GEC 25 Year Impact Report 2026 - Flipbook - Page 4
The GEC was built on a simple
conviction: that given the right
environment, Irish founders can
change the world. Twenty-five years
of evidence proves that conviction
right. The partnership between
Furthr and the GEC has produced
something remarkable - a thriving
ecosystem of founders, mentors,
investors, and stakeholders, bound
by shared purpose, whose collective
impact has earned Ireland a
reputation as a genuine world-class
launchpad for innovation. [Together,
we have supported over 1,300
companies, created thousands of
jobs, and built enduring
relationships.]
The challenges ahead are greater,
the stakes higher, and the
opportunities more extraordinary
than ever, from AI to sustainability to
the pressing needs of a rapidly
changing world. We are as
determined today as we were at the
outset: to remain relevant, to remain
ambitious, and to be the slingshot
that propels the next generation of
world-changing founders”.
Deirdre Smith,
Furthr Chair
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Diageo is proud to have been
a Founding Partner of the Guinness
Enterprise Centre. Over that past 25
years, the GEC has become a key
part of Ireland’s business ecosystem,
supporting entrepreneurs and
helping companies grow and create
real economic impact at home and
abroad.
What makes the GEC stand out is
not just the quality of the companies
it supports, but also its sustainable
model and strong, collaborative
community. It has turned ideas into
real results — creating jobs, driving
innovation, and strengthening Irish
businesses.
Enterprise Ireland’s long-term
ambition is that Irish-owned
exporting companies will become
the primary driver of the Irish
economy, and working with
stakeholders and partners from
across the ecosystem will be central
to helping the enterprise base in
achieving this. The GEC is one
example of an organisation that is a
critical pillar in the Irish enterprise
ecosystem, as it helps to foster Irish
founders and start-ups which
deliver meaningful economic
contributions at home and abroad.
Looking ahead, Diageo remains
committed to supporting the GEC’s
future. We see great opportunities
to build stronger connections
globally, deepen collaboration, and
help the next generation of
companies grow from Ireland to the
world".
Enterprise Ireland is proud to work
with and support the GEC, which
continues to support quality
businesses, while demonstrating its
own resilient, self-sustaining
approach and its success in building
a vibrant, collaborative network. We
are proud to continue our
partnership with the GEC and to
play a part in its next chapter of
progress and achievement”.
Louise Ryan,
Managing Director,
Diageo Ireland
Jenny Melia,
CEO,
Enterprise Ireland
