders Need the Right
Support at the Right Time
Collaboration
Outperforms Isolation
One-size-fits-all support doesn’t work. The most effective
model is stage-appropriate, tailored support - from idea
validation to scaling internationally. Proximity to support
agencies accelerates Growth Close collaboration with
organisations like LEO Dublin City, Enterprise Ireland,
Furthr and industry partners have significantly improved
outcomes. Easy access to funding, mentoring, and
expertise removes friction for founders. Knowledge
sharing among Founders is imperative.
The strongest results come from active
collaboration—within the building and across the wider
ecosystem. Partnerships and collaborations that
developed between companies, hubs, corporates, and
academia create real momentum.
Internationalisation
Must Start Early
Internationalisation should be embedded from the
earliest stages of a company’s development. Businesses
that adopt a global mindset early tend to be more resilient
and achieve faster, more sustainable growth. Embedding
structured global connectivity and clear market access
pathways is therefore essential. Equally important is
providing companies with the guidance, introductions,
and support needed to navigate new markets effectively,
helping to reduce the risk, cost, and complexity often
associated with entering international markets
independently.
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