Irish Tech and VFX Firms Thrive in US as Trade Mission Highlights Surging Demand

Irish tech companies are experiencing record success in the US, with tech exports exceeding €1.1 billion in 2023, making the United States the largest export market for Enterprise Ireland’s tech companies. As part of a strategic push to capitalise on this growth, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke T.D, is this week leading a trade and investment mission to the West Coast of the US, focusing on expanding both Irish tech and visual effects (VFX) sectors in key hubs like Los Angeles, Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The trade mission, organised by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, brings together a delegation of 16 Irish companies eager to deepen relationships with leading US tech and entertainment firms like NVIDIA, Netflix, and Amazon. Accompanied by Enterprise Ireland CEO Leo Clancy, Minister Burke will engage with industry leaders to strengthen Ireland's foothold in the US market, where Enterprise Ireland-supported companies have established 80 new presences over the past 18 months.

“Ireland’s creative and tech industry has an excellent international reputation, demonstrating world-class technical skill,” said Minister Burke. “This trade mission will focus on key growth opportunities across the technology sector, supporting both early entrants and established Irish companies to expand key business relationships and secure further growth opportunities.”

Irish Tech Making Inroads into the US Market

The rapid rise of Irish tech firms in the US is being fuelled by significant partnerships and investments. A notable example is Dublin-based Irish gaming start-up W4 Games, which has entered into a new partnership with Meta to enhance the open-source Godot engine’s integration with Meta Quest for virtual and mixed reality (XR) experiences. W4 Games has also attracted investment from Second Dinner, the gaming studio behind the hit game Marvel Snap, reinforcing Ireland’s growing stature in the global gaming industry.

Other prominent Irish tech firms participating in the mission include cybersecurity specialist Tines, and IoT innovator Taoglas, whose global expansion is being marked by its presence in San Diego. "Enterprise Ireland client companies are scaling rapidly in the USA, which is now the second-largest country market for client exports,” said Leo Clancy, CEO of Enterprise Ireland. “This trade mission will further support Irish companies in key growth sectors like tech and VFX, where the demand is increasing.”

The US market, representing €5.9 billion in Enterprise Ireland client exports across various sectors in 2023, is crucial to Ireland's economic strategy. Irish companies are not only exporting products but also contributing to the US economy through foreign direct investment (FDI). With over $240 billion in FDI from Ireland to the US, Irish companies are making a substantial impact, creating jobs and generating significant economic activity.

The Booming Irish VFX Sector

The Irish VFX industry is also gaining substantial traction in the US entertainment sector. The success of Irish VFX firms like SSVFX, which recently won an Emmy for its work on Shogun, highlights the growing recognition of Irish talent. The sector, which has grown by 326% over the past five years and now employs more than 300 people, is increasingly being sought after by major US studios like Netflix and Amazon.

Minister Burke and members of VFX Ireland, a trade association representing Ireland’s VFX studios, will meet with Netflix and Amazon Studios during the mission to explore further collaboration opportunities. Irish studios such as Windmill Lane, EGG VFX, and Piranha Bar have already worked on high-profile productions like The Woman King and The Apprentice (2024), demonstrating their ability to deliver cutting-edge visual effects to global audiences.

With its strategic location, wealth of talent, and government incentives like the Section 481 tax credit, Ireland is positioning itself as a prime hub for the US entertainment industry’s visual effects needs. The synergy between Irish technical expertise and US creative demand is driving the VFX sector’s expansion, further cementing its role in high-profile international productions.

Economic Impact and Future Growth

The economic impact of Irish companies in the US extends beyond just their technological and creative prowess. Companies like Phorest Salon Software, which has expanded its partnership with Salon Services Pro in Washington, and customer management firm Otonomee, which has launched operations in Florida, are helping to create high-quality jobs and contributing to local economies. Otonomee alone has added over 120 new roles in 2024, signaling strong demand for Irish solutions in the US market.

As the Irish presence in the US grows, the potential for future expansion is vast. Companies like SoftCo, a leader in accounts payable automation, and Teamwork.com, which has expanded its Denver operations, are setting new standards in enterprise software solutions. Similarly, Taoglas, celebrating its 20th anniversary, continues to play a pivotal role in the IoT and connectivity ecosystems.

“Ireland’s continued contribution to FDI to the United States, at almost $240 billion, highlights the depth of the economic ties between both countries,” Minister Burke noted. “There is significant opportunity for future growth, and I look forward to supporting these vibrant Irish companies in bringing their innovative products and solutions to the US market.”

As Enterprise Ireland supports Irish firms in scaling their operations in the US, the trade mission to the West Coast underscores the dynamic and growing relationship between Ireland and the United States. With sectors such as technology and VFX showing robust potential for continued expansion, Irish companies are not only meeting US market demand but also contributing to economic growth through investment, job creation, and innovation. The future of Irish tech and creative industries in the US looks increasingly bright as they forge new partnerships and lead in areas of high demand.

ENDS

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