(BPT) - The Irish and North American relationship has never been stronger, with Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government trade and innovation agency, and the number one VC in the world by deal count, today announcing that its overall client companies' export sales to North America reached an all-time high, up 14% to $4.9bn, last year. The major driver for this growth was the soaring demand for Irish technology solutions. Exports of Enterprise Ireland client company technology to North America reached a record $1.42bn in 2021, up 22% on the previous year.
Globally, North America is the biggest market for Enterprise Ireland client company technology solutions. Fintech and engineering solutions from Ireland were also in high demand and growing in North America, with fintech exports reaching $318.9M in 2021, up 23% and engineering reaching $240m, up 11%.
Welcoming today's announcement, Sean Davis, Enterprise Ireland, Regional Director for the Americas, said, 'Irish business relations in North America are at an all-time high, with demand for Irish innovation accelerating year on year. Irish companies are bringing game-changing technology solutions to U.S. partners.'
Davis references Irish unicorn, Workhuman, an acknowledged market leader supporting North America companies with employee engagement, retention and performance in the post-pandemic era. Another Irish technology company Davis cites is CitySwift who is partnering with New York's Mass Transit Authority (MTA) to bring data and machine learning solutions to North America's largest public transport operator.
'While our sales to North America reached record levels in 2021, it's not a one-way street. Ireland is the 9th largest source of Foreign Direct Investment contributors to the United States economy, with $240.1bn invested in 2021, according to a Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) report from the U.S. Department of Commerce,' Davis continued.
As well as bringing innovation, partnership and solutions to North America businesses, Irish firms are also bringing employment. Today, more than 100,000 people are employed by Irish-owned companies in the United States, 87,000 of which are employed by Enterprise Ireland client companies.
As the number one VC In the world by deal count, Enterprise Ireland invests in Irish innovation and acts as a gateway for U.S. businesses to access innovation from Ireland. 'By delivering world-class innovation and creativity, coupled with a cooperation-driven attitude, Irish companies are developing the partnerships and investment opportunities that drive commerce on both sides of the Atlantic,' said Davis.
About Enterprise Ireland
Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government agency for advancing Irish business internationally, represents over 900 companies that directly employ more than 87,000 people in the United States, with over 65 Irish companies establishing presences in the United States in 2021.